GMC Srinagar Doctors Make Medical History: Whipple Surgery in Record Time

On January 27, a team of skilled surgeons led by Professor Mushtaq Chalkoo, a renowned laparoscopic surgeon and faculty member at Government Medical College (GMC) Srinagar, achieved a significant medical milestone by successfully performing a complex laparoscopic Whipple’s procedure in just 2 hours and 55 minutes. This new achievement builds on their previous success, where they managed to complete a similar surgery in 4 hours—a duration that was already considered exceptional on a global scale.

The Whipple procedure, which involves the removal of parts of the pancreas, intestine, and other surrounding organs, is known for its complexity and is typically performed only at highly specialized medical centers. It demands extensive experience and precision. Professor Chalkoo attributed the team’s ability to significantly reduce the surgery time to their growing expertise in advanced laparoscopic techniques. “Usually, this procedure takes between 6 to 7 hours when performed by experienced surgeons. By refining our approach, we’ve been able to cut down the duration, which not only speaks to our skill but also underscores our dedication to providing high-quality medical care,” he stated.

In addition, Professor Chalkoo expressed his gratitude toward the Department of Anesthesia for their expert support and seamless collaboration, which played a crucial role in the success of the surgery. The patient, a 50-year-old man from Kupwara, had been diagnosed with a peri-ampullary tumor and adenocarcinoma, conditions that required the Whipple procedure for treatment. The surgery was completed smoothly, and there were no complications during or after the procedure, with the patient showing steady progress in recovery.

(Input from various sources)

(Rehash/Sai Sindhuja K/MSM)