JAMMU: In a landmark medical achievement, doctors at AIIMS Vijaypur have successfully performed the first-ever microvascular onco-reconstructive surgery in Jammu and Kashmir, marking a historic step forward in advanced cancer care in the region.
The complex surgery was conducted on a 60-year-old woman from Budhi village, Kathua, who was suffering from late-stage oral cancer. Following the removal of the tumour involving part of her right cheek, palate, and upper jaw (maxilla), doctors reconstructed the defect using a microvascular free radial forearm flap.
In simpler terms, the team transplanted skin and soft tissue — along with tiny blood vessels — from the patient’s forearm and reconnected them under a microscope to blood vessels in the face and neck. This delicate procedure not only restored the patient’s appearance but also helped preserve vital functions like swallowing and speech.
Microvascular surgery is considered one of the most technically demanding operations in modern medicine. The blood vessels involved are just a few millimetres in diameter, requiring high-precision suturing under magnification, uninterrupted blood flow, and meticulous post-operative care to ensure success.
Until now, such advanced reconstructive surgeries were available only at select tertiary centres in metropolitan cities like Delhi and Chandigarh. This milestone means that patients in Jammu and Kashmir can now access world-class cancer and reconstructive surgery locally, at AIIMS Vijaypur.
The achievement was made possible through seamless multidisciplinary teamwork —
- Onco-surgery Team: Led by Dr. Paras Khanna (Assistant Professor)
- Plastic Surgery Team: Led by Dr. Rahul Gorka (Assistant Professor) and Dr. Shavi Rayoo (Senior Resident)
- OMF Surgery Team: Led by Dr. Amanjot Kour (Assistant Professor)
- Anaesthesia and ICU Team: Dr. Kanika, Dr. Slomi (Assistant Professors), Dr. Bharti, and Dr. Swati (Senior Residents) under the supervision of Dr. Sunana Gupta (Additional Professor & HOD)
- Nursing Officers: Aman, Ana, and Nishtha
The patient’s post-operative course was smooth and uneventful, and she was discharged after full recovery.
Prof. (Dr.) Shakti Kumar Gupta, Executive Director & CEO, AIIMS Vijaypur, congratulated the team, saying:
“This landmark case highlights the power of multidisciplinary teamwork — where advanced onco-surgical expertise, microvascular precision, cutting-edge anaesthesia, and coordinated post-operative care come together to deliver the best outcomes. It is a proud moment that reflects AIIMS Vijaypur’s vision of bringing world-class surgical care closer to patients of this region.”
He added that the vision of inter-departmental collaboration, supported by state-of-the-art surgical infrastructure and ICUs, is now bearing fruit.
“With this achievement, AIIMS Vijaypur has set a new benchmark for comprehensive oncological care in Jammu and Kashmir — reinforcing its commitment to excellence, innovation, and patient-centric healthcare,” the team said.
