JAMMU: The Department of Pediatric Surgery at SMGS Hospital, Jammu, has achieved a significant milestone by successfully performing an advanced laparoscopic procedure, placing the institution among the leading tertiary care centers in India.

Recently, the department managed a complex case involving a 2-year-old boy diagnosed with a choledochal cyst, a congenital anomaly of the bile duct. The child, who had been experiencing recurrent abdominal pain, underwent a total laparoscopic choledochal cyst excision with hepatico-duodenostomy, a highly advanced and intricate surgical procedure. The surgery was performed by a skilled team of surgeons led by Dr. Saalim Nazki, Head of the Department of Pediatric Surgery, and assisted by Dr. Divyanshu (Postgraduate) and Mr. Rakesh Kumar (Senior OT Technician). The anaesthesia team, including Dr. Ashufta Qazi and Dr. Isha Gupta, provided crucial perioperative support. After the surgery, the child was closely monitored in the Pediatric ICU and was discharged in excellent condition on the sixth postoperative day.

Reflecting on this achievement, Dr. Saalim Nazki highlighted that such advanced laparoscopic procedures are performed in only a handful of tertiary centers across India, making this a significant milestone for Jammu city, where the procedure was performed for the first time. He also emphasized the department's commitment to providing cutting-edge surgical care. 

In addition to this landmark procedure, the department has successfully carried out various other advanced laparoscopic surgeries, including pyeloplasties, tumor excisions, fundoplications, nephrectomies, laparoscopic pull-through procedures, and cystoscopic and thoracoscopic procedures. Routine laparoscopic surgeries such as cholecystectomies, orchidopexies, and appendicectomies are also performed with great success.

Dr. Nazki expressed his gratitude to the present government for providing the necessary facilities and opportunities for such achievements.  He also thanked Dr. Ashutosh Gupta, Principal and Dean of Government Medical College Jammu, and Dr. Dara Singh, Medical Superintendent of SMGS Hospital Jammu, for their unwavering administrative support. Additionally, he acknowledged the exceptional contributions of Dr. Ghanshyam Saini, Head of Pediatrics, and Dr. Anita Vig, Head of Anesthesia, for their support during the perioperative period. Dr. Nazki also lauded the dedication of his Pediatric Surgery colleagues, including Dr. Sanjay Raina, as well as the registrars, residents, OT, and ward staff, whose teamwork made these milestones possible.

Dr. Nazki reiterated the significance of advanced procedures, such as minimally invasive surgeries, in modern medical practice. By performing such surgeries locally, the department ensures that patients no longer need to seek treatment outside the state for high-standard, cutting-edge medical care. This achievement marks a major step toward enhancing healthcare accessibility and quality for the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

Your voice can reach the world: At JK Monitor, we firmly believe that every well-researched idea has the power to inspire change beyond geographical boundaries. We are delighted to share an encouraging message from one of our esteemed contributors, Dr. Rakesh Verma (J&K Forest Services). ā€œHis article, ā€˜When Trees Become Rights-Bearing Citizens: A Lesson from Canada for India’s Ecological Future,’ published on JK Monitor, received appreciation from La Compagnie des Papillons Bleus, the French non-profit organisation that founded and promotes the Universal Declaration of Tree Rights.ā€.  Read the message here
In loving memory of Dr. Priya Ranjan: A mentor who treated me like family
A Profound Loss: JK Monitor Mourns the Passing of Founding Chairman Dr. Priya Ranjan

We at JK Monitor are profoundly saddened by the sudden demise of our Founding Chairman, Dr. Priya Ranjan.IN LOVING MEMORY Dr Priya Ranjan

A brilliant mind who studied at Netarhat Residential School and graduated in Electrical Engineering from IIT Kharagpur before earning his PhD from the University of Maryland, Dr. Ranjan chose to return to India and dedicate his life to teaching, research and social good.

His pioneering work in networked systems, AI, robotics and biomedical applications—especially computer-vision tools for early detection of cancer and heart disease—reflected his deep belief that advanced technology must serve humanity.

For more than 15 years at JK Monitor, he remained a loyal friend, mentor and collaborator, marked by rare humility, intellectual integrity and quiet generosity. His passing leaves a void that cannot be filled. Priya, you will be deeply missed. Your life continues to remind us that knowledge finds its highest purpose in the service of others.

— Team JK Monitor

       LOOK_HERE.jpg Esteemed readers, for your convenience, we have categorized our news publishing into following šŸ‘‡