Anantnag, 8th July 2024 – The Department of General and Minimal Access Surgery at Government Medical College (GMC) Anantnag has achieved a significant milestone by successfully performing its first Ultra-Low Anterior Resection (ULAR) procedure (Colo-Anal Anastomosis) under epidural anesthesia. ULAR is a critical operation used to treat low rectal cancers, involving the removal of part of the left side of the colon, including the entire rectum, along with the supporting tissue and draining lymph nodes.
This complex surgery, demanding high levels of skill, precision, and teamwork, was conducted by a team of dedicated surgeons including Dr. Zahid Mohd Rather, Dr. Khalid Bashir, Dr. Bilal Ahmad with support from Mr. Mohd Aslam, and Mr. Bilal Ahmad, under the guidance of the Head of Unit, Prof. (Dr.) Mumtaz Din Wani, and the Head of the Department of Surgery, Dr. Nazir Ahmad Wani.
The anesthesia team, comprising Dr. Zafar Malik, Dr. Shayesta, and Dr. Khalida, under the leadership of Head of the dept of Anaesthesiology Dr Anjum Shaheen, played a crucial role in ensuring the patient’s safety and comfort. Despite the patient’s multiple comorbidities, including hypertension and COPD, and a tumor located within 5 cm from the anal verge, the team employed advanced modalities for optimal care. This included the use of an epidural catheter for intraoperative and postoperative pain management.
The surgery, which spanned for 3 to 4 hours, was executed with the highest levels of meticulous skill by the dedicated doctors, technicians, and support staff. The successful completion of such a high-order surgery reflects the vigilant and experienced efforts of both the surgical and anesthesia teams.
Principal GMC Anantnag, Prof. (Dr) @RukhsanaNajeeb , congratulated the surgical team for taking up challenging procedures previously performed only at GMC Srinagar and SKIMS. She highlighted that the upcoming addition of a Surgical Intensive Care Unit (ICU) would pave the way for operating on even more challenging cases requiring ICU support.CNI
Dr. @dar_owais
Spokesperson, GMC Anantnag