Srinagar: The Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), Srinagar, has marked a significant milestone in advanced healthcare by successfully performing the first-ever minimally invasive, scar-free thyroid surgery in Jammu and Kashmir.
The achievement underscores a major leap in the region’s surgical capabilities and reinforces SKIMS’ standing as a leading centre for innovative and patient-centric care.
The pioneering procedure was carried out by the Department of General and Minimal Invasive Surgery under the leadership of Prof. Dr. Ajaz Ahmad Malik, Head of the Department and the Endocrine & Breast Surgery Division. The surgery employed a technically advanced remote-access minimally invasive technique that allows removal of the thyroid gland without leaving a visible scar on the neck, offering clear cosmetic and clinical advantages over conventional methods.
According to SKIMS, the Department has so far successfully performed over 25 endoscopic thyroidectomies using this modified remote-access approach. Unlike conventional endoscopic thyroid surgeries that often require specialized and expensive equipment, the technique developed at SKIMS utilises standard laparoscopic instruments, making the procedure more cost-effective and accessible. As a result, a surgery that typically costs several lakhs of rupees outside the region is now being offered at SKIMS at an affordable cost.
The innovative procedure has drawn appreciation at both state and national surgical forums for its precision, reduced postoperative trauma, quicker recovery, and improved overall patient outcomes.
Congratulating the surgical team, Director SKIMS & EOSG, Prof. M. Ashraf Ganie, said that such breakthroughs reflect the institute’s commitment to excellence and innovation. He noted that introducing scar-free, minimally invasive thyroid surgery in the region brings world-class healthcare closer to the people of Jammu and Kashmir and aligns with SKIMS’ objective of providing advanced and equitable medical services.
The surgery was led by Prof. Dr. Ajaz Ahmad Malik, assisted by Prof. Munir Wani, Dr. Gowhar Aziz, Dr. Bilal A. Wagay, and Dr. Azher Mushtaq (MCh Endocrine Surgery), with support from Dr. Zubair, Dr. Rahil, and other team members. The anaesthetic team was headed by Prof. Dr. Shoukat Ahmad Gurcoo, along with consultants Dr. Altaf, Dr. Roohie, Dr. Majid, Dr. Suhail, and others.
Highlighting the broader significance of the achievement, Prof. Malik said the focus remains on developing surgical techniques that are both advanced and affordable. He added that the procedure offers multiple benefits to patients, including the absence of a neck scar, reduced pain, shorter hospital stay, faster recovery, and minimal risk of complications.
It is noteworthy that the Division of Endocrine and Breast Surgery at SKIMS, headed by Prof. Dr. Ajaz Ahmad Malik, is currently the fifth centre in India to offer the MCh programme in Endocrine Surgery, further cementing SKIMS’ role as a premier institution in surgical education, research, and innovation.
