Srinagar, Dec 26 : The Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) has achieved a landmark surgical milestone by performing Jammu and Kashmir’s first minimally invasive, scar-free thyroid surgery. This pioneering procedure marks a major advancement in the region’s surgical capabilities and underscores SKIMS’ role as a leader in innovative, patient-focused care.
The surgery was carried out by the Department of General and Minimal Invasive Surgery under Prof. Dr. Ajaz Ahmad Malik, Head of the Department and the Endocrine & Breast Surgery Division. Using a technically advanced remote-access technique, the procedure allowed for the removal of the thyroid gland without leaving a visible neck scar. This approach reduces postoperative trauma, shortens recovery times, and has been recognized for its precision both at state and national surgical forums.
The department has successfully completed over 25 endoscopic thyroidectomies using this modified remote-access method. Unlike conventional approaches requiring specialized, costly equipment, this innovative technique uses standard laparoscopic instruments, making the procedure more affordable and accessible to a wider patient population.
Director SKIMS, Prof. M. Ashraf Ganie, praised the team’s achievement, saying, “Introducing scar-free, minimally invasive thyroid surgery in the region elevates our clinical capabilities and brings world-class surgical care closer to the people of Jammu and Kashmir.”
The surgical team included Prof. Munir Wani, Dr. Gowhar Aziz, Dr. Bilal A. Wagay, Dr. Azher Mushtaq, with anesthetic support led by Prof. Dr. Shoukat Ahmad Gurcoo and his team. Prof. Malik highlighted patient benefits, including no neck scar, reduced pain, shorter hospital stay, quicker recovery, and minimal complication risk.
The Division of Endocrine and Breast Surgery at SKIMS is also the fifth center in India offering the MCh programme in Endocrine Surgery, further reinforcing the institute’s role in surgical education, research, and innovation.
