As a few doctors from Kashmir hit headlines for wrong reasons, a team of bright doctors in Srinagar has a reason to celebrate a rare feat. A surgery spanning over 11 hours saved an 18-year-old patient at the Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) hospital on November 17 and registered remarkable feet in the region.
The marathon surgery was done on a girl with a rare holocord intramedullary spinal cord tumour, which, according to experts, is “one of the most complex spinal surgeries ever performed in the region”. The patient (name withheld), who was from a humble background, could not afford treatment outside.
A family member of the patient said the hospital did everything for their daughter free of cost. “She was in unbearable pain and losing strength day by day. Today, she has hope again,” the family member said.
The surgery was headed by Dr. Abrar Ahad Wani, Professor and Head of Unit, Department of Neurosurgery. “Post-surgery, the patient is recovering well and showing encouraging signs of neurological improvement,” the hospital said.
Prof. M. Ashraf Ganie, Director, SKIMS, said the 11-hour surgery reflected the highest level of skill, dedication, and teamwork by our Neurosurgery and Anaesthesia Departments.
“I congratulate the team for bringing laurels to SKIMS. This embodies what SKIMS stands for, advanced, compassionate, and equitable healthcare for the people of J&K.”
He said the successful outcome once again reaffirms SKIMS as the Valley’s premier centre for advanced neurosurgical procedures and high-end tertiary care, “setting new benchmarks in medical excellence and patient service”.
Published – November 19, 2025 09:10 pm IST
