Aligarh: In a ground-breaking achievement, a team of surgeons at Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College (JNMC), Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), successfully performed their first minimally invasive thoracoscopic esophagectomy. The advanced procedure was conducted on a middle-aged patient diagnosed with carcinoma of the esophagus (food pipe), who had been suffering from difficulty swallowing for several months.
The surgery, led by a team of gastro-surgeons, including Prof. Afzal Anees and Dr. Meraj Ahmed, with anaesthesia support from Dr. S. Kamran Habib, involved the removal of the tumour using minimally invasive techniques. The patient has since made a full recovery, resumed normal eating, and has been discharged in satisfactory condition.
Dr. Meraj Ahmed, a Surgical Gastroenterologist and Assistant Professor, highlighted the significance of the procedure, stating, “Surgery for esophageal cancer is particularly challenging, especially using minimally invasive techniques. This advanced method involves removing the cancer through small incisions in the chest, which reduces recovery time and minimises complications. Such procedures are offered only at a few specialized centers across India.”
Prof. Afzal Anees lauded the team’s success, calling it a transformative moment for JNMC and a milestone for the Surgery Department. “Previously, patients had to travel to New Delhi for such procedures, incurring higher costs and logistical challenges. Now, they can receive world-class treatment at JNMC at a significantly lower cost,” he said.
Prof. Veena Maheshwari, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine and Principal of JNMC, congratulated the team, emphasizing how advancements in technology and expertise are driving improved healthcare outcomes at the institution.
The surgery was made possible through the collaborative efforts of resident doctors, scrub nurses, and paramedical staff. This milestone represents JNMC’s commitment to bringing cutting-edge medical procedures to its patients while reducing the financial and logistical burden on families.
