SRINAGAR: At a time when a few doctors from Kashmir have made headlines for the wrong reasons, a team of neurosurgeons in Srinagar has achieved a milestone that has brought rare cheer to the region. According to The Hindu, an 11-hour marathon surgery at the Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) saved the life of an 18-year-old girl suffering from an extremely rare holocord intramedullary spinal cord tumour. a condition that experts say is among the most challenging in neurosurgery.
The surgery, performed on November 17, is being described by specialists as “one of the most complex spinal surgeries ever performed in the region”. A holocord tumour spans almost the entire length of the spinal cord, making the operation akin to “operating on the spinal cord from end to end”, Dr Abrar Ahad Wani, Professor and Head of Unit, Department of Neurosurgery at SKIMS, told The Hindu.
“Even a millimetre of error can result in major neurological deficits,” Dr Wani said, explaining that the procedure demanded “maximum precision, teamwork, and continuous focus for many hours”. While long-duration surgeries are not unusual at SKIMS, he noted, “This 11-hour holocord tumour surgery stands among the most complex spinal surgeries performed at SKIMS in recent years.”
Post-surgery, the patient has shown encouraging signs of recovery, with doctors noting early neurological improvement. The successful outcome, Dr Wani said, reflects not just technical proficiency but the stamina, mental endurance and meticulous coordination required for such intricate procedures. “Neurosurgeons train for years to achieve the fine motor skills and concentration needed for such demanding operations,” he told The Hindu.
The patient, whose identity has been withheld, comes from a modest background and could not have afforded such advanced treatment outside the Valley. A family member said the hospital “did everything for our daughter free of cost”. The relative added, “She was in unbearable pain and losing strength day by day. Today, she has hope again.”
SKIMS Director Prof. M Ashraf Ganie praised the medical team, calling the surgery a demonstration of “the highest level of skill, dedication, and teamwork” by the 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 JK,” he said.
Prof. Ganie added that the successful surgery reaffirmed SKIMS as the Valley’s leading centre for advanced neurosurgical procedures and high-end tertiary care.
The procedure — rare, risky, and technically formidable — stands out as an achievement not only for SKIMS but for the entire medical community in Jammu and Kashmir, offering a reminder of the expertise and commitment that its leading institutions can deliver.
