Srinagar, Apr 22: The minimal access surgery known as laparoscopy is fast replacing the traditional procedure in Kashmir, heath experts said today.
 “Nearly 25 per cent routine surgeries carried out at Government Medical College’s associated hospitals these days are done through the laparoscopic procedure,” head of the department Surgery, GMC, Prof Muhammad Shafi, told Greater Kashmir on the sidelines of a seminar “Endosurg 2010” organized by the Department here.
 According to the figures revealed by the Surgery department, three to four laparoscopic surgeries were conducted at SMHS hospital—the only GMC hospital dealing with the procedure. “Nearly 1000 laparoscopic surgeries are conducted in a year,” Prof Shafi said adding the number could have been more, but lack of equipments was a constraint in taking up more patients for the procedures.
 “We have only single equipment in the hospital for laparoscopic surgeries. The figures will definitely improve if we are given more equipment,” he said.
 The concept of laparoscopic surgery was first introduced at SMHS in 1996. “Earlier patients had reservations about the procedure, but now they prefer laparoscopic surgery after learning about its advantages,” he said.
 Consultant laparoscopic surgeon at SMHS, Dr Iqbal Salim said the procedure was being used in treating almost all kinds of ailments. “It is even used for treating abdominal malignancies,” he said.
 Dr Iqbal said the laparoscopic procedure was beneficial to patients in “fast recovery, reducing the loss of blood and chances of infection.”
 The seminar was aimed at highlighting the latest trends and developments in the surgery and was part of continuous medical education programme.
 During the seminar, surgeons gave detailed presentations on various aspects of the surgery. Among the presenters were head of the department surgery GMC, Prof Muhammad Shafi, Prof F Reshi, Dr Nazir Salroo, Dr Iqbal Saleem, Dr Mufti Mehmood Dr Nisar Ahmad Wani, Dr Mushtaaq Chalkoo and others. 
 The Minister for Medical Education R S Chib, the Minister of State for Health and Medical Education, Javed Ahmad Dar and GMC principal, Dr Shahida Mir, were also present on the occasion.

Lastupdate on : Thu, 22 Apr 2010 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Thu, 22 Apr 2010 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Fri, 23 Apr 2010 00:00:00 IST