Doctors perform hydatid liver laparoscopic surgery at DH Handwara

Srinagar, Jan. 2: A team of doctors at district hospital Handwara Tuesday created history after performing the first hydatid liver laparoscopic surgery.
The team of doctors was headed by renowned surgeon Dr Ashfaq Wani and anesthesiologist Dr Reyaz Qadri. The doctors termed this surgery a “landmark”, as no such surgery had been performed in any district hospital across Jammu and Kashmir.
Dr Ashfaq Wani, who was oversaw the surgery told Rising Kashmir that an 11-year-old boy recently visited the hospital. After a careful examination, it was discovered that the boy had a hydatid liver (size 13×11×13.7 cm).
He said the same case was discussed with anesthesiologist Dr Reyaz Qadri, and after a long discussion, it was decided the boy would need surgery. “Today, the boy was operated on, and he is doing well.”
He stated that the operation was full of challenges because such surgeries are not performed at district hospitals. “However, with the support of the entire hospital staff this was possible. We are hopeful that any other age group having the same problems will be operated on here in the future,” he said.
“This type of laparoscopic hydatid cystectomy with omentopexy in pediatric surgery was the first of its kind in the peripheral hospitals of Jammu and Kashmir,” Dr Ashfaq explained.
Anaesthetist Dr Reyaz Qadri, speaking to Rising Kashmir, said that he had recently joined this hospital from SKIMS Soura and that conducting such surgeries there was not a big deal as there was a huge backup if, God forbid, anything happened to patients.
The doctors also stated that they received a positive response from their medical superintendent and deputy medical superintendent; without their support, the surgery would not have been possible.