In a remarkable demonstration of advanced medical capabilities, the Visakha Institute of Medical Sciences (VIMS) in Visakhapatnam has successfully performed 204 complex surgical procedures over the past year. These life-changing operations, which are not available at the city's King George Hospital and would cost several lakhs in private institutions, have provided critical care to patients from across the region.
Groundbreaking Surgical Cases
Among the notable cases was a 30-year-old woman from Rajahmundry diagnosed with a rare liver tumour known as focal nodular hyperplasia. The surgical team at VIMS performed a highly precise procedure, carefully excising only the diseased portion of her liver while preserving the healthy tissue. This meticulous approach ensured optimal recovery while addressing the complex condition.
In another challenging case, medical professionals treated a 35-year-old woman with a ruptured liver tumour that had spread to her stomach. This required a combined removal of both organs in a single major operation. Doctors described this as an extremely challenging, life-saving intervention necessary to control internal bleeding and prevent further spread of the condition.
A third patient, a 31-year-old woman whose oesophagus was severely damaged by acid, underwent reconstructive surgery that enabled her to eat normally again. Her recovery marked a significant turnaround, made possible by rebuilding her food pipe and restoring her ability to swallow.
Advanced Medical Expertise at VIMS
Speaking to TOI, VIMS director Dr. K. Rambabu elaborated on the institute's capabilities. "Many complicated laparoscopic and open surgeries of the intestine, oesophagus, liver, pancreas, gallbladder, and spleen are being carried out at our institute," said Dr. Rambabu. "Procedures for portal hypertension, Whipple's surgeries for tumours causing jaundice, and treatment of benign bile duct strictures are also performed. The department additionally handles GI and HPB cancers, pancreatitis, intestinal TB, IBD, laparoscopic splenectomy, fundoplication, and several other advanced surgeries."
The surgical team employs sophisticated techniques including advanced imaging guidance and meticulous operational methods to accurately map tumour locations and carefully navigate critical blood vessels and bile ducts. This ensures operations are completed safely with optimal outcomes for patients.
Accessible Advanced Healthcare
Dr. Rambabu emphasized that their team utilizes advanced operative strategies, including minimally invasive laparoscopic techniques and robotic-assisted approaches to treat various conditions. These procedures are conducted with active support from the anaesthesia and medical gastroenterology teams.
Significantly, these advanced surgeries are being undertaken under Dr NTR Vaidya Seva and other government schemes, making high-quality medical care accessible to patients who might otherwise be unable to afford such treatments. The department, which was launched about 18 months ago, is equipped with advanced machinery and staffed by two surgical gastroenterologists specifically trained to perform these complex procedures.
The successful completion of 204 complex surgeries at VIMS represents a significant advancement in healthcare accessibility in the region, providing state-of-the-art medical treatments to patients through government-supported initiatives.
