Lucknow: '97 per cent gallbladder surgeries done via laparoscopy at King George's Medical University now'

Lucknow: Increasing numbers of surgeries in the department of surgery of King George's Medical University (KGMU) are now being done through minimally invasive laparoscopic methods.

This was informed by Prof Abhinav Arun Sonkar, head of the surgery department while briefing media persons on Monday about the 111th foundation day celebration of the department scheduled on Saturday.

"Till five years ago, 50 per cent gall bladder surgeries were done through the laparoscopic method, which now has increased to 97 per cent. Similarly, laparoscopic surgeries for common bile duct (CBD) cases have increased from 20 per cent to 60 per cent and hernia from 10 per cent to 40 per cent," he said.

Prof Akshay Anand said that the increase in laparoscopic surgery has been because the department now has more equipment, expert hands and other technological advancements. Besides, people are now also more aware that surgeries done through laparoscopy are minimally invasive and recovery is fast.

On the occasion, doctors also shared that the major achievement of the department this year was that the number of post-graduation seats (MS) increased from 15 to 24. "The department has 300 beds with strength of 22 faculty members and 70 resident doctors," said Dr Ajay Kumar Pal.

On an average, over 10,000 surgeries are performed annually. "We have also run UP's first minimal access surgical training centre for doctors," said Dr Kushagra Gaurav.

Meanwhile, the department of surgery is working on the plan to introduce robotic surgery for gallbladder, hernia, breast cancer and other ailments.

"We will send a proposal in this regard to higher authorities soon to grant funds for purchase of machinery and training, said Prof Abhinav Arun Sonkar, head of the department.