Tarun Karthick
Port Blair, 06 September 2023
A 35-year-old male, who had been enduring chronic and debilitating abdominal pain after every meal due to chronic calcific pancreatitis, has finally found relief through a groundbreaking minimally invasive surgical procedure. The patient had previously sought treatment at multiple hospitals without success until his admission to GB Pant Hospital.
Chronic calcific pancreatitis is a medical condition characterised by persistent inflammation of the pancreas, an essential organ for digestion. This prolonged inflammation often leads to the formation of stones within the pancreas, exacerbating the patient’s pain and discomfort.
Under the care of a team of Super Specialist Surgeons led by Dr. Saji Vargheese, alongside Anaesthesiologists Dr. Narayan and Dr. Ramya, a remarkable medical milestone was achieved on August 7, 2023. The patient underwent a six-hour-long minimally invasive pancreatic surgery known as Laparoscopic Lateral Pancreaticojejunostomy.
During the surgery, it was discovered that the patient’s pancreas was extensively affected, with large stones obstructing its function. The surgical team skilfully removed these stones and restored the pancreas’s connection to the intestines, allowing it to resume its crucial digestive function.
Notably, such intricate surgeries are typically performed in specialised centres on the mainland, usually using open surgical techniques. However, the team at GB Pant Hospital successfully conducted this advanced procedure using minimally invasive laparoscopic techniques.
Postoperatively, the patient experienced a rapid and remarkable recovery. He can now enjoy meals without the excruciating pain that had plagued him for an extended period.
The success of this surgery not only offers a new lease on life for the patient but also highlights the growing capabilities of medical professionals and institutions in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands to provide advanced and specialised healthcare services.