GMC Srinagar performs first Primary Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery on 5-year-old child
Srinagar: The Department of Urology at Government Medical College (GMC) Srinagar’s Super Speciality Hospital has achieved a significant medical milestone by successfully performing the first Primary Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery (RIRS) on a 5-year-old child in Jammu and Kashmir.
This groundbreaking procedure treated a 2 cm renal stone using a minimally invasive technique.
RIRS is an advanced endoscopic procedure that allows surgeons to remove kidney stones through the natural urinary passage without any external incisions. Utilizing a flexible ureterorenoscope and a laser lithotripsy tool, the procedure precisely fragments and removes the stones. Known for its high success rate and minimal recovery time, RIRS represents a significant advancement in urological surgery.
The young patient, admitted with severe abdominal pain and difficulty urinating, underwent thorough diagnostic evaluations. The Urology team identified a large renal stone, and given the child’s age and the stone’s size, opted for RIRS as the safest and most effective treatment.
Leading the procedure, Prof. (Dr.) Syed Sajjad Nazir, head of the Urology Department, explained, “Performing RIRS on such a young patient presented unique challenges, but our team was well-prepared. The procedure was completed successfully, and the patient responded very well. We are proud to have set this precedent in the region.”
Post-surgery, the child was closely monitored and discharged the next day without complications. The minimally invasive nature of RIRS ensured minimal discomfort and a swift recovery.
Prof. Nazir added, “This achievement underscores our commitment to providing cutting-edge medical care. We are dedicated to advancing urological treatments and improving patient outcomes through innovative techniques like RIRS.”
Principal/Dean of GMC Srinagar, Prof. (Dr.) Iffat Hassan Shah, congratulated the department, praising their hard work and dedication to patient care and advanced surgeries. “This pioneering procedure not only highlights the advanced capabilities of GMC Srinagar’s Super Speciality Hospital but also marks a significant step forward in pediatric urology care within the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir,” said Dr. Hassan.
Dr Jehangir Bakhshi, Medical Superintendent of SSH, emphasized the hospital’s commitment to state-of-the-art medical services. “With a team of experienced professionals and advanced medical technology, we offer comprehensive care across various specialties. Our urology department routinely manages pediatric urolithiasis, ensuring high-quality care under one roof.”
Associate Professor Dr Tanveer Iqbal noted, “Pediatric renal calculi were previously managed with MiniPCNL and ESWL, but these procedures carried higher risks and longer recovery periods. RIRS offers negligible bleeding, faster recovery, and quicker return to normal activities. This pediatric patient, from a distant area, was managed with RIRS, discharged early, and resumed schooling quickly.”
Since 2019, the Urology Department has performed around 1,000 RIRS procedures in adult patients, demonstrating their expertise in this advanced technique. The successful pediatric RIRS procedure marks a milestone in the hospital’s history and promises enhanced urological care for children in the region.
