AIIMS Jammu performs first Palliative Esophageal Self-Expanding Metallic Stent Placement for Advanced Complicated Esophageal Cancer

STATE TIMES NEWS
JAMMU: All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Jammu announced a significant achievement in its ongoing mission to provide advanced medical solutions for complex health conditions.
The Department of Surgical Gastroenterology at AIIMS, Jammu, performed the first palliative esophageal self-expanding metallic stent (SEMS) procedure for an advanced esophageal malignancy, showcasing a milestone in the management of late-stage esophageal cancer.

This pioneering procedure marks a significant step in the hospital’s commitment to advancing specialized, compassionate care for patients with advanced esophageal diseases.
The patient who underwent the procedure was experiencing significant choking and difficulty in swallowing. He underwent an endoscopy at AIIMS, which revealed mid Esophageal malignancy with the possibility of fistula with airway. CT scan confirmed the findings. Partially covered esophageal SEMS was placed on 21st Oct. Patient tolerated the orals and was discharged uneventfully.
The aim was to relieve symptoms by keeping the esophagous open and preventing food and liquids from entering airway from esophagous through the fistula, thereby improving his overall well-being and quality of life.
The procedure was performed by Dr Sahil Sandal and his team, led by Harshita (Senior Nursing Officer), Madhusudhan (Endoscopic Technician), and Nursing officers.
Dr Sahil Sandal, Assistant Professor and Officer in Charge of the Department of Surgical Gastroenterology, said, “This first successful SEMS placement for esophageal malignancy is a significant milestone for our department and AIIMS Jammu. This minimally invasive procedure is particularly valuable for patients who are not candidates for surgery or are in the advanced stages of esophageal cancer, as it provides symptom relief without the need for major surgery.”
He further added, “The successful completion of this intervention highlights the department’s dedication to providing innovative treatments and improving patient outcomes and will continue to expand its portfolio of minimally invasive procedures, aiming to provide both curative and palliative options for individuals with gastrointestinal (GI) and hepatopancreatobiliary (HPB) malignancies. With the initiation of these procedures, the patients requiring luminal stenting now need not go outside the state for these procedures.
He added, “The success of this initiative would not have been possible without the unwavering support of the Executive Director & CEO of AIIMS Jammu, Prof. (Dr) Shakti Kumar Gupta. His leadership and dedication have been instrumental in driving the hospital’s mission to achieve excellence in healthcare.
Prof. Shakti Gupta, ED, and CEO of AIIMS Jammu, emphasized, “This initiative is a testament to our team’s hard work and the collaborative spirit at AIIMS Jammu to bring the best healthcare practices to the people of Jammu and adjacent region. We are committed to enhancing our facilities and services to meet the growing needs of our community.”