JAMMU, Oct 31: The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Jammu is strengthening its specialised healthcare services in advanced head and neck cancer surgery and reconstructive procedures, expanding access to complex surgical treatment for patients.
The Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery (ENT) is regularly performing complex cancer resections followed by reconstruction using locoregional flaps and advanced free-tissue transfer techniques, including the radial forearm free flap.
These specialised procedures are being undertaken for patients with tumours involving the tongue, cheek, nose, paranasal sinuses and larynx. The surgical approach focuses on effective tumour removal while preserving or restoring essential functions such as speech, swallowing and facial appearance.
The surgeries are performed by the ENT surgical team comprising Dr. Ch. Sajid Rashid, Assistant Professor, and Dr. Amardeep Singh, Additional Professor, under the supervision of Dr. Darwin Kaushal, Additional Professor and Officiating Head of the Department. The services are being strengthened under the leadership of Prof. (Dr.) Sanjeev Sinha, Executive Director and CEO, AIIMS Jammu.
In addition to complex cancer surgeries and free-flap reconstruction, the department has successfully performed total nasal reconstruction to restore the structure and function of the nose while addressing facial appearance and patients’ quality of life.
Depending on the location and extent of surgical defects, the team employs various reconstructive techniques, including pectoralis major myocutaneous (PMMC), nasolabial, infrahyoid and submental flaps. For selected complex cases, free-tissue transfer, particularly the radial forearm free flap, provides an advanced reconstructive option requiring specialised microvascular surgical expertise.
Importantly, eligible patients have also received these advanced surgical procedures under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY), helping improve access to specialised treatment while reducing the financial burden of complex cancer care.
The procedures are supported by multidisciplinary coordination involving the departments of Radiotherapy, Anaesthesiology, Radiology and Pathology, led by Prof. (Dr.) Shabab Angurana, Prof. (Dr.) Sunana Gupta, Dr. Manik Mahajan and Dr. Poonam Sharma, respectively. This collaborative approach ensures comprehensive cancer evaluation, treatment planning, perioperative care and follow-up.
The ENT Department continues to expand its services across head and neck oncology, thyroid surgery, otology, skull-base surgery, nasal and facial reconstruction, free-flap surgery and other advanced ENT procedures, with a focus on patient safety, functional preservation and improved quality of life.
Congratulating the surgical team, Prof. (Dr.) Sanjeev Sinha appreciated the dedication of Dr. Darwin Kaushal, Dr. Amardeep Singh, Dr. Ch. Sajid Rashid and the entire team in advancing specialised surgical services. He also highlighted the importance of multidisciplinary teamwork in managing complex head and neck cancers and reiterated the institute’s commitment to strengthening specialised healthcare facilities.
Emphasising the importance of early detection, he advised people not to ignore persistent symptoms such as non-healing mouth ulcers, unexplained neck swelling, difficulty in swallowing or persistent hoarseness, and urged them to seek timely medical evaluation.
AIIMS Jammu’s continued efforts in advanced cancer surgery and reconstructive care aim to strengthen specialised treatment facilities and improve healthcare outcomes for patients.