JAMMU: Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Narayana Superspeciality Hospital, Kakryal-Katra, has successfully performed surgery on a patient diagnosed with Malignant Melanoma of the Anal Canal , an exceptionally rare and highly aggressive form of cancer with an estimated global incidence of only one to two cases per million people annually.
The patient was referred to the hospital's Department of Surgical Oncology for advanced treatment after being diagnosed with the rare malignancy. Owing to the complexity of the case, the procedure required specialised surgical expertise and multidisciplinary care.
The nearly six-hour surgery was performed by the Surgical Oncology team led by Consultant Surgical Oncologist Dr. Abhinav Choudhary. The procedure involved an Abdomino-Perineal Resection along with Groin Dissection.
Dr. Choudhary said Malignant Melanoma of the Anal Canal is among the rarest gastrointestinal cancers and is managed by only a limited number of specialised centres worldwide due to its extremely low incidence.
He said the operation required meticulous planning and precise dissection because of the complex anatomy involved. Despite the extensive nature of the surgery, it was completed successfully with minimal blood loss, and the patient is recovering satisfactorily under close post-operative monitoring.
Executive Director of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence, Dr. Yashpal Sharma, said the successful treatment reflects the advanced clinical capabilities available at the hospital and reinforces its commitment to providing high-end specialised healthcare within Jammu and Kashmir.
He said the institution aims to ensure that patients from the Union Territory and neighbouring regions need not travel outside for advanced cancer treatment, adding that support from the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board and government healthcare schemes has strengthened access to quality medical care.
Hospital authorities said the entire treatment, including surgery, intensive care, hospitalisation and medicines, was provided free of cost under the Ayushman Bharat Scheme, significantly reducing the financial burden on the patient and family.
The hospital said the successful management of the rare case underscores its growing expertise in handling complex oncological conditions through advanced infrastructure, modern operation theatres, critical care facilities and a multidisciplinary team of specialists.