Ground report: Amritsar doctors perform groundbreaking limb salvage surgery at GMC

Doctors at Government Medical College (GMC) have successfully performed a rare and complex limb-saving surgery on a patient suffering from osteosarcoma — a highly aggressive form of bone cancer. The medical team stated that this is the first surgery of its kind to be done at GMC here, marking a big step forward in advanced cancer care at the institution.

The patient had a cancerous tumour in the upper part of the arm bone (humerus), including the shoulder. In many such cases, amputation (removal of the entire arm) becomes necessary. However, in this case, the surgical team took a bold and innovative step to save the limb and restore its function.

The surgery was performed by Dr Rajesh Kapila, Head of the Department of Orthopaedics, Dr Sachin Khanna, surgical oncologist, and their skilled team. They were supported by a dedicated team of anaesthetists during the five-hour-long procedure. Before the surgery, the patient was given three cycles of chemotherapy to reduce the size and spread of the tumour. After careful planning and coordination between different specialists, the doctors performed what is called a ‘Limb Salvage Surgery’. This involved removing the cancer-affected part of the bone and replacing the shoulder joint with a special device known as a ‘Modular Tumour Prosthesis’.

“The surgery not only removed the cancer completely but also saved the patient’s arm and its function. It shows what is possible with timely treatment of cancer, a strong team approach and modern medical technology,” explained Dr Rajesh Kapila.

He added that such surgeries are a symbol of how public hospitals like Government Medical College are now capable of delivering world-class care.

Director Principal of GMC Dr Rajiv Devgan said that this success has been seen as a major milestone for the hospital, which is rapidly expanding its services, especially in cancer treatment.

With more such advanced procedures being planned, the GMC is proving that cutting-edge medical care is now possible in government hospitals — giving hope to patients across Punjab and beyond, he added.

wuw