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  • VATS is Now Available at SKIMS to any patient who May need it Free of cost

    VATS is Now Available at SKIMS in Department of Cardio Vascular Surgery to any patient who May need it Free of cost This New Service Will Benefit a Large Number of Patients.

    Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) a minimally invasive surgical technique used to diagnose and treat problems in chest

    Video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) has developed very rapidly from last decade, and has replaced conventional open thoracotomy as a standard procedure for some simple thoracic operations as well as an option or a complementary procedure for some other more complex operation. During a VATS procedure, a tiny camera (thoracoscope) and surgical instruments are inserted into your chest through one or more small incisions in your chest wall. The thoracoscope transmits images of the inside of your chest onto a video monitor, guiding the surgeon in performing the procedure The video-assisted imaging system amplifies the function of thoracoscopy. The minimal requirements of VATS include a zero-and/or 30 degree rigid telescope(s), a light source and cable, a camera and an image processor. The optional devices include a slave monitor, a semi-flexible telescope and a video-recorder) The choice of the telescope diameter can range from 3 mm to 10 mm, depending the type of procedure. The 30 degree angled viewing scope can help us check the pleural cavity with broader visual field The choice of light source and cable should accord with the output power
    Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) has revolutionized the approach to and management of many pulmonary and cardiac diseases over the past decade. This procedure was usually performed to evaluate and treat pleural effusions in patients suffering from pulmonary tuberculosis. Before this technique the standard approach to a thoracic pathology was a thoracotomy. A breakthrough in technology, which ultimately resulted in the advancement of all forms of minimal access surgery, was the development of fiber-optic light. The number of VATS applications have grown over the decade as technological advancements made such procedures safer for the elderly and frail patients. VATS has multiple advantages over traditional thoracotomy including less postoperative pain, shorter hospital lengths of stay, earlier recovery of respiratory function especially in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and the elderly and overall reduced cost

    Why it’s done :
    We use the video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery technique to perform a variety of procedures, which include diagnostic as well as therapeutic
    Diagnostic includes, Mediastinal lymph node biopsy,Pleuroscopy/pleural biopsy,Tissue/lymph node biopsy for lung cancer,Chest wall biopsy,Cancer staging
    Therapeutic: like Pulmonary resection (most commonly for lung cancer),Pulmonary bleb/bullae resection, Pleural drainage (pneumothorax, hemothorax, empyema), Pericardial effusion drainage ,Mechanical/chemical pleurodesis, Excision/biopsy of mediastinal masses and nodules, Excision of esophageal diverticulum/esophagectomy,Thoracic duct ligation ,Sympathectomy, Chest wall tumor resection, Thoracoscopic laminectomy Spinal abscess drainage and many others .
    How you prepare a patient for VATS:
    Pre-operative Evaluation
    Patient selection plays a key role in successful surgical outcomes. A detailed preoperative examination with a focus on the cardiac and respiratory function is essential to ensure that the selected candidates will tolerate one-lung ventilation (OLV). physical status assessment, spirometry, computed tomography (CT), and cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) should be reviewed.
    Preoperative assessment is aimed at assessing lung mechanics (FEV1, MVV, FVC, RV/TLC ratio), parenchymal function ( PaO2, PaCO2), and cardiopulmonary reserve ,The predicted postoperative FEV1 (ppo FEV1%) is a commonly used predictor of postoperative pulmonary.. .
    A complete blood count may reveal polycythemia due to pulmonary diseases or an elevated white cell count suggestive of infection or inflammation. Chest x-ray and CT scan provide relevant anatomical details required for the relevant procedure. Arterial blood gases may help identify patients at increased risk of postoperative complications. Patients with PaCO2 greater than 50 mmHg or PaO2 less than 60 mmHg are vulnerable.
    Preoperative optimization of patients undergoing VATS may also include smoking cessation, treatment of underlying infections and pulmonary rehabilitation
    Surgical Technique
    The standard VATS procedure involves using 3 to 4 incisions made in a triangular configuration for scope and instrument insertion Alternatively, VATS with a single port has also been described. The patient is administered anesthesia in the supine position. A double lumen endotracheal tube (DLT) is the airway device of choice for most procedures.  After DLT placement, the position of the tube is confirmed with a fiberoptic bronchoscope via the lumen of the DLT. Care is taken to ensure adequate positioning of the cuff.After confirming adequate tube and cuff placement, the patient is positioned in the lateral decubitus position with the arm over the head. Arching of the table is done to allow adequate surgical exposure. The position of the DLT is then rechecked after final positioning for the procedure.Three incisions are made for the anterior approach. Together they form a triangular configuration with the utility incision at the apex of the triangle. The camera is inserted through this incision for the creation of other entry ports safely. A port is created to accommodate the camera in the auscultatory triangle. A third port is created in the mid-axillary line. This is created at the level of the utility port incision. After the creation of the 3 ports, assessment is done using the video thoracoscope. Further steps of the surgery are usually guided by the specific procedure to be performed. Depending on the surgery performed, 1 or 2 pleural drains, connected to an underwater seal drain are usually placed at the end of surgery

    Why should we go for VATS?
    VATS has progressively replaced open thoracotomies in most thoracic surgery centers around the world because of its safety profile in elderly patients, better pain control, faster recovery times, and easier control of bleeding. It has been shown to decrease the length of hospital stay compared to open thoracotomy. Most of this could be attributed to the shorter chest tube duration as reported by some in studies with removal rates of 54% in the VATS group on day 1 as compared to 21% in open thoracotomies. This pattern of fewer complications and lower in-hospital mortality been echoed by other studies on lung cancer patients as well.
    significantly lower rates of blood transfusions in the VATS when compared to the open thoracotomy. lesser postoperative pain and a better quality of life when compared with traditional thoracotomies.
     VATS remains the recommended standard of care by a consensus of experts on management of almost all lung and mediastinal problemes .
    The advantages offered by VATS over conventional thoracotomy are:,Decreased surgery time Easier control of bleeding, Decreased postoperative pain including opioid usage ,Decreased chest tube duration, Decreased length of hospital stay, Decreased inflammatory response,Cosmesis
    If you’re scheduled for surgery, your doctor will give you specific instructions to help you prepare.

  • JCO among five soldiers killed in ongoing Poonch encounter

    Poonch, Oct 11: Five soldiers including a Junior Commissioned Officer were killed in an encounter that is going on in Chamrer forest area of Surankote area of Poonch district, official sources said Monday.

    An official told news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), that one JCO and four soldiers sustained bullet injuries in heavy exchange of fire in Chamrer woods of Surankote.

    “All the injured were evacuated to army hospital for treatment where they succumbed,” he said. It is believed thay three to four heavily armed militants are present in the area, sources said—(KNO)

  • Thousands participate in ‘Khoja Diggar’ at Ziyarat Naqshband Sahab

    Srinagar, October 10: ‘Khoja Diggar’, a popular religious gathering was held on Sunday at the Naqshbandh Sahab shrine in old city here.’Khoja Diggar’ is being held on the 3rd Rabbi-ul-Awwal every year in remembrance of the Sufi saint, Hazrat Khawaja Syed Bha-u-Deen Naqsaband Sahab (Rehmatul Lahe Allah).

    The huge gathering was witnessed at the shrine as the devotess in thousands including men and women participated in the prayers. Devotees thronged the shrine today to pay respect to the Sufi saint, who left for the heavenly abode in the year 1674. Adequate arrangements were made for the devotees who started thronging the shrine from ‘Zuhar’ (afternoon prayers) today.

    The congregational prayers at the ‘Asr’ (post afternoon prayers) at this shrine has its own significance as the Khawaja Naqshband Sahab (Rehmat ullahe Allah) left for the heavenly abode at this time on 3rd Rabbi-ul-Awwal, a religious cleric had said. Meanwhile, Ulamayi Kiraam addressed the gathering today and paid tributes to the Sufi Saint.

  • ‘China’s continuous build-up matter of concern’

    New Delhi: The military build-up by China in the eastern Ladakh region and new infrastructure development to sustain the large-scale deployment are matters of concern and India has been keeping a close watch on all the activities by the Chinese PLA, Chief of Army Staff Gen MM Naravane said on Saturday.
    He said if the Chinese military maintains the deployment through the second winter, it may lead to an LoC-like situation (Line of Control) though not an active LoC as is there on the western front with Pakistan
    The Chief of Army Staff said if the Chinese military continues with its deployment, the Indian Army too will maintain its presence on its side which is “as good as what the PLA (People’s Liberation Army) has done”.
    Indian and Chinese militaries have been on a standoff in several areas along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh for nearly 17 months though both sides disengaged from a number of friction points this year following a series of talks.
    “Yes, it is a matter of concern that the large-scale build-up has occurred and continues to be in place, and to sustain that kind of a build-up, there has been an equal amount of infrastructure development on the Chinese side,” Gen Naravane said at the Indian Today conclave.
    “So, it means that they (PLA) are there to stay. We are keeping a close watch on all these developments, but if they are there to stay, we are there to stay too,” he said.
    Gen Naravane said the build-up and the infrastructure development on the Indian side are as good as what PLA has done.
    “But what this would, especially if they continue to stay there through the second winter, definitely mean that we will be in a kind of LC (Line of Control) situation though not an active LC as is there on the western front,” he said.
    “But definitely, we will have to keep a close eye on all the troop build-up and deployments to see that they do not get into any misadventure once again,” the Army Chief said.
    To a question, Gen Naravane said it is difficult to understand why China triggered the standoff when the world was reeling under the COVID-19 pandemic and when that country had certain issues on its eastern seaboard.
    “While all that is going on, to sort of open up one more front is very difficult to understand or fathom,” he said.
    “But whatever it might have been, I do not think they have been able to achieve any of those because of the rapid response done by the Indian armed forces,” the Army Chief added.
    Asked to comment on the overall situation in eastern Ladakh, Gen Naravane referred to a recent statement by a spokesperson in the Ministry of External Affairs and said he had clearly mentioned that whatever has happened on the Northern border is because of the massive build-up by the Chinese side and the non-adherence to various protocols.
    “So that is very clear as to what was the trigger for all that which has happened,” Gen Naravane said.
    The Army Chief said following the standoff in eastern Ladakh, Indian Army realised that it needs to do more in the area of ISR (intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance).
    “So that has been the thrust of our modernisation over the last one year. Similarly, other weapons and equipment that we thought we need for future, those have got our attention also,” he said.
    The border standoff between the Indian and the Chinese militaries erupted on May 5 last year in eastern Ladakh following a violent clash in the Pangong lake area.
    Both sides gradually enhanced their deployment by rushing in tens of thousands of soldiers as well as heavy weaponry.
    As a result of a series of military and diplomatic talks, the two sides completed the disengagement process in the Gogra area in August.
    In February, the two sides completed the withdrawal of troops and weapons from the north and south banks of the Pangong lake in line with an agreement on disengagement.
    Each side currently has around 50,000 to 60,000 troops along the LAC in the sensitive sector. PTI

  • Kashmiri Pandits say killings a terror plan to prevent their return home

    Srinagar, Oct 9 An organisation of Kashmiri Pandits said on Saturday that the targeted killings of minorities in Jammu and Kashmir is part of a terror plan to prevent them from returning to the Valley.

    Satish Mahaldar, chairman of reconciliation, return and rehabilitation of migrants, said in a statement on Saturday, “Recent killings of minority civilians in Kashmir is part of a well planned terror action plot, at the core of which is to drive out remaining minorities in the Valley and create fear psychosis so that no one can return.
    “On 2nd October 2021, when the whole world was observing non-violence day on Gandhi Jayanti, a temple was desecrated in Jammu and Kashmir’s Anantnag district namely Bargheshekha Bhagwati Mata Temple in the Mattan area of the south Kashmir district.
    “On October 5, Makhan Lal Bindroo was shot dead by terrorists as he sat in his shop in Srinagar’s Iqbal Park, an area dotted with police and paramilitary installations. He was in love with Kashmir.
    “He never wanted to leave Kashmir even when we urged him to leave. He would often say: “I will give my life, but I won’t leave”.
    “Bindroos were also among the Kashmiri Pandit families who had chosen to stay on in the Valley even after targeted killings had forced a mass migration of the community in 1990s.
    “A terrorist group called The Resistance Front claimed responsibility for the killings of Bindroo and claimed he was “posing as a medical professional” and “conducting secret seminars” backed by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh after serving Kashmiri people for nearly 32 years.
    “Terrorists shot dead principal and teacher in a Srinagar school after separating Muslim and non-Muslim teachers.
    “Another deceased was identified as Virendra Paswan, a native of Bhagalpur district of Bihar who was residing in Alamgari Bazar, Zadibal.
    “He was a street vendor by profession who used to sell bhelpuri in Hawal area of Srinagar. The Resistance Front claimed responsibility for his killing also claiming that he was OWG for GoI agencies.
    “We had already intimated the GoI several times through media and otherwise that the launch of Migrant distress sales portal will trigger an anti-minority feeling in some quarters, especially in the Land Mafia.
    “Premature and triumphant claims about normalcy in Kashmir got exposed two months ago when the LG was informed in writing by Kashmiri Pandits that there are rumours that minorities in Kashmir will be targeted.
    “Unfortunately, the LG’s office and security agencies ignored our inputs.
    “Despite the inputs to security agencies, the UT govt and GoI failed to provide security/protection to minorities of Kashmir.
    “Now it is easier to politically use the plight of minorities/Kashmiri Pandits of Kashmir”. ( KINS)

  • Intelligence Bureau’s counter-terror chief in Srinagar post killings

    New Delhi: Taking a serious note of the spate of targeted killings in the Kashmir valley by Pakistan-sponsored terrorists in the past six days, the Centre has rushed the Intelligence Bureau’s counter-terror head to Srinagar. Counter-terrorism teams of other central forces are already in the Valley to assist the J&K Police.

    Severe punishment should be given to the guilty. Charanjit S Channi, Punjab CM

    Scores of Sikhs today attended the last rites of Principal Supinder Kour, who was shot dead along with her colleague Deepak Chand on the school premises in the Eidgah area of Srinagar on Thursday.

    The mourners, who sought death for the killers, sat on a dharna outside the civil secretariat in Srinagar. They later carried the body to the cremation ground in Karan Nagar locality amid chants of ‘Death to TRF’ and “Bring the killers to justice”.

    The Resistance Front (TRF), a terror outfit, has claimed responsibility for the murder of Supinder Kour and Deepak Chand. Condemning the killings, Punjab CM Charanjit Singh Channi demanded that the Centre should take measures to ensure the safety of the residents of Jammu and Kashmir. Security experts are of the view that the forces and agencies now need to re-calibrate their strategy as “hybrid terrorists” are executing shootouts with small arms with the active support of the ISI and Pakistan-based outfits.

  • Mufti Ismail Menk performs Nikah of former minister’s son in Kashmir

    Srinagar, Oct 08 : Noted Islamic scholar Mufti Ismail Menk who was on a two-day visit to Kashmir, performed Nikah of son of former minister and senior leader of Apni party, Mohammad Dilwar Mir on Friday.

    Earlier, there were reports that he has visited the Valley to attend marriage ceremony of Kashmiri businessman Feroz Peerzada’s daughter.

    Sources now confirmed to Kashmir News Service (KNS) that the reason behind his private visit was to perform Nikah of Yawar Dilawar Mir son of Mohammad Dilawar Mir.

    They said that Mufti Menk performed Nikah of the couple and also gave a sermon on the occasion.

    Notably, Mufti Menk who has a huge following on social media with over 3.4 million followers had informed through his Instagram handle on Thursday that he was on Kashmir visit.

    The Zimbabwean scholar is followed by Billions of Muslims for his sermons and speeches.

    He has been honoured as one of the 500 most influential Muslims in the world. He delivers his speeches on his YouTube channel which are shared worldwide through various social media platforms by his followers. (KNS)

  • Youth collapses during work-out at gym centre in Bandipora, dies

    Bandipora, Oct 08: A-23-year-old youth collapsed all of a sudden during work-out at a gym centre in north Kashmir’s Bandipora district on Friday evening.

    An official told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that the youth identified as Mohsin Ahmad of Ahamsharief collapsed during work-out.

    “Following the incident he was rushed to district hospital Bandipora where doctors declared him dead on arrival,” he said.

    Meanwhile, authorities at the hospital said that the youth died of cardiac arrest—(KNO)

  • Guwahati Airport’s Operations Handed Over to Adani Group

    PTI

    Guwahati: The Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport in Guwahati was handed over to the Adani Group for operations, management and development responsibilities on Friday.

    Beginning the process of developing and modernising the Northeast’s foremost airport, the symbolic key of the airport was handed over by Ramesh Kumar, Airport Director of the Airports Authority of India (AAI). to Utpal Baruah, Chief Airport Officer of the new airport operator at an event held midnight, a press statement said.

    In 2018, the government of India included the Guwahati airport in the group of six airports — Ahmedabad, Lucknow, Mangalore, Jaipur and Thiruvananthapuram — set for privatisation for operations, management and development (OMD) for a period of 50 years.

    Adani Enterprise Limited emerged as the successful bidder for all the six airports.

    The concession agreement between the AAI and Adani Enterprise Limited was signed on January 19 this year in New Delhi.

    From Friday onwards, the operations, management and development responsibilities of Guwahati’s Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport will be handled by the new airport operator — Adani Guwahati International Airport Limited (AGIAL) — the statement said.

    Amidst the sonorous traditional tune of ‘taal-khol’ and ‘Bihu’, in presence of the Adani Group’s representatives, the charge handover moment was witnessed by several staff and officers of the airport with their families.

    In the initial three years, the new airport operator will be supported by the employees of the AAI. Speaking on the occasion, Kumar wished luck to the new operator and assured his support in the initial phase.

    Baruah, in his address, thanked the AAI for bringing in noticeable changes to LGBI Airport.

    He appealed to each individual at the airport and public at large for wholehearted support to make the airport a world class facility which will bring pride to the nation, the statement said. (PTI)

    (This story has not been edited by Kashmir Today staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

  • Kashmir civilian killings: Omar Abdullah appeals to minority community members not to leave Valley

    Says the targeted attacks in Kashmir are designed to create fissures and widen the gap between communities

    Srinagar: National Conference vice president Omar Abdullah on Thursday appealed to members of minority communities in Kashmir not to leave the Valley, saying that the perpetrators of the recent civilian killings can’t be allowed to succeed in their “evil designs”.

    Taking to Twitter hours after a woman principal and a teacher belonging to minority communities were shot dead by militants here, Abdullah said terror can’t be allowed to dictate who will live in Kashmir and who won’t.

    “On my part, I am making a heartfelt appeal to all those who will be thinking of leaving the valley out of fear. Please don’t. We can’t let the perpetrators of these terror attacks succeed in their evil designs by driving you out. The overwhelmingly majority of us don’t want you to go,” Abdullah tweeted.

    He said the targeted attacks in Kashmir are designed to create fissures and widen the gap between communities.

    “We cannot let terror dictate who lives here & who doesn’t. It is imperative that all of us belonging to the majority community reach out to those who today fear for their lives,” he added.

    Abdullah further said, “The primary responsibility for security is & will always be the duty of the administration of the day. It can’t be shifted to individuals & political parties to suit political convenience & misplaced loyalties. That said we all have the responsibility to do what we can to help.”

    Supinder Kaur, the principal of the Government Boys Higher Secondary School in Eidgah in downtown Srinagar, and Deepak Chand, were gunned down at point-blank range by militants around 11.15 am just when the school had settled down to another day of online classes. There were no students in the school.

    Kaur was a Srinagar-based Sikh and Chand was a Hindu from Jammu.

    Abdullah said that the majority of civilian deaths in Kashmir have been those of Muslims but that does not absolve the community of the responsibility to make the minorities feel safe.

    “Yes it’s true that the majority of civilian deaths in Kashmir have been Muslim but that doesn’t absolve us of our responsibility to do everything in our power to help those who belong to religious minorities feel secure,” he said.

    Militants have killed four people from minority communities in Kashmir in the past three days.

    Besides Kaur and Chand, a prominent Kashmiri Pandit who owned Srinagar’s most famous pharmacy, and a roadside vendor were among those killed. —PTI