AIIMS-Patna surgery earns national recognition

Patna: Doctors at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences Patna (AIIMS-Patna) successfully removed a 35mm fish bone lodged deep near the cervical spine of a 42-year-old patient during a high-risk neurosurgical procedure carried out in March.The rare surgical procedure has received recognition in a national record publication. The acknowledgement has placed AIIMS Patna’s surgical accomplishment among notable medical milestones, highlighting the institute’s expertise in handling rare and complex neurosurgical emergencies.According to the institute, the surgery was performed by the neurosurgery team led by Dr Saraj Kumar Singh along with Dr Kranti Bhavna on March 9.

The operation began at 9am and lasted 4 hours and 5 minutes.Doctors said the case was extremely critical as the fish bone was embedded near the cervical spine, where even a minor error could have resulted in permanent disability. “The surgical team removed the foreign object with extreme precision, advancing carefully through the delicate spinal region while avoiding nerve damage and preventing further complications,” read the official press release released on Thursday.

Dr Saraj Kumar Singh said operating so close to the spine was like working on the most delicate line of life. Dr Kranti Bhavna said the team did not just perform a surgery but preserved the patient’s faith and hope during a moment of grave risk.AIIMS-Patna executive director Prof (Brig) Dr Raju Agrawal described the achievement as a reflection of the institute’s excellence, commitment and advanced medical capability.