First acetabulum surgery performed at Gilgit hospital

GILGIT – In a significant achievement for healthcare in the region, the medical team at the Shaheed Saif-ur-Rehman Government Teaching Hospital in Gilgit-Baltistan has successfully performed a complex orthopedic surgery, marking their first independent case using a specialized surgical technique.

Dr. Kaleem Ullah, an orthopedic surgeon at the hospital, announced the milestone on Friday, celebrating what he described as a "proud and memorable moment" for his team.

The surgery involved a fracture of the acetabulum—the hip socket—and was performed using the Modified Stoppa Approach, a sophisticated surgical technique that allows surgeons to access and repair complex pelvic fractures through a single incision in the lower abdomen, often resulting in less tissue damage compared to traditional methods.

According to Dr. Kaleem Ullah, the procedure was carried out under the valuable supervision of colleagues from the General Surgery department. He extended his heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Murad for providing "invaluable guidance, experience, and sincerity" throughout the procedure.

The surgeon also praised the hospital's anesthesia team for their "excellent professionalism and full support," which was crucial for the surgery's success. He lauded the entire orthopedic team, whose hard work, dedication, and teamwork made the achievement possible.

In a special tribute, Dr. Kaleem Ullah acknowledged his mentor, Professor Amir Aziz, crediting him for his role in the team's success. "Above all, a heartfelt thank you to my respected teacher and mentor, Professor Amir Aziz, whose excellent training, guidance, and confidence have enabled us to reach this point," Dr. Kaleem Ullah stated.

The successful surgery represents not only a win for the patient but also a significant step forward for the orthopedic department at the Shaheed Saif-ur-Rehman Government Teaching Hospital, demonstrating its growing capacity to perform advanced surgical procedures locally.