The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Delhi has set a new benchmark in pediatric surgery by successfully performing a groundbreaking total laparoscopic Whipple operation on an 11-year-old girl. This makes her the youngest patient globally to undergo this intricate pancreatic cancer procedure entirely through keyhole surgery, an achievement led by Dr. Anjan Kumar Dhua, Professor of Pediatric Surgery at AIIMS Delhi.

The young girl from Garhwa, Jharkhand, had been suffering from persistent abdominal pain. Upon diagnosis, doctors identified a rare pancreatic tumor known as Solid Pseudopapillary Epithelial Neoplasm (SPEN). The complex Whipple procedure, typically performed through a large abdominal incision, was deemed necessary for her treatment. This operation involves the removal and reconstruction of a significant portion of the pancreas and digestive system, requiring extreme precision due to the organ's proximity to vital blood vessels.

Unlike the conventional open surgery approach that results in a large postoperative scar, the AIIMS surgical team opted for a minimally invasive laparoscopic method, making just four tiny incisions—two measuring 5 mm and another two measuring 10 mm. Over an intense eight-and-a-half-hour surgery, the team meticulously completed the operation with minimal blood loss of just 80 ml. This innovative approach ensured a quicker recovery, significantly reduced pain, and a cosmetically favorable outcome for the young patient.

Dr. Dhua described the Whipple procedure as the pinnacle of gastrointestinal surgery due to its technical complexities, and performing it laparoscopically added another layer of challenge. He emphasized that such cases in pediatric surgical practice have traditionally been managed through open procedures, but AIIMS Delhi's extensive expertise in advanced laparoscopic surgery enabled them to push boundaries and offer a superior alternative. "SPEN is a rare but highly curable cancer of the pancreas, mainly affecting young women in their second or third decade of life. Complete tumor removal is the only definitive treatment, and given the successful outcome of this procedure, our young patient can be considered cured. She is eager to return to school and resume normal activities, with regular surveillance planned to ensure her continued well-being," he added.

The surgery was supported by a highly skilled anesthesia team led by Dr. Bikash Ranjan Ray, Professor of Anesthesia at AIIMS Delhi. The team was fully prepared for potential intraoperative blood loss and prolonged surgery, but the procedure progressed smoothly without major complications. Effective pain management ensured the child had a comfortable and pain-free recovery in the postoperative period.

Prof. Sandeep Agarwala, Head of the Department of Pediatric Surgery at AIIMS Delhi, lauded the achievement, highlighting the institution’s expertise in managing complex pancreatic, liver, and biliary conditions. "This landmark procedure not only strengthens our capabilities in minimally invasive pediatric surgery but also underscores AIIMS Delhi’s commitment to delivering world-class, compassionate care to children with challenging medical conditions," he said.

This medical breakthrough serves as an inspiration for the future of pediatric surgery in India, reinforcing AIIMS Delhi's position as a pioneer in advanced surgical interventions.