Paras Health Srinagar Achieves Kashmir’s First ICG Guided Axillary Reverse Mapping in Breast Cancer Surgeries

Srinagar :- Paras Health Srinagar has achieved a landmark milestone in cancer care by successfully performing Kashmir’s first fluorescence-guided (Indocyanine Green dye–based) Reverse Axillary Mapping (RAM) during complete axillary nodal clearance in breast cancer surgery.
The advanced procedure conducted at Paras Health Srinagar, led by Dr. Shabnam Bashir, marks a significant advancement in precision surgical oncology aimed at reducing long-term complications and enhancing patient quality of life. The introduction of ICG-guided Reverse Axillary Mapping addresses the common issue of lymphedema resulting from breast cancer surgeries that typically involve the removal of axillary lymph nodes. This innovative technique allows for real-time visualization of lymphatic pathways, enabling surgeons to differentiate between lymph nodes that drain the breast and those that drain the arm, thereby facilitating the selective preservation of arm-draining lymphatics while maintaining oncological safety. Dr. Shabnam Bashir emphasized that this technique represents a paradigm shift in breast cancer surgery, focusing not only on curing cancer but also on minimizing long-term morbidity and improving survivorship. By preserving critical lymphatic drainage, the risk of lymphedema can be significantly reduced. Dr. Murtaza Habib, Facility Director at Paras Health Srinagar, highlighted the institutional significance of this milestone, noting that it reflects the commitment to providing world-class, technology-driven healthcare in Kashmir and positions the facility among a select group of advanced cancer centers in India. The success of this pioneering surgery was achieved through the collaborative efforts of a dedicated multidisciplinary team, which included various healthcare professionals who ensured patient safety and high standards of perioperative care. The ICG-guided Reverse Axillary Mapping technique utilizes fluorescence imaging and an additional dye to accurately map and remove breast-draining lymph nodes while preserving arm-draining lymphatics, significantly lowering the risk of lymphedema, a major concern in breast cancer surgery. This first-of-its-kind surgery not only marks a new era in breast cancer treatment in Kashmir but also enhances the capabilities of Paras Health Srinagar in advanced surgical oncology.