Sat Mar 29 10:36:14 UTC 2025: ## AIIMS Delhi Performs World’s First Laparoscopic Whipple Procedure on 11-Year-Old
**New Delhi, March 29, 2025** – All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Delhi has achieved a groundbreaking medical feat, performing the world’s first fully laparoscopic Whipple operation on an 11-year-old girl. The patient, from Garhwa, Jharkhand, was suffering from a rare pancreatic tumor known as Solid Pseudopapillary Epithelial Neoplasm (SPEN).
The complex procedure, typically performed through a large abdominal incision, was completed using only four tiny incisions (two 5mm and two 10mm) over eight and a half hours, with minimal blood loss (80ml). The minimally invasive approach resulted in a smooth recovery, reduced post-operative pain, a shorter hospital stay, and minimal scarring.
Dr. Anjan Kumar Dhua, Professor of Paediatric Surgery at AIIMS Delhi, who led the surgical team, stated that complete surgical removal is the only definitive treatment for SPEN, a highly curable cancer primarily affecting young women. He confirmed the child, discharged ten days post-surgery, is considered cured and will soon return to her normal life. Regular surveillance is planned to ensure her continued well-being.
The success of the procedure is a significant advancement in pediatric surgical oncology. The Whipple operation, also known as pancreaticoduodenectomy, is considered one of the most technically challenging gastrointestinal surgeries. Its laparoscopic performance, particularly in a pediatric patient, is exceptionally rare and represents a major leap forward in surgical techniques. The anaesthesia team, led by Professor Bikash Ranjan Ray, also reported a smooth and complication-free procedure.
This landmark achievement highlights AIIMS Delhi’s commitment to innovation and excellence in pediatric surgical care.
First Piper 