KGMU Sets Sight on Advanced Lung Transplant Unit; Hosts AIPCON 2026 to Bolster Interventional Pulmonology

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LUCKNOW – King George’s Medical University (KGMU) is making a monumental leap in respiratory healthcare, moving steadily toward the establishment of an Advanced Lung Transplant Unit. This initiative aims to provide world-class treatment for patients with end-stage lung diseases within Uttar Pradesh, eliminating the need for arduous travel to other states or abroad.

The announcement came alongside the successful organization of AIPCON 2026 (Advanced Interventional Pulmonology Conference), held on February 14-15 under the aegis of the Indian Chest Society and Pulmocrit Foundation.

Visionary Leadership on the Future of Care

The university’s top brass emphasized that the evolution of sub-specialties is the key to precision medicine.

Prof. (Dr.) Sonia Nityanand (Hon’ble Vice Chancellor): “The development of sub-specialty services allows for patient-centered and accurate treatment, which is the cornerstone of modern medicine.”
Prof. (Dr.) Ravi Kant (Former VC): “Interventional Pulmonology has made remarkable strides in India over the last two decades. KGMU’s Department of Pulmonary & Critical Care Medicine is now playing a leading role at the national level.”
Prof. (Dr.) Ved Prakash (Head of Department): “AIPCON 2026 reflects our commitment to advancing Interventional Pulmonology through advanced technology and skill-based training.”

AIPCON 2026: A Hub for Global Expertise

The conference served as a premier academic platform, featuring live demonstrations and hands-on workshops. A major highlight was the participation of Dr. Ashutosh Sachdeva (USA), a world-renowned expert in advanced airway procedures and rigid bronchoscopy.

Day 1: Scientific Sessions (February 14, 2026)

The first day was packed with high-impact lectures and live cases:

Dr. Karan Madan (AIIMS New Delhi) presented on the principles of Rigid Bronchoscopic Intubation.
Dr. Nitesh Gupta (Safdarjung Hospital) demonstrated cutting-edge Cryobiopsy techniques.
Dr. Richa Gupta (CMC Vellore) highlighted the role of ultrasound in guiding lung interventions.
Live demonstrations of Rigid Bronchoscopy and Thoracoscopy allowed attendees to witness advanced techniques in real-time.

Practical Workshops

The conference prioritized “learning by doing.” Experts led workshops on:

Stent Deployment: Silicon and SEMS (Self-Expanding Metallic Stent) training.
Electrocautery/APC: Practical sessions on managing airway lesions.
Cryotherapy: Skills training for managing tumors and obstructions.

The Fight Against Lung Cancer

KGMU’s Pulmonary department is at the forefront of the battle against lung cancer, utilizing EBUS-guided (Endobronchial Ultrasound) staging and image-guided procedures. This allows for early diagnosis, which is critical given the grim statistics surrounding the disease.

The Global and National Burden:

World: WHO reports nearly 20 million new cancer cases annually, with lung cancer being the leading cause of death.
India: Approximately 14-15 lakh new cases are reported every year. Tragically, over 60% of patients are diagnosed at Stage III or IV, significantly reducing survival rates.
Risks: Tobacco use remains the top killer, responsible for nearly 3.5 lakh cancer deaths in India annually.

Inauguration and Academic Contributions

The formal inauguration on February 15 was graced by Padma Shri Prof. Sonia Nityanand as the Chief Guest. The ceremony saw the release of three pivotal academic publications:

Atlas of Fiberoptic Bronchoscopy (2nd Edition)
Malignant Pleural Effusion
Lung Transplantation: Principles, Practice, and Future Directions

These publications underscore KGMU’s academic leadership in respiratory medicine. Prof. Ved Prakash concluded the event by emphasizing that AIPCON 2026 is a landmark event that will improve patient outcomes across the country through safe, evidence-based, and technologically advanced care.