A Chennai-based surgeon has performed 50 hernia surgeries in 24 hours in an attempt to enter the Guinness Book of World Records.

Dr J S Rajkumar, chairman and chief surgeon of Lifeline Multi Speciality Hospital, concluded his feat at 2200 hours Sunday night. He surpassed the current world record of 41 surgeries in 13 hours, 41 minutes and 19 seconds.

The chief surgeon, assisted by a team of 44 medical professionals and support staff, who were on three shifts for the 24-hour duration, performed the entire surgery from the first incision to the last suture.

The surgeries took place in five operation theatres and 70 beds had been exclusively prepared for the exercise.

Talking about his feat, Dr Rajkumar said, "This initiative is targeted towards the less fortunate. As they require medical expertise as any other individual, most of the surgeries are being performed free of cost or at subsidised rates. This has also given the hospital confidence in handling such a large exercise if such a requirement presents itself."