The theme of World No Tobacco Day 2009,which is observed on 31st May is "Tobacco Health Warnings", with an emphasis on the pictorial warnings on the cigarette pack. These warnings have been shown to be particularly effective at making people aware of the health risks of tobacco use and convincing them to quit. More and more countries are fighting back against the epidemic of tobacco by requiring that packages of tobacco show the dangers of the product's use and also passing a law that bars selling tobacco to anyone below 18.
Inhaling the facts : Statistics on Tobacco use
A 2004 Study by the CDC's National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion found that cigarette smoke contains over 4,800 chemicals, 69 of which are known to cause cancer.
Women account for 39 percent of all smoking deaths.
Pregnant women pass any chemicals they take in (from food, tobacco, alcohol and so on) to their unborn children through the placenta.
Women who smoke during pregnancy can slow down the baby's growth by reducing the amount of oxygen and increasing the amount of carbon monoxide that the baby receives during a critical time when its brain and nervous system are developing.
According to the Surgeon's General, Teenagers who smoke were:
* Three times more likely to use alcohol. * Eight times are likely to smoke marijuana. * And 22 times more likely to use Cocaine.
The biggest percentage of the world's tobacco is grown in China
About three quarters of the American Tobacco market is controlled by two companies, Philip Morris and RJR Nabisco (formerly R.J. Reynolds)
Workers on Tobacco Farms sometimes suffer nicotine poisoning when they absorb the chemical through their skin.
Breast cancer is expected to be the most commonly diagnosed cancer among U.S. women, but lung cancer will be woman's deadliest cancer, the American Cancer Society predicts.
1. Breast cancer: 192,370 new cases 2. Lung cancer: 103,350 new cases 3. Colorectal cancer: 71,380 new cases 4. Uterine cancer: 42,160 new cases 5. Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma: 29,990 new cases 6. Melanoma: 29,640 new cases 7. Thyroid cancer: 27,200 new cases 8. Kidney cancer: 22,330 new cases 9. Ovarian cancer: 21,550 new cases 10. Pancreatic cancer: 21,420 new cases
For a consultation with our Oncology Doctors at Wockhardt Hospitals, please email us at enquiries@wockhardthospitals.net
Until recently, most Americans who traveled for medical care abroad went for dentistry and cosmetic surgery or other procedures not usually covered by insurance. However now more and more Americans are beginning to travel to India and South Asian Countries for serious medical treatments and elective procedures such as heart surgery and hip replacements.
While the difference in medical costs are almost one tenth , for example open-heart surgery in the U.S. costs in excess of $100,000, the same procedure at an internationally-accredited hospital in India can cost one-tenth as much. For that reason, even some insurers are starting to add foreign providers to their networks.
BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina, for example, has created a medical-tourism unit called Companion Global Healthcare that helps to facilitate care for patients at 18 internationally-accredited hospitals across 10 countries. Members in some group and individual health-care plans can access the foreign hospitals for in-network care; services also are available to uninsured patients.
While its true that most Indian healthcare companies boast of international standards in clinical specialties,some issues like post operative care,long distance travel specially for heart patients remain a problem specially for US and European patients.
It is precisely for these reasons insurance companies have come up with a Insurance plan to cover medical complications specifically for the " Medical Travelers"
Seven Corners Inc., a specialty trip insurer, introduced policies last year covering medical complications for medical tourists. The policies cover treatment of common surgical complications such as a reaction to anesthesia, blood clots and infections during and after treatment abroad. The policies provide no-deductible coverage for unexpected expenses and follow-up care, the company says.
Insurance broker Custom Assurance Placements introduced a similar program called Global Protective Solutions in December. One-time costs start at $70 and increase according to the riskiness of the procedure and the health of the applicant. A policy for major heart surgery can cost $5,000.
Just when you had thought that your health comes before anything else in the world and perhaps you would have never thought of delaying your Hip Replacement,comes the news that baby boomers in the US are increasingly putting off their orthopedic treatments , fearing that prolonged absence from work might make them more vulnerable to risking their job.
Dr. Scott Oliver, an orthopedic surgeon at Jordan Hospital in Plymouth, said his department had four orthopedic surgeries canceled just last week. He said one patient who canceled owns an air-conditioning business and was afraid to miss work. Another patient, who did have surgery, was told she risked losing her job if she didn’t return within six weeks, which was shorter than the recommended recovery period.
Doctor Scott Oliver, an orthopedic surgeon at Jordan Hospital in Plymouth, said his department had four orthopedic surgeries canceled just last week. He said one patient who canceled owns an air-conditioning business and was afraid to miss work. Another patient, who did have surgery, was told she risked losing her job if she didn’t return within six weeks, which was shorter than the recommended recovery period.
Across new Hospitals in the US overall volume is down 20 percent, and other surgeons are also reporting cancellations for these election procedure, especially at smaller hospitals. According to Massachusetts Hospital Association numbers, 59 percent of hospitals are reporting a decline in elective surgery for the quarter ending March 31. The MHA did not reveal any numbers for orthopedic surgery.
“There is definitely a palpable increase in concern over missing work and possibly losing a job,” said Dr. Daniel Snyder, an orthopedic surgeon at Newton-Wellesley Hospital. Traditional knee replacements can require long recovery periods of six to 12 week.
Joint Replacement Surgery has greatly improved the quality of life for many patients. Although the surgical procedure has been extremely successful in the majority of the cases ,however chances are that a small percentage may fail necessitating a procedure known as joint revision.
While Hip and knee replacements have been performed in millions of Americans over the last four decades and today joint replacements are a very common surgical procedure which has improved patients' quality of life by easing pain, increasing mobility and activity levels.
Today, over 400,000 hip and knee replacements are performed in the United States annually. However approximately ten percent of implants will fail and require a second procedure, called a Joint revision, to remove the old implants and replace them with new components.
Reasons why Implants May Fail
Post operative Infection :Iinfection may set in after surgery particularly if the surgery was performed in a non sterile environment. Joint replacement surgery requires extremely sterile environment and many leading hospitals have dedicated Operation Theaters only for Joint replacement due to the risk of infection. Extreme caution should be taken during the surgery to avoid infection as it could lead to very disastrous situations. At times the large foreign metal and plastic implants can serve as a surface for bacteria to latch on thereby increasing the risk of getting infected.
Loosening of the implant :During the initial joint replacement the metal or plastic implants are firmly fixed to the bone but sometimes they may come loose due to normal wear and tear or if the patients leads a very active lifestyle
Technical Failure :In rare occasions the prosthesis may fail leading to instability of the joint, dislocation may occur causing the prosthesis to pop out or move from its initial position
Damage caused due to a fall or an accident Ab accident or any damage may loosen the joints, cause a dislocation or damage the prosthesis
Age Related Factors: Young Adults or young people who are more active may have a higher chance of getting a Joint Revision done,compared to someone who is older and less active.Patients whose primary surgery was performed for inflammatory arthritis and patients with a previous hip fracture are at higher risk for joint revision surgery since the chance of the implants loosening for such patients are high.
Joint revision is also done for implants or prosthesis that have reached the end of their life span or if damage occurs due to a fall or an accident or it may be even caused by the abnormal walking pattern in certain patients .
Diagnosis
Together with the symptoms, an X-Ray of the infected part can reveal if there is need for revision. A surgeon may conduct a standard physical examination followed by lab tests and in some cases a CT scant Generally a joint revision is generally done as a last resort due to its complexity and cost.
An Orthopedic Doctors View
Patients need to choose the centers for joint replacement with care as there are only a few hospitals that have the required infrastructure to perform primary total joint replacements and to deal with any complications if at all any.
Since these surgeries are performed in elderly individuals and invariably they do suffer from hypertension, diabetes, heart diseases, hypothyroidism and obesity. To control the medical conditions there should be a team of specialist who can handle these medical conditions. There should be ICU facilities in case it is required .Blood bank should be there in the hospital for emergency needs.
courtesy
DR. SRINIVAS J.V. M.S. (Orthopedics) Consultant Orthopedic Surgeon Wockhardt Hospitals, Bangalore
To schedule an appointment with Doctor J.V Srinivas,please email us at enquiries@wockhardthospitals.net
Women have always led physically active lives. Today, their unique musculoskeletal conditions are better understood than ever before, and the need for gender-specific woman's sports medicine and orthopedic programs grows every year. Injuries and other orthopedic conditions often present differently in women than they do in men. In addition, biologic and gender-specific issues account for a higher prevalence of certain orthopedic injuries and conditions in women.
Certain orthopedic conditions are commonly seen in pregnant women. This is a small synopsis of the conditions commonly seen and what you can do for treatment of these conditions.
Low Back Pain-It makes sense that low back pain is the most common orthopedic complaint during pregnancy. More than half of all pregnant women experience significant back pain during pregnancy. The extra weight of the baby and the awkward distribution of weight cause muscle fatigue and spasm in the back. While treatment can be difficult during pregnancy, problems seldom linger after delivery. Having a strong back before becoming pregnant can help your body prepare for the weight of the baby.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome:Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition that compresses one of the important nerves in the wrist. Typically patients with carpal tunnel syndrome complain of pain, tingling and numbness in the fingers. Treatment can usually be accomplished with simple steps including night splints (it is a wrist band which is worn at night. While sleeping, people often hold their wrists in a position that allows the median nerve to become pinched. The night splint holds the nerve in a relaxed position).
Plantar fasciitis This is a condition that causes pain under the heel of the foot. Often referred to as a heel spur. Plantar fasciitis is often associated with rapid weight gain. During the later stages of pregnancy when women gain more weight, symptoms of plantar fasciitis may become bothersome.
Meralgia Paraesthetica:Meralgia paresthetica is an unusual condition in most people, but it is quite common during pregnancy. When the baby grows, he may press against a nerve that provides sensation over the outside of the thigh. Some people develop numbness over a patch of skin over the thigh as a result of this nerve compression.
Osteitis Pubis:Osteitis pubis is an inflammatory condition of the pelvis. The pelvic bones are joined in the front at the pubic symphysis. This joint can become inflamed in certain conditions, including pregnancy. Osteitis pubis usually improves with rest.
Transient Osteoporosis of the Hip-Another hip condition associated with late-term pregnancy is transient osteoporosis. This condition causes abnormal bone weakening of the ball of the ball-and-socket hip joint. Treatment may involve the use of crutches or a walker to relieve weight on the affected bone.
About Doctor Ashis Anand:Dr Ashis Anand is a highly qualified Orthopedic Surgeon at Wockhardt Hospitals Bangalore and is consultant, sports medicine and an orthopedic surgeon at Wockhardt Hospitals,Bangalorewho has worked in India and US. His areas of interest include Arthroscopy and Joint Replacement (Hip, Knee and Shoulder). With more than 450 replacements (Primary and Revision). He has also excelled in Unicompartmental Knee Replacement which is done by very few centers in India.
Dr. Ganeshakrishnan Iyer, Consultant Cardio Vascular Surgeon, Wockhardt Hospitals shares his thoughts on " Mitral Valve Replacements"
The Mitral Valve is located between the left Atrium and the left ventricle of the heart. It acts as a one way door that allows blood flow from the left Atrium to the left ventricle and prevents it from flowing back into the chamber as the heart pumps blood through the Aorta to the rest of the body.
Damage to the Mitral valve affects the normal flow of blood from the lungs to the left Atrium and to the left ventricle. The blood may flow in a reverse direction back into the lungs which could lead to various respiratory problems and several other complications or there could be obstruction to the flow of blood from Left Atrium to Left Ventricle.
Causesof Mitral Valve Replacement
The causes for Mitral Valve Prolapse are classified into congenital and acquired. The acquired causes are categorized as: 1) rheumatic heart disease and 2) degenerative heart disease.
Rheumatic heart disease is a condition in which permanent damage to heart valves is caused by rheumatic fever. The heart valve is damaged by a disease process that generally begins with a strep throat caused by streptococcus a bacteria that may eventually cause rheumatic fever. Symptoms of rheumatic fever are fever, swollen, tender, red and extremely painful joints - particularly the knees, ankles, elbows, or wrists, nodules over swollen joints, red, raised, lattice-like rash, usually on the chest, back, and abdomen, uncontrolled movements of arms, legs, or facial muscles weakness and shortness of breath. The symptoms of rheumatic fever may resemble other bone disorders or medical problems. You need to consult your physician for a diagnosis.
Degenerative heart disease is the disease that has progressed gradually and that there is no specific event that has caused it.
Symptoms
The symptoms related to mitral valve failure progresses slowly, however in certain cases the patients don’t experience most symptoms until the disease is in an advanced stage, and there are also cases where the patient does not experience any symptoms at all.
The general symptoms include chest pains, shortness of breadth, difficulty in breathing, unusual heart heartbeat and fatigue.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is often based firstly on the symptoms of the patient. A skilled doctor may detect a murmur in the heart beat during a regular health checkup. There are a number of tests that can help diagnose the disease.
Electrocardiograms (ECG) – gives a complete record of the electrical activities of the heart, any abnormalities of the electrical impulses of the heart shows up in this test Echocardiograms – gives the doctor graphic representation of sound waves that are bounced of the heart to detect any abnormalities in the valves of he muscles of the heart.
Cardiac Catheterization – where a dye is injected into the blood stream and an x ray is taken that shows the direction of blood flow.
Treatment
Surgery to replace or repair the mitral valve is often the best option. However if the damage is beyond repair the total replacement is the only other option. Mitral valve replacement surgery is performed to replace the damaged or diseased valve with an artificial one. The artificial valve may be made of metal and pyrolytic carbon (Synthetic) or it may be derived form biological tissue (Biological).
A recent report published by World Health Organization: "World Health Statistics, 2009" shows the life expectancy statics for various countries.
Japan tops the country where people lives the longest,while Sierra Leone occupies the last rank, which is half of what people live in japan. While an average japanese lives for 82 years,citizens of Sierra Lone lives up to an average age of 41 years.
The report shows that children younger than 5 account for nearly 20% of the world's deaths, and that child mortality is a major reason for the wide range in life expectancy among countries.
The World Health Organization's new report is based on data from 2007, the most recent year for which global life expectancy statistics are available.
The report shows that 14 countries had life expectancies of at least 81 years. Here are those countries, along with their life expectancy for babies born in 2007:
* Japan: 83 * Australia, Iceland, Italy, San Marino: 82 * Andorra, France, Israel, Monaco, New Zealand, Norway, Singapore, Spain, Sweden: 81
At the other end of the life expectancy spectrum, 15 countries had life expectancy below age 50. Here are those countries and their life expectancy for babies born in 2007:
Rhematologist Dr Ramesh Jois, Wockhardt Hospitals,Bangalore explains Ankylosing Spondylitis:
Ankylosing Spondylitis is an inflammatory diseases predominantly affecting the spine and causing severe stiffness ,pain and loss of movement.this chronic diseases at a later stage can lead to fusion of the vetebral column resulting in virtual imobilty. Ankylosing Spondylitis can also affect your joints including hips and knees which can cause pain and swelling of the joints leading to permanent damage if treatement is not done at the right time.
Causes : Its believed that Ankylosing Spondylitis is genetically inherited .Those individuals with the gene HLA-B27 are at a higher risk group.However not everyone having the particular strain of gene will develop Ankylosing Spondylitis.
Symptoms : Some of the typical symptoms include Inflammation of spine and joint and pain in lower and mid back and buttocks.The pain is generally worse in the mornings and while resting which leads to disturbed sleep patterns.The pain gradually increases over time before worsening further.
Severely affected patients can develop complete fusion of the spine and the pain almost disappears ,but the spinal mobilty could be lost .This disease could affect the hips and knees resulting in permanent damage.Some patients develop problems other than spine,including eye inflammation ,skin rashes and diarrhoea.
Treatement Options
Physical examination,XRay,MRI findings and blood tests.More recently over the last few years,newer drugs including biological therapy/anti TNF therapy are available.
Ankylosing Spondylitis is approximately three times more common in men than in women.It is generally prevalent in the age group of 20-40 .In very rare cases children are also affected.
For scheduling an appointment please email us at enquiries@wockhardthospitals.net
DR. Surya Prakash Rao Voleti Consultant Spine Surgeon,Kamineni Wockhardt Hospitals,Hyderabad MS(Ortho). DNB (Ortho) A.O Fellow (Germany) GICD Spine Fellow (France) International Fellow of the SRS (Scoliosis Research Society )
Dr Surya Prakash Rao Voleti is one of the few amongst the orthopedic fraternity in the state of Andhra Pradesh doing dedicated work in the field of spine, particularly in the management of spinal deformity & he has been doing this for over a decade now for wockhardt hospitals
He is also trained in minimally invasive techniques in the management of the degenerative and traumatic affections of spine. He is Equally competent in the management of all Orthopedic conditions, both in children and adults. His work on posterior Hemivertebrectomy in management of neglected congenital scoliosis is well appreciated at the National and International orthopaedic forums.
His areas of expertise are Management of complex trauma, neglected limb deformities using Ilizarov system are the other areas of his expertise. He was a faculty at prestigious Nizam’s Institute of medical sciences for which he has served for a decade.
Professional qualifications
1987-1992 MBBS Jawaharalal Institute of postgraduate medical research and education (JIPMER) Pondicherry
1993-1996 M.S.Orthopaedics Seth GS Medical college and KEM Hospital, Mumbai,
1996 Dip (Orthopaedics) (College of Physicians and Surgeons,Mumbai)
1997 DNB (Orthopaedics) (National Board of examinations, New Delhi
Areas of Expertise
Scoliosis ,Kyphosis and all forms of spinal deformity
Congenital degenerative,Neoplastic and traumatic conditions of spine
Pediatric conditions including neglected limb and post traumatic deformites
Complex adult trauma including the management of acetabular fractures
Honors & Awards
AO Fellowship at the Department of Orthopaedics and Truamatolgy University of Freiburg, Germany with Prof. N.Sudkamp.
Recipient of ASSI-Depuy Spine Travelling fellowship for the year 2004 and visited various centers in Delhi and Mumbai in Jan –Feb 2005
Recipient of GICD – Spine fellowship and visited four centers in France in June –July 2005
Was awarded ‘ VYAGRESHWARUDU GOLD MEDAL’ for the best paper in the State chapter of IOACON in Guntur in October 2005
Was awarded Gold Medal For the best paper in the Surgical treatment of Spinal aliments as ISSICON at Delhi in March 2006
Recipient of Global outreach educational scholarship for the year 2006 and attended the Scoliosis research society (SRS) 41st annual conference at Monterey, California.U.S.
First orthopaedic surgeon in the state and amongst handful of few spinal surgeons in the country who are awarded the international fellowship of the Scoliosis research society (SRS).
Dr Surya Prakash can be reached for appointments and second opinions via email at enquiries@wockhardthospitals.net
You can also visit Our Center at Hyderabad at the following address for Consultation
Kamineni Wockhardt Hospitals
4-1-1227, King Koti Road, Abids, Hyderabad- 500 001 Andhra Pradesh - India. Tel: (040) 6692 4444 Fax: 040-6692 4242
According to a a latest poll conducted by Gallup, A growing number of U.S. citizens are opening up to Medical Tourism and traveling to different countries for Medical Treatments.
Gallup found that 29 percent of respondents would consider traveling to non-U.S. destinations for a major problem or procedure, 24 percent would seek cancer diagnosis and treatment overseas, 15 percent would travel for orthopedic procedures, 14 percent would go abroad for heart treatment and 10 percent would travel to get plastic surgery.
The poll concludes that the uninsured are the most interested in medical tourism options, with 37 percent of uninsured respondents saying that they would consider cancer care overseas. Only 22 percent of those with health insurance shared this sentiment.
Gallup says the survey results indicate that the increasing cost of medical care in the United States and large numbers of uninsured is making medical tourism a viable option.
"If strides in insurance reimbursements, overseas hospital quality, and affordability continue, it will be an increasingly attractive option for Americans," Gallup says. "The data suggest the estimated population of 48 million Americans without health insurance are motivated by costs and would be more likely than those with health insurance coverage to consider seeking medical care from alternative sources."
The Gallup Poll throws up some interesting trends
29% of respondents would consider traveling outside of the US for alternative medical treatments for a major medical problem
24% would seek cancer diagnosis and treatment abroad
15% would receive orthopedic procedures
14% would consider traveling to another country for heart treatment
10% would seek plastic surgery
Americans from Mid Western region are the least willing to consider medical treatment abroad. Westerners are the most open to Medical Tourism,while Southerners are also below average in their enthusiasm for medical tourism, with the exception of hip or knee replacement.
Today in Doctor Spotlight we feature Doctor Apul Parikh, who has recently joined us at Wockhardt Hospitals,Bannerghata Road as a Cosmetic Surgeon
Dr. Apul Parikh is amongst the leading plastic and cosmetic surgeons in India. Dr. Parikh has recently moved back to India from the United Kingdom. Dr. Apul initially graduated from the University Of Leeds School Of Medicine. After completing his basic surgical training he specialised in Plastic Surgery in which he has published a number of papers. He has worked in several prestigious London teaching hospitals, including the Royal Free Hospital, St. Bartholomew’s Hospital, the Royal London Hospital and Wexham Park Hospital. He also completed a fellowship at the Memorial Sloane-Kettering Cancer Hospital in New York. Dr Apul Parikh has recently passed the European Board of Plastic surgery (EBOPRAS).
Academic Training :Dr. Apul Parikh was actively involved in the teaching of plastic surgery to undergraduate and post-graduate trainees in the UK and was a Lecturer at the Royal Free Hospital and the Royal London Hospitals.
Dr. Apul Parikh has also received further super-specialised training in Cosmetic Surgery. He has successfully completed the UK’s maiden Diploma in Cosmetic Surgery and is now one of the lecturers to the students. He has been privileged to have been trained by Dr. Dai Davies, Dr. Nick Percival, Dr. Jan Stanek, and Dr. Simon Myers who are all regarded as the leading UK surgeons in the field of cosmetic surgery. Dr. Parikh is also one of the privileged few surgeons to have been trained in Cosmetic Vaginal Surgery.
More recently Dr. Parikh underwent specific training in Rhinoplasty (Nose jobs) in Dallas (USA) under the supervision of Dr. Rod Rohrich and Professor Jack Gunther. Dr. Apul Parikh is one of the few Cosmetic Surgeons to offer computer assisted consultations.
Cosmetic Surgery Procedures Offered by Dr Apul Parikhat Wockhardt Hospitals,Bangalore
The retina is a thin, transparent tissue of light-sensitive nerve fibers & cells. It covers the interior wall of the eye like wallpaper covers the walls of a room. It functions like the film in a camera- light passes through the lens of the eye & is focused onto the retina. The retina “takes the picture” & transmits the image via the optic nerve to the brain.
What is retinal detachment?
It is a condition in which the light sensitive layer of the eye(retina) separates from the underlying eye wall & hence loses its function. It is a serious problem that may occur in any age although it usually occurs in middle-aged or older individuals. It is more likely to develop in people who are nearsighted (myopes) or in those whose relatives have had retinal detachments. A hard, solid blow to the eye may also cause this. If not treated early it may lead to impairment or loss of vision.
How does retinal detachment occur?
It is mainly caused by presence of one or more small tears or holes in the retina. Normal ageing can sometimes cause the retina to thin & degenerate (called lattice degeneration), but most often shrinkage of the vitreous body- the clear gel that fills the center of the eye, is responsible for the causation of retinal tears.
Shrinkage & detachment of the vitreous body is a common event with the age but does not cause any problem in most people. In few eyes that have abnormal strong attachments of the vitreous to the retina, a tear can result. Abnormal growth of the eye, which occurs in myopia or injury to the eye, may also cause the vitreous to shrink. Once a tear is present, watery fluid from the vitreous space may pass through the hole & flow between the retina & the outer wall of the eye. This seperates the retina & causes it to “detach” . The part of the retina that is detached does not function properly & there is a blur or a blind spot in vision.
There are other rare conditions such as tumor, which cause retinal detachment without formation of a hole/tear.
Retinal Detachment symptoms
One may see floating black spots called floaters, & flashes of light in the vision. In most cases, these do not indicate serious problems. But, in some cases, they may be associated with the retinal tears. A comprehensive eye examination by a retinal specialist to check the retina is necessary to determine if retinal tears are present. Such an examination is desirable as soon as symptoms develop because fresh retinal tears may be treatable without surgery, before they lead to a more severe retinal detachment.
Some retinal detachments may begin without noticeable floaters or flashes of light. In these cases, one may notice a wavy or watery quality in the overall vision or the appearance of a dark shadow in some part of the side vision. Further development of the retinal detachment will blur the central vision & create significant sight loss unless the detachment is repaired.
A few detachments may occur suddenly & one may experience a total loss of vision. Similar rapid loss of vision may also develop by bleeding in the vitreous, which happens when the retina is torn.
Diagnosing retinal detachment
A detachment retina cannot be viewed from the outside of the eye. Hence, if symptoms are noticed, a retinal surgeon should be visited as soon as possible. The specialist throughly examines the retina with an instrument called Indirect Opthalmoscope. The instruments bright light & magnification allows the specialist to locate areas of retinal tearing or weakness, which need to be corrected by treatment. Other special diagnostic instruments including special contact lenses, slit lamp etc & Ultrasound may also be used.
How to treat retinal detachment
There is no medical treatment for retinal detachment. If the retina is torn & retinal detachment has not yet occurred, the same may be prevented by prompt prophylactic treatment. Once the retina becomes detached, it must be repaired surgically by a retinal surgeon. Successful re-attachment of the retina consists of sealing the retinal tear & preventing the retina from pulling away from the back of the wall of the eye again. There are several surgical procedures that may be used. The choice depends on the severity of the retinal detachment & the judgment of the surgeon.
There are 3 different techniques of treating Retinal Detachments
1.Pneumatic retinopexy:
In very select group of patients, one may inject a gas bubble in the eye, treat the retinal hole with cryotherapy (freezing) or laser, & then position the eye to enable successful closer of the hole. This is the simplest of the treatment approaches with least intervention. The success of this procedure is about 70% & in case of failure, scleral buckling procedure can be done.
2.Scleral buckling: most other simple retinal detachments are handled by applying a silicone buckle on surface of the eye, thus indenting the walls inside. The retinal hole is treated with cryotherapy(freezing) & nthe fluid that has collected between the retina & the underlying layers is usually removed. The success rate of this surgery is usually 80-90%.
3.Vitreorentinal procedures: For more complex retinal detachments, complicated surgery called vitreoretinal surgery is needed. In this, the diseased vitreous is removed along with abnormal scar tissue. The retina is attached by use of air, gas or silicon oil. The success of these surgeries varies with type of case. Sometimes, multiple surgeries may be indicated in case of recurrence. Where silicone oil is used, it is usually removed after a variable period of time, once the retina is successfully reattached. The final success can be declared only if the retina remains attached after removal of silicone oil.
Obviously, the more complex the retinal detachment, the more complex will be the surgical procedure needed & less will be the cure rate.
Recovery and Post Operative Care:It is important to understand that surgical success & visual recovery need not go hand in hand. The visual recovery depends upon the basic strength in the retina, the duration of retinal detachment & most importantly, the health of the central, most sensitive part of the retina(mascula). Reading fine print needs excellent vision, hence only a percentage of the eyes with complex retinal detachment can regain reading capabilities. More often, mobile vision is retrieved. Failed surgery usually leads to non-recovery of vision & on occasions these eyes may shrink.
The surgery may be done under local or general anesthesia. With gas in the eye, air travel is restricted. Eye drops or ointment may have to be instilled for 6-8 weeks & glasses are prescribed at final examination.
With simple buckling surgery, vision may start recovering in a few days , but final vision is known after 6 weeks. With more complex vitreorentinal surgeries, it takes longer time for vision to improve & stabilize.
Patients with symptoms of retinal detachment require prompt attention by a retinal surgeon, who will throughly examine & advice about the need for treatment. It is important for persons with significant myopia or with family history of retinal detachment to have periodic eye examination. Early detection of changes in the vitreous or retina can be diagnosed & potential retinal detachment prevented.
To schedule an appointment with our eye care consultants at Wockhardt Hospitals please email us at enquiries@wockhardthospitals.net
A cataract is clouding of the normally clear lens of the eye. It can be compared to a glass window that is frosted or yellowed.
The amount and pattern of cloudiness within the lens can vary. If the cloudiness is not near the center of the lens, you may not be aware that a cataract is present.
What are the Common symptoms of cataract
• A painless gradual blurring of vision • Glare, or light sensitivity • Poor night vision • Double vision in one eye • Needing brighter light to read • Fading or yellowing of colors
What causes Cataract?
The most common type of cataract is age related to aging of the eye. Some other causes of cataract include:
• Family History • Medical problems, such as diabetes • Injury to the eye • Medications, especially steroids • Previous eye surgery
How fast does a cataract develop?
It is not possible to predict exactly how fast cataracts will develop in any given person. The development of cataract varies among individuals and may even be different between the two eyes.Most age-related cataracts progress gradually over a period of years.
Other cataracts, especially in younger people and people with diabetes, may progress rapidly over a short time.
His cataract treated?
Surgery is the only way a cataract can be removed. However, if symptoms of cataract are not bothering you very much, surgery may not be needed. Sometimes a simple change in your eyeglass prescription may be helpful.
No medications, dietary supplements or exercises have been shown to prevent or cure cataracts. Protection from excessive sunlight may help slow the progression of cataracts. Sunglasses that screen out ultraviolet (UV) light rays or regular eyeglasses with a clear, anti-UV coating offer this protection.
How is a cataract detected? Your ophthalmologist can detect the presence of a cataract by performing a full eye examination.
A careful evaluation will also rule out any other conditions that may be causing blurred vision. Problems with other parts of the eye can be responsible for vision loss and may prevent you from having much or any improvement in vision after cataract surgery. If improvement in your vision is unlikely, cataract removal may not be recommended. Your eye doctor can tell you how much visual improvement is likely.
When should Cataract surgery be done?
Surgery should be considered when cataracts cause enough loss of vision to interfere with your daily activities.
It is not true that cataracts need to ripe before they can be removed or that they need to be removed just because they are present.
Cataract surgery can be performed when your visual needs require it. You must decide if you can see well enough to do your job, drive safely and read and watch TV in comfort. Does your vision allow you to perform daily tasks, such as cooking, shopping, doing regular work or taking medications without difficulty?
Based on your symptoms, you and your ophthalmologist should decide together when surgery is appropriate.
What can I expect from cataract surgery?
More than 98% of those surgeries are performed successfully without complications.
During cataract surgery, which is usually performed under local or topical anesthesia as a daycare procedure, the cloudy lens is removed from the eye. In the most cases a permanent intra ocular lens implant(IOL) is placed in the eye.
Your ophthalmologist performs this delicate surgery using a microscope, miniature instruments and other modern technology. After surgery you will have to use eye drop as per your doctors advice.
Cataract surgery is a highly successful procedure. Improved vision is the result in over 98% of cases, unless there is a problem in other structures of the eye, It is important to understand that complications although rare can occur during or after the surgery.Cataracts are a common cause of decreased vision, particularly for the elderly, but they are treatable. Your ophthalmologist can tell you whether cataract or some other problem is the cause of your vision loss and can help you decide if cataract surgery is appropriate for you.
To schedule an online appointment with our Opthalmologist at Mumbai,please see below or and write to us at enquiries@wockhardthospitals.net
Ginger, long used as a folk remedy for soothing tummy aches, helped tame one of the most dreaded side effects of cancer treatment — nausea from chemotherapy, the first large study to test the herb for this has found.
People who started taking ginger capsules several days before a chemo infusion had fewer and less severe bouts of nausea afterward than others who were given dummy capsules, the federally funded study found.
'We were slightly beside ourselves' to see how much it helped, said study leader Julie Ryan of the University of Rochester in New York.
Results were released Thursday by the American Society of Clinical Oncology and will be presented at the group's annual meeting later this month.
But don't reach for the ginger ale. Many sodas and cookies contain only flavoring — not real ginger, Ryan said. Her study tested a drug-like ginger root extract, and it's not known if people could get the same benefits from ginger teas or the powdered ginger sold as a spice.
Still, ginger capsules may offer a cheap, simple way to fight nausea, which is far more than just a quality-of-life issue, doctors say. Some cancer patients cut treatment short or refuse chemo altogether because of nausea, hurting their chances of beating the disease."
Nurses at Wokhardt Hospitals,Bannerghata in a fashion show on International Nurses day
It was a Nurses day out on 12th of May at the Bannerghata Road Branch at Wockhardt Hospitals,Bangalore. For a changes the nurses at Wockhardt Hospitals donned the latest fashion couture and gave up their nursing uniform.
Not really couture or the essence of a fashion show,but the nurses showed why it is not that difficult sometimes to change to your roles and give something your best shot,if you have the passion.
Beginning with the lighting of the lamp, the International Nurses day celebrations,started after the inaugural address Dr Davison, Centre Head, Wockhardt Hospitals, Bannerghatta.
Mr. Davison congratulated all the nursing staff at Wockhardt on the occasion. “This is the noblest profession in the world probably the only profession that puts service before self,and not everyone can be a nurse. It requires a special calling, and the ability to be sympathetic, empathetic and truly concerned for the sick,” he said.
The show had three rounds and finally, the judges chose Dipty Diana Fernandes from Wockhardt, Cunningham Road, as “Queen of Wockhardt” and Rizwan from Wockhardt, Bannerghatta, as “King of Wockhardt”.
We welcome our users ,patients and caregivers to stay in touch with the latest news at wockhardt hospitals by following us on twitter. In the days to come we hope to use twitter to inform and update patients and caregivers about their friends and relatives ,who are admitted at Wockhardt hospitals and are eager to get an status update of their loved ones.
According to the International Diabetes Federation the country with the largest numbers of people with diabetes is India (40.9 million), followed by China (39.8 million), the United States (19.2 million), Russia (9.6 million) and Germany (7.4 million).The World Health Organization projects that the number of diabetics will exceed 350 million by 2030.
In case you are not convinced about the enormity of the problem,Consider these statistics.
One person is dying for every 10 seconds in the world.
Two new diabetic cases are identifying for every 10 seconds in the world.
7 million new diabetic cases will be identified by 2025.
80% of diabetics in the world will be present in developing countries like India.
India is the Diabetic capital of the world.
It is not now a disease of rich people. It is a disease of sedentary people with Unhealthy diet habits.
In the USA
17.9m people are diagnosed with diabetes
5.7m people are undiagnosed with diabetes
57m people have pre-diabetes
186,300 (0.22%) people under 20 have diabetes
1 in every 400 to 600 under 20-year olds have Type 1 diabetes
2m adolescents have pre-diabetes
23.5m (10.7%) of those over 20 have diabetes
12.2m of those over 60 have diabetes
12m men (11.2%) have diabetes
11.5m women (10.2%) have diabetes
source:American Diabetes Association
Diabetes as it is sometimes believed, is not a disease of wealthy and rich alone. In fact almost two-thirds of the people with diabetes in our country are either of normal weight or even lean. Diabetes does not just happen overnight,and it does not segregate between the haves and have nots, it takes many years for diabetes to set in.That gives us a chance to early detection, possible prevention or even delaying it. Any person with, diabetes in family, obesity, physical or mental stress, needs to check blood glucose once a year after 30 years age.
At Wockhardt Hospitals, we recommended Diabetes screening at various stages of life, and for those with any of several risk factors. The screening test may be a random blood glucose test, a fasting blood glucose test, a blood glucose test a,two hours after 75 g of glucose, or an even more formal glucose tolerance test.The Details of the Preventive Diabetes Health Check Program are as follows
Comprehensive Diabetic health Check
HB,TC,DC,ESR FBS PPBS Fasting Lipid profile Serum Electrolytes Serum calcium,P,Alkaline Phosphatase Blood Urea,Serum, Creatinine/Potassium HbA1c Urine-Microalbuminuria ECG Chest X Ray Fundoscopy Consultation with the Diabetologist/Dietician
Executive Diabetic Health Check
Fasting Lipid profile Sr Electrolytes HB,TC,DC,ESR FBS PPBS Blood Urea Sr Creatinine Alkali Phosphatase HbA1c Urine Microalbuminuria ECG Chest X Ray Fundoscopy TMP Echo Consultation with Diabatelogist,Cardialogist & Dietician Consultation with Physiotherapist
For details on our Diabetes Health Check Package please email us at enquiries@wockhardthospitals.net
Tomorrow is International Nurses day. 12th May is a special day for not only for those people who have led from the front in delivering care with a smile in their lips,but also a day for all of us in the medical fraternity who are so much dependent on them.
International Nurses Day is celebrated around the world every May 12,which is also the anniversary of Florence Nightingale's birth. The International Council of Nurses commemorates this important day each year along with a Nurses Day theme.
The International Nurses Day theme for 2009 is: Delivering Quality, Serving Communities: Nurses Leading Care Innovations.
The International Council of Nurses (ICN) has celebrated this day since 1965.
We at Wockhardt Hospitals would like to take this oppurtunity to thank our Nurses and would like to wish them a Happy Nurses day specialy for all those time we took your services for granted ..
A recent article in Hindustan times,points to the fact that " Medical Tourism in India has actually not slowed down in spite of the downcast economic weakness across the world.
"California resident Barbara Pastal, 47, had been trimming her household expenditure for months to save up for a hip replacement surgery when her husband’s firm cut his pay by 30 per cent in February.
It meant she would have to wait longer to save the $21,000 (Rs 8.5 lakh) that the procedure costs in the US.
“A friend recommended I go to India for the surgery. One of her family members had had a good experience here,” said Pastal, who arrived in India last week and underwent the surgery at a Mumbai clinic. “It’s much cheaper and there is no waiting.”
Pastal said she paid Rs 3.5 lakh for the airfare and hospital expenses, less than half of what the surgery would have cost her at home.
The economic downturn in the West is turning out to be a boon for India’s healthcare sector as many middle-income people look for ways to save amid pay cuts and layoffs.
Medical tourism is not new, but recession has accelerated the trend and more patients seem to be convinced that the quality standards in India can be comparable to any Hospitals across the world.
The Wockhardt group of hospitals,with a tie up with Harvard Medical International, and accredited by Joint Commision International (JCI ),has seen a 40 per cent increase in International patients in 2008-09 as compared to 2007-08, according to Vishal Bali, chief executive officer of Wockhardt Hospitals
According to data released by Deloitte ,around 4.5 lakhs medical travelers visit India to get treated in 08-09. Deloitte pegs the industry growth rate to be around 38%. Presently the bulk of medical tourism centers revolves around,India, Thailand,Singapore,Malaysia,Mexico,Costa Rica along with Indonesia,Turkey and Poland.
With more US companies cutting back on Health Benefits,medical tourism has become a viable option for US patients since it not only helps them to save money when they come down to India ,but also they have access to a world class clinical experts in the form of knowledgeable,western educated,English speaking healthcare staff in an environment that is friendly and medically well advanced in terms of infrastructure.
Starting from today every Saturday we will be featuring a "Doctor Spotlight Series" which will help our users to know our doctors at Wockhardt Hospital locations across India,including their surgical expertise,clinical specialties along with their OPD schedules. Patients and care givers are kindly requested to send in their questions to the doctor as a blog comment or an email us their questions at enquiries@wockhardthospitals.net.
Today we feature Doctor Kaushal Malhan,Joint Replacement / Resurfacing and sports Surgeon at Wockhardt Hospitals,Mumbai
DR. KAUSHAL C. MALHAN - Joint Replacement Specialist /Resurfacing and sports Surgeon ,Wockhardt Hospitals,Mumbai
Qualification
FRCS (Orth) U.K., FRCS (Surg) U.K, Dip. Sports Medicine U.K. MS (Orth) Bombay, D (Orth) Bombay.
Dr Malhan completed his MS in orthopaedics in one of Asia's premier institutions - King Edward Memorial Hospital, Bombay. He quickly progressed to become a junior consultant and lecturer in orthopaedic surgery at the same institute. His interest in joint replacement and sports surgery took him overseas where he spent nearly 7 years training in some of the best centers for joint replacement and resurfacing surgery including the Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Hospital, Oswestry, U.K.
Dr. Malhan completed the British orthopaedic training programme in the Oswestry-Stoke rotation (West Midlands) and was awarded the FRCS(Orth). Besides extensive training in primary and revision joint replacement surgery he has also worked in the National institute of sports surgery - UK and units dedicated to knee and shoulder arthroscopic surgery. He is well versed with advanced techniques in cartilage and ligament reconstruction. Dr Malhan did his post FRCS (Orth) fellowship in advanced joint surgery at the Freeman hospital, Newcastle - UK. He is presently a consultant surgeon at the Wockhardt Bone and Joint hospital, Bombay (now called Mumbai) and specializes in knee, hip and shoulder surgery. Here he has established the Regional Hip Resurfacing and Joint Replacement Center for western India. This center has state of the art infrastructure and attracts patients from all over India and overseas.
Dr. Malhan has been in the forefront in the field of high bending total knee replacement and minimally invasive replacement surgery. The first minimally invasive mobile bearing unicompartmental knee replacement in India was done by him.
Medical Breakthroughs of Dr Malhan :Dr. Kaushal Malhan pioneered and popularized hip resurfacing surgery with the first ever live surgical demonstration of the Birmingham hip resurfacing done in Mumbai. This was done in an international conference on resurfacing at the Wockhardt Hospital, Bombay.
The conference was presided over by Dr. Dereck McMinn the inventor of the Birmingham Hip Resurfacing. Dr. Malhan has performed the highest number of Birmingham hip resurfacings in Bombay. He is also the only surgeon to have publicly demonstrated his skills in Mumbai, time and again. Recently two of his live demonstrations of hip resurfacing surgery were telecast to multiple centers within India, for the benefit of other orthopaedic surgeons.
He is also actively involved in training overseas surgeons in hip resurfacing and recently did a live demonstration for surgeons from Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia and Vietnam. He has also had the privilege to demonstrate this surgery in one of the largest teaching hospitals in the country.
Recently, Dr. Malhan was selected from amongst India's joint replacement and resurfacing surgeons to lecture on hip resurfacing for an audience of North American doctors at a symposium organized by the Confederation of Indian Industry(CII).
Academic Achievements
* 12Publications (9 in international journals like The Knee, Spine, Arthroscopy) * 21 Presentations (18 in international meetings) * 2 Dissertations * Demonstrator on faculty in India and abroad – 7 * 15 international courses and symposia * Guest lectures at meetings –32 (these include lectures to prestigious medical bodies like the IMA and GPA) * Teaches trauma life support in the Wockhardt trauma course which was started by him. * His views and articles have been published in reputed newspapers and magazines like the Times. Express, Free Press journal, Midday etc.
For online Appointment and Consultation with Doctor Kaushal Malhan,please email us at enquiries@wockhardthospitals.net
Wockhardt Hospitals has established itself as a leader in the field of health care. Our vision to excel has been shaped by our team of highly motivated and dedicated people. Wockhardt invites qualified, talented and motivated individual who share our vision to provide the best possible care to our patients.For Wockhardt its not only about providing world class affordable health care to our patients,but its also about making our patients partners in Care. For more details log in to Careers page at our website
We are one of the nations fastest growing Hospital chain of 18 Super-Specialty hospitals in India,15 state-of-the-art facilities with more than 5000 employees ,583 Doctors & 1823 nurses and Approximately 1620 beds across all centres in India.
Wockhardt hospitals provide super speciality care in Heart Care, Brain & Spine, Bone & Joint, Minimal Access Surgery and Women Care.
Some of our Medical Breakthroughs include
1994: Introduced India to the World of off pump Coronary Bypass Surgery
1996: Performed Australasia’s first minimal access two vessel surgery
2000: Performed the world’s first awake coronary bypass surgery with aortic valve replacement
2002: The first Hospital Chain In India to Chronic Atrial Fibrillation using Maze III procedure
2004: First Hospital in India to perform Vertebral Artery Angioplasty
If you are interested to join our team at various locations across Indian please send your details to Malathi.A@wockhardthospitals.com
CURRENT OPENINGS ACROSS INDIA
1)Designation: Junior Consultant : Endocrinology
Qualification:DM : Endocrinology,Freshers are welcomes to apply
Location : Bangalore
2)Designation:Registrars in Anaesthesia
Qualifications: DA/MD in Anaesthesia.Freshers can apply
Locations:Bangalore,Hyderabad
3)Designations:Registrars in Obstetrics and Gynecology
Qualifications:DGO/MD in Obs/Gynaec . Freshers can apply
Locations:Bangalore
4)Designation :Neurologist
Qualifications: MD/DM from a reputed Institute in India or equivalent degree from US/UK with 3-4 years post DM experiance
Locations:Bangalore,Kolkata,Mumbai
5.)Designation: Consultants/Junior Consultants for Critical Care
Qualifications:MD with three years experiace in ICU
Locations: Bangalore,Kolkata,Mumbai
6)Designation: Junior Consultant,Cardiology
Qualifications:DM,Cardilogy with 0 to 3 yrs experiance
Qualification :MD in Internal medicine with 4-5 yrs of experiance
Location: Bangalore
We also encourage young MBBS Doctors for any specialty to send their CV to us. Experienced Consultants DM/MCh or equivalent with some years experience in the related specialty, in a reputed Institute are invited to apply for the following positions mentioned below.
Cardiologist
Cardiac Surgeon
Gastroenterologist
Medical oncologist
Nephrologist
Neurologist
Neurosurgeon/Spine Surgeon
Nephrologist
Gastroenterologist
Urologist
Cardiologist
Cardiac Surgeon
Emergency Medicine
Anesthesia
Joint Replacement Surgeon
Minimal Access Surgeon
Radiology
Paediatric Cardiology
Please send your updated CV's to Malathi.a@wockhardthospitals.com
Brain tumors have always challenged the (hand) procedures. CT scan delineates the bone very well when compared neurosurgeon in many ways. They arise in many locations within and outside the brain substance; can get interlocked with the arteries and nerves; destroy bone and affect the functioning of the brain quite subtly at times.
The first decision-making process is to classify the tumors into benign and malignant .Generally, an experienced neurosurgeon can come to a preliminary conclusion based on the CT scan and MRI scan.
IMAGING TECHNOLOGY AND TECHNIQUES
Advances in imaging technology have given the neurosurgeon the ability to see within the skull and its confines in great detail, in the form of CT scan, MRI scan, PET Scan and Digital Subtraction Angiography.
While CT Scan and MRI Scan is commonplace,In PET Scan or Positron Emission Tomography Using isotope-labelled glucose as an intravenous injectable, the scans from this machine show areas of metabolic hyperactivity, which are a direct function of malignancy. PET scans have revolutionised detection of very early stages of cancer.
DIGITAL SUBTRACTION ANGIOGRAPHY: (DSA) This is commonly used to study the anatomical pattern of cerebral vasculature. It is the preferred standard for detecting Aneurysms and Arterio-venous malformations(AVMs).
Microsurgery for Brain Tumor Treatement:The most commonly usedtechnique is Microsurgery. Microsurgery is the gold standard around which other technical innovations are based and it is the most common form of brain tumor surgery. The skill of the surgeon is paramount and effectively decides the final outcome for the patient. The other major techniques are Sterotaxy and Endoscopic Brain Tumour Surgery. The different types of technology and techniques can be used alone or in conjunction with other methods, for example, Endoscope Assisted MicroSurgery (EAMS).
Microsurgery involves the use of the operating microscope, microinstruments,ultrasonic surgicalaspirator and other adjuncts.
Endoscopic Brain Tumour Surgery: Thisis the technology and technique that uses specially designed endoscopes and endoscopic instruments for treating brain tumors. Manyapproaches are already in vogue and new approaches are being developed. For certain brain tumors, endoscopic approaches offer a novel, minimally invasive method to excise these lesions effectively. The minimal operative scar, lesser dissection and minimal hospital stay offer an attractive alternative.
The tumors suitable for endoscopic surgery depend on the location and the tumor type
1.)Intraventricular tumours: colloid cyst excision, posterior third ventricular tumor biopsy,observation of ventricular wall for seedlings.
2.)Intracystic/Intracisternal tumours: Useful for Around the Corner observation, location of mural nodule, etc
3.Trans-nasal/Trans-oral approaches: Pituitary tumour, meningioma, craniopharyngioma,sellar cysts, skull base chordoma, etc.
The technology and the techniques described have improved the outlook for treating brain tumour patients. Patients can look forward to less operative trauma, less postoperative pain, and less hospital stay at no increased cost. These options should be discussed by the family physician with the patient and the neurosurgeon can guide effectively in improving patient care.
Courtesy: Dr. DV Rajakumar M.Ch. Senior Consultant Neurosurgeon Wockhardt Hospitals,Bangalore
Did you that one Brain dead person can give a life to 9 other person. !!
The Transplantation of Human Organs Act-1994 was introduced in 1994 to help in Organ Donation for the needed ones, and also to stop commercial dealings of human organs which includes both Living adn Dead Donors (Cadaver Donors).
According to this act, a person can donate, a doctor can remove and patients can accept those organs as per the law.
Though the act was passed in 1994, the number of cadaver donors are very less.A single BRAIN DEAD person can give life to atleast 9 (nine) different individuals..Around 8 to 10 Brain Dead persons are found in various hospitals at any point of time in major cities like Bangalore.
Around 8 crores people in India need a transplant,whereas only 20 to 30 people out of every million people may become potential donors.From January 1995 till date, hardly 40 hearts from Cadaver Donors in India were transplanted which is abysmally low as compared to the demand.
Organ failure can strike anybody at any time as a result of illness or infection. For most people who experience organ failure, a transplant is their only realistic treatment option. If you die, your organs could help several people through organ transplants and many others through tissue grafts. For e.g. your liver could save the life of someone whose liver has been damaged through illness or accident. A person who is attached to a dialysis machine could return to full-time work after receiving one kidney. Every effort is made to save your life before donation is considered and donation does not disfigure the body.
What Organs can be donated?
Organs: heart, kidneys, pancreas, lungs, liver, and intestines Tissues: currently transplanted human tissues include bone, corneas, skin, heart valves, veins, cartilage and other connective tissues. Bone marrow
In Bangalore alone around 2000 patients are with life support of DIALYSIS. All of them need Kidney Transplantation and it is increasing in number. While so far in Karnataka only 10 Cadaver Donations have been taken place.
The Karnataka Olympic Association has organized a Walkathon for Organ Donation on Sunday the 10th May 2009 at 8 a.mThe Flag off from VIDHANA SOUDHA and Ends at SREE KANTEERAVA STADIUM
We encourage everyone including our medical fraternity to Pledge today for Organ Donation and give some a new ray of life... and who knows you too could become a recipient !!
The Pediatric cardiac team at Wockhardt Hospitals has written a new chapter in the history of Pediatric Heart Surgery in India. An 11 month old baby girl from Orissa has become a rare case to be successfully operated for Congenitally Corrected Transposition of Great Arteries (CCTGA) which occurs in less than 1% of children born with heart defects. The Pediatric cardiac team at Wockhardt Hospitals led by Dr. Devananda, Consultant Cardiac Surgeon successfully completed this six hour surgery on the little baby without any complications.
Baby Pinky (name changed) who is the second child in the family was observed to have breathing difficulty in her second month and upon consultation with the local doctors in Orissa they were referred to Bangalore for further consultation and treatment. The family visited a couple of renowned hospitals in Bangalore but the hospitals had no surgical solution to offer and refused to operate upon the child due to the complexity of the case. That is when the child was brought to Wockhardt Hospitals.
The diagnosis by the doctors at Wockhardt Hospitals revealed that the baby was born with ventricular septral defect and straddling tricuspid valve. In this case the pumping chambers (ventricles) are switched along with the great arteries (aorta and pulmonary artery). The baby also had a large hole in between the ventricles and encroaching of one of the valves across the hole. Children born with this kind of defect might also have abnormal electrical conduction system which means they might be highly susceptible to a complete heart block.
Explaining the case Dr. Devananda, Consultant Cardiac Surgeon, Wockhardt Hospitals said, “This is one of the rarest cases we have observed in congenital heart defects where the chambers along with the arteries were in the reversed position. Since it was a complex case we had to perform three cardiac procedures on the baby in one sitting. First we had to do the closure of the VSD (ventricular septal defect) in such a way that the encroachment of the valve should not hamper the blood flow. Secondly, we redirected the pure and impure blood to the respective normal ventricles (atrial switch) and thirdly we switched the great arteries to the respective ventricles (arterial switch).” This complex condition is seen in less than 1% of all children born with heart defects.
The baby can lead a normal life and will not require any further surgical treatment” said Dr Devananda. The treatment was done at a subsidized cost at the hospital and was supported by the Needy Heart Foundation.
Do you know that its not only the radiation from your mobile phone and electronic gadgets which is harmful ,but also your mobile is a carrier of dangerous germs . For most of us hooked to mobile phones the harmless looking Gadgets like our mobile phones and iPods might be something which has became indispensable for our daily needs of communication,however what you did not know that, these gadgets are also the carriers of dangerous bacteria and micro organisms.
In a recent article in Mid-Day about the dangers of Mobile Phones as germ carriers, explains why bacteria formation in mobile phones might cause infection.
What makes mobiles a hotbed for bacteria is the way we handle them. Infections are usually caused when micro-organisms from unwashed hands are transferred to the surface of the phone. The fact that cell phones offer a warm environment, helps microbes multiply. Since phones are usually stored in bags or in pockets, microbes have easy access to a warm environment. Sweat when transferred from our skin to the phone ups humidity, and moisture ends up aiding the growth of these organisms, explains Dr Supriya Amey, Consultant Microbiologist, Wockhardt Hospital. Over time, these microbes can cause infections in your skin and the soft tissue (like ligaments and muscles)
A recent British study discovered that mobile devices carry tens of thousands of bacteria including Staphylococcus aureus, which can cause everything from pimples and boils to pneumonia and meningitis. In another study, an Arizona microbiologist tested 25 random mobile phones and found the staph bug growing on nearly half!”
Ways of Protecting yourself
The easiest option is to maintain thorough hand hygiene and handling your cell phone after washing your hands. "Wash your hands with a soap or use a hand-sanitiser. Ensure that you wipe the cell phone with an alcohol-based solution, using a tissue daily. If you are visiting a hospital or paying a visit to someone who is unwell, there's more likelihood of germs getting transferred. So, avoid carrying your cell phone altogether if you are visiting some patient at a hospital.
Here are some more tips on cleaning your must have gadgets
MP3 Cleaning
Wipe down your MP3s using a clean, soft, dry cloth. Don’t use paper towels because you’ll just scratch the screen. If you haven’t cleaned your MP3 for a while, try putting ammonia free glass cleaner on the soft cloth. And don’t forget to wipe down the ear-buds and cords!
Cell Phone
Once a week wipe down your cell phone with a dry cloth. If you spill something on it (like coffee, for example) turn the cell phone off, take out the battery and clean it with a cotton swapped dipped (but not dripping!) in isopropyl alcohol. Try to get into all those little crevices. It’s a pain but it’s better than getting a new cell phone.
The Laptop Keyboard
Slightly dampen a lint-free cloth with water and wipe down the keyboard. Then dampen some cotton swabs and try to get into the places where the cloth just could not reach.
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