Neurology

The Department of Neurology provides comprehensive neuro-care to outpatients and inpatients, including super-specialty services for stroke, epilepsy, and critical care. We also provide 24/7neuro-care supervision to patients placed under critical care.

The department has a state-of-the-art electrophysiology lab. It is one of the few centers with portable electrophysiology equipment. We are well-equipped to offer highly specialized services like palliative and neuro-oncology care. The hospital is also a referral center for all neurology cases along the Hebbal-Doddaballapur axis.

Currently, we are in the evolving stage of setting up the stroke and neuro-critical care unit.

Our super specialty services include treatment of:

1. Epilepsy
2. Stroke
3. Vertigo
4. Migraine
5. Multiple Sclerosis
6. Alzheimer’s disease
7. Neuromuscular disorders

MUMBAI: She stands in front of a bedroom mirror, colour-coordinates her dress and makeup, and steps out into the living room of her Vasai bungalow. After eight long years.

Amita Rajani (42) recently got back to her feet after being confined to bed since 2007 with a genetic condition that caused her weight to touch 300kg.

Once a businesswoman, Rajani underwent bariatric surgery, more specifically laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, this April. It brought down her weight to 183kg. She is still losing it.

“Amita’s is a classic case of ‘super super morbid obesity’. She had the highest circumference at 100 inches among any Indian and her body mass index was over 100,” said bariatric surgeon Dr Shashank Shah who operated on her in Pune. The BMI of an average person should be 18-23. The circumference should be less than 80cm.

Plastic surgeon Dr Ravin Thatte said obesity cannot be linked to lifestyle alone. “This seems to be more of a genetic problem.”

Amita, the youngest in a joint family of 28, weighed a normal 3kg at birth. At six, she began to gain weight. “By the time I reached Class X, I weighed 128kg.” Her mother Mamta (top right pic, with Amita) blames heredity. Amita’s grandmother weighed 250kg. Her father Avinash underwent a weight loss surgery four decades ago. When he died in November last year, he was 95kg.

Amita was initially averse to surgery, as her weight did not stop her from running a soft toy factory in Vasai. She would board a train at Vasai and travel to distant Crawford Market. Stares and remarks did not bother her. “Since I was going about life like any normal person, surgery was not on my mind,” said the science graduate.

By 2007, her weight crossed 200kg. Her feet and hands began to swell. She had trouble breathing and was left with only one functional kidney. She could not get up without the support of four-five people. What was more devastating for her was performing all her bodily functions in bed. Dr Shah said, “When I first saw her picture, I could not see the sofa on which she was seated.”

MUMBAI: She stands in front of a bedroom mirror, colour-coordinates her dress and makeup, and steps out into the living room of her Vasai bungalow. After eight long years.

Amita Rajani (42) recently got back to her feet after being confined to bed since 2007 with a genetic condition that caused her weight to touch 300kg.

Once a businesswoman, Rajani underwent bariatric surgery, more specifically laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, this April. It brought down her weight to 183kg. She is still losing it.

“Amita’s is a classic case of ‘super super morbid obesity’. She had the highest circumference at 100 inches among any Indian and her body mass index was over 100,” said bariatric surgeon Dr Shashank Shah who operated on her in Pune. The BMI of an average person should be 18-23. The circumference should be less than 80cm.

Plastic surgeon Dr Ravin Thatte said obesity cannot be linked to lifestyle alone. “This seems to be more of a genetic problem.”

Amita, the youngest in a joint family of 28, weighed a normal 3kg at birth. At six, she began to gain weight. “By the time I reached Class X, I weighed 128kg.” Her mother Mamta (top right pic, with Amita) blames heredity. Amita’s grandmother weighed 250kg. Her father Avinash underwent a weight loss surgery four decades ago. When he died in November last year, he was 95kg.

Amita was initially averse to surgery, as her weight did not stop her from running a soft toy factory in Vasai. She would board a train at Vasai and travel to distant Crawford Market. Stares and remarks did not bother her. “Since I was going about life like any normal person, surgery was not on my mind,” said the science graduate.

By 2007, her weight crossed 200kg. Her feet and hands began to swell. She had trouble breathing and was left with only one functional kidney. She could not get up without the support of four-five people. What was more devastating for her was performing all her bodily functions in bed. Dr Shah said, “When I first saw her picture, I could not see the sofa on which she was seated.”

Endocrinology
We take care of patients with thyroid, pitutary, adrenal, and other endocrine related problems.

Thyroid related problems can occur irrespective of age or gender. Hypothyroidism (underacting thyroid) and hyperthyroidism (overacting thyroid) are the two common conditions which affect a large population. The symptoms which occur in these conditions can be easily overlooked by the affected people and usually diagnosed incidentally in the initial stages. These conditions can be easily managed by various treatment methods if diagnosed properly.

Our department is a tertiary referral centre for various pituitary, adrenal and other endocrine related diseases. We work in close collaboration with Neurosurgery, Head and Neck surgery and GI Surgery department as some of the endocrine conditions need combined surgical and medical treatments.

by
NH City Hospital

Rheumatology

Rheumatology in modern terms is called Clinical Immunology. It is now acknowledged that the under lying cause for a disease like rheumatism is a dysregulation of the normal functioning of the immune system. However for the sake of continuity and ease of identification among patients the term rheumatology is still retained and this branch is often referred to as Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology.

Therefore diseases resulting from the dysregulation (meaning altered regulation) of the normal functioning of the immune system, ( which often results in the immune system – which is meant to protect the body – turning on its own body and hence causing disease of the immune system ) can affect virtually any organ of the body, however the systems most commonly involved are
Joints : Disease of joints is called ARTHRITIS (which in turn are of many varieties)
Blood Vessels : Diseases of blood vessels are called VASCULITIS (and since blood vessels are ubiquitous in the body, any organ like the brain, heart, lungs, kidneys, gut, skin joint, muscle, etc can be affected)
Muscles : Disease affecting muscles is called MYOSITIS
Skin : Disease affecting the skin is called Systemic SCLEROSIS
Eyes : Disease affecting part of the eyes is called UVEITIS
Kidney : Disease of the kidney is collectively called NEPHRITIS
Soft Tissue Rheumatism : A group of conditions which are not included in the above but which can cause tremendous pain over the entire body called FIBROMYALGIA which is fairly commonly.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome : A rarer condition in our country, the disorder causes pain at the insertion of muscles, tendons called ENTHESOPATHY or TENDINITIS respectively
Tenosynovitis : Inflammation around tendons and ligaments called TENOSYNOVITIS which can manifest as CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME or TRIGGER FINGERS
SLE (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus) : A chronic generalized inflammatory condition which is characterized by fever and affecting all or any combination of organs mentioned above. This condition is diagnosed by the presence of typical antibodies in the blood called ANA antibodies.

Ophthalmology

Ophthalmology is the branch of medicine that deals with the anatomy, physiology and diseases of the eye. An ophthalmologist is a specialist in medical and surgical eye problems. Ophthalmology includes sub-specialities which deal either with certain diseases or diseases of certain parts of the eye.

Some of them are:

Anterior Segment Surgery
Retinal Ophthalmology – emphasis on LASER treatment of the retina and actual retinal surgery
Cataracts – not usually considered a subspecialty per se, since most general ophthalmologists perform cataract surgery
Cornea, Ocular Surface and External Disease
Glaucoma
Medical Retina deals with treatment of retinal problems through non-surgical means
Neuro-ophthalmology
Ocular Oncology
Oculoplastics & Orbit Surgery
Ophthalmic Pathology
Pediatric Ophthalmology/Strabismus (mis-alignment of the eyes)
Refractive Surgery
Uveitis
Immunology
Vitreo-retinal Surgery deals with surgical management of retinal and posterior segment diseases and disorders
Medical Retina and Vitreo-retinal Surgery sometimes together called posterior segment subspecialisation.

Dermatology & Cosmetology:

Skin is the largest organ of our body hence care needs to be taken to keep it healthy and glowing. Many factors like good and healthy nutrition, plenty of water and fluids, adequate exercise and sun protection add to the well being of our skin. A good nutrition consisting of green leafy vegetables, proteins, fruits, atleast 6 to 8 glasses of water every day is required to maintain a good skin texture and glow. Half an hour of moderate exercise everyday helps retain a good skin tone and a good sun block cream to protect your skin from the intense ultraviolet radiation reduces the effects of aging and protects your skin from skin cancers.
Dermatologis provide management and care for diseases related to skin, hair, nails, sexually transmitted diseases, cosmetology and dermatosurgical procedures.

Sub-specialities services of dermatology at NH include

Paediatric dermatology
Dermatosurgery
Cosmetology
Allergies All infections related to skin
Venereology

We treat common skin conditions like eczemas, psoriasis, vitiligo, leprosy, fungal, viral and common bacterial conditions. Others include hair disorders like baldness, hair loss, and nail disorders as well. All kinds of allergies along with sexually transmitted diseases and HIV are also treated.

In addition to our daily out-patient services, we carry out diagnostic and cosmetic procedures like skin biopsies, electrocautery for removal of skin tags, warts curettage of molluscum contagiosum, chemical peels for pigmentation and scars, treatment of acne scars, dermaroller for scars, ear piercing, cryotherapy for warts, corns, intralesional injections for keloids, patchy hair loss, patch testing and allergy testing.
We also have in patient services for dermatology. Our daily services also include referrals from other departments every day.

Training programs are offered for Post – Graduates in Dermatology and Venereology.

Derma-Oncology (Skin Cancer)
Skin being the largest organ, is subjected to non-stop exposure of various harmful agents such as intense sunlight, UV rays, chemicals and environmental agents. This constant irritation and exposure make the skin susceptible to cancers. Most common types of skin cancers are
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) Melanoma Squamous Cell Carcinomas Lymphomas

Cosmetology
If genetics didn’t oblige you with striking features, you need not worry. Surgeons at Narayana Health have a solution. With an excellent track record of success in high-end Cosmetic Surgery, thanks to a team of skilled medical professionals, backed by advanced surgical facilities and expert nursing care, we follow the latest and safest techniques, often opting for endoscopic procedures with minimal recovery time and discomfort. The services offered include Facelift, Rhinoplasty, Liposuction, Eyelid surgery, Breast Reduction, Breast Augmentation, Breast Lift, Tummy Tuck and Body Lift.
Surgeons at Mazumdar Shaw Medical Center at NH Health City Bangalore have performed over 1000 cosmetic and reconstructive surgeries in a year.

Article by
Narayana Health city

Thoracic Surgery

All thoracic diseases pertaining to the lungs, esophagus, mediastinum, chest wall and diaphragm.

We are a state-of-the-art tertiary referral centre offering all major thoracic surgical procedures such as complex lung resections including segmental and sleeve resections for lung cancer, tuberculosis and other infective conditions, emphysema and congenital lesions.

Tracheal surgery and reconstructions is our forte and we have the largest series of tracheal reconstructions in Bangalore.

The unit also specializes in Video Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery and Mediastinoscopy (one of the few in the country) capable of performing major intra-thoracic surgical procedures through “key holes” with the help of a thoracoscope.

We have a considerable expertise in surgery for major mediastinal tumors, chest wall tumors and reconstructions. We are also well versed with esophageal surgery for cancer, strictures, etc. Management of major cardiothoracic trauma due to road traffic accidents, assault and stab injuries, gunshots, etc., are some of the routinely handled procedures and surgeries. Due to our capacities of handling the most intricate cases with immense diligence, we have become a major referral centre for all types of thoracic surgical problems.

Lung volume reduction surgery is performed for emphysematous conditions as well as chronic COPD on a regular basis. Health City, Bangalore has been accredited and ready to embark on a Lung and Heart-Lung transplant programme.

We are ably complemented with well equipped systems of Chest Medicine with very experienced Chest Physicians, Interventional Pulmonologists and respiratory technicians and it makes us a “one stop centre” for all thoracic surgical conditions.

Article By
Narayana Health City

Reproductive Medicine

Having a baby is one of the wonders of creation. But some couples have difficulty in fulfilling this dream; this is where the scientific knowledge and application of the medical fraternity brings joy to millions of couples by assisting them to conceive through IVF.

What is IVF?

IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) is the advanced scientific technology for assisted conception for which Prof. Robert G Edwards was aptly conferred the prestigious Noble Prize. With the birth of the first IVF baby Lousie Brown in 1978 and millions born subsequently IVF has established itself as time tested method for achieving pregnancy. Commonly termed as test-tube baby, IVF involves fertilization of the egg and sperm outside the body (in vitro).

IVF comprises of

Stimulation and monitoring of the development of follicles (eggs) in the female
Retrieval of these eggs under ultrasound guidance
Procurement of sperms from the male
Fertilization of the egg with sperm in the lab
Culturing the embryo for a few days
Transfer of the embryo back into the uterus of the female partner
Intra Cytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) – A variation of the procedure involves injecting the sperm into the egg

Why is the procedure required?

IVF is done to help a woman become pregnant. It is used to treat many causes of infertility, including

Damaged or blocked fallopian tubes (can be caused by pelvic inflammatory disease or prior reproductive surgery)
Endometriosis
Male factor infertility, including decreased sperm count and blockage
Unexplained infertility
Advanced age of the woman

The Department of Rheumatology provides diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation for adults and children with rheumatic and related disorders. Chronic diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, gout, pseudo gout and fibromyalgia are some of the diseases commonly treated. Other diseases managed are collagen vascular diseases like Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), Poly Arteritis Nodosa (PAN) and Sjögren’s syndrome

Rheumatic diseases affect many parts of the body, hence multi-disciplinary care is required and treatment is customized for each patient. The consultants also use different modes of therapy like pain medications, anti-inflammatory medications, chemotherapeutic agents and intra-articular steroids.

The focus is on alleviating pain, improving quality of life and prolonging the life expectancy of patients with chronic rheumatic diseases. The department is supported by physiotherapists and occupational therapists.
Treatments and Procedures

1. Treatment and management of rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and spondylo-arthropathies
2. Treatment for psoriatic arthritis, vasculitis, systemic lupus erythematosus and scleroderma
3. Management of gout and pseudogout
4. Treatment of polymyositis and polymyalgia rheumatica
5. Treatment for fibromyalgia

Article By:
Columbiaasia Hospitals.

Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS)

Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) in India

The Department of Neurosurgery have a team of highly qualified and experienced neurosurgeons and neurologists specializing in all types of neurosurgery for comprehensive management of diseases and disorders of the brain, spinal cord and peripheral nerves. The department aims at excellence in neurosurgical care through the practice of evidence based medicine and treatment according to international protocols.

Columbia Asia Hospital is one among the few centers in India to have DBS expertise in treating neurological diseases like Parkinson’s disease. The hospital has a team of high profile consultants who help patients manage all aspects of the complex condition through an integrated approach including counseling of the patients and their relatives.

Deep brain stimulation is considered to be one of the latest and advanced technologies in the treatment of Parkinson’s diseases. DBS uses high frequency electrical signals to block the abnormal nerve signals that cause the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease (tremor, rigidity, walking problems, stiffness, and others) without harming the brain.
Salient features of DBS In India at Columbia Asia Hospitals

Experienced team of professionals, including a specialist neurologist (movement disorder specialist), specialist neurosurgeon, neuroradiologist, physiotherapist and dietary specialists who provide high-quality care
Over 90% success rate achieved on patients suffering from Parkinson’s diseases
State-of-the-art operation theatre with modern equipment like
Operating microscope- zeiss pentero & opmi vario
Mizuho ot table
Sugita head frame
Midas rex legend drill system
Cusa/ dsac arm
Aesculap & codman micro instruments
Storz spinal endoscope
Leksell steriotaxic apparatus
Minimum blood loss and a short hospital stay of just 3 days
In this surgery the brain is not injured, hence it is relatively risk free.
Surgery is completely reversible and programmable
Parkinson medications are reduced which results in improvement of drug related side effects.
Vast improvement in quality of life

Treatment / Procedures

DBS for Essential Tremours and Dystonia
DBS for management of Parkinsons’s