Oncology

The Department of Oncology provides quality and compassionate cancer care at affordable prices. These include cancer surgery, Chemotherapy and Radiotherapy. Driven by a dynamic and dedicated team of Onco-surgeons, Radiation oncologists, Medical oncologist, Medical physicists, Radiation technologists, Oncology nurses and counselors, the department has the capability to manage cancer patients across all age groups.

The Radiotherapy department has a state-of-the-art Linear accelerator (Eleckta Synergy) with IMRT capabilities and sophisticated software and hardware systems. The physics equipments used for quality assurance are also of international standards.

At the multidisciplinary tumour board held every week, cases which require multiple modalities of treatment are discussed by the experts from each speciality with the concerned families. Patient program and support group meetings are held periodically to encourage patients in their treatment. Program and games for children and their families are held at regular intervals. We have associated with organisations such as Make-a-Wish Foundation and TEENS mad for various patient related activities. We also hold cancer screening camps periodically.

Our range of services includes:

Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy Port catheter
Biological targeted therapy
Intraperitoneal chemotherapy
Pediatric chemotherapy
Hemat-oncology chemotherapy
Radiotherapy
Conventional/Palliative
Pediatric
3CDRT
IMRT
Gold Seed fiducial guided RT
Palliative care medicine
Surgery
Breast oncology
Colorectal oncology
Pediatriconcology
Gynae-oncology
Hepatobiliary oncology
Head and neck oncology

The department also has a well-equipped library providing books on Radiation and Medical Oncology and Medical Physics
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BBH

NICU or Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, specializes in the care of ill or premature newborn infants or those newborn requiring close care and monitoring. There is a step down Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU) to take care of preterm babies, who are feeding and growing rapidly but need monitoring till they are fit for discharge.

The department of Neonatology, has neonatologists, pediatricians, pediatric surgeons and nurses trained in newborn care round the clock. The care given to the newborn is individualised and our Neonatologists practice evidence based medicine and follow internationally accepted protocols.

Treatments and Procedures:

Provide neonatal resuscitation at every delivery
Evaluate and provide postnatal care to healthy newborn infants
Immunisation services
Care of babies born to “high risk” mothers
Care of low birth weight babies
Care of premature babies
Care of sick newborn
Babies requiring sustained respiratory support
Care and support of newborn during transport in and out of the hospital
Antenatal counselling when newborn problems are anticipated
Neonatal surgery including urological and thoracic problems
Post- operative care
Newborn screening for hearing defects
Newborn screening for inborn errors of metabolism
Parents are trained in newborn care post discharge from NICU

Tags: Premature Babies, Newborn Baby Care, Pediatric Surgery, Pediatric Doctor, Premature Baby, Baby Care, Child Doctor, Neonatologist, Columbia Asia Hospital

A hysterectomy is a surgical procedure to remove the uterus.

A hysterectomy is an operation for a woman that will only be recommended if other treatment options have been unsuccessful.
Causes for Hysterectomy

The most common reasons for having a hysterectomy include:

Heavy periods (menorrhagia), due to fibroids for example
Pelvic pain, due to endometriosis, unsuccessfully treated pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) or fibroids for example
Prolapse of the uterus
Cancer of the uterus, ovaries or cervix

Procedure

Vaginal hysterectomy illustration key

Removing uterus through vagina
Pelvic bone
Bladder
Fallopian tubes and ovaries

Performing a hysterectomy

The most common reasons for having a hysterectomy include:

There are three ways that a hysterectomy can be performed. They are:

Open Hysterectomy:

1. vaginal hysterectomy
2. abdominal hysterectomy
3. laparascopic hysterectomy

Open hysterectomy

During an open hysterectomy, the uterus and cervix are removed through an incision that is made.After the uterus and cervix have been removed, the incision will be sewn up. The operation usually takes about an hour to complete.After your uterus has been removed, the incision is stitched up.

The operation will take about an hour to perform and a general anaesthetic is used.An abdominal hysterectomy may be recommended if your uterus is enlarged by fibroids or pelvic tumours and it is not possible to remove it through your vagina.

Laparoscopic hysterectomy

Laparoscopic surgery is also known as keyhole surgery. Nowadays, a laparoscopic hysterectomy is the preferred treatment method for removing the organs and surrounding tissues of the reproductive system. A laparoscopic hysterectomy is less invasive than a vaginal or abdominal hysterectomy because the incisions that are made are much smaller. This means that the wounds will be smaller and the recovery time will be quicker.

During the procedure, a small tube containing a telescope (laparoscope) and a tiny video camera will be inserted through a small incision in your abdomen.Laparoscopic hysterectomies are usually carried out under general anaesthetic.
Preoperative care

If you need to have a hysterectomy, it’s important to be as fit and healthy as possible.Good health before your operation will help reduce your risk of developing complications and speed up your recovery.

As soon as you know that you are going to have a hysterectomy, take the following steps:

Stop smoking (if you smoke).
Eat a healthy, balanced diet.
Exercise regularly.
Lose weight (if you are overweight).

Some blood tests and a general health check is done a few days before the operation to ensure that you are fit for surgery
Postoperative care

You will be given painkillers to help reduce any pain and discomfort.

The day after your operation, you will be encouraged to take a short walk. After the catheter has been removed, you should be able to pass urine normally. Any stitches that need to be removed will be taken out five-to-seven days after your operation.As a laparoscopic hysterectomy is a less invasive operation, you will usually be in hospital for a shorter period of time, providing there are no complications.

It takes about six-to-eight weeks to fully recover after having a hysterectomy. During this time, you should rest as much as possible and not lift anything heavy, such as bags of shopping. Your abdominal muscles and the surrounding tissues need time to heal.
Complications of a hysterectomy
General anaesthetic

It is very rare for serious complications to occur after having a general anaesthetic (1 in 10,000 anaesthetics given).

Bleeding
Bladder or bowel damage
Infection
Thrombosis
Vaginal problems
Ovary failure
Early menopause

Side effects

After having a hysterectomy, you may experience some temporary side effects as outlined below.

Bowel and bladder disturbances
Vaginal discharge

Getting back to normal
Returning to work

How long it will take for you to return to work will depend on how you feel and what sort of work you do.
Driving

Don’t drive until you’re comfortable wearing a seatbelt and can safely perform an emergency stop.
Exercise and lifting

After having a hysterectomy, the hospital will give you information and advice about suitable forms of exercise while you recover.Don’t lift any heavy objects during your recovery period. If you have to lift light objects, make sure that your knees are bent and your back is straight.
Sex

After a hysterectomy, it’s generally recommended that you don’t have sex until any vaginal discharge has stopped and you feel comfortable and relaxed, or after a minimum of six weeks.
Contraception

You no longer need to use contraception to prevent pregnancy after having a hysterectomy. However, you will still need to use condoms to protect yourself against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Kidney Stones: Unhealthy Habits & Dehydration

What Causes a Kidney Stone?

Diet, stress and unhealthy living have made us prone to various health disorders. One such health issue is the possibility of developing kidney stones. Kidney stones are a culmination of salts and mineral that collect in urine. They range from being pebble sized to being as large as golf balls. While most times kidney stones can be passed through the urinary tract, sometimes they stay in the kidneys.

The urinary tract is the system responsible for making and passing urine out of the body. It includes the kidneys, bladder, urethra (the tube that connects the bladder to the outside of the body) and ureter (connects bladder to kidneys). When urine, containing kidney stones, passes through the ureter and urethra, it can be painless or very painful.

A main reason for kidney stones to be formed in the body is because of dehydration. We pay a lot of attention to what we wear, eat and perform at the work place. However, the rat race causes us to forgo the small daily necessities for our health. Being hydrated is on such habit. Prevent getting kidney stones by constantly hydrated!

If you have pain in the following areas: groin, belly or side of the body, get a diagnosis for kidney stones done. Additionally, if urine passed is pink or reddish in color, get yourself checked for kidney stones. An early diagnosis will help prevent the condition from worsening.

Tags: Kidney Stones , Stone , Kidneys , Bladder , Urethra , Ureter , Unhealthy , Health , Urine , Dehydration , Tubes , Hydrated , Columbia Asia Hospital

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Dermatology, Venereology & Leprosy

The Department of Dermatology was established to provide comprehensive treatment for skin related problems at affordable costs. Equipped with state of the art medical equipment and managed by qualified and experienced skin-specialists, the Dermatology Department focuses on evidence-based medicine and quality care. The department also offers treatment for leprosy and venereal diseases.

Our range of services includes:

1. Skin peeling /polishing
2. Treatment of acne scars
3. Microdermabrasion
4. Laser hair removal using Diode laser technique
5. Mole removal using dermatosurgical techniques
6. Hair related therapy using techniques like follicular unit extraction transplant
7. Photo-therapy using UVA/UVB facilities for treatment of vitiligo, psoriasis & other skin conditions for hand/foot and whole-body
8. Dermatosurgery
9. Vitiligo Surgery
10. Nail Surgery
11. Platelet rich plasma therapy for hair loss and facial rejuvenation
12. Mesotherapy
13. Electrolysis hair removal and removal of extra skin growths and skin tags using Radio Frequency Unit and Electro Cautery(2-in-1)

Reproductive Medicine –IVF Unit

The Department of Reproductive Medicine has all facilities to treat couples for infertility, providing appropriate diagnosis, medication and treatment. Infertility affects almost 10-15 percent of couples in the child bearing age. It is important to create awareness about the causes and realities of infertility, so that couples can be more open about their condition and benefit from reproductive medicine. BBH is making every effort to build awareness about reproductive medicine and provide couples with holistic care.

The department is well-equipped to conduct a detailed diagnosis of patients’ infertility conditions. The evaluation and treatment is done based on evidence-based medicine and we ensure that a truly humane approach is taken for every case. The department houses a team of highly qualified and experienced clinicians and in-house embryologists to ensure that patients get results in line with international standards, while also maintaining the confidentiality and privacy of our patients.

Our range of services includes:

1. Infertility diagnosis
2. Advanced laparoscopic surgery
3. Ovulation induction with ultrasound monitoring
4. Intrauterine insemination
5. In vitro fertilization (IVF)
6. Surgical retrieval of sperm
7. Blastocyst transfer
8. Embryo freezing – vitrification
9. Sperm freezing
10. Fertility preservation
11. Counselling services
12. Intra Cyto Plasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)

The In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) program at BBH, introduced in March 2012, recorded its first successful delivery – fraternal twins – in November 2012. Since then, the program has been helping childless couples conceive. The department of Reproductive Medicine comprises an experienced and dedicated team of specialists, and the latest technology in IVF.

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.