~13 children from interiors of Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan have undergone heart surgery at Fortis Hospitals~

It is happy days again for these bright little kids who are now all set to go back home and start a healthy life. These 13 little hearts from interiors of Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan were suffering from complex heart conditions and have now undergone successful surgery at Fortis Hospitals.

“I was not sure why I couldn’t play with my fellow kids from our neighbourhood and why I had to gasp for breath every time I ran. All I want is to be like my friends who keeps running all day long and yet they don’t get tired” that is all that this little child Master Rishav Chourasia knows about his health.

At 8, he wonders why he is not like his friends. He was suffering from a complex disease of the heart called as Tetralogy of fallot (TOF). It is the most common heart defect in children. The condition is characterised by a combination of four heart defects i.e. pulmonary stenosis, ventricular hypertrophy, ventricular septal defect, and an aorta, and results in a situation wherein deoxygenated (blue) blood flows out to the body, thus making the children appear bluish. Rishav’s condition was unique as the critical blood vessels of the heart muscle were crossing the path which had to be cut to solve the problem of pulmonary stenosis.  The doctors had to do the procedure making sure that the surgery did not affect the blood vessels of this young boys’ heart.

Like Rishav there were 12 more children who walked smilingly into to the hospital, little did they knew that they had heart defects at birth and were undergoing complex surgeries at such a young age to correct their problem? CHD or  “Congenital Heart Disease is a serious problem plaguing the country. An early detection of the heart defects at birth could help in complete cure. It is very important that awareness about heart disease at birth is properly spread among the masses so that it is detected at the right time. Once the deformity is detected at the appropriate time, treatment is definitely possible and once treated these kids live a normal and healthy life” said Dr. Joseph Xavier, Consultant Pediatric Cardiac Surgeon Fortis Hospitals.

While explaining to the media about congenital heart disease Dr. Joseph Xavier touched upon some of the very complex cases which he operated, “Ram a 3 year old child from Madhya Pradesh son of a temple priest, was suffering from a rare condition of the heart called as total anomalous systemic venous correction where the entire impure blood was returning to the wrong chamber and was getting mixed with pure blood which was nearly fatal a kind of life threatening situation for Ram.  The surgery that we performed involved rerouting of his right artery correcting his deformity. The procedure was successfully done. Ram today is healthy and free from all complications and ready to go back home.”

“We had yet another challenging child Baby Sara who is just 7months old. She had multiple ventricular septal defect (VSD) which is commonly known as hole in heart. The challenge in doing the surgery on Baby Sara was her weight which was just 5 kg and also her age. However now Sara’s hole in the heart has been corrected after the surgery” added Dr. Joseph Xavier.

“There are many children in our country who are suffering from congenital heart disease or heart defects and there is a huge space for creating more awareness around these disease and how early detection and can help save these little hearts. We at Fortis Hospitals are making an attempt to extend our support to save these young hearts. We have been receiving such kids from various parts of India through our association with ENR and Father Chinnappan who is spearheading this initiative in our country” said P Davison, Head of operations Fortis Hospitals Bannerghatta.

Father Chinappan, a priest from Bhopal, has been working towards the cause of helping children suffering from congenital heart defects get their treatment. Father is associated with a German Foundation called ENR who helps raise funds for the surgeries. Fortis and Dr. Joseph Xavier has been actively supporting Father Chinappan’s cause by conducting congenital heart defect surgeries for the children, where the cost of the surgery at a subsidized rate.

Congenital Heart Disease refers to heart disease which is present at birth. These are primarily seen in neonates, infants and children; although in our country it is not uncommon to see adults with uncorrected heart defects. The percentage of children suffering from congenital heart disease in our country is likely to be humongous considering the high birth rate. This shows clearly that the emphasis on this kind of heart disease should be enormous. Though there have been rapid advances in the diagnosis and treatment of CHD over the last few decades, the mortality rate is still very high in our country due to lack of inadequate awareness, screening programs etc in the grass root level to detect the disease at the right time. Managing CHD in India is indeed an important issue and is often overlooked.

The total number of dedicated pediatric cardiologist and surgeons in our country are also very less and there are few centres which are equipped to perform such surgeries. Hence there is a need to spread more awareness around CHD and the fact that if diagnosed early this can be treated. Another essential element that needs to be highlighted is on Foetal Echocardiography. This is used to diagnose heart defects before a child is born. The diagnosis done through foetal echocardiography helps in treating the heart defect in the child at an early stage especially when many times some interventions need to be done immediately after the birth. If abnormalities of the foetal heart are discovered by a prenatal screening procedure, this special examination of the heart of can be performed with a referral from a physician which will help identifying the defect at the right stage, perform corrective procedures and reduce the mortality and morbidity rate.

“I was touched by the innocent smile of child when I saw him in one of the hospitals in Bhopal and came to know that he has a heart defect and his parents cannot afford his surgery. Since then my drive for spreading awareness about heart diseases in children started. My priest friend from Germany who came to know about this drive put me on to ENR and since then there has been no looking back. We are getting such kids to Fortis every year for treatment. It wouldn’t have been possible for me to complete my quest for helping these children without the support from Fortis, Dr. Joseph Xavier and ENR. I would like to urge my fellow brothers to wake up to this problem where many kids of our country are dying due to lack of treatment. A little help could save millions of lives” expressed Father Chinnappan.

Doctors at Mulund ,Mumbai Fortis Hospitals, has successfully removed a  tumor via  minimal access surgery.The tumor had resulted into complications like diabetes and hypertension leading to Cushing Disease – a rare hormonal disorder.Studies show a probability of 50% mortality rate if the patient does not receive proper treatment in around 5 years.Cushing Disease affects around 10,000 people every year in India.

Crushing Diseases affects women five times more often than men

November 25^th 2010, Thane: In a rare & complicated case expert team of Endocrinologist and Neurosurgeon at Fortis Hospitals successfully treated a 32 year old lady from Thane who suffered from pituitary gland tumour and resulting complications, using minimally invasive surgery through nasal cavity (nose).

The tumour, situated in pituitary gland at the base of the brain,  triggered excessive production of ACTH hormone by the adrenal glands leading to complications like diabetes, hypertension and sudden weight gain, a condition which is normally referred to as “Cushing disease,” which could be fatal if left untreated for long

Ms Nayan Palan, almost a year ago, started experiencing a rapid weight gain (around 15- 20 kg in 2-3 weeks). She was also detected with diabetes. She also experienced acute headache, swollen face and pimples on her face leading her to consult a local dermatologist. The dermatologist recommended a few medical tests that confirmed high levels of the hormone “cortisol” in her body. She later consulted Dr Sudhendra Kulkarni, endocrinologist at Fortis Hospital, Mulund. This led to the detection of “cushing disease”. Later, an MRI scan of her Pituitary gland confirmed a tumour that was responsible for her condition.

“It is very important to detect the disease on time. If left undetected, it can lead to many comlication. Studies have shown that there is a probability of 50% of patients to die in 5 years as a result of complications if left untreated. With timely detection and right expertise, the disease can be diagnosed and treated early” Dr Deepu Banerji, Neurosurgeon at Fortis Hospital Mulund.

“This disease normally affects ladies of young age of early 30s and is accompanied with symptoms including diabetes, hypertension and obesity. Normally, people limit the treatment mode to the cure of these illnesses only, without thinking there could be something more to it. Here lies the importance of correct diagnosis, disease detection and treatment at the hands of an expert who had enough experience of treating such cases. The disease is such that it cannot be instantly diagnosed and the correct cause of the ailment could only be arrived through step by step diagnostic process.” Dr Sudhendra Kulkarni, endocrinologist Fortis Hospital, Mulund

Dr. Deepu Banerji used an endoscope to reach the tumour through her nostrils. He used both the nasal openings to reach the tumour to avoid incision or scar. Dr Banerji took special care to remove every bit of the tumour, to achieve cure & preserve the normal pituitary gland. The patient also had bits of tumour not seen on MRI. This too was identified and removed.

After the surgery, patient’s condition showed substantial improvement and was discharged within few days. Follow up tests confirmed that her diabetes and hypertension was completely cured and her weight was restored to normalcy.

“I was worried and reluctant initially as I thought a surgery for removing a tumour had to be a major one. However, when the doctor told me that my tumour could be removed through nose, my reluctance faded,” said Ms Palan, who was operated in the Fortis Hospital, Mulund. “I thought my diabetes can never be cured. However, thanks to the expert team of doctors, it was cured automatically with the removal of tumour. Today, technology and medical science have advanced so much that any ailment could be cured without any side-affects.” she added.

For nine months, The Nest offers you superlative care in a homely and caring environment. The TLC Privilege Package is tailored to make your long wait special. Our ante-natal program prepares you and your spouse both physically and emotionally for the birth of the baby. Our LDRP and elegant birthing suites are designed to make your stay during delivery memorable.

Women care at Fortis Hospitals ,Bannerghata Road,Bangalore launched in 2007 is a culmination of strengths has a 30,000 sq. ft. area is exclusively dedicated to Women care with consultation suites, delivery rooms, operating rooms, dedicated to obstetrics, a 12-bed neo-natal ICU & a nursery. Our Women health care programmes, besides minimal access gynecological services, also include preventive clinics (early diagnosis of breast, uterine, ovarian and cervical cancer), Infertility clinics & Menopausal clinics.

The Nest Birthing Package provides the Following

• The Nest Birthing Suit for Birthing and delivery
• LDRP birthing suites, Private deluxe, Twin-deluxe and multi-bed
• Painless deliveries
• Management of high risk pregnancies/Late pregnancies
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• Ante-natal classes

We emphasize on natural birthing and provide you support services like Lamaze and ante-natal classes. We give you the option of comfortable natural birthing with painless delivery techniques. The boutique-like comfort comes to you with the quality and safety standards of the Fortis Hospitals Group. The Nest is part of Fortis Hospitals Woman Care Specialty

At the core of each service at The Nest, is the safety of the mother-to-be and the child. The Nest, being a part of Fortis Hospitals, adheres to Harvard Medical International (HMI) standards in safety and quality. We offer clinical expertise that is comparable to the best in the world and cutting-edge technology in diagnostics and treatment.

Types of Rooms The Nest offers you a wide range of rooms. Besides the LDRP suites, we have Private Deluxe, Twin Deluxe and Multi-bed facilities for the new mother’s-to-be. Private Deluxe Rooms have luxurious interiors and more privacy. The walls and fine finish give it a warm feel. The rooms are spacious for the family to relax in. Twin Deluxe rooms are on sharing basis. Each room has an attached bathroom and a screen to provide families the privacy they need. Multi-bed rooms are economical options and have the provision to accommodate 3 patients. These are spacious rooms with an attached bathroom. LDRP Suites (Labor Deliver Recovery Postpartum) LDRP suites are a premium offering here. The LDRP suites are a class apart in style and functionality. These suites come with luxurious interiors and the latest equipment and techniques for delivery. More Details Lamaze Classes The Nest encourages medically approved methods, like Lamaze (breathing techniques & exercises for pregnant woman) and yoga to facilitate natural birthing (normal delivery). More Details The Nest Ante Natal Program Our ante-natal program is designed to make you feel cared for and safe. It is much beyond a regular doctor’s consultation. More Details Fetal Medicine Unit What is Fetal Medicine? Fetal medicine is a new branch of medicine that includes the assessment of fetal growth and well being, the maintenance of fetal health and the diagnosis of fetal illnesses and abnormalities. More Details Neonatal Intensive Care Unit The Nest has a 12-bed NICU and a nursery that is fully equipped to handle all types of emergencies. Experts specially trained in NICU care manage newborns. More Details High Risk Pregnancy Every pregnancy has some risks, but the presence of certain conditions increases the risks manifold. These risks could endanger the life and health of the mother or the baby. More Details Natural Birthing (Normal delivery) The Nest promotes natural birthing. We believe each woman has inherent strengths to deliver her baby naturally, unless a health condition poses risks to her and the baby. Our Woman Care professionals help you prepare for the birth from the second trimester onwards. We encourage you to learn Lamaze and yoga. The involvement of the spouse in this process is important. Pain relief during labor The Nest is one of the few advanced centers in the country to offer epidural anesthesia for painless natural delivery. We have a dedicated and experienced team of medical professionals that assesses each patient and decides the type of pain relief she requires. The pain relief program is highly individualized. Our pain relief team comprises an anesthesiologist (an expert in conducting pain less delivery) and gynecologists experienced in conducting high risk pregnancies Blood Bank The blood bank is an integral part of any hospital and extends great support and strength to surgical and trauma departments. Sometimes blood transfusion is required during delivery and having a blood bank under the same roof is a big bonus. The Fortis Hospitals blood bank operates round-the-clock and meets the high standards of screening and preservation of samples.

The Fortis Hospitals Group has an exclusive association with HMI in India.The Nest enjoys the backing of Fortis’s five core super-specialties. We give you a wide choice of eminent obstetricians and gynecologists and specialists from other disciplines.

“Procedure creates new bladder from patient’s own intestine”

~Doctors at Fortis Hospitals Bangalore performs a unique surgery to treat bladder cancer”

A team of specialist led by Dr. Mohan Keshavamurthy, Consultant Urologist at Fortis Hospitals has performed a unique surgery to help bladder cancer patients restore their normal urine function by avoiding the traditional method of uncomfortable external urine collection system. This unique procedure is called as neobladder.

Dr. Mohan & is routinely performing neobladder procedure whereby the patient’s own intestine is used to reshape and create a new pouch or artificial bladder replacing the damaged bladder. This artificial bladder made from the intestine performs the function of a bladder and the patient leads a completely normal life. In the traditional method surgeons used to construct an external pouch for urine collection and most of the time it was socially obstructing to carry a urine pouch.

Highlighting a success story of neobladder, Dr. Mohan cites the example of a successful surgery done at the hospital. Mr. Nadigar a 66 year old elderly man from Hubli was diagnosed of an aggressive variety of bladder cancer where the patient’s bladder had to be removed. He first got the symptom in America where blood used to flow in urine and then he came back to India to get it diagnosed which finally turned out to be bladder cancer.  He then consulted various doctors who all suggested him the traditionally old method of putting the pouch outside but Dr. Mohan gave him the confidence to undergo neobladder surgery which he successfully underwent the procedure replacing the diseased bladder and construction of an artificial bladder with the patient’s own intestine.

Explaining the procedure Dr. Mohan said “The human bladder has two basic functions: a reservoir to store urine and secondly, squeezing automatically, to empty the urine. Neobladder is actually a bag like structure constructed using the patient’s own intestine, and functions like a urinary reservoir. However it lacks contracting ability, and therefore the patient has to tighten his tummy muscles to squeeze and empty the neobladder. Some patients would be given a thin lubricated tube to empty the reservoir via the urinary passage.”

Traditionally, after removal of the bladder, patients would be given an external collection device for urine. This would be in the form of a special plastic pouch fixed to the lower abdomen by a sticker. This would require changing every few days or weeks when loose. Besides, bathing or any water-based activities would be impossible to prevent the sticker from falling off. Women would sometimes feel socially uncomfortable with this external appliance. On the other hand, a person with a neobladder would look and function completely normally.  Besides, the savings on the cost of buying these expensive imported pouches is enormous.

Dr. Mohan says that with age comes the risk of bladder cancer so one has to be more careful and early detection makes the treatment more beneficial. The risk of bladder cancer striking men and women is 1:1.

The word cancer spreads fear in our minds as we often feel cancer is incurable. But doctors at Fortis Hospitals say that bladder cancer is completely curable with early detection. Often the first symptom of bladder cancer is blood in urine, which is easily detectable and should never be ignored. Early bladder cancer can be removed endoscopically through the urinary passage. However, when the cancer spreads into the bladder muscles, the bladder itself has to be removed completely & may be replaced with a neobladder in suitable cases.

About Dr Mohan Keshavmurthy:

Qualification :MS, MCh ( Urology ) Fellowship in Uro Oncology

Medical Education Certification by the American Society Of Transplant Surgeons Fellowship in Renal & Pancreas Transplantation, Multiorgan Transplant Program QEII Health Sciences Centre, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada Fellowship in Uro-oncology, Tata Memorial Hospital, Bombay/M Ch (Urology) Seth GS Medical College and KEM Hospital, Bombay, INDIA /MS(General Surgery)KM School of Postgraduate Studies, VS Hospital/MBBS Bangalore Medical College, Bangalore, INDIA

Areas of Interest/Expertise

Laser  Urology/Onco Urology/Kidney Transplant Transplant/Andrology/Pediatric  Urology

Superspecialty Experiance r. Mohan Keshavmurthy is an eminent Urologist and Transplant Surgeon who brings 16 years of varied experience iUrologyn the field. Dr Mohan is an alumnus of Bangalore Medical College where he completed his MBBS degree. He completed his general surgical training in Ahmedabad at V S Hospital. He then did his urology at the prestigious KEM Hospital and was awarded the gold medal in urology for topping the exam conducted by Mumbai university. He was the first post Mch fellow in Urologynaec Oncology at Tata Memorial Hospital. He was the recipient of Rotary ambassadorial international scholarship and utilized the same for training in advanced urology and solid organ transplantation at QEII Health sciences center, Halifax, Canada.He has had further training in the form of travelling fellowships in Pancreas transplant & Uro oncology at various centres in the United States

Specialty Area of Expertise : Dr Mohan is a pioneer in the field of laser urology .He has performed over 250 laser TURPs and over 1500 laser fragmentation of kidney and ureteric stones. He has performed over 1600 kidney transplants and 75 pancreas transplants. He is an internationally known expert in complex reconstruction of the urinary tract and major uro oncological procedures in both adult and pediatric age groups such as Buccal mucosal Urethroplasty,Radical Prostatectomy,Radical Cystectomy with Neobladder,Redo Ureteric re-implantation,Boari Flap,Ileal Ureter,Partial Nephrectomy with Vascular control. He also has one of the largest series of implantation of flexible and inflatable penile prosthesis in Indian patients. He has over 100 publications and presentations in peer reviewed journals.

Academic  Achievements

1.Rotary International Ambassadorial Scholar, 1997 – 1998
2. Gold Medalist and University Topper in the M Ch. (Urology) examination for the year 1995 held by University of Bombay
3. Travelling Fellow of the Bombay Urological Society for the year 1995
4. Second Rank in All India Entrance Examinations for Super-specialty Courses, 1993
5. First Class – MS (General Surgery) Gujarat University
6. Recipient of National Merit Scholarship for years 1981 – 1993
7. Distinction in Pharmacology, Microbiology, General Surgery and Obstetrics & Gynecology
8. First Rank with Distinction – Premedical Junior College Examination

To get an appointment with  Dr Mohan Keshavmurthy, Please   email us at  enquiries@FortisHospitals.in