Surgery: Archives

Aortic Stenosis/TAVR/TAVI January 28, 2021

TAVR: Is This Alternative to Open Heart Surgery in India?

When it comes to treating heart health, one has to weigh the pros and cons meticulously because it’s the matter of one’s life. Each of these treatments has its outcomes. One such treatment is TAVR. With technological advancements in the field of science and medicine, these treatments have evolved and surpassed the age-old Open Heart Valve Surgery in India and made the medical process much easier. Let’s know more about TAVR and Open Heart Valve Surgery in detail.

TAVR stands for Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement which is a newer and minimally invasive option to treat aortic valve disease. It is effective for people who cannot undergo surgery to replace the narrow valves. Many top medical experts from the top TAVR hospitals in
India says that it is a non-surgical life-saving option. It is similar to angioplasty and is done in the Cardiac Catheterization Lab (Cath-lab).

Earlier, the TAVR procedure was only available for patients with severe condition aortic stenosis. But, lately, it is preferred more over open-heart valve surgery as an alternative.

It involves the placement of a new valve over the patient’s diseased valve via a catheter inserted through the femoral artery (large artery in the groin). The doctor will insert a short tube called a sheath. It will be placed on a delivery system and compressed on a balloon. Once it reaches the narrow valve, it inflates and opens a new valve within the diseased valve. Once it is done, the balloon will be deflated and then removed. It is now when the new valve starts working. In the end, the sheath is then removed and the incision in your leg is closed.

After the procedure is done, the patient is kept under observation in ICU for 12-48 hours. Multiple post-operation tests are also conducted to check if the surgery is successful. Once you are stable, you will be kept in the patient room for 1 or 2 days more for routine check-ups and then discharged once the doctor gives you a green signal.

Every medical procedure, no matter how big or small it is – has its pros and cons. However, it is good to know that when it comes to TAVR, the risk is very moderate. There are also continued technological advancements to evade these minimal existing risks.

Now, let us know about open-heart surgery and how different it is from the TAVR procedure.

Open Heart Valve Surgery is being practiced for more than 50 years now. It’s a procedure to treat the heart valve. It is performed when one of the four heart valves stops functioning. Your surgeon may repair or replace heart valves. It is done by cutting your chest through your breastbone. The surgeon stops the heart and turns over circulation to a heart-lung bypass machine. The damaged valve is removed entirely and replaced with a new and functioning one. The new valves make sure blood keeps moving in the right direction.

There are quite a few risks involved in open-heart surgery. They can lead to bleeding, heart attack, infection, valve dysfunction, stroke, arrhythmia, etc. These risks may be averted depending on the expertise of the doctor. Hence, it is important to take regular medicines to post the surgery and keep a tab on your health.

Open heart surgery is still preferred for younger patients, those with congenitally malformed valves, and other specific cases where the probability of risk factors are comparatively less.

How is the TAVR procedure different from open-heart valve surgery?

Open heart surgery is an invasive procedure and involves a longer recovery time. It is also challenging for patients above 65 years of age and involves major risk factors during the surgery.

Whereas, TAVR valve replacement is a minimally invasive modality for patients who are either too old, are unwilling or at a risk to undergo open-heart surgery.

This can be done through small openings and hence result in quicker healing time.

There is less trauma to the chest and heart muscle tissue. Hence, there is less pain associated with TAVR.

In open-heart surgery, the heart is stopped. But, during TAVR, the heart keeps beating. Hence, there are lower risks of complications.

Once the surgery is done, biological valves often eventually need to be replaced, as they degenerate over time.

If you have a mechanical valve i.e. a replacement valve made with strong and durable material, you’ll need to take blood-thinning medications for the rest of your life to prevent blood clots. But when done so, it is important to talk to your doctor about the pros and cons of getting a TAVR as an alternative over open-heart valve surgery – depending upon the patient’s medical history and other factors.

With multiple clinical trials, medical experts have usually preferred TAVR over open-heart surgery keeping in mind the patient’s health. The patients can have a more active and energetic life and regain the ability to perform daily routines. Additionally, there is less anxiety, shorter hospital stays, quicker recovery time, better heart health, and no scars on the body. With the advancement in technology, the TAVR procedure is usually preferred by doctors in India and also elsewhere because of its minimally invasive nature. There are many TAVR hospitals in India that perform the procedure and the patients have also reported quality of life improvements within 30 days post-TAVR procedure

So, talk to your doctor about TAVR today!

Heart Attack January 28, 2021

Living A Quality Life After Coronary Angioplasty

Coronary angioplasty also called stenting is the process to open or widen a blocked or narrowed coronary (heart) artery that occurs due to heart disease. This blockage happens because of the build-up of a waxy substance called plaque. Angioplasty surgery restores and enhances the normal blood flow in the affected arteries. Thus, rich oxygenated blood reaches your heart reducing the risk of stroke or heart disease and promoting quality improvement in life. Angioplasty is also often used during a heart attack to open a narrowed artery and reduce the amount of damage to your heart.

Angioplasty vs Bypass surgery

Angioplasty and bypass surgery are medical procedures that are used to treat clogged, blocked or narrowed arteries in the heart.

Bypass surgery is a major procedure that involves taking a healthy blood vessel from your leg, arm or chest and connecting it below and above the blocked arteries in your heart. With a new pathway, blood flow to the heart muscle improves. This takes much longer surgery as well as recovery time as compared to angioplasty. It usually involves doctors cutting the chest to get to the heart to conduct the surgery. The patient needs a longer hospital stay and around two weeks of recovery time.

On the other hand, angioplasty does not require major surgery, it usually requires a small incision in the leg, arm, or wrist and gets completed in an hour approximately. The procedure is less invasive and has a relatively rapid recovery process. As a result, angioplasty or stenting is preferred to be a better procedure over heart bypass surgery.

Undergoing a coronary angioplasty might be stressful. But who said life won’t be the same after the surgery? You can enjoy a quality-life after an angioplasty or heart bypass surgery. It usually takes a couple of weeks to start returning to normal life after the surgery. Angioplasty procedure improves the way of living in several ways.

Energized body

In coronary angioplasty, the blocked arteries in your heart are widened resulting in the restoration of the normal flow of oxygenated blood to your lungs. This also decreases the chances of heart diseases, stroke, or heart attack. The symptoms related to heart diseases like chest pain or troubled breathing also decrease. As a result, your body has more energy to carry out daily activities.

Flourishing Lifestyle

After an angioplasty procedure, people are advised to resort to a healthy diet, to stop habits like smoking or drinking, and to exercise more often. These changes in the lifestyle help in living a quality life after any heart surgery.

Stress-free life

Anger, anxiety, hypertension, and depression are all linked to heart disease. After having surgery, you will eventually be able to control these emotions. This will result in a sense of inner peace and a less stressful life, which in turn will keep your heart and blood vessels healthy.

Healthy diet

After angioplasty/stenting, it is of utmost importance to follow a healthy diet regime to live a disease-free life ahead. This will push your body to heal faster and reduce risk complications. Doctors advise a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and seeds to reduce your risk of heart disease and enhance your life.

Exercise to Energize

Exercising is considered to be one of the important practices on the path of living a healthy and improved life after coronary angioplasty. It helps to control the blood pressure, cholesterol levels, weight, fitness level and keeps you relaxed. And this is exactly what your body needs to retain a healthy living.

Take Medications on time

It is important to take the medicines prescribed by your doctor on time. They help to prevent the tiny clots from forming in your stent. Go to timely check-ups and examine your risk factors and problem areas. If you have any pre-existing conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure, make sure they are under control. Once you are through with your post-surgery condition, you know to take care of yourself. A quality life awaits you after the surgery.

Keep a tab on your weight

Maintaining a healthy weight is necessary after coronary angioplasty to improve blood pressure, blood sugar levels, and cholesterol. If you are overweight, ask your doctor or health-care provider to set up a weight-control program.

Get ample sleep

Lack of sleep can result in the worsening of your situation even after surgery. Try sticking to a regular bedtime, every night and avoid alcohol or caffeine that may harm your sleeping schedule.

Significant health improvements

After successful coronary angioplasty, the body starts showing significant improvements in cardiac symptoms (decreased pain in the chest), increased tolerance (able to walk an extra mile without any trouble), better physical functioning and vitality. In case, you are still experiencing symptoms similar to those you had before the surgery, like chest pain or breathlessness, contact your doctor. Heath improves for better after the surgery to avoid complications like a heart attack or stroke in the future.

Maintain a positive perspective

Coronary angioplasty is a crucial emergency step or a planned procedure taken to prevent further life-threatening heart conditions. Undergoing an angioplasty procedure can be quite scary, but it’s necessary to accept the situation pragmatically to live a healthy life in the future. A positive outlook reinforces high-quality life.

Going through coronary angioplasty is an emotional rollercoaster. It substantially improves the perceived quality of life of the patient as compared to being dependent on medicines. Undergoing an angioplasty or stenting doesn’t mean your heart disease goes away. You’ll need to continue following healthy lifestyle habits and take medications as prescribed by your doctor. After the surgery, before you leave the hospital, you will be briefed about detailed instructions for the exercise, follow-up appointments, post-surgery care, medications, and resuming daily activities. It is necessary to follow these guidelines thoroughly to heal faster and enjoy a safer and quality life.

Contraception January 12, 2021

Contraceptive Pills And Pregnancy Kits- All Your Queries Answered

What is a contraceptive pill?

Contraceptive pills, also called birth control pills are tablets taken that contain hormones to prevent pregnancy after an unprotected sexual encounter. One of the most effective methods of birth control, oral contraceptive pills are also considered to be safe and convenient.

In India, several birth control measures are available for avoiding pregnancy, for both men and women, ranging from condoms, simple pills to even intrauterine devices. However, the majority of them are centered for use in women. Amongst these measures, a contraceptive pill is a kind of oral medicine, meant for women that are easily available in a pharmacy, used to avoid pregnancy.

How does it work?

Hormonal contraceptives usually stop the body from ovulating, inhibiting your body’s natural hormones thus preventing pregnancy i.e., fertilization of the egg. Contraception aims to avoid pregnancy by keeping the egg and the sperm apart. They also make changes in the cervical mucus, making it difficult for the sperm to go through the cervix and find an egg. These pills report a success rate of up to 99%, but only if taken regularly.

In India, several birth-control measures such as condoms, implants, birth control shots, and contraceptive pills are available, however, it is necessary to choose the right method.

Contraceptive pills are extremely safe to use, only sometimes they can result in some side-effects such as:

Nausea
Spotting or light periods
Weight gain
Sore breasts
Headaches
Abdominal pain
Blurred vision

If you start experiencing any of the side effects of contraceptive pills mentioned above for a considerable amount of time, visit a doctor to assess your situation.

Choosing the safest contraceptive pill

As per research, the best oral contraceptive pills in India include Saheli, Unwanted 21 days, Yasmin, Centron, etc. Saheli can be considered to be one of the safest of all pills as it is the only non-hormonal oral contraceptive pill available in India currently. Being non-hormonal, it is also the world’s first and only oral non-steroidal birth control pill that can avoid the occurrence of hormone-related adverse events seen with hormonal pills. Saheli, launched by HLL in 1991, is free from side effects like weight gain, nausea, vomiting, headache, etc. It contains the molecule ‘Centchroman’ (ormeloxifene 30mg). Unlike other contraceptive pill brands, Saheli does not contain hormones like estrogen or progesterone or a combination of both, thus making it one of the recommended safest birth control pills. The usual dosage is one pill per week however you can consult your medical provider and alter your dosage based on your body type.

As per an expert’s opinion, the majority of women aged less than 40, should go for the combined use of condoms and pills to ensure double safety, from avoiding pregnancy and also prevent STDs.

When it comes to pregnancy, there are various types of pregnancy tests available in the market. Pregnancy kits available in the market is the easiest way of pregnancy confirmation without any hassle. It is not only convenient but provides quick and effective results.

What is a pregnancy test kit? How does it work?

A pregnancy test is used to detect the confirmation of pregnancy. It consists of a tag that measures the fertility hormones in your semen by determining the level of HCG Hormones (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin) in your urine. The pregnancy tests provide instant results; the detection of HCG usually takes 2-3 minutes for a better outcome.

Types of Pregnancy kits and how to use pregnancy kit

There are primarily two types of pregnancy kits available in the market:

Strip-based Pregnancy test kit

The most common pregnancy test consists of a strip on which urine is put in a clean tank on the strip. A dropper is provided to put 2-3 drops of urine into the test area. The strip shows results in 30-60 seconds with 3 possible outcomes:

Positive: Two red bands on the pregnancy kit strip indicates a positive test result.

Negative: One pink band on the pregnancy kit strip indicates a negative test result.

Invalid: If one band is darker than the other, it is an invalid test. It is advised to take another test the next morning to validate the results.

2. A cup test Pregnancy kit

In this type of Pregnancy test, a strip and a urine collection cup are provided; firstly, the urine is collected in the given cup, and then the strip is dropped in the cup. This test takes around 30 seconds to detect the HCG hormones in the urine and show the results, either correct, negative, or null.

Choosing the best pregnancy test kit in India

There are several pregnancy test kits available in the Indian markets, such as Preganews, Velocity, I can, MeriScreen hCG, etc. These kits are extremely easy to use and give up to 99% accurate results depending upon the brands. These test kits determine the HCG (Human chorionic gonadotropin) hormone level in urine and are available in either strip or cup forms as mentioned above. Pregnancy kits are not only easy to use but also a convenient and most affordable method to detect pregnancy.

Although a plethora of brands offers pregnancy kits, it is necessary to use the most efficient kit that gives accurate pregnancy test kit results. Here are few best pregnancy kits available in the Indian Market:

PregaNews Pregnancy Kit
ICAN Pregnancy Test Kit
Velocity Pregnancy Test Kit

A test result on a pregnancy test kit can be life-changing. Hence, it is paramount to choose the best pregnancy kit available in the market that’ll give you a quick result.

As one of the effective ways of preventing pregnancy, Contraceptives are widely accepted by the public especially the younger generation. Due to advancements in technology, the side-effects of contraceptive pills have diminished ensuring safety. People also have a wide variety of choices when it comes to contraceptives and even pregnancy kits. Pregnancy kit test results are a safe way of determining pregnancy and a variety of pregnancy kits are available in the market to understand the pregnancy status at home keeping confidentiality in check.

Contraception January 12, 2021

Types Of Contraception To Prevent Pregnancy

Birth control or contraception is a technique used to prevent pregnancy. In simple terms, it helps in preventing a man’s sperm from reaching a woman’s egg by keeping them apart to prevent ovulation (egg formation). And, if you are considering using birth control (contraception), then it is paramount to have a detailed understanding of various methods available to pick the right one for you. The decision of which method of birth control to opt for is extremely personal and there is nothing called as best choice which is safest for all women or couples. Any woman should sensibly evaluate the risks and benefits, along with the effectiveness of each method before picking on a birth control method. Also, simultaneously consider protection from the risk of HIV and certain STDs (Sexually Transmitted Disease). A clear and open discussion with your health care professional can help in this decision process.

Let us now dive deeper into understanding various methods of birth control and their effectiveness.

There are two basic categories of birth control methods: Reversible and Permanent.

Reversible methods are the methods used when a woman chooses to temporarily avoid pregnancy. These are usually suggested by the doctor when a woman has plans to get pregnant in the future. Permanent methods are the methods that involve sterilization that prevents pregnancy permanently. A woman may decide to choose these methods when she is very sure of giving no birth to children henceforth.

Reversible Methods

1. Intrauterine Contraception: An intrauterine device (IUD) is a tiny T-shaped device that your doctor inserts into your uterus. The device contains copper or synthetic progesterone that prevents pregnancy. A progesterone IUD can remain in place up for several years and is 99% effective. IUDs do not prevent sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

2. Hormonal Method: Basic hormonal methods includes implants, injections, contraceptive pills, patches, and the hormonal vaginal contraceptive ring.

– Implant: It consists of a single, thin rod that is inserted under the skin of a women’s upper arm which releases progestin into the body for over 3 years.

– Injection: Shots of the hormone progestin are given to Women every 3 months in the buttocks or arm.

– Contraceptive pills: These oral contraceptives contain the hormones estrogen and progestin. Prescribed by a doctor, this pill is taken at the same time every day. There are more than a few types of oral contraceptives available in the market and a health care provider helps to determine which type best meets a woman’s needs.

– Patch: A thin, plastic patch is placed on the buttocks, lower abdomen, or any side of the arm. That patch is responsible for releasing hormones through the skin into the bloodstream. A new patch is applied once a week for 3 weeks, and no patch is used on the fourth week to enable menstruation.

– Hormonal vaginal contraceptive ring: This thin, flexible ring (approx. 2 inches in diameter) is inserted into the vagina, where it releases hormones for 3 weeks. It delivers a combination of Ethinyl estradiol and a progestin. This method may not be recommended for women with certain health conditions like high blood pressure, heart disease, or certain types of cancer.

3. Barrier Methods: This approach consists of male condoms, female condoms, diaphragms or cervical caps, and spermicides in various forms including gels, foam, or tablets.

– Male condoms: This condom is a thin sheath that covers the penis to collect sperm and prevent it from entering the woman’s body. Male condoms are generally made of latex or polyurethane.

– Female condoms: Female condoms (also known as internal condoms) are thin, flexible plastic pouches that are inserted into the vagina before having sex. They also protect against unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

– Diaphragms or Cervical caps: These are shallow, flexible cup made of latex or soft rubber that is inserted into the vagina before intercourse, blocking sperm from entering the uterus.

– Spermicides: They aim at killing the sperm cells. Usually applied within 1 hr of intercourse, spermicides come in several forms such as gel, foam, film, or a tablet. They are usually placed for 6-8 hours after the intercourse to rule out any possible pregnancy.

4. Fertility Awareness: This is another way to avoid pregnancy. Here you need to understand your fertility pattern and avoid sex on those days when you are fertile or use any other barrier method instead. This approach of birth control usually sees 75% and 96% effectiveness.

Permanent Methods

1. Female Sterilization – Tubal Ligation

In this method, a woman’s fallopian tubes are tied or closed so that the sperm cells don’t come in contact with the eggs. This procedure is effective and can be performed at a hospital or an outpatient center under the guidance of a doctor.

2. Male Sterilization – Vasectomy

This procedure prevents sperm from mixing with semen during ejaculation. This surgical approach blocks the path between testes and the urethra. The sperm doesn’t leave the testes and fails to reach the egg. It is observed that in some cases it can take as long as up to 3 months to see the full effectiveness of the procedure.

Talk to your doctor about the type of birth control method you choose and understand all the pros and cons in detail. There is no one standard procedure that is considered the best for all and hence it is important to consider your and your family’s needs to make the right choice.\

C-Section/Caesarean January 12, 2021

7 Effective Tips To Reduce Belly After A Caesarean Delivery

If you are reading this, chances are that you might have undergone a Caesarean Section or caesarean delivery and are looking forward to getting rid of the belly fat ASAP. Well, there is news for you. It’s going to take time. It cannot happen overnight. Your body has just produced another human being inside you and carried it for 9 months. That’s a lot to shed when it comes to reducing belly after a Caesarean Section.

If we do a comparison between Normal Delivery and Caesarean, Caesarean Delivery can be quite an experience on the body. They cause a major impact on your muscles in the abdominal area and the floor of the pelvis. Also, the body loses major quantities of blood during a Caesarean Delivery. During this process, you will gain lots of fat and accumulate a large quantity of fat in the abdomen area.

Now, this doesn’t mean that getting back in shape isn’t possible. There are a few things that you need to keep in mind if you are looking to do so after a C-Section delivery.

1) Be patient: As soon as your baby is born, your hormones begin to alter, contracting your uterus. It requires at least 6 to 8 weeks for your uterus to take its original size. So, take all the time to nurture your body and give time to heal and let it come back in its original form. After all, patience is the key post a normal delivery or a Caesarean Section.

2) Consult your doctor first: If you are firm on your decision of losing your belly fat, firstly consult your doctor before initiating any remedy. As per evidence, it is recommended to wait for at least 8 weeks to start any exercise or diet alterations. As eager as you might be to lose the weight right away, this will only cause complications if you rush into it and without a doctor’s advice. So, avoid home remedies post a Caesarean Section.

3) Prefer breastfeeding your baby: Breastfeeding will cause you to automatically get rid of excess weight after delivery, be it Normal or a Caesarean Delivery. The process involves burning calories i. e. around 250 to 500 calories/ day. Also, breastfeeding contracts the body which also involved shrinking the uterus to some extent.

4) Avoiding consuming processed foods: After caesarean deliveries, it is best to not consume processed foods like chips, fried foods, baked items etc. Because when you consume processed food, it not only affects your body but also your baby’s diet especially if you are beast-feeding. If you constantly keep consuming junk food post-Caesarean Delivery, you ingest chemicals in your body which is harmful to both – you and your child.

5) Prefer eating whole foods: Wondering what to consume if not junk? Well, the answer is pretty simple – WHOLESOME FOOD! Pulses, grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts etc. are considered best after a normal or a Caesarean Section. This provides you with the nutrition that you and your baby require. You both benefit from it. You feel good, you feel active and full, your baby is growing healthy and you are on a way to a healthy life after a Caesarean Delivery or a normal delivery.

6) Initiate walking to lose weight: A simpler form of exercise which is best for normal delivery or caesarean is walking. It doesn’t exert any pressure on your body after a Caesarean Delivery. It is easy and highly recommended because it keeps your heart pumping and keeps the blood circulation good. You can always step out with your friends and family to get some fresh air and take some time off from the routine. It also helps you reduce the belly fat and helps you get back to a good shape slowly if done steadily.

7) Opt for mild Exercises: Before you start this, it is recommended to wait for 6-8 weeks post a Caesarean Delivery. You can start with basic yoga and exercises – sphinx pose or a bridge pose which will help strengthen your pelvic muscles. It is best to do it under expert guidance to get the form correct and avoid any injury.