Archive for June, 2023

The Advantages of Robotic Surgery

Thursday, June 29th, 2023

In recent years, the field of surgical robotics has revolutionized the way doctors approach complex procedures, ushering in a new era of precision and innovation. With the advent of robotic surgery, medical experts have gained the ability to perform intricate surgeries with unparalleled accuracy while minimizing the invasiveness of the procedure. Robotic-assisted surgery is the most advanced form of a laparoscopic surgery. Through the utilization of computer-controlled and self-powered robots, surgeons are able to perform robotic surgery in many medical cases reducing the need of a traditional open surgery.

How is a Robotic Surgery performed?

Robotic Surgery involves the utilization of the cutting-edge da Vinci surgical system, which amalgamates machinery, computers, and electronics to deliver unparalleled surgical precision. It offers surgeons an intuitive tool for controlling surgical instruments. The surgeon works from the computer console in the operating room and has control over a number of precisely guided robotic arms that hold and move tiny devices required to make tiny incisions in the patient. The surgeon can see a magnified picture of the operating site through a small video camera that is mounted to a robotic arm. Through the computer console, the surgeon’s finger, hand, and wrist movements are seamlessly transmitted to the robotic arms, which are equipped with surgical instruments. This advanced communication system enables the precise execution of surgical maneuvers. With the ability to rotate a full 360 degrees, the robotic arms offer exceptional control, surpassing the level of precision achievable in standard laparoscopic surgeries. A team of dedicated surgeons continuously supervises the robot throughout the surgery. In addition to its surgical arms, the da Vinci unit features an imaging device and a console, where your doctor can view the surgical site on a special video screen and control the robotic arms.

Advantages of Robotic Surgery

Robotic surgery provides substantial benefits to both the patient and the surgeon. Here are some key advantages of a robotic surgery to note:

Benefits of robotic surgery for patients include:

  • Reduced risk of infection due to smaller incisions
  • Minimal scarring
  • Reduced discomfort and pain
  • Shorter hospitalization
  • Reduced blood loss and transfusions
  • Faster recovery time and return to routine activities

Benefits of robotic surgery for surgeons include:

  • Greater surgical precision
  • Increased proficiency
  • Greater visualization
  • Increased range of motion
  • Easy access to hard-to-reach areas

Is Robotic Surgery right for you?

Robotic surgery isn’t an option for everyone. It is essential to talk to your doctor to understand the various benefits and risks of robotic surgery for your medical case and know how it compares with other options such as minimally invasive surgery(MIS) and conventional open surgery.

Robotic Surgery at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Mumbai

With the da Vinci Surgical System (Robot), surgeons are now able to offer a minimally-invasive option for complex surgical procedures as well. Robotic surgery, computer-assisted surgery, and robotically-assisted surgery are all terms used to describe the technological advancements that employ robotic systems to aid in surgical procedures. The primary objective behind the development of robotic surgery was to overcome the limitations of MIS and enhance the proficiency of surgeons performing open surgeries. Here are some common medical procedures performed using the da Vinci Surgical System:

  • Uro-Oncology Procedures
  • Urology Procedures
  • Gynaecological and Gynaec-Oncological Procedures
  • Head and Neck/ENT Procedures
  • General Surgical/Thoracic Procedures
  • Cardiac Surgeries
  • Bariatrics (Obesity Surgery)

Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Mumbai started the Centre for Robotic Surgery in 2012 and within short span it completed more than 1800 surgeries. Till date over 3545 robotic surgeries have been successfully completed by the team. Please find below website link for further details: https://www.kokilabenhospital.com/departments/centresofexcellence/centrefor_roboticsurgery.html

Yoga: Its Benefits to your Health

Tuesday, June 20th, 2023

In today’s fast-paced modern world, finding inner peace and achieving optimal health can seem like a daunting task. However, one ancient practice continues to captivate millions with its transformative potential – yoga. Originating in ancient India, yoga has evolved into a widely embraced discipline that combines physical postures, breath control, and meditation. It combines spirituality with physical and mental exercises that help ground you. In recent years, yoga has gained popularity across the globe.

Health Benefits of Yoga

Maintaining a regular yoga practice has immense physical and mental health benefits. These include:

  • Enhances your Flexibility and Strength
    One of the most noticeable effects of regular yoga practice is improved flexibility and strength. Through a series of asanas (postures) and gentle stretching exercises, yoga gradually increases the range of motion in your joints. This increased flexibility reduces the risk of injuries, tones your body and improves your posture.
  • Keeps your Joints healthy
    Yoga will strengthen the muscles around the joints, helping to stabilise them. Yoga can support greater joint health by allowing the joints to move through their complete range of motion. Bones can move smoothly and healthily as a result of improved synovial fluid flow in the joints as a result of joint mobilisation.
  • Stress Reduction and Relaxation
    Yoga provides a sanctuary where individuals can escape the pressures of daily life. By incorporating relaxation techniques such as deep breathing and meditation, yoga triggers the body’s relaxation response, lowering cortisol levels and promoting a state of tranquility.
  • Helps with Weight Management
    While yoga may not be as intense as high-impact workouts, it is a fantastic tool for improving physical fitness. Many styles of yoga such as power yoga incorporate dynamic movements that raise the heart rate and increase cardiovascular endurance.
  • Improves Cardiovascular health
    The isometric nature of asanas necessitates holding muscle tension for a short period of time to a few minutes. This enhances circulation and cardiovascular health. According to studies, regular yoga practise may help keep blood pressure in check.
  • Improving Balance and Coordination
    The practice of yoga requires maintaining balance and coordination through various poses. This helps strengthen core muscles and enhanced proprioception, leading to improved stability and coordination. This increased balance not only benefits physical activities but also helps prevent falls and injuries, especially in older adults.
  • Yoga lowers your Blood pressure
    High blood pressure is a significant medical condition that raises your chances of having a heart attack and having a stroke. Several yoga asanas are known to lower blood pressure in addition to managing your stress levels.
  • Improves Brain health
    Improved blood circulation, easing of muscle tension and the act of focusing the mind on the breath all combine to help calm the nervous system. Long-term benefits include reduced stress, anxiety and fatigue, better concentration and energy levels, and increased feelings of calm and wellbeing.
  • Enhancing Respiratory Function
    Yoga emphasizes the importance of conscious breathing, known as pranayama. By focusing on deep, controlled breaths, yoga enhances lung capacity and improves respiratory function.
  • Boosting Immune Function
    Regular yoga practice can have a positive impact on the immune system. The physical movements and meditation are known to regulate the body’s response to stress, inflammation, and illness and stimulates the lymphatic circulation.

Yoga is a simple form of fitness which can be practiced regardless of your age or fitness level. Beginners must start yoga under the guidance of a teacher. Remember, a correctly done yoga pose should never cause pain. If you experience pain or discomfort, you must stop your asana. Always consult your doctor before starting yoga especially if you are pregnant, have had a recent injury, illness, surgery, high blood pressure, heart problems, or osteoporosis, etc. Yoga is a holistic practice that nourishes both the body and mind, offering countless health benefits. Start a new journey this International Day of Yoga, roll out your mat, take a deep breath, and embrace yoga.

Everything You Need to Know about Blood Donation

Monday, June 12th, 2023

Have you every donated your blood? Blood donation plays a crucial role in saving lives and improving the health of patients in need. Your selfless act can make a significant impact and create a ripple effect of compassion and humanity in the world. Statistics suggest that out of every five Indians, one does not want to donate blood out of fear or danger to the body. Let us delve into the details of blood donation and inspire more and more Indians to donate blood regularly.

Who is eligible to Donate Blood?

To ensure the safety of both donors and recipients, specific criteria must be met. This includes:

  • Age
    Donor should be over 18 and under 65.
  • Weight
    Donor should have a minimum weight of 50 kgs.
  • Good health
    Donor should not suffer from acute respiratory diseases or have any kind of illness at the time of donation.
  • Haemoglobin level
    Donor should have a minimum haemoglobin level of 12.5 grams
  • Health conditions
    The donors blood pressure and blood sugar levels must be under control.
  • Women
    Female donors should not be menstruating or lactating. They shouldn’t donate for 6 months after an abortion and 12 months after delivery.  
  • High risk
    Persons considered at risk of HIV and Hepatitis B or C should not donate.
  • Interval
    It is required that female donors should give a gap of 120 days and male donors, a gap of 90 days between blood donations. 
  • Chronic conditions
    Donors should check with their doctor for any specific health conditions.

What is the importance of Blood Donation?

Blood donation holds immense importance as it serves as a lifeline for countless individuals in need. By donating blood, you have the power to save lives and improve the health of patients facing various medical challenges. In emergency situations such as accidents and natural disasters, blood transfusions can mean the difference between life and death. Every drop of blood you donate has the potential to bring hope, comfort, and a second chance at life to someone in need.

Who requires a Blood Donation?

Blood is needed by diverse groups and in various situations, including:

  • Trauma and accident victims
    People involved in accidents or experiencing severe injuries may require large amounts of blood to stabilize their condition.
  • Surgery patients
    Individuals undergoing major surgeries such as a heart surgery or a joint replacement surgery often need blood transfusions to replace lost blood during the procedure.
  • Childbirth
    Women who have serious complications during pregnancy or childbirth.
  • Cancer patients
    Many cancer treatments can damage blood cells, necessitating blood transfusions to support the patient’s weakened immune system.
  • Patients with blood disorders
    Individuals with conditions like hemophilia or sickle cell disease often need blood transfusions to manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life.

How can one prepare for Blood Donation?

Giving blood is a simple and effective way to give back to humanity. To have a successful and comfortable blood donation experience, individuals should:

  • Eat a nutritious meal and drink plenty of fluids beforehand.
  • Get a good night’s sleep.
  • Wear comfortable clothes with sleeves that can be easily rolled up above the elbow.
  • Bring a valid id proof and any required medical information.
  • Stay away from alcohol and tobacco before the donation.

What are the side effects of Donating Blood?

There aren’t any lasting side effects, but it is advisable to:

  • Stay hydrated and increase your fluid intake.
  • Don’t work out or do any hard physical activity for 24 hours after giving blood.
  • Lie down for a few minutes if you feel lightheaded.
  • Use an ice pack for swelling.
  • Consult a doctor for any unusual symptoms.

Blood Donation at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital

The Department of Transfusion Medicine at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Mumbai uses cutting-edge technology and advanced procedures to process and screen blood and its constituent parts. Your safety is of utmost importance at all times and we follow stringent infection control practices at all times. The use of sterile equipment is always ensured by our team of doctors and nurses, who also see to the patient’s comfort. Call our Blood Bank on 022-42699896 to donate blood. For further information, please visit: https://www.kokilabenhospital.com/departments/clinicaldepartments/transfusionmedicine.html

What to Expect During Your IVF Process

Friday, June 9th, 2023

Infertility can be a challenging journey for couples longing to conceive. In vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment has emerged as a beacon of hope, offering a ray of light to those struggling with infertility. This groundbreaking fertility treatment has revolutionized reproductive medicine, enabling countless individuals to achieve their dream of starting or expanding their families. IVF (in vitro fertilization) is a kind of fertility treatment where eggs are combined with sperm outside the body in a laboratory setting. IVF treatment plays a vital role in helping individuals and couples overcome various fertility issues. It offers a solution for a range of conditions, including tubal factor infertility, endometriosis, male factor infertility, unexplained infertility, and genetic disorders. With IVF, individuals who would otherwise be unable to conceive naturally can have the opportunity to fulfill their desire for parenthood. If you’re considering IVF as an option to start or expand your family, understanding the step-by-step process can help alleviate any anxiety and provide you with a clear roadmap to success.

Stages of IVF

Our health experts help explain each stage of IVF in simple terms and help guide you through the journey of an IVF treatment:

  • Step 1: Initial Consultation and Evaluation
    The IVF journey begins with an initial consultation with a fertility specialist. During this appointment, the doctor will review your medical history, perform a thorough physical examination, and discuss any previous fertility treatments you may have undergone.
  • Step 2: Ovarian Stimulation
    Once you and your fertility specialist have determined that IVF is the appropriate treatment for you, the next step is ovarian stimulation. This involves taking fertility medications to encourage your ovaries to produce multiple eggs, rather than the usual one egg that is released during a natural menstrual cycle. The more eggs you produce, the more chances you’ll have of a successful fertilization later on in the treatment.
  • Step 3: Egg Retrieval
    When your follicles have reached the optimal size and maturity, a minor surgical procedure known as egg retrieval is scheduled. Using ultrasound guidance, a thin needle is passed through the vaginal wall to collect the eggs from the follicles in your ovaries. The procedure is performed under sedation or anesthesia to ensure your comfort.
  • Step 4: Sperm Collection and Preparation
    On the same day as the egg retrieval, your partner will provide a fresh semen sample, which will be processed in the laboratory. Alternatively, if you’re using donor sperm, it will be thawed and prepared accordingly. The sperm sample undergoes a series of laboratory techniques to isolate the healthiest and most motile sperm for fertilization.
  • Step 5: Fertilization and Embryo Development
    This is the most important process where the best sperms are combined with the best eggs. This stage is called insemination. There are two main methods for fertilization: conventional IVF, where the eggs and sperm are placed together in a culture dish, or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), where a single sperm is directly injected into each egg. The embryos are then incubated for several days, during which time they undergo cell division and development.
  • Step 6: Embryo Transfer
    About three to five days after the fertilization process, your doctor will place the embryos in your uterus using a catheter. The embryo transfer procedure is usually performed without anesthesia and involves passing a thin catheter through the cervix into the uterus, where the embryos are carefully deposited. This step is generally painless and does not require any downtime. Multiple embryos are transferred back into you in the hopes that at least one will implant itself in the lining of your uterus and begin to develop. The IVF process basically replicates natural reproduction. In some cases, more than one embryo ends up implanting, which is why multiples are common in women who use IVF.
  • Step 7: Pregnancy Confirmation
    Waiting for the pregnancy test following the embryo transfer, you will enter a period of anticipation as you wait for the pregnancy test. Your fertility clinic will ask you to come in for a blood test to measure the levels of pregnancy hormone (hCG) in your system. If the test confirms pregnancy, congratulations!

Fertility care at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Mumbai

Are you looking for a fertility treatment in Mumbai? Consult Mumbai’s best fertility specialists at our Department for Reproductive Endocrinology and Fertility (CREF). Our team of specialists provides comprehensive diagnostic and treatment options to address various fertility issues, including assisted reproductive technologies such as in vitro fertilization (IVF), intrauterine insemination (IUI), and egg and sperm donation. CREF is staffed by a highly experienced team that includes a full-time consultant reproductive endocrinologist and infertility specialist, embryologist, IVF coordinator, and specially trained nurses. Please find our link below for more details:

https://www.kokilabenhospital.com/departments/clinicaldepartments/reproductiveendocrinologyfertility.html