All about Organ Donation at Kokilaben Hospitals

The need of organ donation has never been greater than in today’s times. More than half a million Indians are estimated to be in dire need of an organ transplant.

What is an Organ Donation?

Know the importance of organ transplants to understand organ donation. A transplant is a medical procedure where one person’s dysfunctional organ or tissue is replaced by that of a healthy person. In certain cases, despite major advances in the medical world, transplant is the only option available for the patient. Transplants drastically improve the quality of life of the patient and give them another chance to live.

What organs and tissues can be transplanted?

Liver, Kidney, Pancreas, Heart, Lung,Intestine, Cornea, Middle ear, Skin, Bone, Bone marrow, Heart valves, Connective tissue.

Who can be an organ donor?

People of all ages should consider themselves potential donors. When a person dies, he or she is evaluated for donor suitability based on their medical history and age. The Organ Procurement Agency determines medical suitability for donation.

Some things about Organ Donation:

• Anyone can be an organ donor irrespective of age, caste, religion, community, current or past medical condition. Children can also be organ donors after taking consent for organ donation from their parents.
• However certain diseases like active cancer, active HIV, active infection have restrictions. Patients suffering from Hepatitis B and C also have some limitations.
• Vital organs like heart, liver, kidneys, intestines, lungs, and pancreas can be donated only in case of ‘brain death’.
• However other tissues like corneas, heart valves, skin, bones etc can be donated only in case of natural death.
• Take a moment for wisdom and pledge to gift someone a new life — sign up to be an organ donor. Log on to www.organdonationday.in

Best Hospital for Robotic Surgery in Mumbai

Kokilaben Hospital started Centre for Robotic Surgery in 2012 and within short span have completed more than 1800 surgeries.

In continuation with the momentum the hospital present their second cutting edge Robot da Vinci Xi- the next frontier for minimally invasive surgery.

SERVICES

The Centre besides Minimally-Invasive Surgery (MIS) offers Robotic Surgery, a breakthrough surgical technique which is an effective, minimally-invasive alternative to both open and laparoscopic surgery.

TECHNOLOGY

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 terms for technological developments that use robotic systems to aid in surgical procedures.

Robotic Surgery was developed to overcome both the limitations of MIS and enhance the capabilities of surgeons performing open surgery.

Some of the major benefits experienced by surgeons using the RoboticSurgical System over traditional approaches have been:

• Greater Surgical Precision
• Increased Range of Motion
• Improved Dexterity

The benefits experienced by the patients include:

• Shorter Hospital Stay
• Lesser Pain
• Lower Risk of Infection
• Lesser Blood Loss
• Fewer Transfusions
• Less Scarring
• Faster Recovery Quicker Return to Normal Daily Activities

For more information and details visit our Robotic Surgery department

World Breastfeeding Week

The World Health Organisation WHO recommends six months of exclusive breastfeeding for babies and thereafter continuing breastfeeding on demand till the child reaches two years of age. Breast feeding is the most valuable gift which you can give to your newborn. It is the healthiest natural food for your baby and undoubtedly plays a very important role in his/her life. Breast milk contains all the nutrients which babies need for their growth and to stay healthy for a longer period of time.

Benefits of Breastfeeding:

• Early breast milk also called colostrum is a magical liquid for your baby. This milk is rich in nutrients and antibodies and helps to protect your baby.
• Most of the infants can digest breast milk very easily as compare to formula or any other milk because breast milk contains certain enzymes which helps baby to digest the milk.
• Breastfeeding not only protects your child from different diseases but also reduces the mothers risk from health problems like type 2 diabetes, postpartum depression, ovarian and breast cancer.
• Breast feeding saves money and is convenient. It eliminates the need of formula and related feeding supplies essentials and sterilizing of bottles.

World Hepatitis Day

28th July is observed as World Hepatitis Day worldwide and sees many international programs which are focussed to spread the awareness of Hepatitis.

What is Hepatitis? Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver. It may be caused by drugs, alcohol use, or certain medical conditions. But in most cases, it’s caused by a virus. Hepatitis is a common disease that inflames the liver, an important organ for metabolism and breaking down food in the digestive system.

What are the five types of hepatitis?

There are at least five different types of viral hepatitis: A, B, C, D and E.

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A is spread by either direct contact with an infected person’s faeces or by indirect faecal contamination of food or water.

Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) can be spread through:

• body fluids
• urine
• semen
• from mother to infant soon or right after birth

Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C (HCV) is most commonly spread by exposure due to contaminated blood or needles and unsafe sex.

Hepatitis D

Unlike the other forms, hepatitis D can’t be contracted on its own. It can only infect people who are already infected with hepatitis B. People with HBV often develop hepatitis D (HDV), which is spread through contaminated blood products and unprotected sex with an infected person. The symptoms remain same as mentioned above.

Hepatitis E

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is found in underdeveloped areas of the world and is spread by the faecal/oral route. HEV causes acute hepatitis, which usually goes away on its own.

Healthy diet and Hepatitis

What we eat affects our entire body, especially our liver. It is the second largest organ and helps with many vital functions. Your liver is a highly efficient engine and filter. What you eat, drink and expose to your body is chemically broken down by your liver and affects your immune system and many other functions of your body

Consult our team of liver specialists if you have or suspect Hepatitis.

Centre for Diabetes & Obesity Treatment in Mumbai, India

Genetics, stress and wrong food habits that come with an erratic lifestyle, all contribute to a steep rise in diabetes and obesity. The Centre for Diabetes and Obesity has a host of facilities to deal with these two problems that lead to several other equally harmful sub-problems.

Obesity

Obesity results from the excessive accumulation of fat that exceeds the body's skeletal and physical standards. According to the United States National Institute of Health (NIH), an increase in 20% or more above your ideal body weight is the point at which excess weight becomes a health risk.

Indian bodies and genetics are different from their western counterparts. Indians suffer from abdominal obesity compared to people in the west whose bodies are uniformly obese. Studies say that India will become the global diabetes capital by 2050 if the abdominal and lower limb obesity and metabolic syndrome are not arrested.

For every 10 extra kilograms above the stipulated body weight (measured according to height), life expectancy of a person reduces by three years.

What is morbid or clinically severe obesity?

Obesity becomes morbid when it reaches the point of significantly increasing the risk of one or more obesity-related health conditions (also known as co-morbidities). This results either in significant physical disability or even death. Morbid obesity is a serious and chronic disease, and its symptoms build slowly over an extended period of time.

What are the risks of obesity?

Obesity is a risk factor for life-threatening diseases, including:

• Diabetes
• High Blood Pressure (hypertension)
• Heart Disease
• Obstructive Sleep Apnoea
• Stroke
• Heartburn or Acid Reflux Disease (GERD)
• Cancer
Six months after surgery for obesity, patients often find they no longer need medications for many of these conditions. Also, many women struggling with infertility before surgery find that conception is possible after weight loss.
For any such health problem visit us !

Postpartum Depression - Mothers Suffering during or after pregnancy.

When was the last time you met a new mother and felt she looks low?

Have you or a close family member recently experienced childbirth and the dreaded postpartum depression?

Postpartum is a very common phenomenon experienced by many but sadly discussed by very few.

What does it feel like?

The birth of a child should feel like the happiest time in your life, but for many women, the weeks or months after having a baby can be marred by sadness, anxiety, and despair. The actual experience of postpartum depression is wide-ranging and can include everything from obsessive anxiety to a sense of disconnect to unremitting rage. 

Listing down a few essential facts about  Postpartum Depression:

1. Postpartum depression also includes anxiety and other mood disorders.

2. Postpartum depression is not the same as baby blues.

3. Postpartum mood disorders don’t always show up immediately after the birth.

4. Extreme sleep deprivation can trigger postpartum depression.

5. Many symptoms of postpartum depression are similar to major depressive disorder, but there are also additional symptoms.

If you think you’re experiencing postpartum depression or a friend is experiencing, talk to a close friend. If needed consult specialists at our Psychiatry department who can help you in the situation. Please find website link for further details

Eat Healthy, Stay Fit This Monsoon

It’s the season of rains, chilly winds, heavy downpours and excess humidity. While stepping out for work and other social commitments one is bound to get occasionally wet, or drenched, and may walk through flooded areas at times. Our immunity levels are low during this season making us prone to diseases. The humid environment also helps infectious diseases thrive and spread easily. Let’s make our food our first medicine and take preventative measures to avoid the common monsoon illnesses.

Here are some tips to make your diet a monsoon friendly one:

1. Include garlic, pepper, ginger, asafoetida, jeera powder, turmeric and coriander in food as it help enhance digestion and improve immunity. Use it liberally in warm dals and piping hot soups. It gives your body the much needed warmth and helps fight infections.
2. Avoid having vegetables in raw form. Instead of raw salads and sprouts steam them before consumption. Wash all vegetables thoroughly as they may contain worms.
3. Choose curd over milk. Instead of milk, prefer to have curd or yogurt as it avoids any possibility of bad bacteria entering the body.
4. Eat Seasonal Fruits like apples, jamuns, litchi, plums, cherries, peaches, papayas, pears and pomegranates. They are the best additions to your diet and help improve the immune system.
5. Have a glass of turmeric milk daily. Turmeric is not only a great antibiotic but is also known to have anti-inflammatory and healing properties which can really help in reducing inflammation in the digestive system.
6. Avoid all kinds of street foods completely. Most of these foods are prepared and sold in the open and come in direct contact with disease causing bacteria’s and thus increase your chances of falling sick.

Follow the above mentioned healthy diet suggestions to read more..

Enjoy the beautiful monsoon season !

In case of any symptoms of high fever or rashes or joint pain which maybe malaria, dengue or chikungunya consult a doctor immediately.