Big Rock

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

COLON CANCER TREATMENT - FORTIS HEALTHCARE

The choice of treatment for colon cancer depends largely on the stage the patient is in.In most cases, radiation, chemotherapy and surgery is sought for the treatment of colon cancer.The actual treatment adopted depends on the decision taken by the surgeon operating on the patient.Surgeon concerned takes call depending upon the severity of the cancer in the patient.

The types of surgery used to treat colon and rectal cancers are slightly different :

Colon surgery

Surgery is often the main treatment for earlier stage colon cancers.

Colectomy: A colectomy (sometimes called a hemicolectomy or segmental resection) involves removing part of the colon, as well as nearby lymph nodes.

Prior to surgery, one has to make sure the bowels are completely empty. Just before the surgery, general anesthesia is given, which puts into a deep sleep. During the surgery, surgeon will make an incision in the abdomen.Removes the cancer and a small segment of normal colon on either side of your cancer. Usually, about one fourth to one third of the colon is removed. The remaining sections of the colon are then reattached.


For further information, please visit www.fortishealthcare.com

Friday, February 20, 2009

SPINAL DISC REPLACEMENT IN INDIA-On Ground zero

SPINAL DISC REPLACEMENT IN INDIA
Artificial Disc was the first disc approved for disc replacement use in the general population of back pain patients in India. There is a great deal of interest in the medical community and among back pain patients regarding the potential of artificial discs for lumbar disc replacement. It’s important to remember that artificial discs are not a miracle cure. Like any medical treatment for low back pain, lumbar artificial disc replacement surgery in India has both good potential and some considerable risks. Given that artificial discs are still a relatively new technology and procedure, disc replacement surgery in India also has a number of unknown risks.

The lower back pain or the lumbar as it is most popularly known has been the cause for worry amongst many youngsters.The disc injuries have risen multifold over the years owing to modern lifestyles that bring along stress with them.The demands of today's rat race has made sure that atleast 5 out of 10 people succumb to the injuries that are not so long ago were considered to be occuring to those in the old age.So does the cases for disc replacement of spine in India have risen to an all time record.It is important to note that modern spinal fusion techniques and technologies have dramatically improved the outcomes of fusion surgery in recent years.

For further information, please visit www.fortishealthcare.com

Monday, February 16, 2009

An Unkind "Benign" Tumour

Tumours that start in the brain are called primary brain tumours. Some types of brain tumours are benign and some are malignant.

A benign tumour is made of slow-growing cells and is unlikely to spread. However, a benign tumour may cause problems because it takes up space inside the skull. It may press on the brain or important nerves that come out of the brain (called cranial nerves). The pressure created by the tumour disrupts the normal function and blood flow of these structures. It may raise the pressure in the skull and cause headaches and/or nausea. It is common for benign brain tumours to be treated successfully.

A tumour in the spinal cord will affect the spinal cord by pressing on it. This may stop the flow of messages along the nerves between the brain and body and can affect the control of some parts of the body. Most commonly this can cause difficulty with using the arms or legs or difficulty controlling the bladder or bowel. There may also be changes to the feeling in the skin.

The most common type of malignant brain and spinal tumour is a glioma. Gliomas grow from the supporting cells of the brain.

For further information, please visit www.fortishealthcare.com

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

COLON CANCER TREATMENT - FORTIS HEALTHCARE

COLON CANCER TREATMENT

Cancer of the last 7 feet of the large intestine. It often occurs along with rectal cancer (colorectal cancer). A variety of tumors are possible, but the most common are adenocarcinomas. It is highly treatable and often curable when diagnosed early. Gastrointestinal cancers include colorectal cancer, pancreatic cancer and stomach (gastric) cancer. Colorectal cancer may be diagnosed early with after fecal occult blood tests and colonoscopy can improve the prognosis. Surgical treatments may use colon removal (colectomy) and colostomy, which diverts food being processed in the colon.

Colorectal cancer refers to the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the colon or rectum, which are part of the digestive system. This cancer usually begins as polyps, which are abnormal growths in the inner lining of the colon or rectum. Polyps are not cancer but can become cancerous over the years. More than 95 percent of colorectal cancer is adenocarcinoma, which is cancer of the gland cells that line the inside wall of the large intestine.

Some risk factors for colorectal cancer cannot be controlled, such as having a family history of this cancer, age and ethnicity. A person with a history of chronic inflammatory bowel disease also has a higher risk for developing colorectal cancer.

However, some lifestyle habits can increase the risk of this cancer. A diet high in animal fat and low in fiber, physical inactivity and smoking are some of the lifestyle habits that increase the risk for colorectal cancer.

For Futher information Visit us at http://www.fortishealthcare.com/network_hospitals/fortis_jessa_ram/specilities_surgical_oncology.html

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

NEUROSURGERY INDIA - FORTIS HEALTHCARE

NEUROSURGERY INDIA

Neuro Surgery & Neurology
This speciality deals with surgical intervention for brain and spine problems. Procedures done are Tumor removal, Blood clot removal etc. Neurological disorders are disorders that affect the central nervous system (brain, brainstem and cerebellum), the peripheral nervous system (peripheral nerves - cranial nerves included) or the autonomic nervous system (parts of which are located in both central and peripheral nervous system).

Major conditions include:

  • Headache disorders such as migraine and tension headache (cluster headache)
  • Episodic conditions such as seizures and the epilepsies
  • Neurodegenerative disorders. The most common class being dementias, including Alzheimer's disease cerebrovascular disease, such as transient ischemic attacks and strokes (ischemic or hemorrhagic)
  • Sleep disorders

For Futher Information Please Visit us at http://www.fortishealthcare.com/network_hospitals/fortis_mohali/Neurosurgery.html

Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Neuroblastoma - An Overview

Neuroblastoma is a rare cancerous tumor that grows from immature nerve cells usually in the abdominal area. It is most common in infants and children, but can also occur in adults. This cancer usually grows in cells of the nervous system but also may grow in the cells of the adrenal glands, which produce and release adrenaline and cortisone. Neuroblastoma may be present at birth but also may be detected later, usually before the age of 5 and very rarely after age 10.

Immature nerve cells called neuroblasts vary in their development. Neuroblasts that do not develop into functioning nerve cells may die with no trace, develop into a benign tumor or become a malignant tumor. The cause for most neuroblastomas is unknown, although a tiny percentage run in families.

Most neuroblastomas do not produce symptoms early in their development. Consequently, they are not diagnosed until they have spread (metastasized) and begin to produce symptoms. Signs and symptoms of neuroblastoma can be related to the site of the metastasis, such as an abdominal mass, bone pain or difficulty moving or paralysis. Neuroblastomas in the adrenal glands can cause the release of hormones from the cancer cells and produce high blood pressure and a rapid heart beat.

A neuroblastoma mass is often discovered during a routine physical examination or in an x-ray taken to diagnose an unrelated condition. Cells from the tumor are analyzed by a pathologist and the cancer is staged, which will determine the severity and spread of the cancer. The information is combined with the age of the child, DNA factors, cell type, rate of growth and spread to determine the patient’s treatment and prognosis.

There is no known prevention method for neuroblastoma, and usually detection before symptoms appear is not possible.

For further information, please visit www.fortishealthcare.com

Monday, January 26, 2009

Lou Gehrig’s disease - An Overview

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurological condition that causes gradual loss of mobility in affected patients. ALS is also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, named after the famous baseball player who died from the disease in 1941. Patients with ALS typically die from respiratory failure within three to five years of diagnosis.

ALS is characterized by the degradation and eventual death of motor neurons. These nerve cells transmit signals from the brain to the muscles involved in movement. Without the nerve signals, the muscles stop functioning and begin to waste away (atrophy). A patient is likely to experience muscle weakness that gradually progresses to complete loss of movement (paralysis). Most patients experience the first symptoms after the age of 40.Anyone can develop ALS, but it is a rare condition.

The cause of most cases of ALS is unknown. Between 90 and 95 percent of patients have no family history of the disease. Of the remaining patients with ALS, approximately 20 percent of cases have been linked to a mutation in the SOD1 gene. It is thought that this mutation affects the way in which certain harmful elements are processed in the body, causing them to build up and consequently damage motor neurons. The disease may also be related to glutamate, a neurotransmitter that has been found in high levels in ALS patients.

ALS progresses slowly and its symptoms may not be noticed for some time. Symptoms are likely to include muscle weakness or twitching, slurred and/or nasal speech, and difficulty with chewing and swallowing. Patients are likely to trip more often and lose strength in their hands, which can affect fine motor skills, such as buttoning clothes and other such activities of daily living.

The diagnosis of ALS is usually based on the presence of symptoms. A family history of the disease accompanied by signs and symptoms is a strong indication of ALS. A physician may perform tests to exclude other possible causes of muscle weakness. These tests may include electromyography (EMG), nerve conduction velocity (NCV) studies and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Some tests may be repeated over time to monitor disease is progression.

For further information, please visit www.fortishealthcare.com




Thursday, January 22, 2009

Movement Disorders and It's Tremors


"Spinocerebellar Atrophy" is more commonly referred to as "Cerebellar Degeneration" in the medical community.A disease process in which neurons in the cerebellum (the area of the brain that controls coordination and balance) deteriorate and die. It may also affect the brain stem, medulla oblongata and cerebral cortex.

Movement disorders are neurological conditions that prevent patients from controlling their muscles and, therefore, their movements. Some patients experience facial tics or trembling hands while others will uncontrollably flail one or more limbs. Conversely, some patients with movement disorders are unable to move a limb despite their intentions.

Most movement disorders involve the voluntary muscles, which a person controls through conscious thought. Conscious movement requires complex processes involving neurons (nerve cells) in several parts of the brain, spinal cord and muscles. A movement disorder may occur if the communication between any of these parts is slowed, disrupted or blocked. This can result from a number of causes, including physical injuries (e.g., head injury, spinal cord injury, stroke), genetic mutations and infections.

There are dozens of types of movement disorders. Some of the most common are Parkinson’s disease and essential tremor. Both cause uncontrollable shaking, but Parkinson’s disease is also associated with severe complications. Patients may also have one of the many tic disorders (e.g., Tourette syndrome), which cause uncontrollable muscle and vocal spasms. Other examples of movement disorders include Bell’s palsy, Huntington’s disease and locked-in syndrome.

Several, somewhat distinct, types of movements help characterize most movement disorders. Exaggerated or uncontrollable movements are termed hyperkinetic. They may be rapid (e.g., tics, hemiballismus) or slow and rhythmic (e.g., athetosis, dystonia). Other movements are hypokinetic, which are delayed or absent (e.g., paralysis, ataxia).

The diagnosis of a movement disorder can be complex. This is because the nervous system is a complicated and multifaceted system that is not completely understood. Diagnosis will likely require eliminating other possible disorders that could cause similar signs and symptoms. Because diagnosis is often complicated, the process may require visiting several specialists in neurological and muscular diseases, in addition to the patient’s primary care physician.

For further information, please visit www.fortishealthcare.com


Wednesday, January 21, 2009

Meningitis - It's Meaning


Spinal Meningitis is the lay term for meningitis caused by the "meningococcus," Neiserria meningitidis. Meningitis is an infection of the fluid of a person's spinal cord and the fluid that surrounds the brain. People sometimes refer to it as spinal meningitis. Meningitis affects both the brain and spinal cord at the same time. You can't have JUST spinal meningitis – you simply have meningitis. Therefore, spinal meningitis and regular meningitis are one and the same.
It is an inflammation of the tissues surrounding the brain and spinal cord due to bacterial or viral infection, and may be life threatening. Many types of bacteria can cause the illness, but immunisation introduced over recent years against the more common strains has been very effective in reducing the incidence of the disease.

Should anyone, of any age, show some of the signs and need to be seen by a doctor, it may be quicker and better for the patient to take him directly to a surgery than to wait for a home visit.

Many people reading this list may be aware that meningitis can be associated with a reddish-purple rash that doesn't disappear when a clear glass is pressed over it. The rash does not occur in every case of meningitis and when it does, it is usually a late sign. It is not necessary to have a rash to make the diagnosis.

  • There are many forms of meningitis. If diagnosed early enough, most people with meningitis make a complete recovery with the help of antibiotics. Sometimes, artificial ventilation using a machine that helps a person breathe normally is necessary for a while. If the disease is identified too late it may be fatal.
  • Viral meningitis usually follows a viral illness such as chickenpox or mumps. Often general nursing care, rest and (occasionally) antiviral drugs may be needed.
  • There is no doubt that in this illness prevention is better than cure, as the illness mimics many others. Delayed treatment can result in death or permanent brain damage.
For further information, please visit www.fortishealthcare.com

Monday, January 19, 2009

What is Cervical Spine Surgery?

The goal of cervical spine surgery is to relieve pain, numbness, tingling and weakness, restore nerve function and stop or prevent abnormal motion in the spine. Your surgeon does this by removing a disc or a bone and fusing the vertebrae together with a bone graft either in front of or behind the spine. The bone graft may be one of two types: an autograft (bone taken from your body) or an allograft (bone from a bone bank). Sometimes metal plates, screws or wires are also used to further stabilize the spine. These techniques are called instrumentation. When the vertebrae have been surgically stabilized, abnormal motion is stopped and function is restored to the spinal nerves.
Reasons :
Cervical spine surgery may be indicated for a variety of cervical spine problems. Generally, surgery may be performed for degenerative disorders, trauma or instability. These conditions may produce pressure on the spinal cord or on the nerves coming from the spine.

For further information, please visit www.fortishealthcare.com

Saturday, January 17, 2009

Lumbar Spine Surgery - An Overview

Lumbar spinal surgery is done while the patient is under general anesthesia (unconscious and pain-free). An incision is made over the troubled area. The bone that curves around and covers the spinal cord (lamina) is removed (laminectomy) and the tissue that is causing pressure on the nerve or spinal cord is removed.

The hole through which the nerve passes may be enlarged to prevent further pressure on the nerve. Sometimes, spinal fusion is necessary to stabilize the area.


Indications:

Symptoms of lumbar spine problems include:

  • Pain that extends (radiates) from the back to the buttocks or back of thigh
  • Pain that interferes with daily activities
  • Weakness of legs or feet
  • Numbness of legs, feet, or toes
  • Loss of bowel or bladder control

If you are experiencing numbness in your groin region and problems with urinary or bowel control, contact your health care provider immediately. This could indicate cauda equina syndrome, which must be addressed as soon as possible.



For further information, please visit www.fortishealthcare.com

Thursday, January 15, 2009

Overview on Lumbar Spinal Surgery

Lumbar spinal surgery is used to correct problems with the spinal bones (vertebrae), disks, or nerves of the lower back (lumbar spine).

The spine consists of bones (vertebrae) separated by soft cushions (disks). Pressure on the nerves that branch off the spinal cord can produce pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness.

Lumbar spinal surgery is done while you are under general anesthesia (unconscious and pain-free). A surgical cut is made over the area of the problem. The bone that curves around and covers the spinal cord and the tissue that presses on the nerve or spinal cord are removed.

The hole through which the nerve passes may be widened to prevent further pressure on the nerve. Sometimes, spinal fusion is necessary to stabilize the area.

For further information visit, www.fortishealthcare.com

Friday, January 9, 2009

Spinal cord stimulation for low back pain

Spinal cord stimulation is a procedure that uses an electrical current to treat chronic pain. To treat chronic low back pain, a small pulse generator, implanted in the back, transmits electrical pulses to the spinal cord. These pulses interfere with the nerve impulses responsible for leg pain due to nerve damage (sciatica).

Implanting the stimulator is considered to be a simple procedure, typically done using a local anesthetic and a sedative. Your doctor usually will first implant a trial stimulator under the skin (percutaneously) to give the treatment a trial run. (A percutaneous stimulator tends to move from its original location, so it is considered temporary.) After a successful trial, your doctor can implant a more permanent stimulator. The stimulator itself is implanted under the skin of the belly (abdomen), and the small coated wires (leads) are inserted under the skin to the point where they are inserted into the spinal canal. This placement in the abdomen is a more stable, effective location. Most stimulator batteries must be replaced every 2 to 5 years.

When in use, the spinal cord stimulator creates a tingling feeling, rather than the pain you have felt in the past.

For further information, please visit www.fortishealthcare.com

Thursday, January 8, 2009

Advantages of Minimal Spine Surgery

The major source for outgoing information from brain to all other parts of body is none other than spinal cord which is very sensitive when compared to other sensory organs. Spinal cord injury is of two type’s namely complete and partial spinal cord injuries. No sensation in the body functioning at the point of injury is termed as complete spinal cord injury, whereas sensation in the body functioning at the point of injury is termed as partial spinal cord injury.

The main symptom for spinal cord injury is significant swelling. Minimal invasive spine surgery is the most popular surgery which makes use of very small incisions, less normal tissue damage, minimal muscle retraction and targeted treatment for pathology. Long term safety for spinal cord injuries is provided by one and only perfect healthcare hospitals known as Fortis Healthcare hospitals. Care is provided at Fortis Healthcare such that patient can have the capability of getting strength back in a fast manner.
For more information visit:
http://www.fortishealthcare.com

Tuesday, January 6, 2009

Fast Recovery Services for Spinal Cord Injury

An unexpected spinal cord injury can be due to the distressing drive to the spine that displaces vertebrae. The spinal cord injury is more probable to cause breakage of the vertebrae which demolishes the axons. Axons are the extension of nerve cells that carry signals between the brain and the rest of the body.

Spinal cord injuries can be of two types that are complete or incomplete. People who are affected with incomplete spinal cord injury will preserve some of their sensory function where as in complete spinal cord injury total sensory function will not work.

Treatment for spinal cord injuries is provided with great care and attention for complete improvement at Fortis Healthcare which is one among the best hospital in India.

For more information about Spinal Cord Surgery visit:
http://www.fortishealthcare.com/

Low Cost Spinal Surgery in India

Common reasons to see a doctor is severe back pain and spinal pain. Many people experience back pain and some are good enough to get cured away by natural treatments, but some patients require spinal surgery, only in severe cases. Consulting to a spinal surgeon is now becoming a major problem among public, as they fear that if they are dignoised with spinal pain then do they really need a spinal surgery.
Spinal surgeons diagnoises problems affiliated to neck pain, back pain and mid back pain treatments. Spinal surgeons at Fortis healthcare hospitals always support a helpful hand to your spinal problems. The hospital has one of the best renowed spinal surgeons, who applies latest innovative techniques like the Minimally invasive spinal surgery, which is performed under general anesthesia.
The hospital also provides imaging services like EEG, EMG, Functional MRI along with other services. After the surgery there is less pain and also chances of failed back syndrome are also less.
For more information on spinal cord services at the hospital visit:

Monday, January 5, 2009

Treatment Options for Spinal (Back) Pain

A sudden pain in the back due to continuous working and busy schedules might make a person suffer from spinal cord disorder. It is necessary to take more care for your spine as it might get out of shape in the body and might increase the pain. Many patients still have a misconception that spinal surgery is very dangerous and doesnot yield any results.

If a patients undergoes a treatment for the spinal disorder, then it should be either a confirmation from the spinal surgeon or otherwise it's not recommended strictly. A patient should be mentally and physically ready to undergo spine treatment. Its always necessary to consult the doctor for the spinal surgery as otherwise there will be many complications and potential risks involved as your doctor can only judge you whether you are a suitable candidate or not to undergo spinal surgery.
Spinal doctors at Fortis healthcare hospitals provides excellent medications to undergo spinal surgery treatments and thus within the affordable cost.
Formore information on spinal cord surgery visit: