ARTICLES ON Press Release

A 72-year-old female with a frozen shoulder and weighing around 115kg was detected with stage II breast cancer. The lump was found on the right breast where she had frozen shoulder. According to a recent report published by National Cancer Registry Programme (NCRP), the number of cancer cases is likely to increase from13.9 lakh in 2020 to 15.7 lakh by 2025, an increase of nearly 20%. However, the one good thing is that at least one-third of common cancers are preventable. Dr. Meghal Sanghavi, Consultant Onco Surgeon at Wockhardt Hospitals, Mumbai Central said, “This case was extremely crucial and severe as the woman was obese and had frozen shoulder on the same side of the lump. But since the cancer was at the II stage the operation was planned immediately to avoid further complications. The radiation was completely averted and only hormone therapy was given to the patient.    Ira Rodrigues (the patient 72 years old) said, “I was shocked when I was detected with breast cancer.  The other worry was my frozen shoulder which I was suffering from. I was lucky to be diagnosed at an early stage. The doctor’s confidence brought down all my fears.  Instead of chemotherapy or radiation, I have been put on hormone therapy which is an oral tablet. I urge people to do a self-examination of the breast and if a lump is found one must visit the oncologist on an urgent basis. Early detection helps in improving chances of successful treatment outcomes.”   The factors that increase the risk of breast cancer are lack of exercise, alcohol, weight gain, hormone replacement therapy, family history of breast or ovarian cancer. Early menarche and late menopause are also risk factors for breast cancer. Pregnancy and breastfeeding can reduce the risk of breast cancer.  Source: https://www.konexionetwork.com/NewsDetails.aspx?newsid=5fbccc5b-e848-4839-a2e2-7d0b7250cc3b

The patient who was unable to talk, eat or swallow due to a 4.5 cm ulcer located on the right lateral border of the tongue can even sing her favorite songs with ease now. In such cases, patients often lose their tongue, if not treated at the right time.  The patient, an event manager and resident of Mira Road, had an ulcer, mouth pain, inability to talk, eat or swallow for over 4 months during the lockdown.  The patient visited various big hospitals and tried many home remedies like applying honey on the ulcer, having aloe vera juice but nothing seemed to provide her relief.  As time passed, the issue accelerated further, which disrupted her daily routine. However, the patient was referred to Wockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road wherein she got a new way of life. “On arrival, the patient came with complaints like mouth pain, inability to eat, talk or swallow, and a 4.5 cm ulcer located on the right lateral border of the tongue. Her biopsy of ulcer, MRI, X-ray, and CT scan investigations revealed cancerous growth was on the tongue which extended to the lymph nodes of the right side of the neck. The ulcer infiltrative lesion arising from ventral surface of the tongue to the entire floor of the mouth, involving almost the entire anterolateral two-thirds tongue and not abutting the mandible in the entire length,’ said Dr. Singh.  Tongue cancer can be termed as a type of mouth or oral cancer, seen in the cells of the tongue leading to tumours or lesions. It occurs due to tobacco consumption and smoking, alcohol, sharp teeth causing ulcers, an iron deficiency anaemia and other nutritional deficiencies. Moreover, it can spread to the lymph glands of the neck.  In order to halt the spread of cancer, the patient was scheduled to undergo Hemiglossectomy with FRAFF, followed by 35 cycles of radiotherapy and 6 cycles of chemotherapy. The surgery involved the removal of half of the right side of the tongue and adjacent tissues and reconstructive surgery was carried out to restore speech, swallowing and normal appearance. A skin grafting is done to replace the tissue removed during surgery.   “While working from home, I noticed an ulcer that prevented me from eating spicy foods and had to eat bland food.  I was petrified when there was mouth pain, slurred speech, and inability to swallow and eat. My voice changed, and people would not understand what I wanted to say. While attending online meetings I would remain silent as I would think that I may become a butt of a joke. Even my family members couldn’t understand what I wanted to convey. I love singing and couldn’t sing my favourite songs due to the ulcer and pain,” the patient said.  “My world came crashing down after the diagnosis of tongue cancer as it was an unknown entity for me. I thought I would end up losing my entire tongue, and never be able to speak again. I cried and spent some sleepless nights thinking of that. Now, I am alright, able to eat solid foods comfortably and my speech quality has also improved. I have started singing my favourite songs again,” she added. Source: https://www.deccanherald.com/national/west/24-year-old-woman-with-tongue-cancer-sings-again-after-treatment-1026553.html

Imagine being able to talk to your doctors during brain surgery without pain and give them immediate feedback if you feel any problem while they operate. That’s exactly what happens during an awake craniotomy or awake brain surgery. This high-end case was recently performed at Wockhardt Hospitals in Nagpur.   This highly specialized surgical procedure requires a team approach led by a neurosurgeon and a neuroanesthesiologist which was performed by Dr. Rahul Zamad, Neuro Surgeon and Awantika Jaiswal, Neuroanesthesiologist. “The main goal in such surgery is to remove as much of the tumor as can be removed, in the safest possible way. When a tumor is near an area of the brain that controls critical functions — such as speech, language, or movement — an awake cranioplasty surgery is the best way to identify and safely preserve those abilities”, informed Dr. Rahul Zamad. Certain functions are generally located in particular areas on the brain’s surface. But below the surface, bundles of nerves pass through the brain to the spinal cord and throughout the body. During the surgery, we have to map these nerves using brain mapping gadgets to understand which ones are connected to key functions so that we can avoid them as we remove the tumor. Damaging critical nerves could cause permanent disability. Awake craniotomies are frequently — but not always — used for various brain tumors which tend to occur in the frontal, parietal and temporal lobes, which control speech and motor function, and also for certain seizure disorders. The most important player of the procedure is the patient as he has to feel comfortable with the idea of waking up during surgery. A patient with severe symptoms may not be able to effectively contribute to the neurological exams during surgery. Brain tissue doesn’t have any pain fibers, so while you may feel pressure or vibrations from the surgery, you shouldn’t feel pain. We use a combination of local anesthetic and a small amount of sedation if required to numb the muscles, skin, and bone that the surgeon has to cut through to get to the brain. The patient is then completely awake while the resection of the tumor is started. When the patient wakes up he will hear the neuroanesthesiologist reassuring the patient and though he won’t be able to move the head, the neuroanesthesiology team will make them as comfortable as possible and stay with the patient the entire time as it may require something from a few minutes to several hours to complete the procedure. While being awake patient helps to map the areas of the brain by letting the team know about weakness in limbs or difficulty in speech. In our case, the area of interest was the motor and the premotor cortex. The neurosurgeon stimulates the part of your brain near the tumor by sending a light electrical current down the nerves. At the same time, the neuroanesthesiologist will give you some simple verbal tasks to see if the stimulation affected your neurological function, and the rest of the time also active communication continues. Finally, when intracranial work is done and the patient’s condition is stable, the patient is again sedated and the rest of the procedure is completed. Source: https://thelivenagpur.com/2021/08/25/patient-talks-to-the-surgeon-during-rare-brain-surgery-performed-at-wockhardt-hospital-nagpur/

Our country has the highest rate of diabetes among obese people. Obesity is also linked to an increase in metabolic diseases. Obesity itself is scientifically a disease and it affects one’s life in many adverse ways. Obesity can lead to heart attack, brain stroke, high blood pressure, thyroid disease, arthritis, liver disease, and spinal disorders along with diabetes. Obesity is the burden of extra weight on the body! We must first realize that this weight affects various organs in our body and their function. When the ratio of body weight to height (BMI) goes beyond ‘30 kg / m2 ’, this weight creates an extra load for the body with serious side effects. These include pressure on the heart, pressure on the joints and spinal cord, and extra stress on the heart, kidneys, and lungs. At the same time, you should keep in mind that obesity creates hormone imbalance too, further reducing the body’s capacity to digest sugar and increasing the intensity of diabetes, such patients later need insulin doses. One of the positive aspects of all these ailments is that as we lose weight, all these ailments can be cured and we can balance the metabolism once again. Now the question arises how to reduce obesity? Many methods and options for weight loss are available everywhere, most methods are unscientific and have adverse effects on the body. With diet planning and exercises if this extra weight is not shredded then “bariatric surgery” is the last option you have to lose this weight and there is a need to spread awareness in the society about it. What is bariatric surgery? Bariatric surgery was started about 70 years ago. Initially, the surgery was performed to reduce the extra weight in obese people. However, later it also showed that diabetes was controlled in most patients with this surgery. A number of studies and research conducted in this regard since 2004 have concluded that among 80 to 90 percent of diabetic people with obesity, Experiencing well-being after the diabetic surgery. The intensity of the disease is less, which means that blood sugar levels remain normal with/without very few medications. Research has also shown that intestinal hormones such as ‘Incretin’ cause type 2 diabetes, and bariatric surgery can affect this hormone and control type 2 diabetes. The American Diabetic Association also acknowledges that bariatric surgery in obese individuals can cure diabetes completely, and they recommend this surgery. What is special is that, due to the advancement of technology and expert skills, “bariatric surgery” is now also performed through laparoscopy, so that there is no major incision on the body, not more bleeding, recovery is faster and the patient starts the routine early. Methods such as gastric bypass, mini-gastric bypass, and sleeve gastrectomy are prevalent in bariatric surgery. The right choice is made by a surgeon based on the patient’s condition. Bariatric surgery is the process of making positive changes in your digestive system, it reduces a patient’s appetite or ability to absorb nutrients, and in some cases both, resulting in rapid weight loss. Reducing obesity also helps in controlling diabetes and reduce or permanently stop doses of insulin and other medication. Advanced Center for Bariatric Surgery! Wockhardt Hospitals Nashik is the only hospital in North Maharashtra where “bariatric surgery” is performed. After scientific training in gastrointestinal surgeries, Dr. Sandeep Sabnis emerged as an expert in the field of bariatric surgery. Patients from Nashik and North Maharashtra have benefited from his expertise. Earlier, patients from Nashik used to reach Mumbai or Pune for this surgery, but now, breaking this equation, Dr. Sandeep Sabnis is treating obese patients in Nashik itself. Wockhardt Hospitals Nashik has assured that this will definitely benefit diabetic patients as well as those who want to reduce obesity. Dr. Sandeep Sabnis is the only certified Surgical Gastroenterologist in North Maharashtra and a renowned bariatric surgeon. Contact for appointment: 8669998256/8669998260

Coronavirus has been linked to severe neurological complications like brain fog, encephalitis, and even meningitis. Now, it is also causing temporary facial paralysis or Bell’s palsy in patients, doctors say. “Since last year, there is a drastic increase in the number of Bell’s palsy cases coming to the physiotherapy department, particularly patients with a history of covid-19 infection. In the last few months, around 3-4 post-Covid patients, both young and old, are appearing with this problem on a daily basis. Before Covid, we used to see such cases appearing very rarely, 1-2 cases in a month. Even asymptomatic patients who have recovered from Covid can suffer from Bell’s palsy,” said Dr. Vinith Karanth. According to experts, earlier, many Covid patients, after getting discharged, reported neurological complications like Guillain Barre Syndrome, dementia, meningitis, encephalitis, and even mucormycosis, a rare fungal infection. Now, Covid is also being associated with Bell’s palsy or facial palsy, a facial nerve disorder. What is the Condition All About? As per Dr. Karanth, Bell’s palsy is the sudden weakness in the muscles on one-half of the face due to facial nerve inflammation owing to the viral infection. “The facial nerve controls the action of facial muscles, and in Bell’s palsy, it stops sending signals to the muscles which lead to paralysis/weakness on a temporary basis and can affect either side. This can be due to impaired immunity commonly seen in patients post-covid,” he said. Symptoms Dr. Pavan Pai, neurologist, Wockhardt Hospital, Mira Road noted how complication strikes as the “peripheral portion of the facial nerve get affected”. “One has facial droop, sensitivity to loud noise, and cannot close his/her eye on the affected side. Bell’s palsy is a temporary paralysis that is triggered due to the inflammation in facial nerves,” he described. Bell’s palsy, which can crop up “even after 1-2 months of recovery from Covid”, includes symptoms like weakness on one side of the face, drooping of the mouth, facial pain, loss of taste, difficulty with speech, difficulty in eating and chewing food, eyes cannot close completely and one can suffer from eye infections because of that, explained Dr. Karanth. Treatment There are two types of paralysis — upper motor neuron paralysis related to the brain and spinal cord, and lower motor neuron paralysis which is linked to the peripheral nerves. “Bell’s palsy is the lower motor type of paralysis. So, if one feels any weakness they should visit a neurologist who will help with the correct diagnosis and a treatment plan with medicines and physiotherapy,” mentioned Dr. Karanth. Along with the medical management of steroids and antivirals, physiotherapy management which includes stimulation of the facial nerve with therapeutic currents and facial exercises helps in “faster recovery”. “Facial nerve stimulation helps to restore the muscle tone of the flabby facial muscles. Early diagnosis and timely intervention are essential to managing this condition promptly,” said Dr. Karanth. Doctors warn against delayed treatment. “Even those Covid patients who are asymptomatic can suffer from this condition. So, be careful, and stay healthy,” said Dr. Rajratan Sadawarte.

The Nickelodeon franchise entertains millions of young fans across India and continues to inculcate the right values in kids by breaking stereotypes and redefining norms through their shows and initiatives. Being a pioneer in bringing alive the true spirit of Raksha Bandhan, the country’s leading kids’ entertainment channel is back with its iconic Surakshabandhan campaign. A few days ahead of the festival, in an effort to pay tribute to the medical personnel and show gratitude, Nickelodeon joined hands with Slam Out Loud, a Delhi-based not-for-profit organization to curate DIY Nickelodeon-themed rakhis for the healthcare workers and recognize their selfless service. As part of the initiative, Slam Out Loud, an organization that uses the power of arts to build creative confidence amongst children from disadvantaged communities, conducted a 1-hour workshop with 40 kids from Swadhar (Pune) to make their favorite Nicktoon-themed handmade rakhis. The kids also wrote heart-warming gratitude notes and cards for the medical personnel thanking them for their work and praying for their safety. Nicktoons Shiva and Rudra became the messengers of ‘thank you’ and tied rakhis to the medical staff at Wockhardt Hospitals to show love, respect, and gratitude. Through this initiative, Nickelodeon set out to create awareness amongst children on the selfless efforts of healthcare workers and how they have been pushing the envelope to keep everybody safe and protected. The doctors and nurses who received the rakhis were really touched by the gesture. Dr Parag Rindani, Regional Head, Wockhardt Hospital said, “We are glad to associate with Nickelodeon to tie Rakhi – a band of Suraksha to our doctors and the clinical staff for their remarkable contribution during these trying times and to celebrate the true spirit of “Surakshabandhan” during the ongoing pandemic. We hope that this activity will relieve stress, fear and divert the attention of our Doctors and medical staff who are protecting us ever since the pandemic hit us.” The initiative will be promoted on digital media and through a robust program of mommy networks and influencers who will amplify the reach to audiences at large. Moreover, the initiative will be brought to life on social media through engaging content and contests for kids encouraging them to share pictures of their DIY rakhis. Additionally, the brand is imploring kids to create a chain of messages for the medical personnel and curate the longest rakhi message using social media features. In 2017, Nickelodeon celebrated Surakshabandhan with India’s elite Border Security Force (BSF) at Wagah Border, wherein children along with their favorite toons Dora and Shiva tied the symbolic Rakhi to the soldiers at the iconic retreat ceremony, thus saluting their selflessness, bravery, and relentless commitment to the country. Source: https://www.4psnews.com/brands/story/nickelodeon-is-back-with-its-surakshabandhan-campaign-gives-a-heartwarming-tribute-to-medical-personnel-at-wockhardt-hospital-sobo

Several women suffer in silence, the discomfort, and embarrassment related to stress urinary incontinence (SUI), vaginal laxity, and the associated sexual dysfunction. They do not seek treatment, either out of ignorance or out of embarrassment, and suffer silently. The barriers of communication about these rampantly common but less spoken of issues in women need to be broken. There have been developed in aesthetic and functional gynecology which are proving to be boons for these fairly common complaints in women. TTCRF (Transcutaneous Temperature Controlled Radio Frequency) energy source can be used to treat these ailments in most women. This is a novel, absolutely noninvasive modality of therapy that requires no hospitalization, no anesthesia, and no incision and can be done in an OPD setup. The patient’s own tissues are given a targeted RF energy thereby triggering regeneration of collagen tissue and improving the blood supply in the local native tissue. This is like strengthening the patient’s own tissues to function optimally as earlier, instead of making a tape/sling or surgical sutures to do the job. The common ailment that can be addressed and cured by using this modality are- SUI (Stress Urinary incontinence) What Does the Procedure Involve? It involves a simple OPD setup procedure wherein the patient is given transcutaneous temperative controlled RF energy by specialized vaginal probes attached to a highly advanced RF energy source for a specified time. In around 30 minutes, the patient walks out of the chamber. Are There Any Post-Procedure Problems? The procedure has absolutely no downtime and the patient gets back to work the moment she walks out of the hospital. It is possible to resume sexual activity within 72 hours and there is no restriction to activities like swimming or tub bath. How Does this Work? The temperature-controlled RF energy triggers the regeneration of new collagen tissue which strengthens the native tissues in the vagina. It also increases the local blood supply giving additional support and strength to the vaginal lining. This in turn provides the original robust support to the urinary tract which lies in close proximity to the female reproductive tract. It thus deals with incontinence of urine which arose due to loss of support by native tissues. By increasing the blood supply to the vaginal lining, it improves the sexual satisfaction score It also, by the same mechanism, improves the integrity of the urogenital tract, thereby reducing the incidence of recurrent UTI drastically. Let’s encourage our women to speak out about these health issues and help them to overcome them in a simple and absolutely painful way. Let’s, in a real sense, empower our women and allow them to enjoy the new ‘20s’ in their ‘40s’!!

A free health check-up camp for central jail prisoners was organized by Wockhardt Hospitals, Nagpur, and Rotary Club Elite. The camp was held on 8th August to ensure proper health monitoring of the prisoners.  In the camp around 2000 inmates were screened by specialist consultants. All prisoners received services from dermatology, physician, and physiotherapy departments. After the Health Check-Up, the required medications were also provided to the inmates free of cost.  Talking about the camp, It has been conducted in presence of Mr. Ajay Patil, Chairman- Rotary Club Elite, Mr.Shubhankar Patil President Rotary Club Elite under the observation of Mr.Kumare Police Superintendent Central Jail Nagpur. Mr. Abhinandan Dastenavar, Centre Head, Wockhardt Hospitals in Nagpur said that _” Wockhardt Hospitals do believe in conducting CSR activities and always wish to associate with Rotary Club to add value in noble activities and to fulfill the social responsibilities”. Also, Dr.Vaibhav Agrawal said that “In this pandemic and infectious environment its important to take such camps to screen the patients and it’s our pride that Wockhardt hospitals always lead in such CSR activities. Wockhardt successfully conducted this activity with an expert team of medical officers, nursing staff, pharmacists, etc. The camp was organized keeping into consideration the fact that prisons have health services, but new treatments and investigations may be needed with the change of time.  Source: https://thelivenagpur.com/2021/08/10/wockhardt-hospital-and-rotary-club-elite-organize-health-check-up-camp-for-central-jail-prisoners/

Wockhardt Hospitals, a reputed chain of tertiary care super-specialty hospitals in India observed Patient Safety Week with the theme “Fall Safety and Documentation Awareness Week”, across Western India at all its facilities at Nagpur, Rajkot, Mumbai & Mira Road. Patient safety is fundamental to delivering quality health services. The practices are aimed at strengthening the regular process to achieve better patient care and safety. The Group-wide program on Patient Safety Week from 3rd to 5th August was inaugurated by Ms. Zahabiya Khorakiwala, Managing Director, Wockhardt Hospitals Ltd.  Commenting on the initiative, Ms. Khorakiwala said, “Prevention is always better than cure. It is mandatory that healthcare institutions implement these practices and adhere to them to ensure quality care and patient safety. At Wockhardt Hospitals, we believe in delivering quality care.”The three-day program witnessed wide range of activities covering the topics of Accurate & Complete Documentation of Medical Records, Fire Safety etc. Dr. Clive Fernandes, Group Clinical Director, Wockhardt Group Hospitals, said, “At Wockhardt Hospitals, we have always believed in patient safety first, Quality healthcare always has to be delivered keeping patient safety in mind. At Wockhardt Hospitals we regularly conduct such awareness programme that helps us to reinforce all our defined protocols. This program is focusing on complete documentation in the medical record as I firmly believe “Every entry matters.” Source: https://www.konexionetwork.com/NewsDetails.aspx?newsid=8d9655de-0ef8-413a-a082-79ad93900de5

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation or CPR is a lifesaving technique used to revive the person whose breathing or heartbeat stops. The waiting time during the Covid-19 vaccination can be utilised to spread out messages and train people – and this is what the Wockhardt Hospitals at Mira Road near Mumbai is doing. They are teaching the public to help and resuscitate victims of cardiac events until help arrives to reduce mortality rates. The hospital via its hands-on campaign will demonstrate to the people – Hands-Only CPR in the coming months. It is an emergency procedure wherein chest compressions along with artificial ventilation are done to manually preserve the brain function until the breathing and spontaneous blood circulation is restored in a person suffering from cardiac arrest. CP R is given when one’s heart stops or fails to deliver oxygen to the entire body. It is helpful in a lot of emergencies like a cardiac arrest, near drowning, car accidents, choking, heart attacks, electric shocks, or when someone stops breathing. If CPR is provided within a few minutes of the heart-stopping, it triples the chances of the patient returning to normal without suffering severe damage to the brain and other organs in the body. Dr Tushau Prasad, Consultant Emergency Medicine, Wockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road said, “When a loved one experiences a cardiac arrest, seconds matter. A cardiac arrest can occur at any time and anywhere—home, work, or play, and the victim could be anyone, even someone you know and love. The steps to save a life are simple, and we believe everyone should learn them.” For every minute CPR is delayed, a victim’s chance of survival decreases by 10%. Immediate CPR from someone nearby can double—even triple—their chance of survival. Our hands can do so many things, the most important of which may be saving someone’s life. “The power is in our hands. Hands-Only CPR is recommended for use on teens or adults whom you see suddenly collapse,” he said. The interested participants were given a Hands-Only CPR demonstration on a mannequin to initiate CPR till the arrival of ambulance service or trained health care professionals. This demonstration will help in preventing complications due to delay in CPR and ensure that a patient reaches the hospital safely. The participants were also given a certificate of appreciation for being a critical part of the campaign. Dr Pankaj Dhamija Center head, Wockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road said, “Effective CPR (Cardiopulmonary resuscitation) skills make a very big difference by doubling a person’s chance of survival if performed at the right time in the right way. Thus, we wanted to educate people regarding this technique.” “Hands-only CPR knowledge can ensure that our loved ones or those in need can overcome any unfortunate incident like a heart attack as not many people know about it. Hands-only CPR demonstrations should also be given in schools and colleges as well,” said vaccine beneficiary Pradnya Shinde. Source: https://www.deccanherald.com/national/west/wockhardt-hospital-teaches-cpr-during-vaccination-1016138.html