Wednesday 13 December 2017

Why should you choose gene-based cochlear implants?

Treatments for loss of hearing ability, either congenital or accidental have come a long way. The latest addition to these hearing aids is gene-therapy based cochlear implants, wherein gene-therapy is delivered via electrodes. This helps regenerate auditory nerve and restores hearing ability.

Around 360 million people worldwide use cochlear implants. To understand how regular cochlear implants are different from gene-therapy based cochlear implants, let us first understand the working mechanism of regular implants. As explained in an article on technologyreview.com, “the devices are implanted in patients who are profoundly deaf, having lost most or all of the ear’s hair cells, which detect sound waves through mechanical vibrations, and convert those vibrations into electrical signals that are picked up by neurons in the auditory nerve and passed along to the brain. Cochlear implants use up to 22 platinum electrodes to stimulate the auditory nerve; the devices make a tremendous difference for people, but they restore only a fraction of normal hearing.”


On the other hand, gene-therapy based cochlear implants help regenerate (not just stimulate) auditory nerves. Along with picking up speech, speech reproduction dynamics and spectral range improve significantly and hearing can be restored to almost normal levels. This is backed by a research published in the journal titled Science Translational Magazine. When neurotrophin-gene injected cochlear implants were placed into the cochleae of deaf guinea pigs; it resulted in nerve regeneration and stronger responses to signals from the implant. 

The cost of regular implants cost somewhere between INR 6, 00,000 in India, whereas gene-therapy based cochlear implants cost significantly higher than these. The range goes even higher in Western countries. That’s why many patients from developed countries are now choosing to get these implants in India. On the other hand, in developing nations where ontologists and neutrologists still have to work on gene-based cochlear implants; India turns out to be a favourable destination to get the latest auditory treatment at an affordable cost.


Wednesday 15 November 2017

What is Gynaecomastia?

Male breast reduction in scientific terms is referred to as Gynaecomastia and as explained on breastcancercare.org.uk, “Gynaecomastia is the enlargement of male breast tissue. It’s a common, benign (not cancerous) condition that mainly affects teenage boys and older men. However, men of all ages can be affected by this abnormality.”

How does Gynaecomastia occur?
During adolescence, the male body secretes a large quantity of masculinizing hormone testosterone and some of it gets converted into the female hormone -  estrogen. Some boys with mammary glands sensitivity to estrogen may experience an abnormal growth of breast tissue. In normal cases, this enlargement regresses in a few months. However, in a few cases, the enlargement does not regress, leading to male breast development or true Gynaecomastia. 





Another reason behind Gynaecomastia could be copious and frequent usage of anabolic steroids. Here again, the excess testosterone gets converted into estrogen, thus leading to a growth of the male-breast. 


On the other hand, pseudo-gynaecomastia occurs when there’s normal amount of glandular breast tissue but an excessive amount of fat tissue. Pseudo-gynaecomastia is a common phenomenon among older men. 

What are its symptoms?

Apart from the protruded chest, Gynaecomastia has the following symptoms: 

●Hard lumps under the nipple 

●Abnormal tissue growth that expands both inside and outside the chest

●Expansion of overgrown glandular tissue towards the arm-pit 

●Enlarged glands of varied size and texture

●Pain and tenderness

●Occasional nipple discharge 

Treatment Options
Today, liposuction and tissue excision surgery are the two viable treatments for male breast reduction. In severe cases of male-breast overgrowth, a combination of both the techniques is used.
     
Cost of Treatment
Depending upon the country the patient chooses, the cost of treatment varies from $2000-$8000. 

Here’s the cost-comparison for male-breast reduction treatment in India vis-à-vis some other countries.  

Country    India    Thailand    France    Brazil    USA    UK
Cost    $2400    $2600    $3200    $3750    $7700    $9800

Source: http://www.medhalt.com/procedure/male-breast-reduction/3

After-care and Recovery
One may resume work after a week or two of getting the surgery done, though doctors recommend that patients avoid strenuous activities for at least three weeks. Wearing the compression garment is advised as it prevents swelling and allows optimal healing of the chest.

Visit here to consult a general physician near by.
 

Thursday 26 October 2017

Medical Tourism -Factors Affecting Medical Tourism in India

Indian healthcare industry is one of the largest sectors in terms of revenue generation and employment. This industry comprises research centers, clinics, hospitals, medical tourism, health insurance and high-end medical equipment.
 
Medical tourism has become a fact of life for two main reasons - lack of facilities and cost. While citizens of countries such as Africa may need access to good facilities, American and European citizens may be avoiding life-saving surgeries because of the exorbitant costs. This is the reason that India, as a country, has become the hub for medical tourism. As stated above, the highest level of medical care along with cost-effective rates, that are a fraction of what a similar surgery or treatment would cost in a western country. Examples of the most in-demand treatments and surgeries include breast cancer treatment in India, liver cancer treatment, cosmetic surgeries, Rhinoplasty, Neurosurgeries, liposuction, etc.

Major factors affecting the medical tourism industry in India
1.Low cost- Procedural costs for critical treatments like heart bypass surgery, cosmetic surgery are affordable for any foreigner as compared to the US, Canada, UK, Australia, or Europe.
2.Quality care- There is no compromise on the quality of care provided by Indian hospitals and healthcare professionals. The hygiene levels of the centers along with the traditional warmth of the people makes patients feel secure and comforted.
3.Enhanced patient engagement - Medical tourism companies ensure consultation with doctors before patients can travel to India, help to choose the correct specialist and hospital, arrange for stays outside the hospital and get your consultations with your specialists once a patient is back in their home country. 
4.Use of the latest technology and methodologies - Indian hospitals lay a great importance on equipment and methodology used.  The Latest machinery and equipment are integral to every hospital, and professionals are in touch with peers across the globe for latest, successful procedures
5.Highly trained and experienced professionals - All professionals from nurses and attendants to doctors and surgeons are highly trained and experienced in their respective fields. They keep abreast of the latest research and offer world-class care to each patient. 
The best customer service provided by the Indian medical tourism companies comes in the form of assisting international patients with visa documentation, providing translation, interpretation and accommodation services, forex services, and the list goes on.

Thursday 12 October 2017

Points to know when choosing Kidney Transplant Hospital in India

It can be a very confusing, depressing and fearful time if a kidney transplant has been suggested to you or a loved one. Apart from dealing with the emotional trauma, you have to spend energy and time looking for a well-equipped, reputed hospital where adequate measures will be available for a safe and successful kidney transplant.  Once the surgery is successful, you can easily start living a better life again by adhering to your doctor’s advice along with proper post-surgery care. If the cost of treatment gives a nightmare more than anything, consider getting a transplant in India. The kidney transplant cost in India is extremely low and the country offers the best of medical facilities and modern amenities.
 
Here’s a list of few important things that, you as a patient, must bear in your mind to become an informed kidney transplant recipient, especially if you plan to be a medical tourist.
❖Qualified healthcare professionals 
Choose a transplant center where highly skilled surgeons and medical experts will be offering you the treatment. Ensure a video call before making travel plans. 
❖Fundamental amenities 
If you are flying to India for a kidney transplant, make sure that you are rightly guided regarding medical visa and the available facilities for you and your family. You should also check with your doctor regarding meals and queue-free appointments. 
❖Ethics 
While choosing kidney transplant hospitals in India make sure the hospital you select offers utmost care, maintains quality and ethics in serving patients. A hospital offering patient assistance cell to counsel patients is a good choice. Additionally, choose the one handling your queries and concerns with professionalism and a touch of empathy. 
❖Affordability 
Compared to world-class facilities and treatments offered in the UK and US, Indian hospitals offer kidney transplants at much reduced cost. Transplant is possible at half the rates, including the costs of visa and travel expenses. 
❖Follow your doctor’s advice 
Before opting for the transplant, the doctor will advise for full check-up and give a list of do’s and don’ts. Follow their advice and be upfront of any previous diseases, family history and complexities you have suffered earlier. It is up to your doctor to decide whether you are fit to receive a transplant or not, and once s/he suggests something, you need to follow it completely.

Wednesday 4 October 2017

Go to the best cancer care clinics for lung cancer treatment

Finding the best cancer treatment centre for lung cancer is an important part. Very few get to find the ideal treatment centre. Most of the patients prefer to get the treatment done at a major cancer care centre preferably in a foreign land as they  provide personalised care. Every patient should be able to  find the best cancer clinic for lung cancer treatment.  The objective should be to find an expert healthcare facility that treats lung cancer. A clinic with a specialised lung cancer team should be preferred.

Some factors to be considered while finding the best clinic for cancer treatment are listed below:-
Expertise: The medical team must include physicians, thoracic surgeons, radiation oncologists, a surgeon,  pathologists, nurses, respiratory therapists and other medical professionals equipped with most modern technological equipments and facilities. Everything should be available under one roof.
Reliability: While choosing a facility, one should also consider the experience and reputation of the medical care setting. The success rate for similar kind of treatments. Such treatment records must be taken into consideration.  
Insurance cover: Insurance plays an important role while choosing the best cancer care clinic. An insurance holder would like to choose a cancer specialist clinic that supports and covers  their insurance program. Insurance service providers can also offer a list of approved cancer care clinics and facilities. 
Location: Location of the cancer care facility is another important concern. Under special conditions, one should not hesitate from considering a treatment facility outside the country of residence. When the cost of treatment is higher in the country of residence, a hospital in a different country can offer similar services at a much reduced cost. 
Support system: As the lung cancer treatment is complex, make sure the hospital offers comprehensive care. Whether choosing local or an overseas medical facility, one must ensure that the hospital offers support to both the patient as well as their family. Access to emergency care, helpline and other facilities must be available. 

A decision should only  be made after verifying all the important facts.