The department of Surgical Gastroenterology at Apollo Hospitals, Bhubaneswar has added one more feather to its cap by performing an extremely rare surgery on a middle aged lady in restoring her food pipe which had sustained injury following accidental swallowing of her denture.   A middle aged lady who had sustained injury to her esophagus following accidental swallowing of denture had undergone treatment in another hospital with an attempt to remove the denture. However, during the treatment process in that hospital she suffered severe damage to her food pipe. As an interim measure, her food pipe was diverted out of the neck (Esophagostomy). She was being fed through a tube placed in her intestine (feeding jejunostomy). This procedure was done in the previous hospital. To add to her problem, she developed blood clot in the leg veins (deep vein thrombosis) which posed immediate risk to her life. She was referred to Apollo Hospitals, Bhubaneswar in a very critical state. Patient was admitted immediately in the ICU with serious respiratory problems in addition to the existing ones. As the patient was having multiple issues, hence a comprehensive treatment was planned and at the initial level she was treated by Dr Manas Kar, Senior Consultant Interventional Radiology, Apollo Hospitals, Bhubaneswar who placed a filter in her IVC to prevent the clot in the leg veins to migrate up. This, in itself was a complex yet key procedure to save her life initially. She continued to remain in ICU for some time and recovered gradually. Having tided the patient over the initial crisis, the next challenge was to restore her food pipe so that she was able to eat normally. Elaborating in detail about the case Dr Md. Ibrarullah, Senior Consultant, Department Surgical Gastroenterology, said that reconstruction of food pipe is a complex and lengthy procedure and on first week of the December 2018, she underwent the surgery in which reconstruction of her food pipe was done by using a segment of large intestine. Esophago-coloplasty procedure was conducted by Dr Ibrarullah & his team comprising of Dr. MS Modi, Dr Salil Parida, Dr Sadananda Meher, Dr H Wani and Dr Srinivasulu. The Anesthesia team, headed by Dr Mami Parija and Dr Saumitra Satpathy provided efficient support in managing such a long & complex procedure. The patient had an absolutely smooth post-operative recovery and was discharged. She was able to eat normally. The happiness on her face after being able to taste normal food like a normal person really needs to be seen to be believed. Congratulating Dr Ibrarullah and his team, Mr. Sudhir M Diggikar, Regional CEO of Apollo Hospitals Enterprise Ltd Odisha and Chhattisgarh said that Apollo Hospitals, Bhubaneswar has always been in the forefront in providing all requisite treatment facilities to the needy. “Apollo Hospitals, Bhubaneswar is well equipped with all state-of-art facilities and has experienced doctors and paramedics to respond to any kind of emergency.”, he added.

Just like any other parent, Mrs. Meena and Mr. Vinod were delighted after the birth of their son, but their joy didn’t last long, as soon after his birth they got to know he was suffering from Transposition of Great Arteries which is a congenital heart defect where the large blood vessels that carry blood from the heart to the lungs, and to the body are connected exactly opposite of a normal heart’s structure. Adding to the criticality, the 20 dayold child also had two big holes in his heart (VSD & ASD) along with Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), causing breathlessness. The critical surgery was performed by Dr.Muthu Jothi, Senior Consultant, Pediatric Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals and his team. Explaining about the case, Dr. Jothi said, “Within a week after the child’s birth, the parents witnessed discoloration in his skin tone. His body was turning blue so the parents took him to a local doctor in their area where his ECHO was done. The reports revealed that he had transposition of great arteries. In transposition of the great arteries, the aorta is connected to the right ventricle, and the pulmonary artery is connected to the left ventricle which is an exact opposite of normal heart anatomy.” At the time of admission at Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, the child was on ventilation and weighed 2.2 kg. The doctors had earlier decided to allow the child to grow a bit and weigh at least 2.8 Kg -3 Kg before performing the major open heart surgery. For the same, the baby was kept in critical care on ventilation for a week but unfortunately his condition didn’t improve and he was not able to come off the ventilator. Every time the doctors tried to take him off the ventilation or lower the ventilation, he used to get breathless and turn blue. Considering the criticality of baby’s condition, Dr MuthuJothi along with team of expert Cardiologists, Anaesthetist and Intensivist decided to perform the five hour long surgical procedure. “Considering the weight of the child being 2.2 Kg, the surgery had a high risk. We had performed many such surgeries before, but this patient weighed the lowest and we generally don’t perform a surgery on patient with such a low weight. I had quoted a risk of about 25-40% which is a huge risk but considering the child’s condition and after family’s consent we performed the surgery. In order to treat the disease, we performed an Arterial Switch Operation in which the aorta and coronary arteries are disconnected from their place and are adjusted in the right place. Along with arterial switch, closure of VSD and ASD were done,” explained Dr. Jothi. “By god’s grace, the child recuperated enough to go home after 10-12 days post the surgery, which is not usually the case. He is doing absolutely fine now and is gaining weight too,” said Dr. Jothi. Mr. Vinod, father of the baby said, “We cannot thank Dr. Jothi enough for the miracle that he has done. He successfully performed the surgery even when our child was underweight and today, he is alive, all because of him. Our child has got a new life at Apollo Hospitals.”

Apollo Hospitals, Navi Mumbai formed the largest human image of a human bone and created a Guinness World Record®.The initiative was undertaken to create awareness onknee diseases and arthritis. Over 948 people from all walks of life united to form the largest human image of a human bone, highlighting the need to address the rise in osteoarthritis and knee disease. The event saw participants from Navi Mumbai, Mumbai and Thane as well as surrounding districts participate in creating the formation of the knee joint with immense enthusiasm. Mr. Kapil Dev, legendary cricketer and former Indian team skipper was present at the event to support the cause. Commenting on the initiative, he said, “It was commendable to see so many people come together to create awareness on this cause. It is a matter of concern that knee problems are developing in younger people! It was very rare to see this earlier. Through such initiatives, I hope to see people make more positive changes to improve their lifestyle and do more physical activity.” Osteoarthritis is the second most common orthopedic problem and the most frequent joint disease with a prevalence of 22 percent to 39 percent in India. This number is expected to grow to about 60 million by 2025 – a number that draws severe concern to the impact of knee disease on the health and growth of the citizens of the country. Dr Siddhart Yadav, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, Apollo Hospitals, Navi Mumbai said, “Lifestyle factors have played a huge role in the early development of arthritis and knee disease. Obesity and lack of physical activity are two of the biggest contributors. Early detection and early intervention is key to help patient retain active movement in their knee joints and live a normal life. This will also help prevent complications arising in the future.” The record attempt was confirmed by Guinness World Records® officials present on the occasion, who awarded the Guinness World Records®, Official attempt certificate for forming the Largest Human Image of a Human Bone.

Apollo Speciality Hospitals, Madurai has now attained the distinction of being the pioneer to introduce and perform Total Knee Replacement by the Novo Technique. After doing more than 3000 knee replacement surgeries, Dr. Jayesh has developed a technique which consumes lesser time, lesser surgical instruments and provides precise alignment, with best results to patients.

Apollo Hospitals Group was recognized for its outstanding contribution to Medical Value Travel with the FICCI Medical Value Travel Awards during the Advantage Health Care India – 2018 Summit held in Delhi. Four hospitals of the Group won laurels for their excellence in providing Medical Value Travel across specializations. The awards recognizing the units as Medical Value Travel Specialist Hospitals across various specialties were conferred upon the group by Mr. Satyajit Rajan, Director General, Ministry of Tourism. While Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals Delhi was recognized for excellence in Liver and Kidney transplants, Apollo Health City, Hyderabad won the award for excellence in Cardiac Surgery. Apollo Cancer Centre, Chennai and Apollo Hospitals, Ahmedabad bagged awards for excellence in Oncology. Dr. Prathap C Reddy, Founder Chairman, Apollo Hospitals Group said, “It is a matter of honor that four of our healthcare units have been recognized for their excellence in Medical Value Travel. India has medical expertise and potential that is on par with standards in developed countries. At Apollo Hospitals, we have always endeavored to provide world-class care with cutting edge technology to patients, but at a tenth of the cost of the same abroad. This has allowed us to extend the best quality of healthcare to people across the globe and today, we proudly receive patients from over 120 countries.” The Advantage Healthcare India Summit is an avenue for healthcare collaborations between participating countries. The conference attracted more than 400 delegates from over 50 countries and witnessed participation from leading healthcare players including hospitals, insurers, healthcare facilitators, medical value travel companies etc.

Dr. Prathap C. Reddy, Chairman, Apollo Hospitals Group in the presence of the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Kerala, Shri Pinarayi Vijayan announced the entry of Apollo Hospitals in the state of Kerala with a strategic partnership with Adlux Group. The project Apollo Adlux- Super Speciality Hospital is located near Cochin International Airport, Angamali. The state-of-the-art facility will offer world-class healthcare services to people of all socio-economic strata in this region. Dr. Prathap C. Reddy addressing an august gathering of doctors in an event organised by ‘The Week’ Magazine stated that “We are happy to enter into God’s own Country, Kerala, with this world-class super-speciality hospital in partnership with the Adlux Group. This is indeed a special moment for us and I am confident that Apollo Hospitals will be able to utilise its experience of 35 years, to serve the people of Kerala through proven global practices augmented by cutting edge innovation in healthcare. I look forward to the blessings of the people of the state!” He further announced the support of Apollo Group in rebuilding the infrastructure of Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) in collaboration with the Government of Kerala, which was damaged due to recent floods in Kerala. Dr. Prathap C. Reddy said, “It is our responsibility as healthcare custodians to contribute to the well-being of the people who have faced nature’s fury this year. This PHC is a small gesture of our support to aid them in their recovery from the natural disaster.” The hospital is part of the complex which currently hosts the Adlux Group’s International Convention and Exhibition Centre, which is the largest in South India. Expressing his passion for healthcare, Mr. Puzhekadavil Sudheesan, Promoter and Director, Adlux Group said, “It has always been my desire to give back to the community and I am happy to associate with the Apollo Hospitals Group to bring the best world-class healthcare services to the people of Kerala. Proximity to the airport will be a major factor for the development of medical value tourism, as it will provide easy access, especially to patients. Later addressing the gathering as the Chief Guest, Shri Pinarayi Vijayan, Chief Minister of Kerala, stated that Kerala is all set to provide universal coverage for cancer patients and that he was delighted to welcome Apollo into the state. Mr Jacob Mathew, Managing Director, Malayala Manorama & The Week, remarked that Apollo Hospitals entry will further strenghthen the super speciality care for the people of Kerala. Dr Joseph Thachil – Senior Consultant Urologist, Dr Jose Easow – Senior Consultant Haemato-Oncologist, Dr Rakesh Jalali, Director- Apollo Cancer Institute, Mr Satyanarayana Reddy, Group President, Mr John Chandy- Vice President -Oncology and Mr Jithu Jose, Group Senior General Manager- International Division were also present.

India has become a global leader in organ transplantation with Apollo Hospitals in the forefront. Mr. Sanjay Kandasamy, now 21, did not have an ordinary childhood. At just 20 months of age, he had a part of his father’s liver transplanted into him in November 1998. In doing so, Sanjay and his doctors created history in the annals of Indian medicine as the country’s first successful liver transplant surgery. Remarkably, not only has Sanjay done exceedingly well, he is now training to be a doctor himself – a testament to the expertise of the treating team and the tenacity of Sanjay and the family. On the 20th anniversary of the era-changing operation that changed the face of medical sciences in India, Indraprastha Apollo hospitals showcased the evolution that liver transplants have gone through over the last two decades as well as felicitated Sanjay Kandasamy and his family for the bravery shown since the surgery. Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Preetha Reddy, Vice Chairperson, Apollo Hospitals Group said “Liver disease is a major cause for concern in the country with as many as 2 lakh people dying from it every year. While around 1800 liver transplants are done annually, as many as 20,000 people need a liver transplant at any given point. The fact is around 10 lakh people are diagnosed with liver disease every year, making it the 10th most common cause of death in India as per the World Health Organisation. While India has come a long way since the first operation, there is still a huge gap to be filled. We have endeavoured to create world class transplant centres with leading clinicians running the program. Going forward we will expand our services to hitherto unreached geographies and populations.” Ace Indian cricketer, Gautam Gambhir, a longtime proponent of organ donation was also present on the occasion. “Every three minutes a person gets added to the list of those who need a transplant. Today over 2 lakh Indians are on the list while less than 10% get a transplant. We have to work as a nation to increase our organ donation rate. I have pledged my organs in 2011 and encourage the youth to raise awareness on organ donation and become donors themselves. This needs to become a national movement.” Ashok Bajpai, Managing Director, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, said, “As we mark this historic day, we would like to thank our patients and families who have entrusted us with their faith. Our transplant program is today a beacon of hope for thousands thanks to the expertise and commitment of our specialists and staff. We intend to dedicate the coming years to becoming the best transplant centre in the world.” Marking the occasion, Apollo Hospitals’ Group Medical Director & Senior Pediatric Gastroenterologist, Dr. Anupam Sibal said, “Today marks a special day for Indian medical sciences. It was over 20-years-ago that India finally entered the hallowed exclusive club of countries that carried out liver transplants. This pioneering work and the awe-inspiring attitude of patients like Sanjay has ensured that over the last 20 years the Apollo Institutes of Transplant has performed more than 3200 liver transplants in patients from over 50 countries of which 302 have been children. We endeavor to offer our expertise to patients from all over the world who seek liver transplant services.” By performing 1200 solid organ transplants in 2013, the program is amongst the largest Solid organ transplant program in the world, a position which Apollo has held for 6 consecutive years now. Sanjay Kandasamy said “I would like to thank the doctors at Apollo who gave me a new lease of live 20 years ago. I would not have made it this far without this help. My parents and family have always encouraged me to make the most of this second chance at life. Seeing the work that doctors do from such close quarters made me determined to become a doctor myself. I want to contribute to saving lives of our countrymen and also set an example that any challenge in life can be overcome.” Sanjay was born with a rare condition called Biliary Atresia. This is a disease that affects one in 12,000 babies with the only lasting remedy being a liver transplant surgery. Highlighting the expertise developed at Apollo, Dr. Neerav Goel, Sr. Consultant, Liver Transplants said, “Over the past 20 years our expertise has greatly developed. Today we are doing ABO incompatible and combined liver-kidney transplants. We are also operating on babies as small as 4 kgs. We intend to further develop our program to help an even larger section of the population in the future.” While there is still a lack of infrastructure for life saving organ donations and transplants, the numbers in the country are showing some improvement. Out of 301 hospitals equipped to handle the process, 250 have registered with National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organization (NOTTO), showing that in order to conduct an organ transplant, there exists one fully equipped hospital for around 43 lakh people.

The State Government’s drive for deceased donor organ transplants in Bengal has seen positive results with a rise in the collective awareness and a spurt in organ donation and transplant surgeries in Kolkata. Working closely with the Nodal Officer for Organ Donation, Department of Health and the Regional Organ and Tissue Transplant Organization (ROTTO), Transplant Surgeons at Apollo Gleneagles Hospital carried out three major organ transplants simultaneously after retrieving the heart, liver and kidneys from a young male donor who had been declared brain-dead on October 25, 2018 at the hospital. The heart, liver and one kidney were transplanted to three recipients at Apollo Gleneagles, while the other kidney was sent to another Hospital through a green corridor facilitated by the Kolkata Police. The corneas were transplanted at Disha Eye Foundation. With the heart, liver and a kidney being transplanted to three patients, the harvesting of the organs and the three transplants being performed simultaneously is a milestone for not only Apollo Gleneagles but for the State and the Region. This is also the maiden Heart retrieval in the city. The donor and recipients were all from Bengal. The transplanted heart gave a second lease of life to a patient with refractory heart failure, while the liver was transplanted to a patient suffering from end-stage liver disease. The kidneys saved the lives of two patients with advanced kidney failure. The Apollo Gleneagles team of doctors led by Dr Mahesh Kr Goenka (Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases), Dr Sushan Mukhopadhyay (Cardiac Surgeon) and Dr Mohan Chand Seal (Renal Transplant Surgeon) worked tirelessly throughout the night to provide the recipients a new lease of life. Mr. Rana Dasgupta, CEO, Apollo Gleneagles Hospital said, “Organ donation and transplants in Bengal have received a major boost from the Government, and the Regional Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (ROTTO) working in tandem with private hospitals. The night of 25th October saw the family of a young boy who was declared brain-dead come forward to donate his organs in a compassionate gesture. Three organ transplants of heart, liver and a kidney led to the morning of 26th October dawning with new life for three patients at Apollo Gleneagles who were suffering from end-stage organ diseases. We are glad for this opportunity to give a second chance at life to the recipients and are happy that the transplants surgeries were uneventful. At the same time, the knowledge that the hope arises from a life that has been lost due to an unfortunate accident is a humbling thought and requires us to be very sensitive in our approach. The first heart transplant at Apollo Gleneagles is an important milestone in our journey to provide the best of medical care in West Bengal. Another highlight was the three transplant surgeries carried out in one night with three clinical teams working simultaneously. We thank the Nodal Officer for Organ Donation, ROTTO officials, police authorities and Forensic Department of NRS Medical College for their support” Apollo Gleneagles Hospitals, which has successfully conducted over 1000 solid organ transplants is part of the network of Apollo Transplant Institutes (ATI) and is approved to perform heart, kidney, liver and bone marrow transplants.  

To commemorate World Arthritis Day 2018, Apollo Hospitals, Aragonda conducted a Walkathon event with the main objective of promoting walking for pain free knees. The walk was flagged off by Dr. Sunil Kumar, MLA, Puttalapattu. Over 400 persons from different walks of life in and around Aragonda participated in the walk. The purpose of the event was to raise awareness about arthritis and how to overcome it with the World Arthritis Day theme as Don’t Delay, Connect Today. The Apollo Hospitals had introduced Total Knee Replacement (TKR) surgeries at its Aragonda unit and since then as many as 65 surgeries had been done at an affordable cost. Apollo Hospitals, Aragonda created awareness among people about the importance of Total Knee Replacement (TKR) surgeries. Superintendent of Police S.V. Rajasekhar Babu mentioned that those with arthritis could lead a normal life with Total Knee Replacement.

The Asian Business Leadership Forum (ABLF) on its 11th anniversary in Dubai has conferred Dr. Preetha Reddy, Vice Chairperson, the Apollo Hospitals Group with the prestigious ABLF Business Courage Award. The ABLF Awards is a premier, integrity-led recognition platform that acknowledges the intellectual capital of inspirational Asian leaders across the globe. The citation of the award reads “The ABLF Business Courage Award recipient is a formidable business leader who defines the essence of true captaincy: one who leads effortlessly during times of prosperity and crisis, ensuring the safety of corporate, community, and human capital. Fearless and success-driven, this leader propels every enterprise and engagement to greater heights with vision, courage, consideration, and compassion.” This prestigious award celebrates the Apollo Hospitals commitment and courage to break down barriers and stretch the boundaries of care for millions from all across India and beyond our shores who have honoured us with their trust.  

Apollo Cradle, Hyderabad has inaugurated Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) which offers high level of intensive care to critically ill children, with advanced technologies and round-the-clock back up of super specialists. The PICU is equipped with continuous support from a multidisciplinary team which includes Pediatric Cardiologist, Pediatric Nephrologist, Pediatric Rheumatologist, Pediatric Neurologist, Pediatric Gastroenterologist and Pediatric Endocrinologist. The PICU is equipped to serve children with acute illness, serious injuries from accidents, burns, severe neurological illness or injury, cardiac problems, and also treats those who have undergone complex surgery. Dr C Suresh Kumar, Head, Department of Pediatrics & Neonatology, Apollo Cradle, said the PICU was launched to provide better services to infants and children with critical diseases. “Our team offers round-the-clock care by super specialists to ensure that the patients have the best possible care available to them,” he said. Dr Sharmila Kaza, Consultant Paediatrician, Apollo Cradle, said that the PICU addresses the needs of children from 6 months to 12 years, while Neonatology ICU takes care of just born infants upto the age of 6 months. Ailments specific to this age group has to be dealt differently, she said.

Apollo Health City, Hyderabad, was awarded the coveted National Tourism Award for the ‘Best Medical Tourism Facility’ for the year 2016-17. This is the second consecutive year and overall the fifth time, that Apollo Health City has been bestowed with the prestigious honour. Shri. K. J. Alphons, Minister of State (IC) for Tourism, Government of India presented the award at a glittering ceremony held at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi on Thursday. Also present, was Smt. Rashmi Verma, Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India. Prior to this, Apollo Health City, Hyderabad, was conferred the rare honour for the years 2009-10; 2011-12; 2013-14 and 2015-16. Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Prathap C Reddy, Chairman, Apollo Hospitals Group, said “Our clinical excellence, marked by quality processes and patient safety practices, and ongoing commitment to innovation – the life line of any business, has not only helped us make quality healthcare more accessible and affordable, but has placed us on the cutting edge of healthcare delivery, affording us several differentiators in various Centres of Excellence.” “5th time National recognition as “Best Medical Tourism Facility” makes us feel very gratified & privileged. We owe this recognition to our consultants, doctors, nurses & support staff for their services to our patient’s, particular to our international patients, who visit us from 140 countries”, said Mrs. Sangita Reddy, Joint Managing Director, Apollo Hospitals Group.