A new lease of life for a 95-year-oldA nonagenarian gets a new lease of life after she was recently treated for a brain stroke.Mysuru, July 8th 2022: In a recent development, the Neurologists at Apollo BGS Hospitals successfully treated a 95-year-old Brain Stroke patient through Mechanical Thrombectomy successfully.A ninety-five-year-old lady, who was healthy and functionally independent, suffered from sudden onset of weakness in the right side of the body and difficulty in speech. As an early witness to the course of events, the patient’s son realised that his mother may have had a stroke and brought her immediately to Apollo BGS Hospital. Once in the hospital, the emergency stroke code was activated. Emergency brain scans revealed blockage of the main artery that supplies blood to the left side of the brain. Doctors at Apollo BGS Hospital counselled the attenders regarding the need to open up the vessel immediately to prevent permanent damage to the brain. The scan also revealed that the patient had suffered a silent, undetected stroke a few days ago, preventing the doctors from giving an intravenous injection to dissolve the clot. She underwent mechanical thrombectomy in which the clot within the blood vessel was removed through a small hole in the groin artery. To the joy and relief of doctors and attenders, she became normal within a few hours of the procedure. She could communicate as before and walk independently in 2 days.Stroke is a devastating disease; if not treated immediately, it might have resulted in permanent disability, making her entirely dependent on others even for daily needs. It could have been fatal too.The treatment for ischaemic stroke (blockage of a blood vessel) is limited by time – up to 4.5 hours in cases where the clot can be dissolved using intravenous medicine (tissue plasminogen activator – rTPA) or up to 6 hours in cases where the clot can be manually extracted out through endovascular route. Mechanical thrombectomy is indicated explicitly in stroke due to blockage of larger vessels. The damage to the brain is irreversible, and chances of recovery are high if the treatment is initiated early and blood supply to the brain is restored. Procedures with good outcomes are possible when expertise and technological advancements meet under a single roof.Dr. Vinay Hegde, Neurointerventional Radiologist, Apollo BGS Hospitals, said, “In elderly, mechanical thrombectomy procedure may be complicated due to tortuous nature of vessels and other comorbidities. Recent guidelines have been expanded to include elderly patients (>80years) to make them disability-free. This is the oldest patient treated at Apollo BGS Hospital, Mysore”Dr. Aumir Moin, Senior Consultant Neurologist, said “Time is brain” is suitable for all ages. IV Thrombolysis and Mechanical Thrombectomy have good results in older adults also. In this case, the credit goes to the patient attender for taking a quick decision despite her advanced age. Because Quality of life matters, especially in older adults. “Apollo BGS Hospitals has introduced free ambulance service in and around Mysore to benefit people in case of medical emergencies like heart attacks. A Stroke attack calls for immediate medical attention and reaching the hospital at the earliest needed. 

Apollo BGS Hospitals, Institute of Gastrosceinces has performed a rare and novel Endoscopic Gastro-Jejunostomy procedure for the first time in Karnataka and in the city of Mysuru, helping a 49 yrs. old patient recover from his ailment.  At Apollo BGS Hospitals, Mysore, the availability of Endoscopic ultrasound expertise under Dr. Rajkumar P. Wadhwa, Chief Gastroenterologist and HOD Institute of Gastroscience, Apollo BGS Hospitals, Mysore, opened new doors for the patient that could avoid an open surgery.The 49 Years old male patient had a cancer of pancreas and underwent surgical resection (Whipple’s pancreaticoduodenectomy) 5 Years back. There was a recurrence of tumour which caused blockage of the intestinal loop that was also draining the bile. Due to poor bile flow, patient developed infection in the bile (cholangitis) and pus collection in his liver. He had abdominal pain, distension and vomiting. He could not consume food orally. As a routine if such a scenario ensues, the option is to undergo open surgery to relieve the obstruction. Instead, he underwent the endoscopic procedure to get relieved of his pain and be able to consume food.Performing the novel procedure ‘Endoscopic Ultrasound guided Gastrojejunostomy’ Dr. Rajkumar P. Wadhwa said “We placed a self-expanding metal stent between the stomach and a loop of small intestine. This opened up the pathway for drainage of bile and the intestinal secretions and as a result of which the patient’s infection and jaundice resolved, he was able to eat normally and was discharged within 24 hours of the procedure”Mr. Bharateesha Reddy, Vice-President and Unit Head, Apollo BGS Hospitals, informed that this is the first time the rare procedure Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS) guided Gastrojejunostomy has been performed in the state of Karnataka. Very few centres in India have the expertise to perform this procedure, making us one among the select few hospitals in the country and we are extremely proud of it. This is a breakthrough achievement for us defining our advancement and progression in the Gastroscience excellence”The state-of-the-art Endoscopic procedure coupled with clinical skill of the Gastroenterologists at Apollo BGS Hospitals has helped the patient avoid a major open surgery, prolonged hospital stay and delayed recovery.                         

A Young 14-year-old boy got a new lease of life after he underwent a complex and rare for age Whipples Procedure (Pancreaticoduodenectomy) performed by the Gastrointestinal Surgeons of Apollo BGS Hospitals, Mysore. The boy had a history of pain in his abdomen for the last 4 years that recently got severe leading to the child unable to tolerate the pain and consume oral diet.  An Endoscopic Ultrasound performed showed Complex Cystic lesion of Size 7×6 cms in the head of the Pancreas. A further workup with detailed CT scan showed compression of the main vein (Portal Vein) connecting to the Liver causing multiple collaterals while the Cyst fluid analysis suggested a doubtful tumorous lesion. A Multidisciplinary Team comprising of GI Surgeons, Gastroenterologists and Radiologists chalked out a meticulous Surgical approach to treat the lesion after obtaining the family consent.Explaining about the rare procedure Dr. Nairuthya S., Consultant Chief Gastrointestinal Surgeon, said “The Surgery went on for nearly 6 hours due to its complicated anatomy. Though we had planned for venous resection, we were able to painstakingly dissect off the tumour from the Superior Mesenteric Vein and perform a Whipple’s Procedure” Dr. Yeshwanth Kumar V., Consultant Hepato Biliary & Liver Transplant Surgeon said The Surgery was quite challenging but we could perform it successfully with a smooth post operative recovery. The child was discharged within a week and is doing well on follow up and is now able to consume normal diet. We are happy to see the child getting back to normalcy” The Clinical Team comprised of Dr Rajkumar P. Wadhwa, Chief Gastroenterologist, Dr. Aathira Ravindranath, Consultant Pediatric Gastroenterologist and Dr. Arun N., Consultant Anaesthesiologist, Apollo BGS hospitals.Addressing the media persons Mr. N. G. Bharateesha Reddy, Vice-President & Unit Head, Apollo BGS Hospitals, said “This is the first time in Mysuru and one of the youngest in the state, to have undergone such a complex Surgery at the age of 14-Years. Our Team of Gastrointestinal Surgeons are highly skilled and experienced in performing complex Vascular resections, hepatobiliary and Transplant surgeries which is rarely seen in this region and patients can get treated for advanced diseases at our hospital, saving their precious time towards the treatment and recovery”The Whipple’s procedure is a complex abdominal surgery, named after Allen Whipple, a Columbia University surgeon, who first performed the operation in 1935. The procedure involves removal of the ‘head’ of pancreas along with C loop of duodenum (first part of small intestine). Surgeons then remove a portion of common bile duct, gallbladder, and lower part of stomach. Reconstruction involves reconnecting remaining stomach, bile duct and pancreatic duct to rest of Intestine. Sometimes if the main blood vessels to the Liver is involved it needs reconstruction.                                   

Shri Nara Chandrababu Naidu inaugurates the world class Apollo Hospitals, Visakhaptnam, at Healthcity, Arilova!Date: 30 Apr 2016The most modern and world class healthcare facility from Apollo Hospitals Group – Apollo Hospitals, Visakhapatnam, was formally inaugurated by Shri Nara Chandrababu Naidu, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh at the Health City, Arilova on Saturday 30th April, 2016. Also present on the occasion were, Shri C. Ayyannapatrudu, Hon’ble Panchayat Raj, RWS, NREGS Minister, AP; Shri Ganta Srinivasa Rao, Hon’ble HRD Minister, AP; Shri Palle Raghunath Reddy, IT Minister, AP; Shri T. Subbarami Reddy, Hon’ble MP (Rajya Sabha); Shri Avanti Srinivas, MP, Anakaapalli; Smt Lalam Bhavani Bhaskar, Chairperson, Zilla Parishad, Visakhapatnam; Shri Ramakrishna Babu Velagapudi, Hon’ble MLA, Visakhapatnam East; Dr Prathap C. Reddy, Chairman, Apollo Hospitals Group; Ms Sangita Reddy, Joint Managing Director, Apollo Hospitals; Dr Hari Prasad, President, Apollo Hospitals & Dr Sandeep C., CEO – AP, TS, Odisha, Apollo Hospitals.Speaking on the occasion Shri Chandrababu Naidu said “This is one of the best hospitals in the country and will make Visakhapatnam a medical tourism destination by attracting foreign patients. People used to worry about our educated going abroad, the brain drain phenomenon, but someone like Dr. Prathap Reddy, despite being successful abroad, came back and set up 60 hospitals in India, brought the best of healthcare within the reach of our people and now has brought the very best hospital in the country with superior technology to Visakhapatnam. With the International airport coming up shortly, Vizag will attract patients from abroad, making it the most attractive international medical tourism destination and that will enormously benefit the people and the city. I request Dr Prathap Reddy to invest and set up more hospitals in Navya Andhra Pradesh”.Dr. Prathap C. Reddy said “We are extremely happy with this monumental hospital, which offers care on par with what is available anywhere in the world. Every single technology available here is 2016 technology. Every single specialty is available here, except cancer care, which will also be ready in 6 months and that will enable the hospital to give unmatched care in all disciplines. This hospital is poised to do much better than any hospital and will attract international patients”.Shri Subbarami Reddy mentioned that the contribution of Dr. Prathap C. Reddy to the nation and its people is phenomenal and he has inspired several other doctors to set up hospitals across the country, bringing best medical care within the reach of our people.Speaking during the launch, Ms Sangita Reddy said “This is the 60th Hospital of Apollo Group. This city which suffered due to Hudhud toofan, has truly transformed from a city of disaster to a city of destination within a short duration and the Hon’ble CM Shri Chandrababu Naidu deserves kudos for the same. Sixteen years back we started our first hospital here at Visakhapatnam and since then the people of the city trusted us and we promise to continue to live up to their trust. We will replicate the culture, care and sentiment with which we started our first hospital in Chennai, in the hospital at Vizag too”.The Apollo Hospitals, Healthcity, Arilova, built on a sprawling eight acre expanse in a health friendly pollution free lush green environment is the latest and one of the finest additions to the Apollo Hospitals Group. The hospital has been staffed with eminent specialists, equipped with state-of-the-art technology and offers multi-disciplinary high-end tertiary care.The 250 bedded super specialty Apollo Hospitals, Visakhapatnam, has ultra modern laboratory facilities and latest modalities for imaging and diagnostics, some of which are available for the first time in this part of the country. The six, state-of-the-art Modular Operation Theatres with laminar airflow, equipped with the latest medical technology, completely aseptic ensure near zero infection environment. The 24 X 7 fully functional emergency, critical care and trauma care at the hospital is geared to meet all medical emergencies. The latest generation equipment with cutting edge technology at the hospital include latest Flat Panel Digital Cath-lab, Modular Operation Theatres, 1.5 Tesla MRI, 128 Slice CT Scan, a fully automated laboratory and the first 3D OCT in Andhra Pradesh.Apollo Hospitals, Visakhapatnam, will provide comprehensive range of services in major specialties including Cardiology, Cardio-Thoracic Surgery, Orthopaedics & Joint Replacements, Emergency & Critical Care services, General Medicine, General & Laparoscopic Surgery, Nephrology & 24×7 Dialysis, Urology, Neurology, Neuro-Surgery, Plastic & Cosmetic Surgery, Pulmonology, Medical & Surgical Gastroenterology, Anaesthesiology, ENT, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Paediatrics, Radiology, Pathology, Organ Transplant (Live and Cadaver), Medical Oncology & Surgical Oncology etc. Each of these departments is led by expert doctors with a number of years of experience and manned by specially trained patient-care staff who provide tender loving care round-the-clock.This new hospital will not only cater to the needs of patients from Andhra Pradesh, but will have a footprint across Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Assam and Odisha.                                                           

“What Cancer Cannot Do – It cannot cripple love, It cannot shatter hope, It cannot corrode faith, It cannot silence courage, It cannot invade the soul, It cannot steal eternal life, It cannot conquer the spirit.”‘I am A Survivor’ book is orchestrated by Dr. Vijay Anand Reddy shares powerful voices and stories of hope and inspiration of 108 cancer survivors.  The reader is given a rare opportunity to join along the courageous and heartfelt journeys of so many cancer patients as they transform into incredibly strong cancer survivors. This book would immensely help the newly diagnosed cancer patients to fight the battle with hope and courage.In this regard, we are planning to officially launch the book on Thursday, 24th August 2017 at 5 PM at Taj Krishna, Ballroom, Hyderabad.Ms. K. Kavitha, MP, Sr C Laxma Reddy Health Minister, Mr. VVS Laxman Cricketer have consented to join us for this occasion and launch the book.“I AM A SURVIVOR” book is published by Penguin Publishers.You can buy the book online from https://goo.gl/ipmhJv  

Apollo Climbathon Witnesses a ProHealth TrendHealth-conscious people of all age groups, from 6yrs – 71 yrs, participated.Mysuru, April 9th, 2023: Apollo Climbathon was organised to celebrate World Health Day 2023 by promoting physical activity and a healthy lifestyle saw participation of over 500 people of all age groups at the foothills of Chamundi Hills this morning. Dr. Satish H. V., Senior Plastic Surgeon, Apollo BGS Hospitals Mysuru and Mr. N. G. Bharateesha Reddy, Vice-President & Unit Head, Apollo BGS Hospitals, Mysuru, flagged off the event.The Climbathon event received over 800 online registrations from a mixed group comprising children, men, women, & senior citizens. Most are working professionals, homemakers, students, advocates, and retired citizens from corporates, banks, public & private firms, educational institutions, pharma companies, engineering colleges, hospitals, nursing colleges, police dept, NGOs, yoga schools, media and so on. The participants flocked to the venue as early as 6.00 am to collect their T-shirts, caps, and bibs and were seen taking selfies and posing with medals and certificates after the finish line. The team of physiotherapists from Apollo BGS Hospitals, Mysuru, assisted the first-time climbers while the regular climbers enjoyed savouring energy drinks throughout their climb.Mr. N. G. Bharateesha Reddy said, “This event has witnessed a new trend among the people of Mysuru, a health-oriented and fitness-focused trend. This world health day, we want to call upon Mysoreans to be Prohealth, focus on healthy living, and be part of a healthy nation. Today’s climbathon is a steppingstone towards a healthier city and nation,” he added.Dr. Satish H. V., Senior Plastic Surgeon, called upon the participants to prioritize their physical and mental health. As medical professionals, we want to empower everyone – to identify and be aware of their health risks, to take responsibility for their health and take the necessary action to stay on their path to wellness.The Climbathon gave out the message to all participants to prioritize their health and take preventive measures to stay healthy. This event was one of its kind, a never before event held at Chamundi Betta. The participants enjoyed refreshments, an entertaining Zumba session with a health quiz, and prizes after the Climbathon.The Winners of the Climbathon are as follows:#CategoryAge GroupFirst PlaceSecond PlaceThird Place1Children5 yrs-10 YrsVriddhi Ponnavva B PMaanika AadyaBhuvi Ramesh2Children/Teenager10 Yrs- 18 YrsAnirudh RVishal UthappaHansika Rakesh3Men18 Yrs & aboveVinayAkash. MGanesh4Women18 Yrs & aboveKusumaReshmaArchana Ganeshaiah5Senior Citizens60 Yrs & aboveR.Venkatesh,Govinda Raj SinghNagaraj                                                                                         

21st February, 2020, Navi Mumbai: Mr Santosh Kanade, a 36 year-old resident of Beed, Maharashtra successfully underwent a heart transplant surgery at Apollo Hospitals. The heart was retrieved from a deceased donor.Mr. Santosh was diagnosed with a condition in which the heart’s ability to pump blood is decreased because the heart’s main pumping chamber, the left ventricle, is enlarged and weakened. This is clinical terms is called Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is. The patient, a father two young children has been experiencing extended breathlessness and had difficulty climbing stairs for over two years, before he was diagnosed with this condition. Despite repeated hospitalizations and treatment received in his hometown in Pune, Mr. Santosh’s condition deteriorated and was further advised to consult the Heart Failure Clinic at Apollo Hospitals, Navi Mumbai.Dr. Sanjeev Jadhav, Consultant, CVTS & Heart Transplant Surgery, Apollo Hospitals,the chief expert in this case said “Dilated cardiomyopathy is the most common form of cardiomyopathy. In this particular case, it was found that the patient’s heart was functioning at 17% and he was in urgent need of a Heart Transplant. The donor was a 41 year-old woman, with the same blood group as the patient, who had been declared brain-dead (cadaver donor) after a road traffic accident. The heart transplant surgery was completed within 60 minutes, after which the patient was shifted to the ICU. The patient’s health is stable now and he is expected to make a full-recovery.”The transplant was performed by Dr Sanjeev Jadhav, Heart Transplant Surgeon, supported by a team of specialists Dr Shantesh Kaushik, CVTS Surgeon, Dr Gunadhar Padhi, Critical Care, Dr. Aklesh Tandekar, Critical Care, Dr. Haridas, Dr. Saurabh, Dr. Sachin Sanagar, CVTS Surgeon and Dr. Tamiruddin Dhanwade, Cardiologist.Mr Santosh Kanade, Heart Transplant Survivor, said, “I had been on the waiting list battling for my life with heart failure. I would like thank the organ donor’s family & the transplant team for giving me a second chance at life.”Mr Santosh Marathe, Head & COO, Apollo Hospitals, Navi Mumbai, said, “ In a short span of 3 years, we have been recognised as one of the most advanced transplant centres in Western India successfully performing (Liver, Kidney, Heart & Bone Marrow Transplant), making enormous progress & delivering superior clinical outcomes with a dedicated team of specialists.”

Mysuru accorded 5th Zone for Organ Transplants under SOTTOOrgan Transplant activities in Mysore, Hassan, Mandya, Kodagu, & Chamarajanagar to get a boostMysuru, March 1st,2023: To encourage Organ Transplants in Mysore, Hassan, Mandya, Kodagu, and Chamarajanagar, Mysore will be henceforth considered as the 5th Zone under SOTTO (State Organ &Tissue Transplant Organization) announced Dr. Kiran Kumar, Member Secretary, SOTTO &, Joint Director (Medical), Dept of Health &Family Welfare Services, Karnataka. He presented the certificate of accreditation to MMC&RI, Mysuru and to Mr. Bharateesha Reddy, Vice-President & Unit Head, Apollo BGS Hospitals, Mysuru at Rani Bahadur Auditorium, B.N.Bahadur Institute of Management sciences.Currently SOTTO Karnataka functions are divided into four zones named Kalaburagi, Hubli, Mangalore and Bengaluru. Patients from Hassan, Mandya, Kodagu, Chamarajanagar and Mysore have to go to Bangalore zone for their DSA crossmatch which is time-consuming. As per the decision made in the seventh executive committee meeting, the fifth zone status to Mysore will help save time to the patients and encourage Organ allocation locally.Boosting transplant activities in Hassan, Mandya, Kodagu, Chamarajanagar and Mysore.The organ allocation can be given to the local transplant centre patients registered and waiting for Transplant within the zone.As Apollo BGS Mysore has the cross-matching facility, cross matching locally saves time which is crucial during the time of Transplant and MOU is executed with Apollo BGS Mysore to facilitate the crossmatch facility.Activities to increase awareness and motivate the community in the five districts by conducting programmes for Organ Donations in various institutions like NGOs, colleges, MNC and public forumMysore zone as a separate zone can encourage to have more CME for the medical professionals to train them on brain-dead certifications and to establish more NTHORC and transplant centresDr. Kiran Kumar, Inaugurating the Mysore Zone., gave an overview of the transplants programme in the state., Dr.Dakshayani, Dean and Director , MMC&RI, Mysuru, Dr. Rajesh Kumar, RMO,MMC&RI, Mr. Bharateesha Reddy, Vice President & Unit Head, Apollo BGS Hospitals , Mysuru, M. Roopa, SAST, Ms. Lijamol Joseph, Chief Transplant Coordinator, SOTTO Karnataka and Transplant surgeons were present.                                                                                                                                          

Navi Mumbai, 25th February, 2021: Apollo Hospitals, Navi Mumbai, successfully performed four liver transplantation surgeries following COVID-19 recovery. Four patients were diagnosed with end stage liver disease, 3 patients underwent living donor liver transplant and 1 deceased donor liver transplant. Post the liver transplant all the patients have recovered and are doing well.Tanvi Palande, 19 -year-old liver transplant survivor, said, “With my deteriorating health condition, lockdown and pandemic, it was a challenging situation for my family. We had to be strong as we took up the decision to go ahead with a liver transplantation surgery. However, following our decision, my family was diagnosed with COVID-19. So, when I read that my test results were also positive, it instilled a sense of fear in me. It was the first time that I was really scared. The doctors gave me a lot of support and counselled us which gave us the confidence to go ahead with the liver transplant. I am ever thankful to my mother, who had donated a part of her liver, to save me and the doctors for all the support and giving me a new lease on life.”One of the patients, a 37-year-old man, suffered from a case of chronic liver disease that persisted for 8 months. Recurrent encephalopathy, ascites and vomiting of blood due to a deteriorated liver was noted as an immediate liver transplant was suggested. Subsequently, he also suffered from COVID-19, making the case more challenging. Taking on the case with proper protocols as introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic, the liver transplant team at Apollo Hospitals Navi Mumbai, successfully performed the surgery.Another 36-year-old patient suffering from ethanol related decompensated chronic liver disease also approached Apollo Hospitals with persistent fever and myalgia. He tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 by RT-PCR (real-time polymerase chain reaction). Following a recovery from COVID-19, all the necessary steps were taken to prepare him for a liver transplantation surgery. Owing to the seriousness of the case, many complications such as unsuitable donor for living-related donor liver transplant did arise. However, essential evaluation of the organ donor’s liver, including RT-PCR tests were conducted twice before the surgery took place. The liver transplantation was a success and the patient is in great health now. Similarly, the other cases have also been treated successfully.Dr Aabha Nagral, Consultant, Hepatology (Adult & Paediatrics), Apollo Hospitals Navi Mumbai, “Liver transplantation on COVID-19 patients poses major challenges not only to the patient and her family, but the entire systems and medical teams in the hospital. Treating patients with liver conditions following a recovery from COVID-19 comes with tremendous challenges, as the patients are more prone to infections. Despite the emergency situation, we had all the efforts to continue with liver transplant activity, minimising the waiting list and mortality. In some of the cases, aggressive care was maintained in COVID-19 diagnosed patients with end stage liver disease to overcome viral infections. However, despite facing these concerns, by taking all the precautions and protocols, we proceeded with lifesaving treatment, successfully conducted liver transplantations on four patients who recovered from COVID-19.Talking about the same, Dr. Vikram Raut, Consultant, HPB & Liver Transplant Surgery, Apollo Hospitals Navi Mumbai, said, “It has been challenging to work on the four patients with liver conditions. The four cases we received came with many complications, including being COVID-19 positive. However, by following the mandatory precautions of COVID-19 and post negative reports of COVID-19 tests, we performed the liver transplantation for all the patients. One of the patients had to receive a donor from a deceased person following a recovery from COVID-19, making it first post-COVID-19 DDLT (Deceased Donor Liver Transplant) in Western India. Taking prudent intra and post-operative precautions to prevent possible transmission from health-care personnel, ensuring adequate availability of blood products, drugs, supplies and infrastructure, strict postoperative infection control measures and quarantine protocols and judicious management of immunosuppression post-operatively formed the cornerstones for ensuring a successful liver transplantation surgery during the peak of the pandemic.”He further adds, “Risk of mortality due to decompensated liver disease is 30 – 50% vs risk of mortality due to COVID-19. COVID-19 infection aggravates acute decompensation in cirrhosis patients which increases risk of mortality. ”Santosh Marathe, Unit Head & COO, Apollo Hospitals Navi Mumbai commented “Over the years our institution has treated and performed numerous transplant cases. This year has been challenging with the rising cases of COVID-19 in Maharashtra and patients facing the related comorbidities out of chronic liver diseases has been observed nationwide. Following all the international safety control protocols, we continued with the transplant programme, as most the patients are with end stage organ failure. In the last 14 months, we have successfully performed 29 liver transplants, 42 kidney transplants and 2 heart transplant with excellent clinical outcomes ensuring quality of life. Also, we have created accessibility of liver transplant services through speciality clinics for screening and evaluation in different districts of Maharashtra and partnered with different institutions to perform liver transplants surgeries helping people in getting access to advanced clinical expertise. ”

October 14th, 2020, Mumbai: Dr Anil D’Cruz, Director, Oncology Services, Apollo Cancer Centres, is the first Indian Oncologist directly elected as, President at the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC, Geneva). Dr D’Cruz has been on the board of directors of the UICC 2012 -2018 and was elected as President Elect in October 2018. The UICC is the largest and most influential cancer organisation globally that works closely with WHO and other global cancer and economic bodies and has a membership of 1200 organizations from over 172 countries. As a well-recognized global leader, clinician, researcher and teacher in Head and Neck Oncology, Dr. Anil K. D’Cruz brings with him over 30 years of experience in the field of cancer care. He succeeds HRH Princess Dina Mired of Jordan to the post and is the first Indian Oncologist to lead this global body.Dr. Prathap Reddy, Chairman, Apollo Hospitals Group, said, “We are pleased to have Dr. Anil D’Cruz represent India at a global level and lead the UICC as the President. This recognition marks India’s global presence as one of the leaders in cancer care. The increase in the number of cancer cases, is indeed a matter of great concern and it is essential to bring in the best experts and leaders together to create better guidelines, counsel and awareness for early diagnosis. At Apollo Cancer Centres, we have always believed in the expertise, technology and personalized care for cancer treatment. It is a matter of great pride that one of the leading oncologists like Dr. D’Cruz is now the leader of an organization that will be a driving force in creating more awareness, accessibility, superior technology and knowledge in the field of oncology.”On this occasion Dr. Anil D’Cruz commented “I am extremely delighted with the opportunity to be President and lead UICC globally. These are difficult times and the path to cancer treatment and prevention has become even more challenging now. It needs a team effort and I am sure along with the board of Directors as well as with inputs from health leaders and our members we will adapt to the task on hand. The current pandemic has had a devastating effect on patient management, screening programs, treatment costs as well as the financial viability of many organizations/ hospitals. While we need to support our governments in the control of this pandemic we must not lose focus and ensure that cancer is firmly on our minds as we seek to adapt to the “new normal”. We must reach out and support each other as we learn each day, more and more about the intersection between Covid 19 and cancer. There will be changes in the dynamics of cancer care with modifications in treatment and screening protocols. At UICC, we hope to play a pivotal role as we live up to our mission statement of uniting and supporting the global cancer community in our fight against cancer.Awarded the Honorary FRCS from the Royal College of Surgeons, London for his exemplary work in surgery and oncology, Dr Dcruz has held leadership positions and is on the board of numerous professional organisations, universities, research organisations and cancer institutions across the country and abroad. His landmark contribution on the management was neck nodes in oral cancer was awarded the prestigious plenary at the American Society of Clinical Oncology in 2015. The findings of this study form the basis of current global guidelines on this topic. It has resulted in saving lives – one death for every 8 patients treated with early oral cancer. With more than 350 peer reviewed publications and chapters to his name, Dr. D’Cruz is on the Editorial Board of many reputed national and international journals. He had also instrumental in initiation of the first Mch. super specialty course in head neck oncology in the country.About UICC:UICC is the largest and oldest cancer organization globally established in 1933. The Union for International Cancer Control’s (UICC) rapidly increasing membership base of over 1200 organisations in 172 countries, represents the world’s major cancer societies, ministries of health and patient groups and includes influential policy makers, researchers and experts in cancer prevention and control. UICC also boasts more than 50 strategic partners. In the last decade, they have reached millions of people, welcomed more than 15,000 delegates at our World Cancer Congresses (link is external), and launched four new organisations: the International Cancer Control Partnership (link is external), the McCabe Centre for Law & Cancer (l, City Cancer Challenge Foundation and the NCD Alliance.About Apollo HospitalsApollo Hospitals was established in 1983 by Dr. Prathap C Reddy, renowned as the architect of modern healthcare in India. As the nation’s first corporate hospital, Apollo Hospitals is acclaimed for pioneering the private healthcare revolution in the country. Apollo Hospitals has emerged as Asia’s foremost integrated healthcare services provider and has a robust presence across the healthcare ecosystem, including Hospitals, Pharmacies, Primary Care & Diagnostic Clinics and several retail health models. Since its inception, Apollo Hospitals has been honored by the trust of over 150 million individuals who came from over 140 countries. At the core of Apollo’s patient-centric culture is TLC (Tender Loving Care), the magic that inspires hope amongst its patients.

An 81-year-old mother donated kidney to her 54-year-old son at Apollo Hospitals, Navi MumbaiMs. Kala Shah and her son Mr. Rajen Shah are residents of Mumbai. Mr. Rajen, was suffering from end stage kidney disease and was on hemodialysis 4 times a week since June 2020. He gives a past medical history of type 2 diabetes mellitus and hypertension.His kidney function was worsening with peak serum creatinine of more than 10 and needed an immediate kidney transplant. In 2021, in order to save Mr. Rajen, his octogenarian mother decided to donate her kidney.After all the relevant investigations done and when the doctors confirmed that both are medically fit to undergo surgery, the transplant was done. It was ABO Compatible transplant as both mother and son have same blood group i.e. A +ve. The donor doesn’t have any pre-existing diseases and the only risk for the surgery was her age. She went through laparoscopic donor nephrectomy and recovered within 5 days.The recipient made an uneventful recovery post-surgery. At the time of discharge, both showed normal creatinine levels.

The elderly patient who was bedbound when she gotten into Apollo Hospitals was able to astoundingly stand straight and walk the very next day of surgeryJune 2022, Navi Mumbai: Apollo Hospitals, Navi Mumbai, a leading tertiary care hospital, successfully performed a laminectomy with removal of the clot compressing the spinal cord on a 96-year-old paralysed female patient. She is one of the oldest people to undergo successful spine surgery. The procedure was performed over 2 hours by the team of doctors of Apollo Hospitals, Navi Mumbai. The patient could stand in an erect position the very next day of surgery.Laminectomy is a surgery that creates space by removing the lamina — the back part of a vertebra that covers the spinal canal. This allows access to structures in and around the spinal cord. In this case, we successfully removed the clot that is compressing the spinal cord.Dr. Sunil Kutty, Consultant, Brain and Spine Surgery said, “It is extremely rare that such elderly patients are willing to undergo spinal surgery. Often, people are scared of spinal surgeries and have a perception that it would make them bed-ridden. But, here we have a 96-year-old who came to us on a stretcher, stood up and walked out of her bed the very next day of her surgery, defying all the notion people carry in their minds about age as well as spine surgery. However, the patient and her relative’s positive attitude and the patient’s age not being a deterrent, were key factors in the success of the surgery for our team of neurosurgeons and anesthetists.”The 96-year-old patient, a resident of Uran, arrived at Apollo Hospitals Navi Mumbai with complaints of weakness in both lower limbs for 10 days, which resulted in her inability in walking and carrying out daily activities. She also had severe pain in her back radiating to her left leg.An MRI of her spine showed severe compression in L1 and L2 lumbar spine with a displacement of the caudal nerve root (nerve roots that travel down the spine and connect to the other body parts). The neuro team of Apollo Hospitals Navi Mumbai came together and successfully performed the spine surgery on the elderly patient.An L1 laminectomy was performed and a haematoma (a pool of blood outside of a blood vessel) was found in the epidural space with thickened ligamentum flavum (a short but thick ligament). The clot was removed and post-procedure, the patient was hemodynamically stable and made a speedy recovery.Dr. Ravi Shankar, Joint Medical Director, said, “Spine surgery is safe and effective treatment for people who need it. Although most people recover from back pain through exercise and healthy lifestyles, in this case, the age factor played a key role and surgery was the only viable option left to treat the paralyzed patient. However, spinal surgery, even in elderly patients, if necessary is a considerable treatment to improve the quality of life. We are glad that our neurosurgical team has put in their efforts to make this case a successful one.”Mr. Santosh Marathe, Regional CEO, said, “The cohesive efforts of everybody at Apollo – the nurses, anaesthetists, the ICU, and other support staff – coupled with the prompt facilities available at our hospital, result in such exemplary outputs. The patient’s family was encouraging and trusted the doctors at Apollo to conduct this surgery. We are very happy with the result as the patient tolerated the procedure well and stood up the very next day. Apollo Hospitals, Navi Mumbai, a JCI accredited hospital has been performing very complex neuro surgical works for domestic & international patients. The hospital also handles complex head injury cases through its world class emergency services.”About Apollo Hospitals Navi Mumbai: Apollo Hospitals Navi Mumbai is one of the most advanced multi-specialty tertiary care hospitals in the region of Mumbai and Navi Mumbai. The hospital offers comprehensive and integrated super-specialty services under one roof with highly experienced doctors of national and international repute supported by a well-trained team of nurses, technicians, and other support staff. The Hospital is accredited by JCI.