A new life to a three years old girl child

Wed, Mar 6, 2013 at 11:59 AM 
Miracle by Dr William Bhatti's team at the CMC
Ludhiana, 6th March, 2013:(Shalu Arora and Rector Kathuria): A 3 year old girl child, daughter of a labourer was suffering, with continuous pain in the lower abdomen and urinary infection for past threemonths. She was referred to the Department of Paediatric Surgery CMC and Hospital Ludhiana for further management. Investigations revealed that there was a 2.5 cms. long and 1.5 cms. thick,stone which was completely  obstructing the flow of urine from left kidney to urinary bladder and causing urinary infection and abdominal pain. Since there was no free flow of urine from kidney, there wasswelling and deterioration of kidney function with continuous abdominal pain.

Dr William Bhatti Professor and Head, Department of Paediatric Surgery and his teamdoctors, Dr N Bedi, Dr A Gupta and Dr S Dhuria, successfully performed laparoscopic removal of stone from the ureter. Theparents are happy as their daughter does not have a big operative scar on her abdomen and she is pain free because of the laparoscopic surgery. This type of operation, where the impacted stone at lower ureterovesical junction in a 3 year old child,was removed by laparoscopic operationis the first to be performed in India. So far this type of surgery has been done by open procedures which results in long scar marks and prolongedhospital stay. In laparoscopic surgery,the child will have 2-3 tiny scars of 5mm on their abdomen, with  less pain and shorter hospital stay as compared to open surgeries.

Dr William Bhatti further mentioned that presence of stones in urinary system is a common problem in children and it can be managed safely with laparoscopic operations. Parents should not ignore if their child complains of continuous abdominal pain and paediatric surgeons should be consulted immediately to prevent further complications.

The 8th National Stroke Conference Concluded

Delegates also attended from the SAARC countries 

                                                                                                                               Photos by Rector Kathuria

Ludhiana, 3rd March, 2013: (Shalu Arora and Rector Kathuria) The 8th National Conference of Indian Stroke Association organised by the department of Neurology, Christian Medical College, Ludhiana concluded today. There were 300 delegates who attended the conference from all over India including 18 International faculty members. Delegates also attended from the SAARC countries like Bangladesh. Yesterday there was a banquet for the delegates at the The Grand Pearl Resort. Mr RandhirKanwal the famous Ghazal singer entertained the guests. The medical students also displayed their artistic talent with a Bhangra dance.

Dr Jeyaraj D Pandian, Professor and Head of Neurology at CMC Ludhiana, the organising Secretary mentioned that all the major advances in stroke diagnosis and treatments were discussed in the conference. On the last day a special session on research in stroke was held and delegates from across the world discussed about the on-going important stroke trials and projects. A Skills workshop on the use of Botulinum toxin injection in treating stiffness of arms and legs following stroke was also held on the last day.
Dr Pandian said that for the first time a separate stroke rehabilitation skills workshop was held as a parallel meeting in CMC auditorium as part of the National stroke conference. More than 150 delegates attended this workshop which was organised by Dr Santosh Mathangi. One of the main highlights of the conference was the Teaching course on stroke which was held on Day 1 for MBBS students as a separate event at CMC. Medical students from three colleges in Punjab participated in this course.Dr Pandian stated that overall the conference had a major impact on the local doctors, neurologists, neurosurgeons, undergraduate medical students, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists and allied health trainees from across the country. This would improve the care and treatment of stroke patients.

Another achievement for CMC Stroke Unit

Awarded Indo-USA Brain Collaborative grant 

Ludhiana, 8th August, 2012. (Shalu Arora and Rector Kathuria)The Stroke Unit of Christian Medical College, Ludhiana has received a 1.18crores grant from the department of Biotechnology, India and National Institute of Health, USA. Dr. Jeyaraj Durai Pandian, Professor and Head of Neurology is the receipient of this award. This grant money is to develop a National Stroke Registry between India and USA. Dr. Pandian is the Principal Investigator from India and Dr. Aneesh Singhal, Stroke program, Massachusetts General hospital, Boston (Harvard University) is the Principal Investigator from USA in this grant. Dr. Pandian said that this research grant will help India and USA to develop a common stroke database and do cross cultural studies. New information regarding various risk factors for stroke, clinical services for stroke and reasons for delay in treatment are some of the important parameters that will be studied in this research. The information on stroke will be collected from 4 other centers in the country besides CMC Ludhiana. They are PGIMER Chandigarh, AIIMS New Delhi, NIMS Hyderabad and SCTIMST Trivandrum.
Dr. Pandian stated that this research proposal was selected out of 72 grant applications. Dr. Yashpal Singh, Professor of Neurology said that this Indo-USA collaborative registry will collect data for the next 2 years and many sub-studies will be carried out once the stroke registry is established. Dr. Abraham G Thomas, Director, CMC lauded the efforts of the Neurology department in getting the grant.    

An appeal to good samaritans if Punjab

A golden chance to be the part of life savers

A Courtesy photo:     Cooperating To Meet the Health Needs of Returning Afghan Refugees 

Ludhiana, 6th August, 2012:(Shalu Arora and Rector Kathuria) B/O Hardeep Kaur, a 13 days old term male neonate (Unit No: C7391173) was admitted at 2 hours of life on 28/7/2012 in a very serious condition with a diagnosis of server birth asphyxia, Meconium Aspiration Pneumonia and Septicemia.
He received critical care treatment was ventilated for 6 days and now is improving. His father is a daily wages laborer, earning Rupees 4000 per month. However the parents are unable to pay the entire bill and require financial assistance.
Any donations to help B/O Hardeep Kaur are welcome. Cheques in the name of “Christian Medical College & Hospital, Ludhiana” can be deposited in the medical superintendent office with the name – for B/O Hardeep Kaur, Hospital Unit No: C7391173 - written at the back of the cheque.
For further details Please Contact Dr.Gurmeet: 9216020400

Achievemets: CMC city center compelets one year

A large number of patients benefited 

Ludhiana, 3st August, 2012:The CMC CITY CENTER was inaugurated on 01 st August last year at Sirish Hospital, Krishna Nagar, Ghumar Mandi, Ludhiana and had commenced functioning the very next day. During this one year, the CMC City Center through its Consultant Doctors has been able to provide its services to a large number of patients and citizens of Ludhiana.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr Vijay Obed, Dy Director, explained that CMC City Center was started in response to the many requests from the citizens of Ludhiana from this part of the city, who found it difficult to approach CMC Hospital. The number of patients attending the OPD at the City Center has been steadily increasing. Patients find it very convenient to seek consultation from CMC Consultant Doctors at the City Center.
Dr Abraham Thomas, Director, CMCH, mentioned that CMC City Center, is a major step to get our services across the city to the citizens of Ludhiana for their convenience.  He was glad that the CMC City Center was able to look after the health care needs of the citizens of Ludhiana.
Dr Sirish Chandra was pleased that CMC City Center has completed one year of service and opined that citizens of Ludhiana should take advantage of these services provided by the City Center. He mentioned that patients attending CMC City Center have been very satisfied with the CMC Consultant Doctors and the other services provided by the Center.
Dr Vijay Obed mentioned that Consultant Doctors of CMC Hospital  of all the specialties were available for consultation in the CMC City Center both in the morning and evening; and include – Medicine, Pediatrics, Pediatric Surgery, Eye, ENT, Orthopedics, Urology, Nephrology, Neurology, Neurosurgery, Skin, Plastic Surgery, Psychiatry, Cardiology, Cardiac Surgery, Medical Oncology, Obs/Gyn, Endocrinology and Diabetes, and others.
In addition to the Consultations, various services available at City Center include: Digital X-ray, Digital ECG, modern hematology and biochemistry laboratory, and pharmacy. All these areas are manned by trained and experienced personnel of CMC Hospital. This helps to carry out all the investigations at the City Center, very promptly and efficiently. A complete Physiotherapy Services Unit is also functioning at the City Center. CMC Nursing staff is available all the time to provide care and comfort to the patients; and look after their needs.
In order to serve the community better, a free medical and dental health check-upm camp P was organized at the City Center, which was a great success. A large number of patients benefited from Free Consultations from Doctors of CMC Hospital.   Shalu Arora and Rector Kathuria 

CMC surgeon does the region proud

Dr. Navneet Kumar Chaudhry has been elected as President 

Dr. Navneet Kumar Chaudhry, Professor & Head of Surgery at Christian Medical College Hospital Ludhiana has been elected as the President of Association of Minimal Access Surgeons of India (AMASI), North Zone for the term 2012 -2014. Professor Chaudhry was elected to this position during recently held 7th International Congress of Association of Minimal Access Surgeons of India, at Coimbatore, Tamilnadu, from July 19-22, 2012. With more than 4500 members, AMASI is the largest section of Association of Surgeons of India (ASI).
The international congress was attended by more than 2500 delegates from all over India and surgeons from Australia, UK, Korea, Germany and US. During the congress, Dr. Chaudhry delivered a guest lecture and chaired 3 sessions on live advanced laparoscopic surgery.
According to Prof. Chaudhry, the main aim of the AMASI is to bring safe and affordable minimal access surgery to the masses, with a special focus on training young surgeons in this highly technical and patient friendly surgical technique.. Dr. Chaudhry is the first surgeon from the state of Punjab to be elected as President of AMASI north zone.
CMC Hospital, Ludhiana pioneered minimally access surgery in early nineties and has played a key role in making this technique popular in North India. ----Shalu Arora and Rector Kathuria

A new success by Dr. H S Bedi at CMC Ludhiana

Rare major open heart surgery saves  a new life
Ludhiana, 16th July, 2012 (Shalu Arora and Rector Kathuria)

Mr Vikas Masih – a   35 year old teacher – was in a very serious condition. He had developed a large blood clot in his lungs – a condition called massive pulmonary embolism – due to which he was not able to breathe. He was referred to Dr Harinder Singh Bedi – Head of Cardio Vascular Endovascular & Thoracic Surgery at the Christian Medical College & Hospital, Ludhiana. On examination and investigation Dr Bedi realized that Mr Vikas was in imminent danger of death as his oxygen levels were dangerously low. This was damaging his brain and kidneys.
He had already been put on maximal medical therapy including the latest blood thinners at another hospital – but they did not work. The only option to save his life now was a major and rare open heart surgery called pulmonary thrombo-endarterectomy. Dr Bedi said that the surgery is done on a heart lung machine but additionally for a short period of time the circulation even through the heart lung machine has to be stopped. This is called circulatory arrest and is like totally stopping the heart and the lungs - both the natural and artificial ones.
Dr Bedi explained that this is because otherwise the blockage in the lungs cannot be seen clearly. During the tense 10 minutes while the patient was ‘clinically dead’ - on no circulation at all – his lungs were totally cleared of all the deadly clot. Dr Bedi is a pioneer in this field and in fact has trained in this rare surgery at the St Vincents Hospital in Sydney. However this was a very challenging case as Vikas is very young and this extent of disease was unexpected.
The other members of the Heart team are Dr A Joseph, Dr Sheetal Garg, Dr Melchi, Dr Paul, Dr Reenus ,  Dr Dinesh, Dr Pratap, Dr William, Dr Pearl,  Dr Savan, Dr Meenu, DR Nina and Dr Ashwin  . The heart lung machine was manned by Mr Jairus and Mr William – who are the senior most perfusionists of Punjab – along with Mr Mathew.
Dr Abraham G Thomas – Director of CMC & H – said that the CMC was committed to bringing the latest technology to Punjab so that the people of this area were given the best possible therapy.  

CMC organized another event for patien

A Free Medical & Dental Health Check-up Camp
Ludhiana, 8th July, 2012: (Shalu Arora and Rector Kathuria) 

A  Comprehensive Free Medical Health Check-up Camp was organized at Sirish Hospital/CMC City Center,(B-XX 1140, Krishna Nagar, Ghumar Mandi), Ludhiana on Sunday, 08th July.  

Specialist Doctors from Christian Medical College and Hospital examined medical and surgical patients; for Skin, Pediatrics (Child Specialist), Ob/Gyn (Problems of ladies), Ophthalmologist (Eye Specialist), Dentist (Problems of Teeth), Ear, Nose and Throat, Orthopedics (Bones and Joints),etc.
The team of doctors, nurses and paramedical staff examined about 300 patients in the camp. This is the first time CMC Hospital has organized a free camp at Sirish Hospital.
Mr Gurprit Bassi (Gogi), Municipal Councilor, Chief Guest for the occasion, inaugurated the camp by cutting the ribbon. He lauded the efforts of CMC and Sirish Hospital for extending free medical check-up service to the community. He wished success for the camp and opined that such medical camps should be held more frequently. The camp was dedicated with a prayer by Rev Rogers.

Dr Sirish Chandra and Dr Baljinder Kaur expressed their gratitude to CMC Doctors for conducting this camp and for providing expert consultation for the patients.

Dr.A.G.Thomas, Director CMC, mentioned this camp is part of the commitment of CMC to serve the community by providing expert health care.

Also present on the occasion were: Dr Kim Mammen, Dr S C Khosla, Dr Vijay Obed, Mr Ashley Isaih. 

Appeal to help 7 year old Nagma

Help Nagma for successful stem cell transplantation 
Ludhiana, 15th June, 2012 (Shalu Arora and Rector Kathuria) 7 year old Ms Nagma (Hospital No: -C-7372377) is diagnosed to have severe Aplastic Anemia, a disease in which all her blood cells stop their production from the bone marrow. Patients with aplastic anemia require multiple blood transfusions and may have life threatening infections and bleeding as the cells to protect the body from these are absent.
            Her only hope for cure is Haematopoietic stem cell transplant with cure rate of 80-90 % is done at the right time. She is fortunate to find a full house HLA match in her younger sister. The estimated expense of a stem cell transplant is approximately cost Rs. 8 to 10 Lakhs. Her father is a truck driver and is unable to meet the daily needs let alone bear the cost of transplant.
              Parents who have 3 daughters is keen to proceed with the treatment of their eldest daughter. Christian Medical College is providing free bed charges and is arranging some free facilities and medication. However, the added expenses need to be met. This is a request to all the well wishers to donate for this young girl and give her a second chance to live. If any one is willing to contribute for the same please contact Clinical haematology office – 0161-5037957 (cmcbmt@gmail.com) or All drafts/Cheque may be taken in favour of “Christian Medical College Ludhiana, Society” and please write  Nagma - C-7372377 at the back of the cheque.  All your contributions would be acknowledged.
         

Early intervention for optimal treatment of squint

Every case of squint can lead to loss of stereo vision
Ludhiana, 2nd May, 2011(Shalu Arora and Rector Kathuria) Generally squint is considered important only from the cosmetic point of view. It is true that deviated eyes do not look good on a person’s face. Added to this is the psychological and emotional distress. However this is not the only deficit caused by squint, says Dr Satish Thomas, pediatric ophthalmologist and squint specialist at Christian Medical College & Hospital, Ludhiana. It can cause decreased vision because of amblyopia if the squint is in one eye. In addition, every case of squint can lead to loss of stereo vision or 3 dimensional vision.  We can have 3D vision only when both the eyes function simultaneously. Children with squint suppress image from one eye in order to avoid double vision, but in the process lose 3D vision.

Squint is best corrected as early as possible after its onset. This is because 3D vision can only be restored if eyes are realigned within about a year of onset, which is before 2 years of age. Amblyopia or lazy eye can only be treated before 7 or 8 years of age. If squint is to be operated only for cosmetic purposes, then timing of surgery does not matter as much. A surgeon can operate and correct squint at any age, but unless it is done very early in life, the patient cannot obtain any binocular vision and 3D perception ability. This is a very important criterion for many professions and careers like sports, surgery, becoming a pilot etc. It is extremely important even for most simple activities like threading a needle. Unfortunately many patients who come to us late have been advised by many doctors that they have to wait until they get older to have squint operated. Most squints do not improve with time and if we wait in the hope of spontaneous improvement, everything will be lost except a chance of straight eyes.
Dr Satish Thomas says that for the last 7 years, ever since he returned from doing fellowship in pediatric ophthalmology and squint from Sankara Nethralaya in Chennai, he has been earnestly campaigning for early treatment of squint. It is encouraging that over the last few years more and more patients are coming in earlier for treatment. In the last year Dr. Thomas said that he has seen close to 100 new children with squint in the hospital who have been appropriately treated. Twenty of them have been operated upon and many of them have been corrected with appropriate spectacles and occlusion therapy. However, the number of adults coming in with congenital squints is also on the rise. During the last year about 50 adult patients underwent surgery for squint which they had from childhood. This is a reflection of the society’s understanding of the disease which needs to change. Almost all the varieties of primary squint originate in childhood and need to be operated early in life for maximum benefits. 

An appeal from CMC Ludhiana

A 15 year old girl waiting your helping hand 
Ms. Diksha d/o Late Sh. Des Raj (Hosp No: C-7366016) is a 15 year old girl from Himachal Pradesh studying in class IX. She came to CMCH in March 2012 with painful swelling of her right leg. Her investigations confirmed the diagnosis of Osteogenic Sarcoma – a type of bone cancer. This is an aggressive type of cancer but has not spread to the rest of her body. She has a high chance of cure if she completes chemotherapy and surgery. Some patients with this disease may also require Radiotherapy after surgery. The approximate expenditure for the same is Rs 2 lakh over the next 3 months. Her father passed away and she is being cared for by her mother on a pension of Rs 3000/month. 

The patient and her family are very keen for treatment and her relatives are also supporting the family in seeking treatment. She has already received 2 cycles of chemotherapy with good response in the tumour. She is currently admitted in CMC Hospital for managing low blood counts and infection which can happen due to chemotherapy. It would be a great help to the family if any financial assistance can be provided both to deal with the current crisis and to help pay for her definitive treatment. The Medical Oncology Unit at CMCH is providing some of her medicines and chemotherapy drugs at subsidized rates. However, the added expenses need to be met to enable this young girl and the family to get her back to normal life without cancer. 

We appeal to the people of Ludhiana to please come forward and help the family. If anyone is willing to contribute for the same, please contact CMC Medical Oncology helpline numbers – 09780005333/09915851194 or (cmc.oncology@yahoo.com) or Miss. Amarjit, Publicity Manager Ph: 9888588840. Donations can be deposited in the patient’s name in the form of cheque/DD in favour of “CMC Ludhiana Society”. Cash payments will also be accepted at our accounts/billing section. Donors will be eligible for tax exemption.    Shalu Arora and Rector Kathuria    

A Daring Lung Surgery at CMC Ludhiana

Latest device used for the first time

Photo: A happy Mr Birbal Singh with Dr Harinder Singh Bedi

Punjab is now among the very few cities in India where the latest technology is being used to cure lung disease patients surgically without complications.  This was in the form of a new generation bronchial stapler used by Dr Harinder Singh Bedi – Head of Cardio Vascular Endovascular & Thoracic Surgery in the prestigious Christian Medical College & Hospital in Ludhiana.  Dr Bedi explained that in lung surgery for cancer and TB – the air channel (bronchus) to the diseased part of the lung is cut and then repaired. There is a major risk of the sutures giving sway as the suture area is always wet from lung secretions. This complication - called a broncho-pleural fistula - is a dreaded and sometimes fatal complication all over the world. To reduce this risk a new device called a bronchial stapler has been developed by the Ethicon Company of USA in conjunction with Cardio Thoracic surgeons. This has a double row of titanium clips which on deploying securely close the bronchus with an extremely low risk that a leak will occur.
This was used recently by Dr Bedi in Mr Birbal Singh r/o Basti Jodhewal , Ludhiana    . He suffered from a life threatening bleeding from the left upper lobe of the lung. He was referred to Dr Bedi by Dr Mary John – the Head of Medicine at CMC & H.  Mr Birbal was in a critical state and Dr Bedi realized that he would be at high risk of a fistula by conventional surgery. So the new device was used for the first time in Punjab. Dr Bedi has trained in Cardiac and Thoracic Surgery with Dr Mark X Shanahan – the former Chairman of Cardio Thoracic Surgery at St Vincents hospital in Sydney. There he had done many complicated cases. In fact Dr Bedi has been invited to give lectures on lung surgery by the Association of Cardio Thoracic Surgeons. But according to Dr Bedi – Mr Birbal presented a special challenge as he had lost blood and was very weak. The stapler was successfully used and Mr Birbal made a remarkable recovery.
The other members of the Heart – Lung Team are Dr A Joseph, Dr S Garg, Dr Paul, Dr Melchi, Dr D Benia, Dr William, Dr Savan, Dr Pearl., Mr William and Mr Jairus and Yoga Acharya Mr Nirmal Singh. Dr Bedi explained that in lung surgery major cardio-vascular repair can be required at any time – so it is important that the team be a fully trained Cardio- Vascular & Thoracic one.  Dr Bedi is a board certified surgeon qualified and authorized to perform cardiac vascular endovascular and thoracic surgery.
Dr Abraham G Thomas – Director of CMC & H – said that the CMC was committed to bringing the latest technology to the people of Punjab. He complimented Dr Bedi and his team for this pioneering surgery. Dr Thomas told that under the leadership of Dr Bedi CMC & H is regularly performing minimally invasive lung surgeries and is one of the  few centres in India doing this routinely . Shalu Arora and Rector Kathuria

A miracle of loving care by 5 daughters

CMC Saved a woman suffering from massive blood lots

In a  happy mood Mrs Amrit Kaur and family with Dr Harinder Singh Bedi

Ludhiana, 6th April, 2012 (Shalu Arora and Rector Kathuria) Mrs Amrit Kaur–a 65 year old lady - W/o S. Gurcharan Singh of Janakpuri was in a serious condition. She had developed a large clot in her left leg which was in imminent danger of getting loose and blocking her lungs. She was seen in the Emergency by Dr Harinder Singh Bedi – head of Cardio Vascular Endovascular & Thoracic Surgery at the Christian Medical College & Hospital in Ludhiana. On examination and investigation Dr Bedi found that she already had previous episodes of pulmonary embolism. As it is – she suffered from a lung disease called Interstitial Pulmonary Fibrosis for which she was already under treatment. Her lung functions were very low because of the ILD and any further pulmonary embolism would have been potentially fatal. After a thorough check up she underwent a new procedure called catheter directed thrombolysis (CDT) with a strong blood thinner – tissue plasminogen activator (TPA) . Dr Bedi explained that this clot buster is given directly into the clot so that it can dissolve the clot faster. As she already had pulmonary embolism so before the therapy – a filter called IVC filter was placed in her vein to trap any small clots and prevent them from entering the lungs. The CMC & H is one of the few centres doing endovascular surgery . Dr Bedi is trained in this specialized advanced therapy and holds Limca Book World Record on a different form of vascular surgery too .
According to Dr Bedi, chronic venous disease is quite common in India as most of our population works in the standing position, leading to pressure on the veins which dilate. It is estimated that over a lakh die due to venous disease (DVT and PE) each year is the equivalent of the disappearance of a city the size of Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA. Dr Bedi told that the Obese and elderly are at greater risk of DVT while women who take birth-control pills are 10 times more likely to develop blood clots . Long distance flights are another risk factor. Those taking multiple flights over a short period of time are also at a higher risk. This is because the risk of DVT does not go away completely after a flight is over, and the risk remains elevated for about four weeks. It is interesting to note that the famous tennis player – Serena Williams - suffered from the same condition some time back. Even the research of World Health Organisation on DVT shows that the risk of developing venous thromboembolism (VTE) doubles after travel lasting for over two hours. The study of the WHO Research Into Global Hazards of Travel (WRIGHT) project, which was conducted by scientists from Britain, Switzerland and Netherlands, said the risk of developing blood clots during any form of travel longer than four hours was one case for every 15 fully-booked jumbo jets.
The symptoms of DVT include pain or cramp in the calves and swelling of the leg.
DVT and PE are often silent conditions – they can occur suddenly and without symptoms. Pulmonary embolism has a very rapid and deadly progress unless detected and treated in time.
The month of March has been allocated as the DVT Awareness Month in memory of Mr David Bloom – a NBC reporter in Iraq who died of DVT. His widow Melanie Bloom has started the Coalition for Prevention of DVT. The Vascular Society of India and the Venous Association of India - of which Dr Bedi is an integral part - have been very active in this regard.
Mrs Amrit Kaur is now well – her leg is back to normal. The other members of the Heart team are Dr A Joseph, Dr S Garg, Dr Melchi, Dr Paul, Dr Deepak, Dr Vaishu, Dr Sarah and Dr Amrutha. Dr Avinash Kumar – Asst Prof Radiology – helped with the Radiology part of the therapy.
Dr Bedi was especially impressed with the loving care given to Mrs Amrit Kaur by her husbanCMC Saved a woman suffering from massive blood lots

In a  happy mood Mrs Amrit Kaur and family with Dr Harinder Singh Bedi

Ludhiana, 6th April, 2012 (Shalu Arora and Rector Kathuria) Mrs Amrit Kaur–a 65 year old lady - W/o S. Gurcharan Singh of Janakpuri was in a serious condition. She had developed a large clot in her left leg which was in imminent danger of getting loose and blocking her lungs. She was seen in the Emergency by Dr Harinder Singh Bedi – head of Cardio Vascular Endovascular & Thoracic Surgery at the Christian Medical College & Hospital in Ludhiana. On examination and investigation Dr Bedi found that she already had previous episodes of pulmonary embolism. As it is – she suffered from a lung disease called Interstitial Pulmonary Fibrosis for which she was already under treatment. Her lung functions were very low because of the ILD and any further pulmonary embolism would have been potentially fatal. After a thorough check up she underwent a new procedure called catheter directed thrombolysis (CDT) with a strong blood thinner – tissue plasminogen activator (TPA) . Dr Bedi explained that this clot buster is given directly into the clot so that it can dissolve the clot faster. As she already had pulmonary embolism so before the therapy – a filter called IVC filter was placed in her vein to trap any small clots and prevent them from entering the lungs. The CMC & H is one of the few centres doing endovascular surgery . Dr Bedi is trained in this specialized advanced therapy and holds Limca Book World Record on a different form of vascular surgery too .
According to Dr Bedi, chronic venous disease is quite common in India as most of our population works in the standing position, leading to pressure on the veins which dilate. It is estimated that over a lakh die due to venous disease (DVT and PE) each year is the equivalent of the disappearance of a city the size of Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA. Dr Bedi told that the Obese and elderly are at greater risk of DVT while women who take birth-control pills are 10 times more likely to develop blood clots . Long distance flights are another risk factor. Those taking multiple flights over a short period of time are also at a higher risk. This is because the risk of DVT does not go away completely after a flight is over, and the risk remains elevated for about four weeks. It is interesting to note that the famous tennis player – Serena Williams - suffered from the same condition some time back. Even the research of World Health Organisation on DVT shows that the risk of developing venous thromboembolism (VTE) doubles after travel lasting for over two hours. The study of the WHO Research Into Global Hazards of Travel (WRIGHT) project, which was conducted by scientists from Britain, Switzerland and Netherlands, said the risk of developing blood clots during any form of travel longer than four hours was one case for every 15 fully-booked jumbo jets.
The symptoms of DVT include pain or cramp in the calves and swelling of the leg.
DVT and PE are often silent conditions – they can occur suddenly and without symptoms. Pulmonary embolism has a very rapid and deadly progress unless detected and treated in time.
The month of March has been allocated as the DVT Awareness Month in memory of Mr David Bloom – a NBC reporter in Iraq who died of DVT. His widow Melanie Bloom has started the Coalition for Prevention of DVT. The Vascular Society of India and the Venous Association of India - of which Dr Bedi is an integral part - have been very active in this regard.
Mrs Amrit Kaur is now well – her leg is back to normal. The other members of the Heart team are Dr A Joseph, Dr S Garg, Dr Melchi, Dr Paul, Dr Deepak, Dr Vaishu, Dr Sarah and Dr Amrutha. Dr Avinash Kumar – Asst Prof Radiology – helped with the Radiology part of the therapy.
Dr Bedi was especially impressed with the loving care given to Mrs Amrit Kaur by her husband and 5 daughters . Both Mrs Amrit Kaur and Sardar Gurcharan Singh were of the firm opinion that daughters are as good or even better than sons.
Dr AG Thomas – Director of CMC - told that CMC was one of the very few Institutes in the region dealing with the successful management of this disease entity.d and 5 daughters . Both Mrs Amrit Kaur and Sardar Gurcharan Singh were of the firm opinion that daughters are as good or even better than sons.
Dr AG Thomas – Director of CMC - told that CMC was one of the very few Institutes in the region dealing with the successful management of this disease entity.

A 30 years old Punjabi farmer got a new life from CMC

Bypass on a beating heart the risk of the repair is reduced:Dr.Bedi

A happy Mr Baljinder and family with Dr Harinder Singh Bedi 

Ludhiana, 17th March, 2012 (Shalu Arora and Rector Kathuria) Mr Baljinder Singh – a 30 year old farmer of Nakodar – was in a difficult situation. This young man had suffered 2 massive heart attacks 4 and 2 years back due to which his heart pumping was very weak and he was unable to breathe. He was investigated at heart hospitals in Chandigarh where it was diagnosed that besides blockage of his heart arteries he also had a severe leakage of his main heart valve (the mitral valve). He was in imminent danger of another heart attack but because of his double pathology (blockage + valve leakage) he was refused surgery. He then came to Dr Harinder Singh Bedi – Head of Cardio Vascular & Thoracic Surgery at the Christian Medical College & Hospital in Ludhiana. Dr Bedi realized that the valve leakage was not due to an intrinsic defect or tear of the valve but was due to the heart size becoming big (dilating) leading to failure of the valve to close properly. Contrary to popular Punjabi belief – Dr Bedi said – a ‘large’ heart is not really a healthy heart. The leakage led to a vicious cycle wherein the leak caused a further enlargement which in turn leads to more leakage. Till now the treatment was a complicated valve repair which was not always successful or a valve replacement which had its own problems.  A new repair technique is now being used all over the world – it is called a mitral valve repair using a McCartney-Carpentier-Adams Edwards IMR ring. This has been designed by Edwards company of USA in collaboration with world leaders in valve repair techniques – Dr McCartney and Dr  Adams from USA and the legendary Dr Carpentier from Paris . This technique was taught to Dr Bedi by the inventor Dr McCartney himself. Dr Bedi added his own modification by doing the bypass first on a beating heart - Dr Bedi is credited with having done the world’s first series of beating heart surgery and has a Limca World Record for the same. Dr Bedi explained that by doing the bypass on a beating heart the risk of the repair is reduced. The heart was then put on an imported heart lung machine for a very short time and stopped with ice. The heart chambers were opened and the valve repaired successfully with this new ring. The operation was successful and the valve leakage immediately stopped.

Baljinder is now doing well. The other members of the Heart team are Dr A Joseph, Dr S Garg, Dr Melchi, Dr Paul, Dr Deepak, Dr Vaishu, Dr Amruta, Dr Sarah, and Mr Jairus, and Mr William. Dr Bedi explained that if the valve had been changed Baljinder would have required life long close supervision and expensive medications. Dr McCartney has congratulated Dr Bedi and CMC on the excellent result and complimented him on his skills.

Dr Abraham G Thomas – Director of CMC & H – said that the CMC was committed to bringing International level expertise and equipment to the people of the region.

College Of Nursing, CMC, Ludhiana

Alumni Day celebrated

Ludhiana, College of Nursing, CMC, Ludhiana celebrated Alumni Day. The induction ceremony was started by word of prayer followed by presentation of mementos and badges to the new members. Prof. (Mrs) Ponnamma R. Singh, Principal, College of Nursing welcomed and introduced the Chief Guest Prof. (Mrs.) H. Asha Emmanuel.
Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Guest laid importance on the association. Senior members of the profession felicitated the new alumni members. Alumni news letter was also released at this occasion. The program was ended with a variety of entertainment.
It was a home coming for many of the senior alumni members. The scientific session on "Evidence Based Practice” was chaired by Prof.Mrs Triza Jiwan 

Population based stroke registry survey

Objective of the study is to find the burden of stroke
Ludhiana, 14th March, 2012 (Shalu Arora and Rector Kathuria)

Photo courtesy: Lourdes

The department of neurology at Christian Medical College is conducting a “Population based stroke registry survey” sponsored by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). This is a unique project being conducted in the country only in the city of Ludhiana under the HOD, Depttof Neurology, CMC&H. The burst of development, evolving socioeconomic status and wealth in the city has led to change in lifestyle, increased stress affecting the health of residents. The risk factors like hypertension, diabetes, heart diseases, alcohol consumption etc lead to stroke in the form of brain attack, paralysis, brain hemorrhage. In this national program, information about all the first stroke patients that occur in Ludhiana city, is being collected from August 16th 2010 onwards.

The objective of the study is to find the burden of stroke, stroke types and risk factors for stroke in Ludhiana city. The data collection is done from city birth and death division, selected health care institutions and scan centers.

The Deptt of neurology, CMC offers free check-up and blood test to stroke patients whose information could not be collected because, due to some reason, they received treatment outside of Ludhiana. The stroke should have occurred after August 16th 2010 and should be a first stroke with patient being above 18years of age. To seek appointment regarding the same you can contact Dr.Jeyaraj D.Pandian at 9915784750; Dr.Shweta Jain:9855334242; Ms.Gagandeep mehmi:7837743961; Mr.Amber sharma:7696575767. 

Be aware ….Save The Kidney

Kidney diseases are often detected too late

Photo Courtesy: Health Medical 

Awareness of Kidney Diseases is low with many people totally underestimating the vital role our kidneys play, when in fact kidney damage and disease causes serious morbidity for hundreds of thousands of people, and in some cases leads to death. Chronic diseases – that already account for 72% of the total global burden of disease in people over 30 – will increase by 17% over the next decade; much of this in developing countries like India.

Our kidneys remove toxins and excess water from our blood. They also help to control our blood pressure, to produce red blood cells and hormones, and to keep our bones healthy.

There is a close relationship between kidney diseases, diabetes and hypertension. Worldwide, 246 million people suffer from diabetes and the figure is expected to reach 380 million by 2025. Diabetic kidney disease affects a third of people suffering from diabetes.India has about 50 million diabetic patients and diabetes affects the kidneys in 30-40% patients with renal failure related to diabetes accounting for about 20% of patients on dialysis.  Unfortunately, less than half of those people diagnosed with diabetes undergo a simple screening test for kidney disease.

Kidney diseases are often detected too late, when the patient is already in end-stage renal failure and will need either dialysis or transplantation. Worldwide, over 1.5 million people are undergo dialysis or transplantation and this number is forecasted to double within the next 10 years. In India only a small percentage of people can afford dialysis and transplantation.

A simple way to prevent these issues is to tackle the problem at the source, and ensure early diagnosis of kidney damage by systematically screening people diagnosed with diabetes or hypertension. This can be done with simple and inexpensive urine tests. If detected early, damage can be treated with effective therapies. If diagnosed too late, kidney diseases lead to kidney failure, which entails dialysis and transplantation. 

World Kidney Day

Celebrated worldwide onthe second Thursday of March, World Kidney Day offers a crucial, visible opportunity to inform and educate health policy-makers, people who are at highest risk of CKD, and the general public that kidney disease is common, harmful and treatable.

The Department of Nephrology at Christian Medical College, Ludhiana, will be organizing a Kidney Health Camp in the nephrology OPD from 8 - 11 AM on 10^th March, 2012, which will include free registration, nephrology and diet consultation, screening urine and blood tests, health education and awareness promotion.Please feel free to check your kidneys especially if you are diabetic, have high blood pressure, smoke, use regular pain medications, are above 40 years of age or have a close relative with diabetes or kidney disease.

For Further Details Please Contact  Dr.Jasmine Das: 9988345898
by Shalu Arora and Rector Kathuria

The Gift of Life: 21 years later // by Dr Kim Mammen

He discontinued his studies and was bed ridden

Paramjit Singh runs a Karyana and multi-purpose store at Una, Himachel Pradesh, and supports his wife and two children. He has perfect health now and eats normal food considering the illness he suffered during his adolescence, 21 years ago. At the age of 17, in 1990, he was diagnosed to have end stage kidney failure and he was dependent on hemodialysis for his survival. Due to his kidney failure, he discontinued his studies and he was bed ridden for a while. He used to get hemodialysis three times a week at CMCH. Why would fate strike a person in his youthful age of 17? Is this God’s punishment to me and my family? These were the thoughts that went through his mind while he went through the ordeal of hemodialysis for his end stage kidney failure? His father, Rattan Singh, was a Police Officer and he decided to donate his kidney for his son. 27-August-1991 was the long awaited day he dreamt of to receive the “Gift of life” from his father. Parmajit Singh underwent successful kidney transplantation at CMCH. Dr Kim Mammen, Professor & Head, Department of Urology & Renal Transplant Surgeon had performed the renal transplant operation for Paramjit Singh. This was the first ever successful renal transplant surgery performed at CMCH. This was also Dr Kim Mammen’s first renal transplant operation of his career. Recalling the experience of his first renal transplant operation, Dr Mammen confessed that he displayed his best surgical skills in getting the first ever renal transplant operation at CMCH go right and perfect. God’s choicest blessings and a good team-work was the Mantra for the successful operation. The check list he had made for every step of the procedure went right, Dr Mammen confessed 21 years later.

Soon after the kidney transplantation operation, Rattan Singh [Father] was thrilled to know that his donated kidney was working perfectly well on his only son. This was the greatest gift a father could ever give to his son. Rattan Singh recovered well after the operation and he went home six days after the operation. Paramjit Singh was discharged two weeks after the renal transplant operation with normal kidney function. It was a dream come true for Paramjit Singh when he experienced a urine output of more than two liters a day. Before the renal transplant operation, he was passing less than 100 ml of urine in a day and that too with hemodialysis three days a week. Before the operation, he had dreamt to pass urine in good volumes and he was uncertain whether he would fulfill this dream. Paramjit Singh stayed in Ludhiana for a month after the renal transplant operation for getting regular check-ups and blood tests done. A month later, he returned to Una and he started to do part-time education.

Three years after the successful renal transplant operation, Paramjit Singh got married and he now has two children. Paramjit Singh has led a happy married life and his children are excited that their dad is leading a normal life after 21 years of his renal transplant operation. He has had minor ailments and infections which were promptly treated by the CMCH Doctors. Presently Paramjit Singh comes for regular check-ups every two months. Paramjit Singh continues to work as a motivator and promoter for renal transplant surgery and he has proved that this is the only salvation for patients with end stage kidney failure who are totally dependent on hemodialysis. He is indebted to the doctors and nurses of CMCH who looked after him during and after the kidney transplantation operation.

Ever since Paramjit Singh’s successful renal transplant operation in 1991, Dr Kim Mammen has performed more than 500 renal transplant operations both at CMCH and in the UK where he had served as a Consultant Urologist and Renal Transplant Surgeon. Dr Mammen proudly reiterated that the Transplant Team at CMCH had also done Punjab’s first successful cadaver renal transplant in Jan-1997 and the second one in June-2000.

As the world celebrates the “World Kidney Day” Paramjit Singh proudly said “I am a true beneficiary of the Gift of Life by kidney donation and I am now cured of the end stage kidney disease. I was once destined to die but now, I am determined to live. Thank you kidney transplantation and thank you CMCH for the gift of life.” {Issued on:Dated: 07-Mar-2012}

Compiled by Dr Kim Mammen, 
Professor & Head, Department of Urology, 
Renal Transplant Surgeon, 
Christian Medical College Hospital, Ludhiana. 

World Stroke Campaign International Committee

CMC Neurologist DrJeyaraj nominated as Chair

Ludhiana::(Shalu Arora and Rector Kathuria): DrJeyaraj D Pandian, Professor and Head of Neurology at Christian Medical College, Ludhiana has been nominated as the Chair of the World Stroke Campaign (WSC) International Working Committee.DrPandian took this responsibility during the recent board meeting of World Stroke Organization (WSO) held in New Orleans, USA.   Talking about the new position, DrPandian stated that he felt honored to take up the post as a first Asian/Indian. He mentioned that the WSO/WSC has been involved in improving the public awareness of stroke across the world over the last 2 years with the major theme “1 in 6”. One in 6 people worldwide will have a stroke in their life time, but stroke is preventable. DrPandian elaborated on the role of WSC in providing education and support for stroke survivors, family members and the health professionals involved in their treatment. The main focus of WSC is the annual World Stroke Day which is observed on 29th October every year. He discussed that the public awareness activities in India had increased over the last 2 years.
DrJeyaraj D Pandian also gave an invited talk at the International Stroke Congress which was held in New Orleans, USA from February 1st to 3rd. The special symposium was arranged jointly by the American Stroke Association, World Health Organization and World Stroke Organization.DrPandian is privileged to be the first Indian Neurologist to be invited to give a talk at the International Stroke Congress. He discussed about the rising burden of stroke in low and middle income countries like India and how to face the challenge.
Stroke or brain attack occurs when there is a blockage due to a clot in one of the arteries in the brain or when the artery bursts that would lead to brain hemorrhage. DrPandian briefed that 80% of the time stroke occurs because of high blood pressure, high blood sugar, high cholesterol, smoking, heavy alcohol drinking, unhealthy eating and lifestyle habits. He reemphasized that stroke is a preventable and treatable disease.
DrYashpal Singh Professor of Neurology at CMC Ludhiana said that stroke symptoms can be easily recognized. Patients present with sudden paralysis in one side, sudden trouble speaking, sudden deviation of face, sudden giddiness, loss of vision etc. It is important that patients recognize these symptoms. If they reach CMC within 4 ½ hours they can receive a clot bursting drug called rtPA which can dissolve the clot. He added that in the Comprehensive Stroke Program at CMC over the last 3 years 42 patients have received this particular drug. There is a 24 hour brain attack team available to evaluate these patients. (March 4, 2012)

Heart care with art !

Art technology used to cure the heart diseases

In the current era where heart disease has touched epidemic proportions in India according to WHO - there is something to cheer about. Just simple tests and lifestyle changes and regular exercise can dramatically reduce the chances of suffering from a heart attack.

At a recently concluded free cardiac camp in Jagraon conducted by Dr Harinder Singh Bedi – head of Cardio Vascular & Thoracic Surgery at the Christian Medical College & Hospital in Ludhiana – some very positive findings have come up. At the camp which was inaugurated by Baba Ghalla Singh ji of Nanaksar   - himself a cured patient of Dr HS Bedi - a comprehensive cardiac checkup was performed on over 250 patients of Jagraon and the surrounding villages. Free consultations by super-specialists, free tests and medications would be given. A special test for vascular disease – The ABI test – was done for all patients where indicated. For the first time ever – a very high tech tool – the i-stat – which is available in CMC & H was used to screen all people . Dr Bedi explained that in this test just a drop of blood is used give about 15 parameters to judge a person’s health. It was found that people who exercised regularly or performed yoga had their hearts in good shape, and had cholesterol levels and blood pressure under control  . Dr Bedi was very encouraged with these findings for they suggest that a simple regimen of exercise, prudent diet, weight control and regular checkups could indeed keep the hearts of Punjabis in good shape. He stressed that the aim of preventive medicine was – ‘The hearts of Punjabis should not just tick – they should beat strongly’.

Interestingly similar reports have been found worldwide. Currently around one in five menopausal women die from heart disease. But according to new research by exercise scientists at Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU), this shocking statistic could be reversed if women took just 30 minutes to exercise, 5 days a week. Similarly a study in the Journal of the American Medical Association showed that walking briskly for half an hour cut the risk of premature death in men and women by 44 percent.

There is some confusion about the type and intensity of exercise required. For cardiovascular fitness, you need to do a minimum of 20 minutes of aerobic exercise three times a week, working hard enough that you break a sweat or are mildly out of breath. If you work out on a treadmill you should walk at a speed of at least four miles per hour on a level. If it’s on an incline, you can go a little more slowly.

Punjabis have a genetic predisposition to heart disease. You can’t do anything about your genes just yet—but you can lower that risk through lifestyle changes. Diet, yoga, exercise, regular physical checkups—all of these can help. Diabetes and high blood pressure can be detected and kept under control. It is time that we invested in our health and fitness now to ensure a real quality of life in later years – just as we plan a financial pension plan for our future. So, strap on your sneakers and start striding in the park – said Dr Bedi .

Aim for a target heart rate during exercise.  Make monitoring your heart rate an integral part of your workout routine. It's a safer, more effective way to exercise, according to the American College of Sports Medicine.

Here's how to calculate your target heart rate range:

-Estimate your maximum heart rate by subtracting your age from 220. 

- Determine your lower-limit exercise heart rate: multiply your maximum heart rate by 0.6.

- Calculate your upper-limit exercise heart rate: multiply your maximum heart rate by 0.9.

For most people, working out at the lower end of the heart rate range for a longer time is better than exercising at the higher end for a shorter period.

Dr Abraham G Thomas – Director of CMC & H – said that the outreach programmes were an integral and important part of the basic philosophy of CMC so that medical care could reach one and all in this region.