Latest news with #MGMHealthcare
The Hindu
14-07-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
Health benefits, free ambulance: MGM's anniversary gift for its locals
MGM Healthcare on Monday launched a new health card for residents in its surrounding areas and a free ambulance service for those living within a 10 km radius to mark its sixth anniversary. Bhukya Sneha Priya, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Anna Nagar, flagged off the free ambulance service. Nilesh Mundada, Unit Chief Operating Officer, MGM Healthcare, said the 'Namma Health' card offers six benefits for the public in the neighbourhood including a free women's health check-up. He added that the ambulance will be fully equipped to handle any emergencies including cardiac care. The card offers discounts on outpatient consultations, diagnostic tests, pharmacy bills and premium health check packages. It offers reduced room rent for non-insurance patients and instant room upgrades for those with insurance. The hospital would soon launch a door-to-door campaigns to distribute the cards. Also present at the event was Annabel Dsouza Sekar, chief medical officer, MGM Healthcare.
The Hindu
09-07-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
Advances in treatment improve outcomes for women with uterine fibroids, but access remains a challenge, experts say
Uterine fibroid prevalence in India varies across studies, with some reporting rates between 20% and 40% in women of reproductive age, while others show higher percentages, even up to 77% developing fibroids during their childbearing years. While there isn't a specific national health programme in India directly targeting uterine fibroids, they are addressed within the broader framework of reproductive health and maternal care programmes. As the world observes Fibroid Awareness Month this July, clinicians and public health professionals in India are drawing attention to how uterine fibroids -- non-cancerous tumours of the uterus that while not life-threatening, can severely affect a woman's quality of life, especially when symptoms are left unaddressed or misunderstood. Understanding fibroids 'Fibroids are growths arising from the muscle wall of the uterus. They are not cancerous,' explains A. Jaishree Gajaraj, head of obstetrics and gynaecology at MGM Healthcare, Chennai. 'They are fairly common. Across all age groups, 5 to 6 out of 10 women may have fibroids, with peak occurrence in the late 30s and 40s.' Also known as leiomyomas, fibroids are the most common benign tumours in women. Their presentation varies widely from a single asymptomatic growth detected incidentally on an ultrasound, to multiple large fibroids causing severe pain and bleeding. Fibroids are classified based on location -- intramural (within the uterine wall), submucosal (into the cavity) and subserosal (towards the outer surface). Submucosal fibroids are more likely to cause heavy bleeding and fertility issues, while subserosal ones are typically associated with pressure symptoms. Symptoms and consequences of delay While many fibroids are asymptomatic, a sizeable number of women experience distressing symptoms such as heavy and prolonged menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, bloating and fatigue. Depending on their location, fibroids can also exert pressure on adjacent organs, leading to urinary frequency, bowel irregularities, and in some cases, difficulty in conceiving or carrying a pregnancy to term. 'The symptom depends on the size and site of the fibroid,' says Dhivya Sharona, consultant, obstetrics and gynaecology, Rela Hospital, Chennai. 'Anterior fibroids can cause urinary issues, while posterior ones may result in constipation and pelvic pressure that radiates to the back and legs.' Short-term consequences include anaemia, fatigue, and reduced work capacity. Long-term effects, if untreated, may range from reproductive complications to chronic discomfort and repeated surgical interventions. In rare cases, fibroids may undergo degeneration or, very rarely, progress to leiomyosarcoma, a malignant variant seen in 0.4 to 0.5% of cases. A spectrum of treatment pathways Management of fibroids is highly individualised and depends on the woman's age, severity of symptoms, fibroid size and location, and her reproductive plans. 'Need for future childbearing is an important factor in decision-making,' says Dr. Gajaraj. 'Medical management focuses on controlling bleeding and pain. Surgery is considered when symptoms are significant.' Small, asymptomatic fibroids often require no immediate treatment, with periodic follow-up and ultrasound monitoring. For women nearing menopause, medical therapy may suffice, as fibroids tend to regress after hormonal changes associated with menopause. Hormonal therapy, including the levonorgestrel intrauterine system (LNG-IUS), is commonly used to control bleeding and reduce fibroid volume. Surgical interventions remain standard for moderate to large fibroids, or when medical therapy is ineffective. These include myomectomy -- either open or laparoscopic for uterus-sparing fibroid removal, and hysterectomy for women who have completed childbearing. Minimally invasive procedures such as hysteroscopic resection are offered when fibroids are within the uterine cavity. Among the newer non-surgical options is Uterine Fibroid Embolisation (UFE), a minimally invasive image-guided procedure that offers an alternative to traditional surgery. 'UFE involves guiding a catheter to the uterine arteries and injecting particles to block blood supply to the fibroids,' explains Basavaraj Biradar, consultant, interventional radiologist at Narayana Health, Bengaluru. 'This causes the fibroids to shrink over time, significantly reducing symptoms. Most patients return to normal activities within a week.' Despite over two decades of global use and recognition by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), awareness about UFE in India remains limited. 'Most women have never heard of it,' says Dr. Biradar. 'It is essential that all treatment options, including UFE, are discussed with patients.' Access, awareness and the role of primary care As treatment options expand from conventional surgery to hormone therapies, minimally invasive techniques, and interventional radiology the need for timely diagnosis and patient-centred care has never been more pressing. 'Treatment should be individualised, but access should be universal,' says Dr. Sharona. Socio-economic and cultural factors continue to influence fibroid diagnosis and treatment in India. Women from lower-income groups often face delayed diagnosis due to limited access to healthcare and lack of awareness about menstrual abnormalities. 'Socio-economic background may delay access but doesn't change the approach to treatment,' says Dr. Gajaraj. Early diagnosis remains a challenge in India, particularly due to the asymptomatic nature of many cases. 'A significant number of women only seek care when symptoms become unmanageable,' says Dheeraj Tiwari, head of interventional radiology at Narayana Health City, Bengaluru. 'We should aim to bridge this gap through targeted screening camps and community outreach, which help identify fibroids at an earlier, more manageable stage.' He also emphasises the role of patient counselling in improving uptake of less invasive treatments such as UFE, especially among women hesitant about surgery. Mannan Gupta, chairman and head of obstetrics and gynaecology at Elantis Healthcare, New Delhi, says: 'Fibroids are present in almost 25–30% of Indian women, but many remain undiagnosed due to low symptom recognition or lack of access,' he says. 'Women from lower socio-economic backgrounds often suffer longer before seeking help, and by then, treatment options may become more invasive. This makes education, both at the primary care level and among the public, absolutely critical.' Additionally, cultural sensitivities and social beliefs also influence treatment choices, particularly when discussing options like hysterectomy. 'Informed and personalised decision-making is key,' says Dr. Sharona. 'The patient's belief systems and family situation must be taken into account.' Primary care physicians must play a central role, say experts. 'They are the first point of contact and often enjoy the trust of patients and their families,' says Dr. Gajaraj. 'Education on menstrual health and early referral to specialists can make a significant difference.' Despite the prevalence of fibroids, there is no national screening programme dedicated to their detection or management. However, tertiary care hospitals and professional bodies such as the Federation of Obstetric and Gynaecological Societies of India (FOGSI) have stepped in with anaemia awareness drives and women's health camps. These often include routine gynaecological evaluations and ultrasound screenings that help identify fibroids early. Experts say that fibroid awareness month should be a call to action for healthcare systems to prioritise early intervention to ensure that every individual has access to informed appropriate and compassionate care.
The Hindu
05-07-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
How genetic factors influence the onset and progression of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), a multifaceted endocrine-metabolic condition, is increasingly being recognised as not only a reproductive disorder but also a genetic and lifestyle-driven health challenge that affects a growing number of women across India. While clinical attention has often centred around irregular periods and infertility, recent studies and clinical experiences point to the crucial and often overlooked hereditary nature of this condition. Affecting an estimated 5 to 20 % of women of reproductive age in India, PCOS is now understood to be a spectrum disorder -- presenting differently across individuals. According to Dakshayani D., head of obstetrics and gynaecology at MGM Healthcare, Chennai, PCOS is a 'multisystemic pathology,' often seen with irregular cycles, weight gain, hirsutism (excessive growth of dark, coarse hair in women in a male-like pattern, typically on the face, chest and back), acanthosis nigricans (a skin condition characterised by dark, velvety and thickened patches of skin, often found in body folds like the neck, armpits and groin) and in some cases, infertility. She notes that some women may show classical ultrasound findings of multiple peripheral ovarian cysts and increased ovarian volume, while others may have no cysts at all. 'PCOS is not a uniform disease; it manifests differently from lean PCOS to obese PCOS with symptoms such as male-pattern hair growth, scanty or heavy bleeding and insulin resistance varying in severity,' she adds. The genetic element The strong familial clustering of PCOS has led clinicians to view genetics as a significant component in its development. 'There is strong clinical evidence that the condition runs in families,' says R.K. Vidhyalakshmi, lead consultant in obstetrics and gynaecology at SRM Global Hospitals, Chennai. 'First-degree relatives -- mothers, sisters and daughters have a significantly increased risk.' Genomic studies support these clinical observations. Variants in genes such as CYP11a, CYP17, CYP19, INSR, LHR, FSHR, and DENND1A -- all involved in steroid hormone synthesis and ovarian function have been identified in women with PCOS. 'PCOS is a polygenic disorder with no single causative gene,' explains Mannan Gupta, chairman, department of obstetrics and gynaecology at Elantis Healthcare, New Delhi. 'Instead, several gene variants act together with environmental triggers.' Sapna Raina, clinical lead at Narayana Health City, notes that the risk of developing PCOS in women with a family history can be as high as 25–50 %, further underscoring the need for early surveillance in adolescent girls with known familial risk. Early recognition is key Given its variable presentation, early detection of PCOS often depends on clinical vigilance and awareness of familial risk. Dhivya Sharona, consultant gynaecologist at Rela Hospital, Chennai, stresses the need to distinguish PCOS from PCOD -- the latter being a condition limited to ovulatory dysfunction. 'PCOS is broader, and includes metabolic and androgenic symptoms even in the absence of ovarian cysts.' She highlights the increasing prevalence among young Indian women, attributing it to a combination of genetic predisposition and lifestyle factors such as poor dietary habits, high stress and sedentary behaviour. Hormonal screening -- including LH, FSH, AMH, testosterone, prolactin, estradiol, DHEAS, TSH and progesterone -- along with imaging (preferably 3D ultrasonography), enables more accurate assessment of ovarian morphology. '3D USG offers a reliable view of stromal volume and blood flow, which are critical in PCOS evaluation,' adds Dr. Dakshayani. Lifestyle intervention and preventive care Despite its hereditary links, PCOS is highly modifiable through early lifestyle adjustments. 'Maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding refined carbohydrates, and engaging in regular physical activity can delay or even prevent the onset of symptoms in at-risk individuals,' says Dr. Gupta. He also recommends stress management, sleep hygiene, and periodic hormonal evaluation for adolescent girls with family history. 'Even a 5–10% weight loss can help regulate menstrual cycles and improve insulin sensitivity,' says Dr. Vidhyalakshmi, adding that prevention starts with education and personalised counselling. Dr. Raina stresses early behavioural interventions in families known to carry a genetic risk. 'Families often share not just genes but habits. Encouraging healthier food choices, reducing processed food intake and promoting physical activity from adolescence can alter outcomes significantly.' Emerging therapies and personalised approaches As understanding of PCOS deepens, treatment is moving towards individualised care models. 'Pharmacogenomics and polygenic risk scoring are being explored to customise treatment based on genetic profiles,' notes Dr. Gupta. 'This will enable clinicians to predict which patients are likely to respond better to specific hormonal or metabolic therapies.' For hirsutism, Dr. Sharona recommends laser hair reduction for long-term improvement, though medications like spironolactone, finasteride and Eflornithine-based topical creams can offer temporary relief. Therapies such as metformin, myoinositols, oral contraceptives and ovulation-inducing agents like Clomiphene, Letrozole and gonadotrophins are tailored based on whether the primary concern is infertility, metabolic imbalance, or hyperandrogenism.'There's no universal treatment for PCOS -- each patient's symptoms and hormonal profile guide the management,' emphasises Dr. Sharona. Despite its high prevalence, PCOS remains underdiagnosed and underreported. 'The social stigma and silence around menstrual health contributes to delays in diagnosis,' says Dr. Raina. 'It is time we normalise conversations around PCOS within families and schools.' With clinical evidence pointing strongly towards hereditary transmission, clinicians believe that family history must be considered a key diagnostic tool -- not just a background detail. By raising awareness, integrating preventive care early and leveraging advances in genetic research, it may be possible to change the trajectory of PCOS for future generations.
The Hindu
19-06-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
MGM Healthcare performs complex robotic surgery for rare nerve disorder
MGM Healthcare has successfully performed a complex robotic surgery on a 52-year-old woman to treat a rare and debilitating nerve condition called Bilateral Glossopharyngeal Neuralgia, a condition characterised by throat pain. According to a press release, the patient, from Chennai, had endured nearly a year of intense throat and neck pain, along with severe difficulty in swallowing. She also had abnormally elongated bones in her neck, a condition known as Eagle's Syndrome, which were pressing on nerves and causing her chronic, medication-resistant pain. Despite numerous consultations and treatments across hospitals, her condition remained undiagnosed and untreated. The innovative, minimally invasive procedure — Transoral Robotic Surgery — was performed through the mouth using robotic assistance, avoiding external incisions and sparing critical tissues, the release said. Sanjeev Mohanty, senior consultant and head of ENT, Head and Neck Surgery at MGM Healthcare, led the surgical team. 'The challenge was accessing these deep, narrow areas to remove the elongated bones without damaging surrounding structures,' he said, adding that using robotic arms , the team could safely remove the impinging bones with precision. The patient reported relief within hours of the procedure.
The Hindu
09-05-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
Boy born with single kidney undergoes rare renal re-transplant
A 12-year-old boy from Lucknow underwent a complex renal re-transplant at a private hospital here. Born with a single kidney, he had previously undergone a transplant, but required a second one due to graft failure and vascular anomalies. While removing the old kidney graft, a team of doctors reused the venous pathways from the earlier transplant for the new graft. It was led by Anil Vaidya, chair and director of Institute of Multi-Visceral and Abdominal Organ Transplant at MGM Healthcare. Prior to the transplant, a dialysis catheter was placed through a trans-lumbar approach (gaining access to the body through the lower back) into the inferior vena cava as the child did not have venous access, doctors said. 'The child had developed a urinary tract infection after two months of birth and it was found that he was born with a single kidney. The kidney failed gradually so he had his first transplant at the age of six,' Sukanya Govindhan, consultant Pediatric Nephrologist at the hospital, told reporters on Thursday. Senthil Muthuraman, senior consultant for Multi-Visceral and Abdominal Organ Transplant, said: 'Due to multiple punctures for access, the boy's venous access was thrombosed. So, we preserved the old venous outflow from the previous transplant.' Ram Gurajala, Interventional Radiologist, said that dialysis was either catheter-based or done through fistula. But the child had no patent veins that could be accessed from the groin or neck. So, a catheter was placed through a trans-lumbar approach.
