PUNE: Sahyadri Hospitals is proud to announce the successful treatment of a 13-year-old girl diagnosed with Pott’s Spine, a rare and serious form of spinal tuberculosis. The treatment was expertly handled by Dr. Rajesh Parasnis, Spine Surgeon at Sahyadri Super Speciality Hospital, Deccan Gymkhana whose prompt and precise surgical intervention has led to the full recovery of the young patient only in three days.

The patient initially experienced progressive upper back pain for two months. Her symptoms began with severe back pain and tenderness over the upper back. Despite seeking treatment at a government hospital in Pune, where she was diagnosed with Pott’s Spine and placed on anti-tubercular therapy (AKT) and bed rest, her condition deteriorated. Over the next two months, her back pain intensified, and she eventually developed paraplegia, losing the ability to move her lower limbs.

When the patient was brought to Sahyadri Super Speciality Hospital, Deccan Gymkhana, Dr. Rajesh Parasnis and his team conducted a comprehensive evaluation. The diagnosis was confirmed through a combination of clinical examination, MRI findings, and an open biopsy performed during surgery. To ensure accuracy, the team employed the GeneXpert MTB test, a highly sensitive and specific method for detecting tubercle bacilli from the surgical site. The challenges of diagnosing such a condition in a young patient were significant, but the patient’s coordination and compliance with the medical team at Sahyadri played a crucial role in overcoming these challenges.

Pott’s Spine, also known as spinal tuberculosis, is a less common manifestation of tuberculosis compared to pulmonary TB. It often develops as a secondary infection following pulmonary tuberculosis. In urban areas, the incidence rate of spinal TB is higher, with 1.43 cases per 100,000 people, compared to 0.76 per 100,000 in rural areas. This condition can have devastating consequences if not treated promptly, as was evident in this case where the patient developed paraplegia due to the pressure on her spinal cord.

Understanding the urgency of the situation, Dr. Parasnis decided to perform a D1-D6 Dorsal Decompression, Debridement, and Pedicle Screw Fixation immediately after the patient presented at the clinic. The primary goal of the surgery was to relieve the pressure on the spinal cord and stabilize the spine to prevent further progression of the disease. The surgical team utilized advanced technologies, including O-arm Navigation for precise screw placement and intra-operative neuro-monitoring to assess spinal cord function in real-time, ensuring the highest level of precision and safety during the procedure.

“The urgency of the situation necessitated immediate surgical intervention,” said Dr. Parasnis. “Our goal was to decompress the spinal cord and stabilize the spine to prevent further neurological deterioration. The use of advanced surgical techniques was crucial in ensuring the best possible outcome for this young patient.”

Post-operatively, the patient was carefully monitored by the spine team at Sahyadri Super Speciality Hospital, Deccan Gymkhana. Her recovery process was managed with daily neurological assessments and pain management strategies. After three days of bed rest to allow for initial recovery, she was fitted with a Taylor’s Brace (Thoraco-lumbar orthosis) and began a rigorous physiotherapy program. The physiotherapy team focused on strengthening her lower limbs and improving her respiratory function through deep breathing exercises and incentive spirometry. Remarkably, by the fifth-day post-surgery, the patient was able to stand and take a few steps with support. By the time her sutures were removed on the fifteenth postoperative day, she was walking independently without any support.

At her one-month follow-up visit, the patient had made a full recovery. She reported no back pain, leg pain, or weakness, and her neurological function was completely restored. Reflecting on the success of the case, Dr. Parasnis highlighted the importance of early surgical intervention in cases of spinal cord compression leading to paraplegia. “The timely decision to operate before permanent neurological damage set in was crucial to the successful outcome of this case. The multidisciplinary approach, combining surgical intervention with ongoing antibiotic therapy and close monitoring, was key to this young patient’s full recovery.”

The successful outcome of this case achieved at Sahyadri Hospitals demonstrates the effectiveness of a collaborative approach and the use of advanced medical technology in treating complex spinal conditions.

The post How a 13-Year-Old Girl Overcame Rare Spinal Tuberculosis at Sahyadri Hospitals appeared first on NRI News.

PUNE: Sahyadri Hospitals is proud to announce the introduction of Asia’s first TomoTherapy Radixact X9 system integrated with the advanced VitalHold technology. This revolutionary addition represents the latest advancement in radiation therapy, offering unparalleled precision and improved patient outcomes, particularly for cancers where motion management is critical.

“The system offers real-time adaptation based on imaging, ensuring the radiation dose is accurately delivered to the target while sparing healthy tissues. This is particularly beneficial for tumors that move with respiration, such as those in the lung and abdominal regions,” said Dr. Sanjay Hunugundmath, Lead Radiation Oncologist at Sahyadri Hospitals. “This system sets a new standard for precision and patient care for cancer patients in Pune. This technology uses millions of laser points on the patient’s body to ensure precise positioning and continuous monitoring, improving treatment accuracy and efficiency”, he added.

The Radixact X9 system, already known for its versatility and precision, is now further empowered by VitalHold, a technology that offers significant benefits for managing motion through Deep Inspiration Breath Hold (DIBH) techniques. This feature is crucial for treating cancers in the thoracic region, such as lung and breast cancers, where precise targeting is essential. DIBH technique in this system stabilizes the position of tumors and surrounding tissues, ensuring that radiation is accurately delivered to the target while minimizing exposure to other healthy tissues.

This system represents the first installation in Asia and one of the standout features of VitalHold is the Auto Beam Hold, which automatically pauses radiation delivery if the patient moves out of the tolerance limit during treatment. This ensures enhanced safety and precision. This technology incorporates clarity Imaging Technology, providing high-definition images with improved soft tissue contrast. This allows for more precise identification and localization of tumors, enhancing treatment accuracy. Unlike traditional imaging methods, the system uses helical kVCT imaging, producing continuous high-resolution images as the gantry rotates around the patient. This ensures rapid image acquisition, reducing the potential for patient movement and image artifacts.

“Currently, only three centers worldwide, including Sahyadri Hospitals, offer the Radixact X9 system with VitalHold. This exclusive technology positions Sahyadri Hospitals at the forefront of cancer treatment, providing patients with access to cutting-edge therapies that improve outcomes and quality of life,” said Dr. Shona Nag, Director, of the Oncology Department, Sahyadri Hospitals. “The Radixact X9 without VitalHold is covered under standard insurance packages, classified as image-guided radiotherapy (IGRT). Efforts are underway to secure specific coverage for VitalHold, ensuring that advanced cancer care is accessible and affordable.”

Patients undergoing treatment with this technology experience enhanced comfort and effectiveness, as it improves setup accuracy and reduces the need for physical markers. The breath-hold technique is user-friendly, with visual cues in the treatment room to guide patients. The entire room turns green when the patient holds their breath correctly, simplifying the process and reducing stress. The technology is suitable for treating a wide range of cancers, including thoracic cancers (lung and breast), abdominal cancers (liver, esophageal), prostate cancer and also pediatric tumors, and total body irradiation (TBI).

Abrarali Dalal, Director and CEO of Sahyadri Hospitals, states, “We are excited to make this groundbreaking technology available in Pune. Sahyadri has always been at the forefront of adopting cutting-edge technology to ensure the best clinical outcomes for our patients. Our team at Sahyadri Hospitals has embraced this advanced technology with extensive training. We are committed to providing the highest standards of care by leveraging the full capabilities of the Radixact X9 system with VitalHold, ensuring optimal outcomes for our patients. The addition of this unique technology will significantly boost our center of excellence in oncology care. We are working diligently to include this advanced treatment in insurance packages, making it accessible and affordable for our patients.”

Sahyadri Hospitals’ launch of the TomoTherapy Radixact X9 system with VitalHold marks a significant milestone in cancer treatment. By integrating state-of-the-art technologies, Sahyadri Hospitals continues to lead the way in providing innovative, precise, and patient-centric care.

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PUNE: Sahyadri Hospitals MomStory is proud to announce the completion of ten years of its Human Milk Bank Service in Pune, marking a significant milestone in the care of pre-term infants. This service was initiated by Rotary Club Pune Pride under their impactful Yashoda Milk Bank Project. Over the past decade, more than 3500 pre-term infants have been saved, thanks to the generous donations of lactating mothers and the dedicated efforts of our medical team.

Dr. Sunil Rao, Chief Operating Officer of Sahyadri Hospitals, highlighted the operational challenges and successes over the past decade. “Operating a human milk bank involves significant logistical and financial challenges. From the rigorous screening of donors to ensure safety, to the pasteurization and storage processes, each step requires meticulous attention and resources. Despite these challenges, we remain dedicated to saving pre-term infants. There are very few milk banks in Pune to meet the daily requirements of such babies, making our efforts even more critical. We have managed to extend our services beyond Pune to Kolhapur, Satara, and Solapur, thanks to our dedicated milk van and extensive awareness campaigns. The support from Rotary has been instrumental in overcoming these hurdles and ensuring a steady supply of donor milk,” said Dr. Rao.

Dr. Pradeep Suryawanshi, Director & Head Department of Neonatology and Pediatrics at Sahyadri Hospitals MomStory, highlighted the crucial role of mother’s milk for pre-term infants saying, “Mother’s milk is essential for pre-term babies, offering vital nutrients, and antibodies that support their growth and development. Because their digestive systems are not fully developed, pre-term infants cannot properly digest formula milk, which can lead to serious complications. The nutrients in the mother’s milk are key to building the infant’s immune system and supporting healthy brain development. For these vulnerable infants, who often have underdeveloped organs, mother’s milk significantly reduces the risk of infections.” Dr. Suryawanshi explained.

The process of milk donation at Sahyadri Hospitals involves rigorous screening of donors to ensure the highest safety standards. Potential donors undergo comprehensive health screenings, including tests for infections like HIV, HBV, and HCV. Once cleared, the donated milk is carefully collected and transported to our facility under strict temperature controls. Upon arrival, the milk undergoes pasteurization, a crucial step to eliminate any potential pathogens while preserving the milk’s essential nutrients. This process involves heating the milk to a specific temperature for a set period, followed by rapid cooling. Every batch of pasteurized milk is then tested to ensure it is free from bacterial contamination. The pasteurized milk can be safely stored for up to six months, ensuring a reliable supply for pre-term infants in need.

To increase the number of human milk donations, Sahyadri Hospitals operates a specialized milk van which is donated by Rotary Club of Pune Pride. This well-equipped van visits mothers’ homes to collect their milk donations and assists in distributing the milk to various hospitals across Maharashtra.

Operating since August 2014, the Human Milk Bank at Sahyadri Hospitals has been a pioneer in Pune, extending its services to western parts of Maharashtra. Despite the existence of only a few milk banks in Pune, Sahyadri Hospitals has risen to meet the daily requirements of pre-term infants through its dedicated milk van and awareness campaigns encouraging milk donation.

Sahyadri Hospitals expressed heartfelt gratitude to Ramesh Purandhare, Chairman of the Human Milk Bank Project (HMB), and Rtn Radha Gokhale, President of the Rotary Club of Pune Pride, for their generous donation of milk bank equipment, their invaluable support, and for being present at the occasion.

“The demand for donor milk is increasing day by day, and every donation makes a significant difference. We urge all lactating mothers to donate and help save more newborns. Each drop of milk donated helps to build a healthier future for our pre-term infants.” said Dr. Suryawanshi.

Despite challenges like infrastructure costs, maintenance, and raising awareness, Sahyadri Hospitals’ dedication and the support from Rotary have been crucial in overcoming these hurdles. Through these ongoing efforts, we aim to reach more infants, support their survival, and give them a chance to thrive in this world.

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PUNE: In a heart-warming celebration of MomStory’s 2nd Anniversary, Sahyadri Hospitals successfully hosted the MomStory Pregnancy Carnival, where the hospital not only honored expectant mothers but also highlighted the completion of its impactful community support projects in Pune. The event, graced by celebrity guest Bipasha Basu, drew a large crowd of expecting parents, reflecting the community’s strong engagement with the hospital’s initiatives.

On the occasion of MomStory’s 2nd Anniversary, the focus was placed on emphasizing the dietary needs of pregnant women. These initiative addresses the crucial aspects of nutrition during and after pregnancy, significantly affecting both maternal well-being and the health of their newborn children. The health and nutrition of pregnant women affect the baby’s development in the womb and their growth after birth. Very often, the right nutrition and the required quality are not available to these women in rural/distant areas, causing many deficiencies in health and complications during and post-birth to both the mother and child.

At the carnival, attendees experienced a mix of education, excitement, and community engagement. Bipasha Basu shared her parenting experiences and took part in heart-to-heart conversations with the participants, adding a personal touch to the festivities. Dr. Mahima Bakshi, a Maternal Child Wellness Consultant and Brand Consultant to MomStory by Sahyadri Hospitals, reinforced the hospital’s dedication to motherhood wellness, stating, “Our commitment at MomStory by Sahyadri Hospitals is to nurture health and happiness right from the beginning of motherhood. Today’s celebration also serves as a platform to further our community support through new CSR initiatives, focusing on the dietary needs of pregnant women along with the post-birth wellness needs of new mothers and children which are crucial for good health in the society and future of the community.”

Navkaran Singh Kang, Assistant Vice President at Sahyadri Hospitals & MomStory by Sahyadri Hospitals, detailed these initiatives, “We are thrilled to join hands with local Anganwadi and ASHA workers to provide nutritional advice to expecting mothers and the ASHA workers who would guide them forward along with special ladoos that assist with post-delivery recovery and improve breast milk nutrition at the very least. Our visit to Maher orphanage was particularly fulfilling, where our doctors engaged with the children through games and activities, and distributed snack boxes, sweets, and gifts as a mother would. It was a day of joy and meaningful community interaction. Our initiative aims to benefit 2000 ASHA workers and approximately 3000-4500 expecting and new mothers over the next 6 months of the Indapur & Solapur track of Hadapsar belt in Pune.”

The carnival featured a lively Zumba session, a maternity photo booth with fun props, and zones dedicated to fashion and style, making the day both entertaining and informative for all attendees. The atmosphere was further enlivened with lucky draws and special giveaways.

Bipasha Basu expressed her delight at participating, saying, “It’s a privilege to celebrate such a special day with so many inspiring mothers. The strength and joy of motherhood are evident in each story shared here. I am excited to see how our continued efforts will support and empower mothers across the community.”

Through the Momstory Pregnancy Carnival, Sahyadri Hospitals not only celebrated motherhood but also affirmed its commitment to nurturing the community, ensuring that the journey of motherhood is supported with utmost care and compassion. The hospital looks forward to sustaining these efforts and fostering stronger community connections in the future, with a specific emphasis on the health and nutrition of women in underserved areas.

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PUNE: Join us this Mother’s Day for a unique celebration at the ‘MomStory Pregnancy Carnival’, hosted by MomStory by Sahyadri Hospitals, a leading maternity and childcare provider in Pune. This event is an opportunity for all the expecting couples where they can enjoy a morning filled with excitement, education, and engagement, highlighted by the presence of the celebrity chief guest, Bipasha Basu.

    Date: Sunday, May 12, 2024

    Time: 10:00 AM to 1:30 PM

    Venue: The Jewel Ballroom, The Westin, Koregaon Park, Pune (Ground Floor)

The carnival promises an array of activities exclusively tailored for expecting couples:

• Get Famous – Snap memorable photos with Bipasha Basu.
• Get Chatty – Participate in interactive sessions with Bipasha, sharing insights and experiences.
• Get Toned – Join in on Zumba sessions led by expert instructors, tailored for pregnancy wellness.
• Get Lucky – Win exciting prizes through various lucky draws.
• Get Energized – Dive into engaging activities designed for expecting couples to enjoy together.

Bonus – Take advantage of special on-the-spot booking offers for MomStory’s luxurious birthing suites and comprehensive maternity care services.

Prior Registration is compulsory due to limited spots available. To secure your place and celebrate Mother’s Day in a special way, please call on 8888822222 to register. Hurry, as spots are filling fast!

The MomStory Pregnancy Carnival is your chance to celebrate the joy of parenthood in a festive atmosphere filled with fun, learning, and community building. Sahyadri Hospitals, Pune is excited to host this special event dedicated to expectant mothers and their families.

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