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Medical Marvel – History and Evolution Of Surgery
‘Mrs. Majumdar, 48, suddenly felt a sharp pain in her lower abdomen and after she was rushed to the hospital, the doctor performed an emergency surgery as it was a case of appendix burst.’ Thousands of surgical procedures are being performed each day, let it be elective or emergency, all across the globe. But did you ever wonder how old is this entire concept of surgery? Who came up with the idea of surgery? Let’s try to explore how the surgery evolved.
Despite having extremely effective medication, not every illness can be treated with it and we require surgery for the same. Surgery is a special branch of medicine that uses invasive approach (both manual and instrumental) to cure or manage illnesses.
Multiple evidence has been found from many regions across the world that surgical procedures had been carried out since neolithic and pre-catholic ages. However, as per many theories, that appears to be due to some religious or ritual purposes, instead of health reasons.
In ancient India and Greek, several surgical procedures were carried out for a range of health illnesses. In fact, as per evidence, Sushruta, (father of surgery, as said by many theories) performed and taught his disciples a wide range of surgical procedures. ‘Sushruta Samhita’ explains a great deal about the numerous illness along with detailed procedure of its treatment. These include hernia surgery, cesarean delivery, treating fractures and also procedures like cataract surgery and prosthetic surgery, which is considered as modern medical marvels.
Read More – History And Evolution Of Stethoscope
During middle ages and Renaissance, there were many ‘barber-surgeons’ offering surgical procedure (however, they are not medical professionals with a university degree). The surgical procedures were gaining popularity among people, and operations theaters were built to carry out the procedures.
Read More – Why an Operation Theatre Is Called So
However, the limitations of anesthesia and proper sterilization made people tremble with fear, even with the thought of having an operation. Patients were forced to witness their own operation and thereby, speed was considered as a more crucial factor than the output of the surgery. In fact procedures like amputation were carried out in less than 2-3 minutes, to reduce the pain and horror of the patients.
The modern surgery came into existence with enormous efforts and during this time, the correct anatomy of the human body was explored and understood, by dissecting the human cadavers. Also, sterility of the wound and surgical equipment were given prime importance along with proper anesthesia administration.
Read More – History Of Anesthesia
Currently, we are witnessing, probably the best phase of surgery. The introduction of laparoscopic surgery (which uses minute incisions to carry out several surgeries) is a medical marvel with no match. In developed nations, the scope of robotics surgery is being explored as well, which might be the next best thing in the near future. However, we at ILS Hospitals, pay our tribute to each and every physician, doctors, and staffs who contributed towards shaping the realm of ‘surgery’ as we see today.
6 Tips To Stay Healthy During This Season Change
The scorching summer is finally bidding goodbye now, as we are done with the fans and AC for some time now. We are welcoming the winters gradually with the warm and cozy winter wears. This seasonal change is beautiful and thrilling, but it also makes many of us queue in hospitals for various reasons. Relying on soups, herbal tea and over-the-counter drugs become inevitable for many of us, but following some tips can help you mitigate the ill-effects of seasonal shift effectively.
So, check out the following tips to stay healthy during this ongoing season change.
Keep Personal Hygiene In Check
Regardless of the season, hygiene always acts as the first line of defense for many contiguous and pathogenic conditions. Doing simple, yet crucial hygienic practices such as washing hands properly, taking regular showers, using a handkerchief while coughing and sneezing and ensuring sanitation hygiene itself can keep several complications at bay.
Stay Hydrated
The fluid and ion balance is a crucial factor for a healthy body. Even though drinking water seems a little challenging during winters, staying hydrated is crucial. Try to have adequate water each day and also try to have other beverages such as tea, soups, and broths to meet the requirements.
Catch Up With Your Zzzs
Sleeping for 7-9 hours is crucial, during every season. Sleep deprivation can not only make you feel lethargic and weak but also slows down your immunization. Thankfully, sleeping adequately during winters is not difficult, is it!
Breathe The Nature
The changing weather should not restrict your movement in the outdoors. In fact, try to blend with the changing nature. Not only it will boost your immunity, detoxify your body but also uplift your mood in several ways.
Eat Seasonal Fruits And Veggies
Every season brings some challenges, but nature also brings several delicious and nutritious fruits and veggies with every season. They are all enriched with crucial nutrients to help you have a better health.
Stay Dressed Accordingly
Of course, enjoying the winters is crucial, but so is suitably getting dressed. Consider carrying winter wear to your office or school, which you can drape while returning to your homes, as the temperature drops significantly during nightfall.
As you can see, staying in good health is quite effective if you follow these simple, yet helpful tips for the season. However, in case you fall into the traps of illness, don’t hesitate to seek medical consultation at the earliest to make a speedy recovery. You can always visit ILS Hospitals for any such conditions.
Signs To Tell If Someone Is Thinking About Suicide
Is there someone you know exhibiting strange behavior recently? Is your hunch telling you something might go wrong? Don’t ignore these warning signs as these could be warning symptoms of suicide. Suicide is one of the leading causes of death all over the world. Thankfully, suicide is not an illness, and it is preventable with timely measures. Here we present a few tips suggested by psychiatrists to spot if someone is considering suicide.
Unpredictable mood – Periods of long-term sadness, severe mood swings, unexplainable rage or happiness is a very common symptom of severe mental depression and confusion, sometimes are closely associated with suicide. In such cases, the family should offer their support and encourage communication.
Change In Sleep Pattern – Due to a disturbed mind, it is often inevitable to have a disruptive sleeping pattern. It includes sleeping too much, or too little, sleeping multiple times in a day, and feeling lethargic even after adequate sleep.
Giving Away their possessions Or Money – Passing on their favorite possessions, or money that they still use or might need in the future is an alarming sign of suicidal tendency. The one receiving them or witnessing this, must consult and support the person immediately.
Bidding Goodbyes – Biding goodbyes either in person or through some nonverbal medium, in a way that appears they will never meet again is yet another alarming sign of suicidal tendency. The people involved in these farewells must make sure to keep an eye on them.
Withdrawing From Peers – If someone is suddenly withdrawing from their peers, who otherwise love to stay among people is a sign of severe depression. It should be noted by close friends and offer encouragement for a positive approach.
Dangerous Or Self-Harming Actions – Reckless driving, engaging in dangerous recreational activities like bungee jumping and other activities that demonstrate the person no longer value their life should raise red flags immediately. The person should be confronted soon and helped to seek counseling from a psychiatrist.
Experiencing a recent trauma such as loss of a loved one due to divorce, diagnosis of an illness, and several other factors such as unemployment, financial crisis etc. are often the triggering factor for suicide. Almost 9 out of 10 people who eventually kill themselves gives a verbal or behavioral warning beforehand. By recognizing these symptoms and taking actions, the same can be prevented.
Since 2003, every 10th September has been observed as the World Suicide Prevention Day. It aims to encourage people with suicidal tendencies to seek help from their families, and friends. One should recognize these warning signs and address the society with this issue as a whole. In case you find these symptoms in any friends, family, neighbors, friend, or colleague, don’t hesitate to ask about their thoughts and recommend counseling and help.
A Guide To Types Of Burn And Its Treatment Approach
Burn is one of the common types of injuries in both household and workplace. Burn is the extent of the injury, the skin bears due to the incident. On one hand, a mild skin burn can be effectively treated at home, severe burn injuries are classified as a medical emergency and the patient should be taken to the nearest hospital with adequate measures to handle the situation. Here we present the types of burn along with their treatment approaches.
There are 4 basic types of burn, namely the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th-degree burn. As the name indicates, the 1st-degree burn is the least causing injury and 4th-degree is the most severe one. Except for 1st-degree burn rest, all are always a medical emergency. The 1st-degree burn, too, is recommended to seek a doctor’s opinion, if required.
First-degree burns – This is often called the ‘superficial’ burns as it causes damage to only the external skin layer. It is characterized by redness, swelling, inflammation, pain in the local areas. As it cures, the uppermost skin peels off. It usually takes about a week to 10 days to heal with a home remedy by using cold water, aloe vera gel, and some over-the-counter ointments. It requires medical attention only if the affected area is more than 3-5 inches, or if it is in a sensitive area such as spine, shoulder, knee, foot, elbow etc.
Second-degree burn – The second-degree burn causes damage beyond the top skin layers. It leads to skin blisters along with being red and sore and often pops open to release wet, thick tissue. Being moist in nature, these wounds require proper medical attention. It usually takes about 3 to 6 weeks to heal and often leaves scarring as well. In case the affected site is sensitive, such as the face, groin, hands, feet etc. A minor procedure of skin grafting might be needed as well for a complete recovery.
Third-degree burns – This results in severe damage to every layer of the skin. Even though logically, it seems that a third-degree burn must be severely painful, in reality, one might not feel pain at all. It happens in case the burn penetrates through the nerves as well. It gives rise to waxy, leathery textured skin in white to dark brown color. It requires immediate medical attention and there is no certain timeline for healing either. The treatment procedure mostly includes surgeries as well.
Fourth-degree burn – A more severe burn than a third degree is called the fourth-degree burn which has all the symptoms of the previous degree but the damage extends to the bones. It is extremely challenging to treat it and has no certain timeline or assurance on the extent of recovery.
Unless the burn is due to some minor oil spattering or mild sunburn, it is always recommended to treat it as a medical emergency to ensure it doesn’t have any long-term complications associated with it.
When To Seek Medical Treatment For Food Poisoning
Are you feeling severe stomach cramps with nausea and vomiting? Are you rushing to the washroom every 2 minutes? Did you have something for dinner or even lunch or breakfast which could be contaminated? Could be, that you are suffering from food poisoning. It might sound funny to many individuals, but severe food poisoning is also considered as a medical emergency. The word ‘medical emergency’ casts impressions of – elderly man being carried in an ambulance due to heart attack or a punk youth taken to the ER due to road accidents, but it is a much broader scope.
Read more – Symptoms of Cardiac Emergency
It is true that you can treat minor to mild food poisoning with home remedies, adequate rest and over the counter drugs, but you need immediate medical attention to address if it is severe.
Food poisoning is a foodborne condition which occurs when you consume contaminated food or water. The severity and symptoms vary depending upon your immunity, strength and the pathogen you got infected with. Usually, it starts within a few hours after you eat the contaminated food, but it can also take a few days to weeks in some cases. The symptoms you will usually feel are nausea, vomiting, fever, fatigue, dehydration, dry mouth, lose motion etc.
However, in case you have symptoms such as feeling disoriented, dizziness, low blood pressure, high fever with chills, palpitations, breathing trouble, severe vomiting/diarrhoea, hazy vision, blood in vomit or stool, loss of urination, dark-coloured urine along with severe cramps, then you are going through severe food poisoning. If it is not addressed timely, it may cause a life-threatening crisis such as severe dehydration or even an organ damage.
After your preliminary check-up, your doctor will determine the exact treatment approach. Ideally, you will have to receive IV fluids and electrolytes along with antibiotics to boost your body functions. Moreover, the doctors will keep a close eye on the condition of the body temperature, blood pressure, kidney and nerve functions.
Needless to say, a timely cure will ensure proper recovery with no long-term complications. So, if you or any of your loved one is showing symptoms of the same, get in touch with our ER team and ensure your health and recovery.
The cases of food poisoning are quite common during the monsoon. You are hereby, recommended to avoid untreated water, unwashed food, raw or poorly cooked food, pre-cut fruits/vegetables, roadside food etc, particularly during monsoon.
Is Your Child Born With A Cleft Lip And / Or Cleft Palate? Here Is What You Need To Do!
Was your child born with cleft lip and/or cleft palate? Are you worried about what to do? You are not alone. Cleft lip/palate is the most common congenital defect among babies all over the world. Thankfully, almost every child undergoing the cosmetic surgery for the same makes full recovery with extremely minute or no scar at all.
Your baby’s lip and palate formation occur in the early stages of pregnancy itself. Cleft lip is the medical condition in which the upper lip is underdeveloped. Similarly, cleft palate is the counterpart condition, in which the upper root of the mouth is underdeveloped. These conditions each can arise, either as unilateral (only in one side) or bilateral (in both sides). Each of these complications can either be incomplete (the cavity does not elongate to the nose) or complete (the cavity elongates to the nose).
A child might have either of these conditions or both at the time of birth. Both these conditions lead to the formation of cavities of the facial structure that causes hindrance to the functionality of the organ and the overall aesthetic of the person. These conditions collectively lead to air leakage into the nasal cavity and as a result causes nasal spilling and nasal voice during talking. If left untreated, the child might develop speech disorders along with difficulty in breathing, eating and even hearing.
The cosmetic surgeries, namely the cleft lip repair and cleft palate repair these conditions along with its associated complications as well. Through these surgeries, a flap of skins are placed and secured on the site and with time, it entirely coagulates to restore its normal appearance and function. It is mostly recommended for the child at a very early age, between 2 to 12 months after the birth. In high-risk cases, the doctor waits until the baby grows up a little to recommend surgical corrections.
A surgery availed at an early age shows maximum benefits in the recovery from cleft defects. It not only ensures timely growth but also bears no sign of this surgery when the child reaches the age of 7-8 years. Moreover, it ensures your child does not suffer psychological trauma from being ‘different than others’ or face discrimination.
In case, your baby is born with any/both of these cleft defects, get in touch without paediatric surgeons and help your baby live the life you gave to her, to its fullest.
Read more – Some of the Major Kinds of Cosmetic Surgeries.
4 Most Common Types of Reconstructive Surgery
Though as per most common beliefs, cosmetic surgery solely comprises the procedures that aim to improve the body appearance, there is much more to it. The domain of reconstructive surgery deals with the surgical procedures to correct and restore the body parts. Minor procedures of several organs can be done through general surgeries and gynaecological surgeries as well, but complicated cases are always referred to a cosmetic surgeon.
Read more – How Cosmetic Surgery is Different from Plastic Surgery
It is often done to correct physical malfunctions present since the time of birth, known as congenital conditions. But mostly, it is done to correct the physical deformities that result due to some accident, injury or illness.
Let’s discuss a few most common reconstructive procedures-
1. Breast Reconstructive Procedures
These surgeries restore the basic shape of either one or both breasts. This is usually meant for the women who undergo mastectomy, mostly due to cancer. The surgery is also recommended for women with exceptionally large breast and suffers severe back pain and other associated illnesses due to it.
Men who suffer from breast cancer and undergo surgery may also undergo this surgery to restore their chest contour.
2. Skin Grafting
Cuts and burns of severe degree often need surgical correction rather than only ointments or lotions. Skin grafting involves removal of damaged skin and replacing it with a layer of healthy skin tissue, either from one’s own body or from a suitable donor.
3. Hand and Feet Surgery
These surgeries are mostly done for the patients with some deformities in hands/ feet due to, accident or congenital condition. This primarily restores the balance and functions, closely followed by its normal appearance.
It is also done for the people with webbed toes/finger or who are born with extra finger/toe.
4. Facial Surgery
These surgeries are mostly done for patients with congenital defects such as cleft lip and cleft palate. However, it can also be availed to correct damage caused by sinuses and as scar revision surgery.
These cosmetic surgeries not only restore the physical appearance of the organs but also ensures its functionality. In a nutshell, it is a life-giving surgery domain that helps the people to live their life to its fullest, even when any severe injury deforms the body parts due to the accident, or illness. However, it is always recommended to avail these specifically from expert cosmetic surgeons to get the best possible result.
3 Common Behavioural Disorders in Children and Their Treatment
Does your child answer back rudely every time you say something? Does s/he back-talks to you even in public? If your answer to both the questions is “Yes”, then there is a high chance that your child is suffering from a behavioural disorder. So what exactly is this behavioural disorder? Well, it’s common for children to argue, yell and throw tantrums once in a while. However, if such behaviour becomes a regular occurrence, then it is surely a cause for concern. To help you understand it better, here are the three most common disruptive behavioural disorders discussed in detail. Read on.
1. Conduct Disorder (CD)
Children with this disorder are often judged as “bad kids”, as they refuse to accept rules and their behaviour is offensive. About 5% of 10 years old children are thought to have Conduct Disorder (CD).
Some common traits of a child with CD include –
- Repeated truancy
- Always eager to start physical fights
- Frequent refusal to obey parents and other authority figures
- Making use of weapons in physical fights
- Lack of empathy for others
- Frequent lying
In rare cases, the children also exhibit violent and criminal behavior such as lighting fire, stealing or engaging in drugs, alcohol, and smoking.
2. Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)
Under the age of 12 years, around 1 in every 10 children are thought to have the Oppositional Defiant Disorder.
Some common traits of a child with ODD include –
- Frequent temper tantrums
- Very low self-esteem
- Easily annoyed, angered or irritated
- Does not obey rules
- Frequent argument with adults such as parents
- Tends to blame others for any misdeeds or misfortunes
- Deliberately tries to annoy others
3. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
About 2% to 5% of children are thought to have Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.
Some common traits of a child with ADHD include –
- Constant restlessness
- Prone to accidents
- Loses temper quickly
- Forgetfulness
- Faces difficulties in concentrating
- Moves from one task to another without completing any of them
Treatment of Behavioural Disorders in Children
Do you want your child to grow up to be a dysfunctional adult? We know you don’t. So to prevent this from happening, the earlier the intervention, the better the outcome is going to be. Treatment is generally multifaceted. Actually, it depends on the particular disorder along with the factors contributing to it. It may include –
1. Family therapy
The whole family is taught to improve their problem-solving as well as communication skills.
2. Encouragement
Children with behavioural disorders tend to experience repeated failures both in their interaction with others and at school. Encouraging them to excel in the fields of their interests can help in building their self-esteem.
3. Social training
Important social skills are taught to the child including how to play cooperatively and how to have a conversation with others.
4. Anger management
The child learns how to recognise the signs of their increasing frustration. They are provided with a range of coping skills that are specially designed to defuse their aggressive behaviour and anger. Also, they are taught how to manage their stress and how to relax.
5. Parental education
Parents are taught how to communicate as well as manage their children.
6. Medication
Last but not the least, children are treated with medication in order to control impulsive behaviour.
Is your child suffering from any of these behavioural disorders? Consult a doctor and start treatment before it’s too late. At ILS Hospitals, we have the best child specialists available at your service. All you have to do is give us a call and we will be happy to help.
The Significance of Doctors in Our Overall Health!
Our health is our greatest wealth, which we should treasure the most. To achieve the same, we need to take proper care through healthy diet and lifestyle. But, many a time even after what we do to stay healthy, we encounter situations that require medical attention, throughout our lifespan. Role of doctors in our life is irreplaceable as we depend on them for a healthier life. Let’s understand how they enhance our overall life.
Human life has been awarded an amazing mind and a capable body. Yet they need medical intervention for an illness which could be present since birth (congenital) or acquired through heredity or infected individuals (communicable) or may have occurred due to some accident/injury, or pathogen-induced.
Only a few of them, such as a common cold and sore throat generally get resolved on its own with the help of simple home remedies. However, the same does not hold true for most of the medical conditions. It makes availing quality medical treatment inevitable. A quality treatment includes proper diagnosis, treatment and follows up care.
The diagnosis includes physical observation of the symptoms, site of the discomfort, and use of invasive and non-invasive screening with the help of several diagnostic probes. The experience of the doctor adds even more value to the same. The accurate and timely diagnosis makes the entire treatment procedure more effective.
The treatment often includes oral medication, and are more effective when a particular illness is in its primary stage. As it progresses, often the need for surgery becomes crucial. Many a time, sessions of radiotherapy/ chemotherapy are required after surgery to ensure its effectiveness. Sadly, not every illness can be cured permanently. However, availing treatment contributes towards prolonging the quality of life and often the life expectancy as well.
A healthy doctor-patient relationship is a crucial factor that often acts as a positive contributing factor for treatment. It strengthens the mutual decision-making ability and develops trust. Though many doctors and hospitals are blooming these days, selecting a proper one is quite important.
As we are observing National Doctor’s Day on 1sy July. On this special day, we honor not only the doctors but also the nurses, pathologists and other medical staffs, who contribute towards our overall health and wellbeing. Let’s all perform our share of responsibility and duties to stay healthy and contribute towards making a nation by being a healthy and capable individual.
How Healthy Is Your Body Weight? Evaluate Now!
Every individual, unless born premature, usually have normal body weight. Your dietary choices along with other lifestyles contribute to your weight as you grow up. By looking at the statistics of Bariatric Surgery in Kolkata itself, it is clear that obesity is becoming an epidemic all over the World.
Let’s have a detailed understanding of obesity, its measure, and perks of weight loss.
Obesity becomes a medical condition that onsets when an individual accumulates an excessive amount of fat in their body. The excessive weight begins to slow you down and also makes you more and more susceptible to obesity and its related illness. This condition leads to sleep apnoea, joint pain, fragile bones, hypertension, respiratory and cardiac illnesses.
The ideal body weight can be estimated by evaluating your Body Mass Index or BMI. This parameter is a ratio of your weight by the square of your height. The following chart helps to understand the status of body weight.
Obviously, BMI too has its limits. It is not considered as a proper way to estimate body weight range for bodybuilders, pregnant women or people with small stature. Even though there are other parameters such as waist-hip circumference, BMI is often considered as the standardized method to calculate the status body weight.
Being underweight has an adverse effect on health too, but correcting them takes very little efforts. Being overweight, on the other hand, requires immense dedication in terms of dietary and lifestyle change. Things become quite challenging for the people dealing with obesity. Losing weight through conventional means such as dieting or exercise is usually ineffective for them. Availing weight loss surgery is often the only way to achieve significant weight loss.
Losing weight is advised for every overweight individual. Those opting for Bariatric Surgery, find this a life-saving surgery that restores their degrading health and self-esteem. It improves several aspects of health and needless to say, contributes towards both professional and personal goals.
Thus, it is advised to every individual, who is lately feeling their old clothes are not fitting them anymore, do get your body weight evaluated clinically. Take every measure to prevent obesity. And in case it is already present, mitigate it by weight loss surgery, as soon as possible.
