What Is Endourology? Types, Procedure & More

Endourology is a speciality of urology that focuses on performing surgery on the urinary tract using minimally invasive surgical methods. Small endoscopes and other instruments are used to extract or fragment kidney stones through the urethra, bladder, and ureter. In addition to removing kidney stones, surgeons can identify the underlying cause and work to stop any further development.

The majority of endoscopic operations are performed on outpatients. Since most endourology treatments are outpatient, patients can stay out of the hospital. A surgeon might advise percutaneous removal of the stone in some circumstances involving complicated stone disease. After this operation, the majority of patients stay overnight.

Urology is a field that is constantly developing. Many urologic procedures previously carried out through open surgery can now be completed using a cystoscope, ureteroscope, or laparoscope. It is more crucial than ever for urologists to be able to use these procedures with expertise and proficiency.

Patients are less likely to develop scars or contract an infection with these procedures since they need no or very minor incisions. Compared to open surgery, patients also recover more quickly.

Why Do We Need Endourology?

Specialists can treat various conditions with endourology procedures.

Some conditions treatable by endourology are as below.

• Urethral or ureteral obstructions.
• Bladder, kidney, and ureter tumours and stones.
• The prostate-blocking tissue.

What Are Endourological Procedures?

Endourology differs from conventional urology in that all procedures are carried out internally without needing significant incisions. Laparoscopic or minimally invasive urologic surgery are other names for endourology. A surgeon with specialized training feeds tiny cameras and surgical equipment through a small, flexible tube known as an endoscope

For instance, tiny kidney stones can be found and removed using endourology. Stones may be removed or shattered using microscopic instruments inserted into the body through locations like the urethra, bladder, ureter, and kidney. Doctors can help identify the kidney stone's cause and suggest strategies to stop more stones from forming in addition to providing therapy. It is possible to perform surgery using just thin, flexible equipment like lasers, graspers, tiny stone extraction baskets, specialized scalpels, and cautery. Almost all endoscopic operations are on an outpatient basis.

Among the endourological procedures, some are as follows:

1. Treatment for urethral obstructions
2. Treatment for bladder tumours and stones
3. Treatment for ureteral stones and malignancies
4. Treatment of kidney cancers and stones.

A few endourological surgeries are vasectomy, cystoscopy, prostate procedures, ureteroscopy, lithotripsy, orchiopexy, penile plication, penile implants & prostheses, and male circumcision

Book an appointment with Dr G C Malakondiah to get your symptoms checked and treated for any endourological disorder.

What Are the Benefits of Endourology?

It is one of the best methods to ensure the patient is free of stones. Even though it only requires a little incision, treating the kidney stone this way is less invasive than performing a full open surgery. The recovery duration reduces, leaving fewer scars.

What Are the Risks of Endourology?

Risk considerations for endourological operations include infection, bleeding, pain, and a burning sensation while urinating.

What Happens Before and After Endourological Procedures?

The following patients with related conditions are recommended endourological procedures to get diagnosed or treated.

1. People Suffering from Bladder Stones and Tumours
2. People With Stones and Tumours in the Ureter
3. People With Obstructions in the Urethra
4. Problems in the Kidneys or Bladder
5. People With Abnormal Cavities in the Pelvis or Kidney
6. People With Pelvic Abnormalities
7. People With Kidney Lining Tumours and Stones

Cost of Endourological Procedures

In India, numerous endourological operations are carried out. You can book your appointment and consult the endourologist as soon as you observe the symptoms and can determine the specific costs associated with their endourology procedure.

To book an appointment with some of the best endo-urologists in Hyderabad, call Gleneagles Hospital, Lakdi-ka-pul

Enquire Now – 040 2349 1000

Conclusion

Endourology is a branch of urology that uses minimally invasive surgical methods to examine and operate the urinary tract. Endoscopes and other tools are inserted into tiny incisions during endourology treatments. However, the majority of the operations make use of the urinary tract's already-existing channels.

Although the endourology procedure can be extended to other organs, endourological surgery is typically performed on the urinary system. The development of robotics and microscopy technologies in recent years has contributed to advancements in endourology.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Overview - ECMO

ECMO is the abbreviation for Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation. It is a lifesaving cardiopulmonary support procedure during which blood is drained from the vascular system, circulated outside the body using a mechanical pump and reinfused into the blood circulation. This process helps the blood get completely saturated with oxygen and filter out carbon dioxide (a waste gas).

While the flow rate determines the oxygenation level during the ECMO procedure, carbon dioxide elimination can be controlled by adjusting the concurrent gas flow through the oxygenator.

The ECMO machine is used for patients in severe life-threatening conditions that have damaged their hearts and lungs.

Why do you need an ECMO Machine?

An ECMO procedure provides cardiopulmonary life-support and is indicated in the following conditions:

• Cardiogenic shock due to any of the following causes:
  • Acute coronary syndrome
  • Cardiac arrhythmic storm
  • Sepsis with profound cardiac depression
  • Drug overdose or toxicity with cardiac depression
  • Pulmonary embolism
  • Myocarditis
  • Isolated cardiac trauma
  • Acute anaphylaxis
• Post cardiotomy when the individual cannot wean from cardiopulmonary bypass following cardiac surgery.
• After a heart transplant, when there is a primary graft failure
• Chronic cardiomyopathy
• Periprocedural support for high-risk percutaneous cardiac interventions
• Acute respiratory distress syndrome due to bacterial or viral pneumonia, aspiration syndromes and alveolar proteinosis
• Extracorporeal assistance is provided to rest the lung in the case of airway obstruction, pulmonary contusion, and smoke inhalation
• In the case of a lung transplant
• Lung hyperinflation
• Pulmonary haemorrhage
• Congenital hernia
• Meconium aspiration

What is the procedure an Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation?

To understand the extracorporeal membrane oxygenation procedure, we must know the parts of an ECMO machine and its types.

A typical ECMO machine comprises three essential parts:

1. A mechanical blood pump: This consists of a set of tubes that lets the blood flow to and from the patient's body.
2. Membrane oxygenator: This component pumps oxygen into the blood from the patient's body.
3. Heat exchanger: This part of the ECMO treatment ensures that the blood going back into the patient's body is at the same temperature as it came out.

All these connect with a circuit tubing called cannulas.

There are two primary types of ECMO machines used, namely- VA-ECMO (Veno-Arterial) and VV-ECMO (Veno-Venous).

If an individual needs to be placed on an ECMO machine, it requires a minor surgical procedure that is usually performed in the patient's room under sedation. The patient will also be given pain medication and an anticoagulant to lower blood clotting.

During the ECMO procedure:

• The surgeon, assisted by his team, inserts the ECMO catheters into the patient's artery or vein.
• An x-ray is taken to confirm that the tubes have been placed correctly.
• In most cases, the patient on ECMO will be on a ventilator to allow the lungs to heal.
• Supplemental nutrition will be provided to the individual intravenously or through a gastric tube, as the breathing tube and sedation make it difficult to consume food orally.
• While on ECMO, the individual may also be given multiple medications such s heparin, antibiotics, sedatives and diuretics. Electrolytes may be given to ensure proper salt and sugar balance at all times in the body.

What are the Benefits of an ECMO Machine?

There are several reasons why doctors and surgeons prefer to use an ECMO machine, and some of these include the following:

• It can maintain oxygen supply to the body even when the lungs are resting
• An ECMO machine's pumping ability can support reversible heart disorders whenever required.
• ECMO allows the lungs to rest and heal while it takes care of the oxygenation of blood

What are the risks of an ECMO Treatment?

It is a proven fact that the ECMO machine is an invaluable medical invention. However, like any other medical procedure, it does carry certain risks, like the following.

1. As the blood pumps out of the body, there is a chance of clotting. Blood thinners help avoid this.
2. Bleeding due to tubes inserted into the arteries and veins. Also, the risk increases if the patient requires surgical treatment while on the ECMO machine.
3. There is also a risk of infection due to the insertion of tubes. Direct access to the bloodstream can spread faster.
4. A haemorrhage/brain bleed during ECMO could cause a stroke. Bleeding can also occur due to clots in the ECMO circuit that travel to the brain.

ECMO treatment - Before and After

Before being placed on the ECMO machine, the patient is sedated and given blood thinners to combat clotting. The surgeon and their team insert the ECMO tubes into either an artery or the veins, ensuring the right placement with an X-ray view.

After the treatment, multiple tests are performed before the doctors decide to take the patient off ECMO. A trial is attempted to see if the patient does well without the ECMO machine. If they do, then the cannulas are removed. But if issues arise and the patient is in distress, they are put on ECMO in medical again for a few days.

Cost of ECMO Treatment

To know the cost, kindly contact us at Gleneagles Hospital at Lakdi-ka-pul, Hyderabad

FAQs

We provide a wide range of integrated specialities like Cardiac Sciences, Gastro Sciences, Pulmonology, Nephrology & Urology, Metabolic & Bariatric Surgery, and Orthopaedics. Gleneagles Hospital at Lakdi-ka-pul, Hyderabad, is one of the best tertiary care multi-speciality hospitals in India, with a full spectrum of integrated services, dedicated professionals, and a commitment to quality and safety.

What is Liver Inflammation?

The Liver is one of the organs of the digestive system. It is involved in cleaning toxins from your blood and makes bile and certain hormones. It controls the storage of fat in your body and its synthesis, as well as the secretion of cholesterol. When the Liver is inflamed, these functions cannot be performed properly.

Inflammation occurs as a natural response of the body to anything foreign that enters it. This is a signal that white blood cells are being sent to fight off the invader. The body is exposed to various toxins daily, such as alcohol, fatty food items, and prescription as well as non-prescription drugs.

Liver inflammation disease occurs when the cells of the Liver are damaged. The medical term for this condition is "hepatitis." Viral hepatitis is the most common form of Liver inflammation.

Some of the symptoms of an inflamed Liver are fatigue, the occurrence of jaundice (general yellowing of your skin and the whites of your eyes), feeling satiated immediately after a meal, nausea or vomiting sensations, and severe pain in the abdominal region.

Categories of Liver Inflammation

Viral infection is the most common cause of Liver inflammation. There are Five types of Hepatitis viruses:

• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis B
• Hepatitis C
• Hepatitis D
• Hepatitis E

Sometimes the inflammation is caused due to abnormality in one's immune system. These are autoimmune hepatitis and are of the following types:

• Autoimmune hepatitis
• Primary biliary cholangitis
• Primary sclerosing cholangitis

Symptoms of Liver Inflammation

Some of the symptoms of Liver inflammation in adults include:

• Initial symptoms can be similar to the flu
• Yellowing skin and whites of the eyes (Jaundice)
• Abdominal pain
• Feeling tired all the time
• Nausea or vomiting sensation
• Vomiting up blood
• Distention of the abdomen
• Vomit that looks like coffee powder in colour
• Pain in the joints
• Appetite loss
• The dark colour of the urine
• Stool that is lighter in colour than usual

If experiencing any or all of the above-mentioned signs of Liver inflammation, kindly consult the doctor at the earliest notice as this can be the case of an inflamed Liver.

What are the causes of Liver Inflammation?

There are certain reasons why the Liver may be inflamed. Following are some of the possible causes for an inflamed Liver:

• Alcoholic cirrhosis or fatty Liver disease
• Deficiency of alpha-1 antitrypsin
• Certain disorders of autoimmunity
• Liver blood flow is decreased
• Certain heart supplements such as Tylenol and statins
• Excess iron in the body (Hemochromatosis)
• Fatty Liver disease of the non-alcoholic type
• Jaundice of the obstructive type
• Various viral infections
• Excess copper deposition in the body (Wilson's disease)

How is Liver Inflammation diagnosed?

To determine the nature of the inflammation, the doctor will suggest getting various blood tests done. This is done to check the current enzyme level or even the type of virus present. Various imaging techniques like CT scans, MRI scans, and ultrasound help get a better view of the Liver.

A test known as Magnetic Resonance Elastography is done to know about the level of stiffness of the Liver. Lastly, in certain cases, the doctor may conduct a Liver biopsy to be sent for further testing.

What are the complications associated with Liver Inflammation?

The complications of Liver inflammation vary depending on various reasons. If left untreated, it may even lead to a serious medical condition known as Liver failure. Thus, it is important to consult the HPB Surgery and Liver Transplant specialist for regular checkups to prevent the situation from getting any worse.

Treatment of Liver Inflammation?

Treatment of an inflamed Liver depends on the underlying cause. In the case of a fatty Liver, the patient is told to reduce weight, control alcohol, and take Vitamin E supplements.

The diet should have a variety of fresh foods, avoid processed foods and eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. Calories distribution in diet should be as follows: 40% to 50% from carbohydrates, 30% from fat, and 20% to 30% from protein.

The doctor may recommend surgery to remove any benign cysts that may be present in the Liver. In certain severe cases of inflammation of the Liver, the doctor may consider one as a candidate for a Liver transplant.

The doctor will recommend medicine for Liver inflammation depending on the symptoms. There is no medical therapy in general for an inflamed Liver. Chronic hepatitis B may be treated with an antiviral agent along with interferon alfa. Chronic hepatitis C may be treated with antivirals or ribavirin or ribavirin along with interferon alfa. Autoimmune hepatitis may be treated with corticosteroids.

What can be done to prevent Liver inflammation?

Some of the steps that can be taken to prevent the occurrence of Liver inflammation are:

• Maintain a healthy body weight with regular exercise and a wholesome diet.
• Drinking alcohol in a controlled manner
• Avoid any contact with other people's body fluids
• Use protection while engaging in sexual intercourse
• Do not consume any form of contaminated food items
• Protect your skin when using toxic chemicals and insecticides
• Get the Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B vaccines

How do people live with Liver Inflammation?

Liver inflammation is not a life-threatening disease if treated properly at the right time. If left untreated, it can cause serious medical issues such as acute Liver failure. Liver inflammation disease affects many individuals all across the globe. This is caused mainly due to an unhealthy lifestyle. Certain changes in one's diet, regular exercise, healthy food swaps, controlling the alcohol intake, checking the medicines one takes and regular checkups with the doctor can help appropriately manage the condition.

To book an appointment with some of the best hepatologists in Hyderabad, call Gleneagles Hospital, Lakdi-ka-pul

Enquire now at (040) - 2349 - 1000.

Introduction: Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) and its Benefits

The Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) refers to the interconnected network of medical devices, wearables, and other technology that can collect, transfer, and analyze health data. This technology is transforming the healthcare industry by enabling real-time patient monitoring, improved patient outcomes, and reduced costs. In this article, we'll take a closer look at what IoMT is, how it works, and its benefits to the healthcare industry.

What is the Internet of Medical Things (IoMT)?

The Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) refers to a vast network of medical devices, wearables, and other technology that are connected to the Internet and can collect, transfer, and analyze health data. This data can be used to improve patient care and outcomes, reduce costs, and streamline healthcare operations. IoMT includes devices such as heart rate monitors, wearable fitness trackers, glucose meters, and smart pills, among others.

How Does the Internet of Medical Things Work?

The Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) works by collecting data from medical devices and wearables and transferring it to healthcare providers, such as doctors and hospitals. This data can be used to monitor patients in real-time and provide early warning signs of potential health problems. The data can also be analysed to identify patterns and trends, which can lead to improved patient outcomes and reduced costs.

Benefits of the Internet of Medical Things (IoMT)

1. Improved Patient Outcomes
2. Cost Reduction
3. Increased Efficiency
4. Improved Patient Engagement
5. Better Decision Making

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Delivering exceptional healthcare is a way of life at the best multispecialty hospital in Chennai Gleneagles Health City, Chennai. Contact us today at 044 44777000.

The liver is located in the upper right part of the abdomen and is an integral part of the body’s digestive system. Due to various factors, normal liver cells change their characters and size, known as abnormal liver cells or liver cancer cells. It gives rise to liver cancer. On the other hand, liver cirrhosis is a liver disease in which healthy tissue is replaced by scar tissue, interfering with the organ's ability to function properly. While both these conditions may cause similar signs and symptoms, including liver dysfunction, they are different in their cause, effects, treatment and outlook. Let's understand more.

What is Cirrhosis of the Liver?

The liver is responsible for many important functions in the body, such as filtering toxins from the blood and helping to digest food. When the liver is damaged due to alcohol, infections or generalized inflammation, healthy tissue is replaced by scar tissue that forms to repair the damage.

However, over time, when this scar tissue begins to build up, it can interfere with the liver's normal functioning.

Signs and Symptoms of Cirrhosis of the Liver

While you may not experience any signs or symptoms in the early stages of liver cirrhosis, they may appear as the disease advances. However, a few early signs and symptoms include the following:

• Tiredness or fatigue
• Loss of appetite
• Unintended loss of weight
• Nausea
• Fever (occasionally)

Signs and symptoms that may appear in the advanced stages of liver cirrhosis include

• Easy bruising
• Frequent infections
• Itchy skin
• Jaundice (light or pale stools, yellowish skin and eyes, dark urine)
• Fluid build-up in the abdomen
• Swelling of feet
• Blood in stools
• Loss of sex drive/gum bleeding / anal bleeding and enlarged breasts in men
• Premature menopause in women may be seen

Causes and risk factors of Liver Cirrhosis

There are several causes of liver cirrhosis, but the most common ones include the following:

• Chronic liver infections caused by Hepatitis B or C virus
• Fatty liver associated with obesity and diabetes
• Excess alcohol usage or abuse
• Inherited conditions like hemochromatosis, cystic fibrosis and Wilson disease
• Autoimmune hepatitis
• Chronic heart failure
• Rare conditions like amyloidosis

How is Liver Cirrhosis Diagnosed?

To help diagnose liver cirrhosis, routine blood and urine tests are recommended. A few imaging tests that you may need to undergo are:

• Abdominal ultrasound
• Transient elastography
• CT abdomen with IV contrast
• MRI of the abdomen

Treatment of Liver Cirrhosis

Liver cirrhosis has a great outlook when diagnosed and treated early. Though there is no cure for cirrhosis of the liver, treatment for the condition is aimed at slowing down the damage, treating the symptoms and preventing complications.

A few other things to do to prevent your liver cirrhosis from worsening are:

• Quit alcohol
• Treatment for hepatitis if that has caused your cirrhosis
• Avoid harmful medications
• Eat a well-balanced, liver-friendly diet like a low-fat Mediterranean diet

What is Liver cancer?

Liver cancer is a condition in which abnormal liver cells grow and multiply uncontrollably.

Signs and Symptoms

The symptoms of liver cancer can vary depending on how advanced your cancer is and where it is located in the liver. Some common symptoms of liver cancer may include the following:

• Loss of appetite
• Unexplained weight loss
• General weakness and fatigue
• Upper abdominal pain, accompanied by swelling
• Nausea and vomiting
• General weakness and fatigue
• Jaundice
• Itching of the skin
• Swelling in the legs and ankles

Since other conditions can cause these symptoms, talk to your doctor if you are experiencing one or more of these symptoms.

Causes and risk factors

Liver cancer occurs when the DNA of the liver cells undergo abnormal changes or mutations. Most often, the cause of liver cancer is unknown. However, a few factors that may increase your risk for liver cancer are:

• Chronic infection due to Hepatitis B or C
• Liver cirrhosis
• Diabetes
• Non-alcoholic liver disease
• Exposure to aflatoxins (poisonous substances produced by fungi that grow on crops)

How is Liver Cancer Diagnosed?

While there is no screening test for liver cancer, your doctor will perform a thorough physical examination if you show any signs or symptoms. A few tests that may be prescribed to help diagnose your liver cancer include:

• Routine blood tests including tumour marker assay (AFP / CA 19-9/ PIVKA II)
• Imaging tests like a CT, ultrasound and an MRI
• Biopsy of liver tissue

Treatment

Liver cancer treatment primarily depends upon the type of cancer, its location and the extent of spread. Surgery is often the standard first line of treatment for liver cancer and involves the removal of the cancerous portion of the liver and some surrounding healthy tissue. In some cases, a liver transplant is required.

Other treatment options used for liver cancer are:

• Radiofrequency ablation / microwave ablation
• Freezing of cancer cells
• Localised injection of chemotherapy drugs into the liver
• Radiation therapy – SBRT / EBRT
• Targeted drug therapy, Chemotherapy and Immunotherapy
• TACE (Transarterial chemoembolization)

Difference between liver cancer and liver cirrhosis

Liver cirrhosis and liver cancer are two different conditions that can affect the liver. Liver cirrhosis is when scar tissue replaces healthy liver tissue, interfering with the organ's ability to function properly. It is typically caused by chronic alcohol abuse, hepatitis, or non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. On the other hand, liver cancer begins in the normal liver and is caused by the growth of malignant (cancerous) cells in the tissues of the liver. While cirrhosis can sometimes lead to liver cancer, the two conditions are not the same and have different symptoms, causes, and treatment options.

If you are experiencing one or more symptoms mentioned above, it is best to get them checked by our expert hepatologists at the best liver transplant hospital in Chennai Gleneagles  Health City in Perumbakkam - Sholinganallur. For appointments, call 044 44777000 right away!