Everything About E-Tourist Visa to India

There is no work that we cannot do online. Nowadays, from booking tickets to buying medicines, we get all the services available on the internet. Likewise, we can also acquire his or her visa to India online through e-tourist visa facility. 

What is an E-Tourist visa?

E-tourist visa is an online medium through which any person can apply for a visa to travel to India. The payment for a visa is made through internet banking. The e-tourist visa is then sent to the individual’s e-mail id. It is the easiest, fastest and most reliable way to fetch a visa.

Who is eligible for e-tourist visa to India?

• International visitors who visit India to travel, visit friends or relatives, business trip or for a short term medical treatment or health check.
• The passport must have at least six months validity from the date of arrival to India.
• The passport must have at least two blanks for the immigration officer to put authorized stamp.
• International tourists should have their return tickets or onward journey tickets and sufficient money for their stay in India.
• Tourists from Pakistan, holding Pakistani nationality may apply for frequent Visa at Indian Mission.
• E-tourist visa is not available for Official Passport holders or Diplomatic.
• It is also not available for those who are endorsed on their Parents/Spouse’s passport. Everyone must have a separate passport.
• E-tourist visa is not available for International Travel Document Holders.

What are the relevant documents required?

• PDF version of the scanned first page of the passport. 
• The size of the PDF should be 10KB to 300KB.
• A digital photograph is to be uploaded. The photograph should retain the following criteria:

• Maintain size between 10KB to 1MB
• The width and height of the photo should be equal.
• The photo should have a full face, front view and eyes open.
• Center head within the frame. Head on top of the hair to the bottom of the chin of the individual should be well-known. 
• The background should be plain light colored or white.
• There should be no shadows on the face or the background.
• The photo should not have any borders.

How is it useful to medical patients?

E-tourist visa is mainly a tourist visa. However, people looking for medical treatments in India can also opt for it. If they have any small treatments which would not need much time or they are coming to India for their medical check-ups they can easily opt for an e-medical visa.

It is because one would never have to undergo the hassle of acquiring a medical visa. To avail an e-tourist visa is much quicker and easier than buying a medical visa as one can apply for it from their computers or laptops.

Special Update on E-Visa

The Government of India has recently modified the E-Visa policies so that patients from abroad find it easier to apply for medical visas online.

Applying for Medical Visa with Travcure

Getting medical visa has now become easier with Travcure. The complete procedure for applying for an e-medical visa has become hassle free, and one does not need to undergo to acquire a medical visa separately. Get details about How Travcure Works & how you can obtain e – medical visa for India with Travcure.

For more details, send in your queries at : info@travcure.com

Or, Call/Whatsapp: +91-8600044116

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Radical Hysterectomy for Treatment of Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer occurs when typical cells on the cervix grow out of control. The cervix is the lower portion of the uterus that opens into the vagina. Cervical cancer treatment can be highly successful when it is found early. It is often found at a very early stage through a Pap test.

Much cervical cancer is caused by a virus called human papilloma virus, or HPV. You can get HPV by having sexual intercourse with someone who has it. There are several kinds of the HPV virus. Not all types of HPV is responsible for cervical cancer. Some of them cause genital swelling, but other types may not cause any symptoms.

 

About Radical Hysterectomy

Radical hysterectomy is an operation performed to treat some cancers of the cervix. The surgeon removes the uterus and the ligaments that hold it in place in the pelvis. An inch portion of the deep vagina or the cervix surrounding the cervix are also taken out. A hysterectomy for ovarian or uterine cancer removes less tissue.

After removing the cervix, the surgeon stitches the vagina at its top. Some fluid is released from the vagina during recovery. The upper portion of the vagina soon closes up with scar tissue and get a closed tube. The vulva does not, as some women fear, grow an open tunnel into the pelvis.

 

Difference between Radical and Modified Radical Hysterectomy

Radical Hysterectomy: 

It is a surgery performed to remove the uterus, cervix, part of the vagina, and a wide area of tissues and ligaments around these organs. The ovaries, fallopian tubes, or nearby lymph nodes may also be taken out.

Modified Radical Hysterectomy: 

It is a surgery performed to remove the uterus, cervix, the upper part of the vagina, and tissues and ligaments that closely surround these organs. Nearby lymph nodes may also be separated. In this type of surgery, not as several tissues and organs are removed as in a radical hysterectomy.

 

Effects of Radical Hysterectomy on Bladder Function

A radical hysterectomy can influence a woman’s ability to pass urine while the nerves in the tissue around the uterus are healing from surgery. Anyhow, with new surgical techniques and nerve-sparing operation, problems like this are less common. Some surgeons may leave a catheter in place for a few days following surgery to lower urinary issues.

If a woman still cannot empty her bladder a few weeks post-surgery, she may have a long-term injury. To do urinary tract infections, she may be taught to slip a small tube, called a catheter, across the urethra and into the bladder to release out the remaining urine. It is called self-catheterizing. A few women may require doing this many times a day for the rest of their lives. If you are self-catheterizing, be sure your bladder is empty before having sexual intercourse to help block urinary tract infections or discomfort during sex.

 

Hysterectomy Cost

There's no one set price for a hysterectomy surgery. The hysterectomy cost depends on many factors. The medical reason for your operation is one of them. The type of hysterectomy surgery you have is another. Other things that can play a role includes, the hospital you visit, the insurance you hold, where you live, and the surgeon who does the surgery.

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Parotidectomy Surgery

Parotid glands are situated under the skin on each side of the face just in front of the ear with a portion of it going beneath the earlobe. The parotid gland is the largest of the salivary glands. Parotid glands produce saliva which enters the mouth through a duct. Saliva is vital to lubricate the mouth, help with swallowing, protects teeth against bacteria, and assist in the digestion of food. The gland can be overblown by mumps and infection. Different kinds of tumors (benign or malignant) in the Parotid gland are usually seen in all age groups. 

                                                       

     

Diagnosis of Problem in Parotid Gland

A detailed history of the issues is taken in the initial consultation. The doctor also thoroughly analyzes the patient’s condition which is usually followed by an ultrasound scan if there is a lump.Other tests like a plain X-ray, CT, and MRI scan or a sialogram may be needed. A lip biopsy of small salivary glands may be required to identify certain autoimmune diseases.

Parotidectomy Surgery

The operation to remove the parotid lump is called a Parotidectomy. It is performed for tumors of the parotid gland and sometimes for recurrent infections of the gland. For right and low-grade malignant tumors, surgery is curable without any need for additional therapy. For other malignant tumors, surgery is usually followed by radiation therapy. Sometimes, benign or low-grade malignant tumors that have to reoccur are treated with completion of Parotidectomy Surgery and radiation therapy. It involves cutting either part or all of the parotid gland. The Parotidectomy surgery is usually done under general anesthesia, which means that the patient will be asleep throughout the process. A skin incision is built, which runs from the lead of the ear bending towards the behind of the ear just to the level of the hairline. Most surgeons vary in making the skin cut and tend to extend the cut into the neck. It is almost the same incision as that used in the face-lift surgery and has an outstanding cosmetic result. At the end of the operation, a little drain is placed through the skin to facilitate drainage of tissue and blood fluids. The skin separated is closed with stitches, and the drain is disconnected in 24 to 48 hours when we will be able to go home. Stitches will usually be removed after 6 days. 

Cost of Parotidectomy Surgery in India

A combination of many factors has led to the recent rise in popularity of medical tourism in India which includes increasing costs of healthcare in industrialized nations, ease and affordability of global travel, favorable currency exchange rates in the international economy, rapidly improving technology and proven, excellent globally sanctioned standards of care. Parotidectomy surgery and treatment is easily available in most of the top hospitals in India. People who travel to India for their surgical and medical needs can get near-by-quick-access to an endless list of quality, world-class affordable surgical and medical procedures at a highly attractive and low cost.

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Remove Your Burden For Cancer Treatment with Travcure. Enquire Now!

Cancer is a big term in itself, hard to handle and disheartening to tackle with. No one can understand the tsunami that goes in one’s life who is suffering from this dreadful disease. The term cancer changes one’s life emotionally, mentally, physically and financially. A person starts to believe that his life is going to end after cancer and everything will come to a halt. A storm of thoughts keeps haunting the cancer sufferer breaking him down deep at heart with every passing day.

However, people land up looking for cancer treatment options as they get a “wake-up call” with the arrival of cancer and they get to know the importance of life which lights the hope of living more. The cancer treatment may be more devastating and scary. The chemotherapy, radiation therapy, hormone therapy or the surgery prove to be more painful and unbearable. The factor which bothers more is the expenditure for the treatment of cancer. The cost of cancer treatment is always more and affects the wallet of the person in maximum.

As every problem has a solution, there are various options that may get the life of the cancer patient back to the track. One such option is Travcure. Travcure is the most prominent medical healthcare provider that serves as the rescuer for the patients seeking medical help all over the globe. Travcure is the prime destination for cancer patients as it has a well-established team of doctors and surgeons that are flawlessly expert in their specialties. The hospitals that are associated with Travcure are the best-selected cancer hospitals of India that are fully equipped with the latest technologies and instruments needed to make every surgery the biggest success.

Travcure has the staff that is fluent in English and other languages that eliminate the possibility of language barrier concept. They take care of the cancer patient from the initial inquiry made and flying to India till their return journey. The basic factor which makes it more in demand is the cost factor, while most of the cancer patients withdraw from the treatment in western countries thinking of expenditure. The cost of cancer treatment at Travcure is absolutely low and affordable when compared to the western countries. This low-cost nowhere compromise on the quality of the services offered. The treatment given sets a benchmark for itself every time in context with the international standards.  

Travcure gives the cancer sufferers the best things needed to fight cancer served on the platter. All one need to do is to make an enquiry on the website of Travcure and share their problem. One needs to make the initial move after which Travcure takes the pride to make your journey more of success and cherishable by making them go the desirable treatment and bid bye to cancer. Remove the burden piled on your heart by making an inquiry and planning your journey with Travcure.

Call/Whatsapp: +91-8600044116

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Prostate Cancer: Causes & Treatment Options

Prostate gland is located below a man’s bladder & which produces fluid for semen. Prostate cancer is an awful disease that affects only men. Prostate cancer is common in older men. It is rare among men younger than 40 years of age. Prostate cancer begins to grow in a gland called prostate located within the male reproductive organ. Prostate cancer is a slow growing disease. In fact, many of the men who die of old age never come to know that they were ever suffering from the prostate cancer. The doctor comes to know about it only when the autopsy is done.

Causes of Prostate Cancer

Experts state that prostate cancer starts with tiny alterations in the shape and size of prostate gland cells called prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN). During early stages of prostate cancer, there are no symptoms depicting its presence. It may randomly be detected during a blood test or routine checkup. The actual cause behind prostate cancer is unknown however there are many possible factors that add to it. Some of these factors are listed below.

• Age: Prostate cancer risk goes up as men get older and are much more common after the age of 50 years.
  
• Race: US African-American men are more likely to get prostate cancer than other men.
  
• Family History: Men with some close family member who has had prostate cancer are more likely to get affected by it themselves.
  
• Genetics: Some inherited genes seem to raise risk of prostate cancer.
  
• Diet: Men who eat a lot of red meat or high-fat dairy product seem to have greater chances of developing prostate cancer.
  
• Medication: Some studies say there might be a link between daily use of anti-inflammatory medicines and prostate cancer.
  
• Obesity: Some studies have found that obese men have greater chance of suffering from advanced prostate cancer and dying because of it.
  
• Sexually Transmitted Disease: Men who have had gonorrhea have higher chance of developing prostate cancer.

Prostate Cancer Treatment

Treatment for prostate cancer is very much dependent on what kind of cancer an individual is having. However, there are some treatment options available to treat prostate cancer depending upon the size and type of cancer. If the cancer is small and localized then available options include the following.

• Surveillance: Carefully observing growth of prostate tumor as they are slow growing and monitored through regular PSA blood levels.
  
• Brachytherapy: Radioactive seeds are implanted in prostate gland & which deliver high radiation doses to the tumor while reducing radiation exposure to the surrounding healthy tissue.
  
• Conformal Radiotherapy: This option allows the treatment team to plan radiotherapy treatment area very precisely in 3D dimensions - width, height and depth.
  
• Intensity Modulated Radiotherapy: Intensity of radiation can be changed during treatment to spare adjoining normal tissue. It is a type of conformal radiotherapy which shapes radiation beam to closely approximate shape of the tumor.
  
• Surgery: Surgery is the most common choice for prostate cancer treatment if it has not spread outside the prostate gland. The most common type of surgery is radical prostatectomy in which the surgeon removes the entire prostate gland.

Although it is hard to understand presence of prostate cancer without proper diagnosis, but when diagnosed there are many options available for treatment. Doctors usually analyze the type of cancer and select the best treatment option available.

ALSO READ: Robotic Prostate Surgery

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Evolution of Neck and Back Surgery

The primary purpose of neck or back surgery is to correct an anatomical lesion in individuals who fail to show enhancement with conservative, that is, non – surgical treatment. Surgery isn’t an option for those patients whose anatomical lesion accounting for their pain cannot be identified. Surgery is useful only if there is a need to change the patients’ anatomy. Like for example, to remove disc herniation. There is no particular reason to consider an exploratory surgery to look for a source of pain. An unsuccessful conservative treatment is itself a sign for surgery. A noticeable anatomic lesion is also necessary.

Evolution in Spine Surgery

Present – day spine surgery has made major developments in both spinal implants and technique over the past couple of decades, but even until today the most remarkable progress in spine surgery has been better pre – operative imaging techniques, which have been greatly improved the ability of the surgeons to spot accurately and correct an anatomic lesion as a source of pain.

Definitely, MRI scan (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) has transformed back surgery. It is the most frequent and the best test to recognize an anatomical lesion responsible for the patient’s problem. The most vital factor in the resolution of the success in spine surgery is proper pre – operative diagnosis. Without an appropriate pre – operative diagnosis, even the most technically successful operations have a little chance for a successful result.

Though spine surgery is done by either neurosurgeons or orthopedic surgeons, it is more and more becoming a field unto itself. Many surgeons are doing extra specialized training in the field after their residency training. Given the precision needed for these more demanding surgical techniques, many neurosurgeons or orthopedic surgeons with fellowship training are choosing to concentrate more of their practice on spine surgery. Some trust that the increased level of special training and concentration on the spine have donated to enhancements in surgical techniques, which in turn have led to overall better success rates and minimized morbidity with many types of spine surgeries. For example, the reduced post – operative discomfort.

Objective of Spine Surgery 

Spine surgery is generally an elective undertaking, which means that it is observed as a possible approach to increase a patient’s ability to function and reduce pain. Anyhow, just because spine surgery is elective doesn’t mean that it is not covered by insurance. Elective surgery may be medically necessary. ‘Elective’ means that the surgery of spine is seldom an absolute necessity. Only in exceptional instances, like for patients who have a progressive neurological loss of function or sudden start of bladder or bowel incontinence, is spinal surgery is actually mandatory on an emergency basis.

Spine surgery can basically achieve three tasks:

1. Decompress the spinal cord or a nerve root.
2. Stabilize a painful or an unstable segment with spinal fusion surgery.
3. Reduce a distortion (for e.g. scoliosis surgery in the thoracic spine).

Spine surgery isn’t done for exploration. The source of a patient’s pain isn’t readily apparent with exploring and opening the spine. The pre – operative evaluation and imaging results are what identifies the problem and guide the diagram of the procedure. 

For details on Spine Surgery Techniques and Cost in India, Contact Us at info@travcure.com

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Spinal Fusion or Artificial Disc Replacement: Which Option Is Better For You?

When a patient is suffering from continuous low back pain and if six months of aggressive conventional (non-surgical) treatment has failed to help and especially if other symptoms, including pain, is making it hard to complete everyday activities, then back surgery is an option to bring about pain relief and restore ones’ potential to function. For patients in this condition, this article will give the patient a summary of about the two types of back surgery currently available:

1. Spinal Fusion
2. Artificial Disc Replacement (ADR or Total Disc Replacement or TDR)

Lumbar Spinal Fusion 

Normal approach to treat pain and/or disability from lumbar degenerative disc disease is spinal fusion. This surgery involves making a direct bony connection between the vertebrae surrounding the painful discs; by stopping motion of the painful discs & which can give the patient relief from pain. There are plenty of options available with spinal fusion, each one having its own advantages and disadvantages. Surgical methods include fusion approached from the front, back or both. Spinal instrumentation in the form of pedicle screws and/or intervertebral cages provide internal structural help while bones fuse, and bone graft can either be harvested or one of a number of synthetic bone graft surrogate or extenders can be used from the patient themselves.

Lumbar Artificial Disc Replacement 

With artificial disc replacement, pain relief is brought by removal of the painful disc and motion is maintained by using a prosthetic implant made of metal, without or with a plastic bearing surface. This is somewhat more similar in theory to the artificial hip, knee and the shoulder joints that the Orthopaedic surgeons have been using it for more than 35 years to maintain the range of motion and to get relief from the pain of arthritic extremity joints. But there is a significant difference that only one of the three joints is present at each vertebral level is being replaced, whereas in a knee or hip joint the total joint is replaced.

Fusion Surgery is Most Prevalent

By far till now, fusion surgery is still the most prevalent surgery, and patients should be aware that most of them won’t be eligible for disk replacement as it can treat only limited types of disc pathology. Some are considered same for certain types of artificial disc replacement and fusion. Like, for example, an anterior approach is used for both artificial disc replacement and for an anterior lumbar interbody fusion, which means that risks and potential complications are similar for both the surgeries. Well, for most of the part, there are unique considerations for every type of surgery, and the patients are well advised to get as much educated as possible when considering these two surgeries and analyze their options thoroughly with their treating or consulting physicians.

Determining the Right Treatment for Back Pain

Prior to, considering any type of surgery, patients with chronic low back pain should remember that not all pain are treatable by surgery. The collapse of non-operative treatment doesn’t mean that surgery is necessary to be the next step. Estimation with X-rays and MRI scan may be enough for the surgeon to give an opinion, but other tests including provocative discography and CT scan may be required to determine if surgery is suitable and if both artificial disc replacement and spinal fusion are options.

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Avail Customized Knee Joint Implants for Snug Fit Replacement

Knee joint is a very complex arrangement as this important joint not only differs in size, but also in the shape which is required. Traditional total knee replacement surgery utilizes knee implants which are generally available in an assortment of 6 to 10 sizes which are standardized according to requirement. Orthopedic surgeons normally select the knee implant which closely matches with the shape & size of the patients’ knee, while minor adjustments are made during the knee replacement surgery so as to best fit the knee implant as near to the patient’s natural knee joint. Moreover, the knee replacement surgical technique sometimes compromises on how precisely the knee implant is able to fit the patients’ associated bone structures. Therefore, there is a narrow range of tolerance which improper knee implant fit can cause residual issues which may result in problems following knee replacement surgery.

Breaking New Ground

Requirement of precise knee implant fits has driven newer trends among knee replacement implant companies towards customizing tailor-fit & personalized gender specific knee implants. Research conducted has suggested that such implants are very helpful in reducing compromising with sizing during knee replacement surgery. Customized implants are more closely able to replicate curvature of the original knee joint, thus providing the patient with a more natural feeling after knee replacement surgery.

Personalized Patient-Specific Knee Implants

There are some knee replacement implant manufacturers who are now offering customized or patient specific knee implants which are created from CT scan or MRI data & which closely matches the natural curve & shape of the patient’s knee. These companies are utilizing specialized technology in order to convert scans of the patient’s knee into 3D models which are then utilized to construct knee implants which closely match that of the patient. By using the scanned data, the orthopedic surgeon utilizes computer-assisted surgical instrumentation during the knee replacement surgery procedure. This in fact, simplifies several alignment & sizing issues which are typically associated with the traditional knee implants & knee replacement surgery.

Gender-Specific Knee Replacement Surgery for Women

Regular sized knee implants are found to overhang on bone at the side of the knee & eventually lead to soft tissue interference or mid-flexion instability. Moreover, in many cases this has been found to cause pain & discomfort even long after the person has fully recovered. For this purpose, relatively new knee implants are designed to accommodate the knee which may be smaller from side-to-side than a knee from front-to-back. This is meant to reduce knee pain & knee implant misfit after knee replacement surgery. Experts believe that a woman’s knee differs from that of men not just in size but also in shape. Due to this difference in knees of men & women, orthopedic surgeons have been making tedious adjustments to the conventional standardized knee implant so as to size them & make them fit properly for women.

Gender Specific Knee Implants are Based Upon Research

Basic design of gender-specific knee implants is based upon research which illustrates three distinct differences between men’s & women’s knee joints. Women’s knees generally feature a thinner profile at front of the knee. It has a distinct shape which accommodates the difference in angle between the hip & knee alongside a different contour in order to allow for a more precise fit. Some knee replacement surgery patients, orthopedic surgeons & manufacturers also strongly feel that gender specific options are absolutely necessary, while others are skeptical about customized knee implants since there are a wide variety of stock options that are available. 

Determining the Best Fit Knee Implant

On the flip side, some experts feel that differences in knee shape & size have very less to do with gender & more with the patient’s stature in general & possibly few ethnic influences which go on to determine the differences in size. Irrespective of these factors, there are a number of knee implants which are available nowadays & which closely match the patient’s knee shape & size, with a wide spectrum of knee implant designs offering a variety of benefits. However, it is in the best interest of the patient that he discusses these options with the operating orthopedic surgeon who will eventually be determining as to which knee implant will most suit the patient’s lifestyle.

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Radiation therapy: An Option for Brain Tumor Surgery

Radiation therapy for brain cancer

Radiation therapy is one of the methods used to eradicate brain tumor cells and to relieve symptoms, like discomfort and pain, caused by a tumor. The highly targeted radiation therapy delivers the dose and the radiation with great precision to the brain tumor while reducing damage to the neighbouring healthy brain tissue.
For brain cancer patients, radiation therapy is mostly used after biopsy or following surgical resection of a tumor, to destroy any tumor cells left behind. It might also be an option for metastatic brain tumors (tumors spreading to the brain from another part of the body) or unresectable brain tumors.
The specifics of the brain cancer radiation therapy plan is based on several factors, including the size and type of the brain tumor and the extent of the disease. External beam radiations are used for brain cancer treatment. The area that is targeted by radiation includes the tumor and the area surrounding the tumor. Sometimes, the radiation is given to the entire brain, in case of metastatic brain tumors.
Since lung cancer mostly spreads to the brain, some people with lung cancer receive radiation therapy as a prevention from metastatic tumors developing in the brain.

Addressing Side Effects of Brain Cancer Radiation Therapy

Depending upon the radiation dose, site, and other factors, radiation therapy for brain cancer can cause certain side effects. Edema (brain swelling), skin irritation, hair loss, and fatigue are common side effects of radiation for brain tumors.
When a patient receives brain tumour radiation therapy, the medical team will work proactively to manage any of the side effects. For example, the doctor may prescribe steroids to help reduce the swelling, or blood thinners to dissolve the blood clots and help prevent them from traveling into the lungs.
The patients will also receive integrated oncology services, like medicine, nutrition therapy, and naturopathic medicine, management of pain, oncology rehabilitation and mind and body medicine, to help fight the radiations’ side effect or other treatments the patient receives. These therapies will keep one strong so that they can continue the treatment while maintaining a quality of life.

What Is Radiation Therapy?

This therapy uses targeted energy (i.e. X-rays and other radioactive substances) to destroy the cancer cells, shrink tumors, and/or alleviate confirmed cancer-related symptoms. It is used as:

• A primary treatment to eradicate cancer cells
• To relieve symptoms of advanced cancer
• Before another treatment to shrink a tumor
• In combination with the other treatments to stop the growth of cancer cells
• After another treatment to pause the growth of remaining cancer cells, if any

Types of Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy has three delivery methods or types. They include:

• External Beam Radiation Therapy: In this therapy, a radiation is directed from a machine outside the body onto the cancerous cells present within the body. (E.g.: IMRT, IGRT, 3D Conformal Radiation Therapy, tomotherapy, stereotactic radiosurgery)
• Internal Radiation Therapy: In this therapy, a radioactive material is placed (via a catheter or some other carrier) directly into or near the tumor. (E.g.: High dosage rate brachytherapy)
• Systemic Radiation Therapy: In this therapy, a radioactive substance which is either swallowed or injected travels through the blood to locate and destroy the cancerous cells. (E.g.: Radioactive Iodine Therapy)

Managing Radiation Side Effects

A typical radiation therapy may be damaging to the human body and may also cause unpleasant side effects, like nausea, fatigue, skin changes and other side effects, depending upon the part of the body being treated. During the radiation treatment, the team of physicians from a variety of integrated oncology services work with the patients to reduce the side effects and improve the patient’s quality of life.

Brain Tumor Surgery Cost

The cost of brain tumor surgery across different countries varies from $50,000 - $700,000. Stereotactic radiosurgery performed on brain tumors costs from $12,000 - $55,000. In case of additional treatments, the total cost can rise up to $100,000. For treating brain cancer like Glioblastoma, the cost goes up to $450,000 and the treatment for lifetime reaches $700,000. When comparing these costs with other countries like UK, USA the average cost for brain tumor surgery in India starts around $8000 - $9000.

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How to Save Your Money by Undergoing Partial Knee Replacement Surgery in India ?

Partial knee replacement surgery is also known as Unicompartmental Knee Replacement Surgery. This surgery is recommended to patients who have severe arthritis in knees and all other treatments gave failed to provide them with relief.

Traditionally, patients who are suffering from advanced arthritis of the joint undergo total knee replacement in which all the cartilage is removed from the knee joint are replaced with an artificial implant.  Whereas in partial knee replacement surgery only the damaged areas of the cartilage from the joint is removed without disturbing the healthy parts of the joints. Partial knee replacement surgery is performed by making a small incision and involves faster recovery. This surgery use implants which are placed between the end of the thigh bone and the top of the shin bone. This surgery can also be performed to replace the part of the joint under the kneecap.

Partial knee replacement can be considered at any age. This surgery offers an opportunity for younger people to preserve more bone whereas in the case of older people partial knee replacement is a less stressful surgery as it involves less pain and less risk of bleeding.

Who Are The Candidates For Partial Knee Replacement Surgery?

Partial knee replacement surgery is recommended to patients who are suffering from severe arthritis in knees and all other conservative treatments have failed to provide them with relief. Conservative treatments include medicines, injection, exercises and physical therapy. Partial knee surgery is possible if arthritis in the knee is confined to a limited area. In case if arthritis is more widespread than partial knee replacement is not an appropriate option. The ideal candidate for partial knee surgery are:-

•    Not overweight.

•    Older than 55 years.

•    People who are not laborers or athletes.

•    People who have intact ligaments.

•    All treatments have failed.

Surgical Procedure of Partial Knee Replacement

Partial Knee Replacement surgery requires resurfacing of the damaged surfaces of the knee joint. The artificial knee joint used in the surgery is designed in such way that it fits over the edges of the damaged joint to replace the damaged areas with one that can be used pain-free.

The surgery takes around 4-6 hours and is performed under general anaesthesia. To perform this surgery the surgeon makes an incision of 10 cms in the middle of the knee over the top of the kneecap which provides the surgeon with access of the entire knee. The surgeon then removes the damaged bone and tissue. An artificial implant which is made of plastic and metal is placed into the knee. Once the artificial implant is placed it is attached with the help of bone cement. The surgeon then closes the wound with stitches. There are two main techniques to perform partial knee replacement surgery Repicci method and oxford method. The method used for the surgery varies from patient to patient.

Risks Associated With Partial Knee Replacement Surgery

Following are some of the risks and complications can arise while performing the surgery:-

•    Blood clots.

•    Buildup of fluid in the knee joint

•    Failure of implants.

•    Damage to the nerves.

•    Loosening of Implants.

•    Damage to blood vessels.

•    Pain with kneeling.

•    Reflex sympathetic dystrophy which occurs in very rare condition.

Successful Partial Knee Replacement Surgeries in India

The knee replacement surgery success rate in India is very high. India has a large pool of highly skilled and qualified orthopaedic surgeons who add to the success rate. Hospitals in India are equipped with the latest techniques, technology and uses most modern equipment. Partial knee replacement surgery cost in India is very less as compared to any other country. Undergoing partial knee replacement surgery in India can be quite beneficial for patients can save a huge amount on the surgery.

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PRL-Secreting Pituitary Tumors

PRL-secreting pituitary tumors are those adenomas found growing in the pituitary gland which affects the production of Prolactin in the body. PRL-secreting (Prolactin-secreting) tumors are benign and non-cancerous abnormal growth seen in the pituitary tumors at times. This tumor affects the production of the Prolactin hormone in the body as well as several other complications.

Prolactin is a naturally-occurring hormone which is mainly responsible for the production of breast milk in women after pregnancy (lactation process). Prolactinoma is the tumor which affects the production of Prolactin in the patient.

Signs and Symptoms of PRL-Secreting Pituitary Tumors

As the pituitary tumor causing Prolactinoma in a person is a normally slow-growing type of tumor its signs and symptoms might not be noticed even after years into its development in the pituitary gland.

Signs and symptoms are mostly noticed as the pituitary tumor starts to affect the production of Prolactin in the body, leading to hyperprolactinemia as well as from the pressure being put by the tumor on the surrounding soft tissue structure such as the nerves.

As higher than normal levels of Prolactin cause problems with the reproductive system (hypogonadism) several signs and symptoms are exclusive to men and women separately.

In women, PRL-secreting pituitary tumors can result in:

• Abnormal menstrual cycle
• Irregular periods
• Milky discharge from breast without pregnancy or breast-feeding
• Vaginal dryness during sexual activities
• Acne
• Excessive body hair growth

In men, PRL-secreting pituitary tumors can lead to:

• Reduced facial and body hair
• Erectile dysfunction
• Gynecomastia (abnormally large breast in men) 

The common signs and symptoms of PRL-secreting pituitary tumors are:

• Decreased bone density
• Hypopituitarism  - decreased hormone production
• Fatigue
• Headaches
• Infertility
• Impotence
• Loss of libido (sex drive)
• Vision problems

As the tumor affects the menstrual cycle in women, they tend to notice the signs earlier as compared to men. In men, the symptoms are mostly noticed when the large tumor begins to cause headaches and problems with the vision.

Diagnosing PRL-Secreting Pituitary Tumors

In case the signs and symptoms of PRL-secreting pituitary tumors are noticed it is advisable to consult a doctor/physician at the earliest for better and effective diagnosis.

The patient might be required to undergo any of the following tests for effective and precise diagnosis of PRL-secreting pituitary tumors:

Blood test – Testing the blood helps to determine the level of Prolactin in the body as well as the level of the other hormones regulated by the pituitary gland. Pregnancy test will also be performed for women belonging to the child-bearing age (pre-menopausal).

Brain imaging – Brain imaging techniques such as MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) and CT (computerized tomography) can help to detect the location and size of the pituitary tumor precisely.

Vision test – Testing the vision can help determine of the pituitary tumor is causing pressure and affects the optic nerve which is located very close to the pituitary gland inside the skull.

Treating PRL-Secreting Pituitary Tumors

PRL-secreting pituitary tumors (Prolactinoma) is ideally treated using advanced minimally invasive surgical treatment methods today.

The main aims of the surgery are to:

• Restore normal levels of Prolactin in the body
• Restore normal function of the pituitary gland
• Decrease size of pituitary tumor
• Treat complications caused by pressure from the pituitary tumor on surrounding neural and vascular structure.

The surgical treatment of PRL-secreting pituitary tumors requires the surgeon to use advanced minimally invasive endoscopic surgical method to perform this pituitary tumor surgery. The surgeon will not make large incision instead the natural passage created by the nasal cavity is used to gain access to the tumor in the pituitary gland situated just behind the nose at the base of the skull.

PRL-secreting pituitary tumors need prompt diagnosis and effective treatment in order to restore normal hormonal functions in the body as well as to improve the quality of life of the patient.

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Most Effective Treatment procedure for Acromegaly

Acromegaly is the condition where the body and its various parts experience excessive growth due to the excessive production of the growth hormone by the body as a result of a pituitary tumor.

Acromegaly is relative to over-production of the growth hormone (GH) by the pituitary gland which results in the face and the appendages to become abnormally large. This also has an adverse effect not only on the bones but also on the heart.

There are various types of treatment available for acromegaly and the exact type of treatment method for the individual case will be decided by certain factors pertaining to the patient as well as the details of the case. As this is a gradually progressive disorder it can sometimes be years before the patient can even experience any sign or symptoms.

Causes of Acromegaly

A pituitary gland tumor is the main cause for the development of acromegaly in a person. The pituitary gland is the smallest, but most important, hormone-secreting gland in the body. It is mainly responsible for producing various important hormones itself as well as for regulating the production of chemicals and hormones by the other glands present in the entire body.

One of the main hormones produced by the pituitary gland is the growth hormone (GH), which is responsible for helping the bones and organs to grow at a uniform and normal rate. At times, a tumor in the pituitary gland can affect the function of the pituitary gland and cause it to produce excessive amounts of the GH. This leads to the bones and the organs in the body to grow at an abnormally fast rate.

Overgrown organs and bones can also lead to other health disorders as well as health risks if left untreated for long.

Signs/Symptoms of Acromegaly

The first sign to be noticed is the abnormal rate at which the hands and feet seem to grow. This is usually noticed when the patient is unable to wear a used shoe or a ring due to enlarged hands and feet.

This condition also affects the facial features, such as the tongue, nose and the lips, making them thick and coarse in appearance. The teeth are also seen creating more space between them as the jaw bone grows larger. The brow becomes more prominent and the lower jaw is seen growing as well.

Other more commonly seen signs may include:

•           Painful joints
•           Rough body hair
•           Deeper voice
•           High blood pressure
•           Cardiac (heart) disorders
•           Nerve problems
•           Thicker skin
•           Headaches
•           Excessive sweating
•           Extreme body odor
•           Sleeping disorders
•           Fatigue
•           Weak muscles
•           Decreased libido (sex drive)
•           Irregular menstrual periods (in women)
•           Erectile dysfunction (in men)

It is advised to consult an experienced physician/doctor in case any of these signs or symptoms are seen as these can lead to other major health problems if left untreated.

Most effective treatment procedure for Acromegaly

Although, there are various pituitary tumor treatment methods used in treating the condition and the symptoms of acromegaly the most effective treatment has been found to be the surgical treatment method. This is the most effective treatment method for large-sized pituitary tumors which tend to affect the surrounding healthy soft tissue structure.

Earlier this surgery used to be performed using conventional method of surgery by accessing the pituitary tumor through a hole in the head (craniotomy) however with the advances in surgical science surgeons today use to more efficient and minimally invasive transsphenoidal endoscopic pituitary tumor surgical technique. In this the surgeon will not need to make incisions but will gain access through the natural passage created by the nasal cavity (nose).

This advanced and minimally invasive surgical method has its own benefits over the conventional trans-cranial surgical approach as it needs less (or no) incisions, requires less surgical time, less recovery time, less pain and decreases the risk of post-surgical complications to almost negligible levels.

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What happens after Treatment for Pituitary Tumors?

What happens after Treatment for Pituitary Tumors?

In most cases of pituitary tumors the treatment is aimed at removing or destroying the tumor completely. Although the treatment process tends to be advantageous indeed, it can also be taxing to worry about the possible risk of complications, such as the tumor recurring or growing in another part. This is one of the most common worries in people after undergoing treatment for pituitary tumors.

In rare cases, the tumor might not be accessible enough to be removed completely and the surgeon will remove (destroy) as much of the tumor in the pituitary glands as possible. In such cases, the patient might be on a medicine schedule and other treatments to help control the growth of the tumor further on.

Post-Treatment Care

Post-treatment (follow-up) care is very important to ensure the success of the treatment for a pituitary tumor. Even after the treatment is completed, the doctor will still wish to observe your condition closely right after the procedure.

It is advisable to attend all your appointments with the doctor after the treatment for pituitary tumors and also to follow every instruction carefully. Remember to report any new (or recurring) symptoms to the doctor immediately.

Surgical treatment is the most common and effective treatment for almost all forms of pituitary tumors. In case a patient suffers from a hormone-making (functional) pituitary tumor, the doctor can easily perform a hormone-measurement test to determine whether the hormones are at normal levels at various intervals after the surgical treatment.

Blood tests can help determine the level of functioning of the remaining pituitary gland. Even after the doctor has determined the remaining normal pituitary gland is working you will still be required to come to further appointments. Hormone levels need to be checked periodically to ensure that the remaining pituitary gland is functioning normally and the risk of the pituitary tumor recurring is lowered. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans are also performed regularly. In case the tumor removed was large in size then the patient might also be examined by an ophthalmologist and a neurologist to check for normal functioning of the eyes and the nerves respectively.

In case of radiotherapy for treating pituitary tumors, the patient might to go for regular checkups till a few years after the pituitary tumor surgery. As it is hard to predict the radiation therapy’s effectiveness in destroying individual tumors, the doctor will take every precaution, including regular check-ups for a few years to ensure that the tumor was successfully destroyed. The doctor will also check the function of the pituitary glands at regular times. MRI scans and hormone-measuring tests are commonly performed as part of the follow-up care after a radiotherapy treatment for pituitary tumors.

The most common phenomenon after a surgical or radiation therapy for pituitary tumors is the hormonal deficiency experienced. This can be addressed with hormone replacement procedure. Adrenal steroids and thyroid hormones can be administered in the form of pills.

For men, testosterone is often given to boost the libido (sex drive) as well as to help avoid weakening of bones (osteoporosis). This can be administered either as a gel, liquid or in the form of a patch to be applied on the skin. This can also be taken as an injection on a monthly basis or even implanted as a pellet under the skin after every couple of months.

For women of younger age, estrogen hormone supplements can be administered using either as a skin patch or in the form of pills to avoid premature onset of menopause. In most cases, the doctor will also administer progesterone, along with estrogen, as the hormonal deficiency from the pituitary gland can lead to infertility. In such cases, hormone therapy is used to increase the chances of fertility.

In case the tumor was smaller in size then the doctor might perform the MRI scan once or twice to ensure that the tumor has indeed shrunk in size.

In case the pituitary tumor was an ACTH-producing (growth hormone) tumor then the doctor may advise for a more frequent follow-up. The doctor will observe the symptoms as well as the level of hormones in the body regularly. Periodic check-ups for high blood pressure and heart conditions is advised for people with growth-hormone producing tumors in the pituitary gland.

In very rare cases after the surgery for removing pituitary tumors, the patient may suffer from diabetes insipidus for a short period of time. This can also be treated successfully. In case of mild form of diabetes insipidus fluid intake can help with the problem however for more severe form ‘desmopressin’ is prescribed by the doctors (nasal spray/tablet). It is highly advised to drink as much fluid as possible in such situations.

You should also ask the doctor whether the pituitary tumor might be due to a genetic pre-disposition (hereditary). Several tests are in the works which will soon help determine whether an individual is likely to be affected by a genetic defect which develops pituitary tumors.

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Coronary artery bypass graft surgery

Coronary artery disease (CAD):

The blood vessels that supply pure oxygenated blood and nutrients to the heart are called coronary arteries. Inappropriate lifestyle habits like excess intake of junk foods containing trans fats or excess alcohol intake and lack of exercise may cause coronary artery diseases. The fatty material gets deposited along the coronary artery wall, narrowing the artery, & resulting in reduced supply of oxygenated blood. The medical condition is treated with the procedure called Coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG). 

What is Coronary artery bypass graft surgery?

CABG surgery or Coronary artery bypass graft surgery involves the grafting a blood vessel from a different part of the body, either from the chest, leg or an arm, and placed around the area of the blocked coronary artery, thus creating a bypass. The purpose of the surgery is to resume the flow of oxygenated blood to the heart by creating a new pathway. CABG is performed to improve the blood supply to the heart.

Who requires a CABG

Coronary artery bypass grafting is recommended for:

·         Coronary artery bypass grafting is performed to treat people with coronary heart disease. The blockage in the arteries leads to heart attacks.

·         The patient whose heart pump rate is weak due to blockage in the coronary artery will need to undergo a CABG.

·         If medicines or other changes like diet or other related habits have not worked then CABG is recommended.

·         An attempt with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) or coronary angioplasty to treat blockages wasn’t successful, then the patient will have to opt for CABG.

·         Severity of CHD symptoms, location of blockages, poor response to the other treatments and the overall health status of the patient may also point towards a need for a CABG.

CABG Procedure

CABG surgery is a type of open heart surgery  performed by Cardiothoracic surgeons.  A healthy blood vessel from different part of body like leg, forearm, chest or wrist is used to bypass the blocked blood vessel and create an alternate channel for smooth supply of oxygenated blood to the heart muscle.

Before the procedure, the medical team will monitor the vital signs of the patient like blood pressure, heart rhythm, and blood oxygen levels. The procedure is performed under general anesthesia. An incision is made in the middle of the chest and cut through the breastbone to spread apart the rib cage to gain access to the chest cavity. The sternotomy is followed by cutting through the pericardium to access the heart for bypass procedure.

The surgeon removes a portion of a healthy blood vessel or graft from leg, forearm or chest. He then attaches it just below the blockage in the affected coronary artery by sewing the graft. A new channel is thus established for a smooth supply of oxygenated blood to the heart. Similar procedure is repeated on other blocked vessels, if present to enable smooth blood flow.

The surgery lasts for 4 to 5 hours depending on the number of blockages to be treated. The heart-lung machine is disconnected at the end of the surgery and the heart starts beating on its own with the normal flow.     

Recovery Post Surgery

The patient is transferred to the ICU and monitored very closely for 4 - 5 days. The vital signs like the pulse, heart sound, blood pressure and oxygen are closely monitored and recorded. It may take 2-3 months for full recovery from the surgery. If the surgery is a minimally invasive one, then recovery will be quicker.  The doctor’s instructions and follow-up care have to be strictly followed. The patient can get back to routine activities like driving in 6-8 weeks.

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Cardiac Surgery In Goa

Overview

      

Cardiology is concerned with treatment of various disorders related to the heart and the associated blood vessels. It involves diagnosis, analysis & treatment of congenital heart complaints, cardiac arrest, coronary artery defects, electrophysiology & issues of the heart valves. There are various causes for heart ailments. Factors responsible for cardiac ailments usually include diabetes, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, high blood pressure, stress, tobacco chewing, excessive intake of alcohol, unhealthy diet & hyperlipidemia. Other causes are some genetic defects & infections that contribute to high mortality rates due to cardiac diseases.

Cardiac Surgery Treatments available in Goa

·         Non-invasive Cardiology

·         Invasive Cardiology

·         Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery

·         Pediatric Cardiology & Cardiothoracic Surgery

Most commonly performed Cardiac Surgeries are –

• Angioplasty
• Aortic Stent Grafting
• Angiography / Coronary Angiography / CT Coronary Angiography
• Coronary Bypass Surgery
• Electrophysiology Complex Study (EPS)
• Aneurysms
• Angioplasty with Medicated Stent
• Double Heart Valve Replacement
• Balloon Angioplasty & Stenting

Cardiac Surgery in Goa

Goa is a favorite destination for tourists who visit Goa for its scenic beaches and calm and tranquil surroundings. But now Goa is gaining popularity for a very good reason – healthcare. There are a number of accredited healthcare centers, both – multispecialities and superspecialities, well-equipped with the most advanced medical facilities. Quality medical treatments and services for many health conditions are being offered in Goa. Highly trained and competent surgeons in Goa can perform complex Cardiac surgeries with good success rates. Goa's Healthcare services has been keeping pace with technical advancements to meet the requirements of international tourists by providing state-of-the-art facilities and in-patient care and services at par with international standards. All these factors combined have made Goa a very lucrative choice. The medical tourists can avail the best of both – healthcare and tourism.  This has led to a huge influx of patients from various countries visiting Goa for two purposes, one is to seek medical treatments at extremely affordable cost and second is to spend some quality time at the various exotic beaches that Goa is so famous for. The lush green, tranquil ambience helps the patients to recover quickly after their medical treatments.  

Cardiac Surgery in India with Travcure Medical Tourism

Travcure Medical Tourism is one of the best medical tourism companies in India which can provide affordable healthcare solutions for foreign tourists seeking medical treatments in Goa. Consultants working at Travcure Medical Tourism will also be delighted to combine an exotic recuperation holiday at reasonable costs to go along with medical procedures for international medical travelers combined with best post-operative care available in the country to aid quick recovery. Travcure Medical Tourism offers the best medical services and guidance along with the availability of modern day technology.

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