Preetha Reddy, vice chairperson, Apollo hospitals inaugurating the international symposium. Also seen are Dr KR Palaniswamy, senior consultant and Dr Shyam Varadarajulu, senior consultant | Albin Mathew
Chennai :
If detection and diagnosis continue to be challenges in the treatment of cancer, gastroenterologists can zero in on even a two-mm malignant growth now, thanks to endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) technology.
In a concerted effort to spread awareness about the technique among the medical fraternity and patients, a two-day international symposium – hosted by Apollo Hospitals – is being held for the first time in South-East Asia, in Chennai, on September 18-20.
“EUS has several treatment applications and facilitates penetration into deep-seated organs such as the pancreas for accurate detection of gastrointestinal cancer,” Dr K R Palaniswamy, senior consultant gastroenterologist, Apollo Hospitals, said at a media briefing here on Tuesday.
What was earlier considered for diagnostic and staging procedure, has now evolved into a technique that includes tissue extraction and testing and interventions, his colleague Dr S Varadarajulu said in a power-point presentation. “Using a small biopsy needle, we can get the tissue to make a quicker and accurate diagnosis.”
Besides a 95 per cent diagnosis accuracy rate, compared to 60 per cent of a CT scan, EUS also ensures palliative cure and fewer complications in treatment. “It is technically easy and quick. Jaundice, for instance, can be treated in about 20 minutes,” Dr S Varadarajulu pointed out.
According to Dr Palaniswamy, growing awareness about the technology has led to an increase in the number of ultrasound centres that were once limited to large tertiary referral institutions to smaller institutions in secondary cities and even outpatient clinics. “In India, there are around 150 centres, with all major cities having 5-6 centres,” he pointed out.
“And with the technology that was once confined to the West and Japan making its way to the East, a biannual symposium on EUS that was so far held in the US, Europe and Japan will now be held for the first time in South-East Asia. “Around 40 faculties, 600 registrants and 200 delegates will be taking part in the symposium,” Dr Palaniswamy added.
Why Chennai? “With numerous multi-speciality hospitals and teaching hospitals, Chennai is a popular destination for medical tourism,” said Varadarajulu.
The symposium will be marked by live demonstrations, state-of-the-art lectures and practical tutorials by experts for beginners.
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Cities> Chennai / by Express News Service / September 17th, 2014
