The Minimal Access & Bariatric Surgery Centre at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, the first of its kind in the subcontinent, was founded in 1996 to exclusively focus on evaluation, development and expansion of procedures and techniques in minimal access or key hole surgery. Minimal Access Surgery (MAS) introduced a sweeping revolution in surgical practice ever since its dramatic introduction more than two decades ago. India was no exception and it was not long before several committed, enthusiastic surgeons ensured that the technique spread to all corners of the country. Today, this department is on the international map and recognised to be a centre of excellence in endosurgery in the world.

Sir Ganga Ram Hospital is a 500-bedded multi-specialty state-of-the-art hospital located in the heart of New Delhi. It provides comprehensive health care services, and over the past 48 years has acquired the status of a premier medical institution. It is the only hospital in the private sector that has maintained nearly 100% bed occupancy due to its reputation of providing the highest level of medical services to patients from Delhi and neighboring states.

The department headed by Dr. Pradeep K Chowbey comprises 8 consultants, 6 surgical fellows and 2 surgical post-graduate students on rotation. Anesthesia staff comprises senior anaesthetists exclusively dedicated to providing anaesthesia in patients undergoing laparoscopy.

Spectrum of Surgery

More than 200 major laparoscopic procedures are performed every month with state of art instrumentation & equipment. An average monthly audit comprises 60% laparoscopic cholecystectomies, 20% endoscopic hernia repairs and 20% other advanced laparoscopic procedures which include fundoplication, cardiomyotomies, splenectomies, nephrectomies, adrenalectomies, bowel surgery, thyroid / parathyroid surgery, vascular surgery, pyelolithotomy, ureterolithotomy, thoracoscopic procedure, Bariatric surgery (morbid obesity surgery), etc.

Centre for Bariatric Surgery

One of the thrust areas of the department is Bariatric Surgery performed by Minimal access techniques, for patients with Morbid Obesity. Surgery is the treatment option in these patients with an extreme degree of obesity. Bariatric surgery helps these patients lose weight and maintain excess weight loss, which ameliorates life threatening associated morbid conditions like diabetes, hypertension, coronary artery disease and obstructive sleep apnoea. Morbid obesity is a modern day scourge severely straining our health system. The department is one of the leading, bariatric centres in India, with serious focus on managing morbid obesity.

Expansion
The super specialty wing of Sir Ganga Ram Hospital was inaugurated by the Hon'ble President Shri A P J Abdul Kalam. It has 20 state of the art operation theatres with advanced endoscopic surgery equipment available in 8 theatres. The MAS theatre has the OR1 system with voice controlled endoscopic equipment, which is top of the line system available in the field of endosurgery. Best energy systems required for advanced endosurgical procedures i.e. Ultrasonic shears (harmonic scalpel) and Ligasure are available in all the theatres.

Formulation of guidelines
The Department has formulated guidelines for practice of Minimal Access Surgery supported and endorsed by medical and governmental organizations of repute in the country like Medical council of India, Ministry of Health, Indian Council of Medical Research, Indian Medical Association and Indian Association of Gastrointestinal Endo-Surgeons (IAGES). This treatise "Minimal Access Surgery - Guidelines and Recommendations" and a set of educational CD-ROMs on "Minimal Access Surgery - Basic and Advanced Procedures" was released by His Excellency, Shri K R Narayanan, the Honorable President of India. The department has featured in the Limca Book of records for having performed the largest number of laparoscopic surgeries in consecutive editions 2000 - 2003. The department is proud of having had the honour of operating on His Excellency, Shri K R Narayanan, the President of India.

Training and Accreditation
Introduction and training of surgeons in the art and safe practice of laparoscopy remains one of the foremost priorities of the department. The training courses conducted in the department are endorsed by Society of American Gastrointestinal Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES), European Association of Endoscopic Surgery (EAES), Endoscopic and Laparoscopic Surgeons of Asia (ELSA), and Indian Association of Gastrointestinal Endo-surgeons (IAGES). Over 1500 surgeons from India and abroad have visited the department for training.

Academic Kudos
The department has organised six international, eleven national and numerous regional conferences on Minimal Access Surgery (Laparoscopy) since its inception.

The department has recently produced a text book on "Endoscopic Repair of Abdominal Wall Hernias" which crystallizes the enormous experience of a team of minimal access surgeons who are leaders in the field of hernia repair by minimal access techniques. Written in an easy-to-read format, this full-colour book equips the general surgeon with do-it-yourself techniques using a step-by-step approach to endoscopic repair of hernias of the groin and abdominal wall hernias of the groin and abdominal wall. This reference guide is invaluable for the young, aspiring surgeon as well as the trained laparoscopic surgeon.

Audit
A rigorous and meticulous clinical audit is an essential part of the academic schedule. The departmental philosophy is that audit revalidates some current surgical practice but also ensures modifications as may be applicable to obtain optimal clinical results.

Spectrum of surgery
The department has a large clinical work load and high volume (about 200-215 laparoscopic procedures performed every month) including the basic and advanced laparoscopic procedures as mentioned below out of which 60% are biliary surgery and 40% are other advanced laparoscopic procedures:

- Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (for gall bladder stones)
- Laparoscopic Inguinal Hernia repair
- Laparoscopic Incisional / ventral abdominal wall hernia repair
- Laparoscopic Appendicectomy
- Endosurgery for neck (thyroid & parathyroid)
- Axilloscopy for Carcinoma breast
- Endoscopic surgery for lower end oesophagus includes Fundoplication, (for
  hiatus hernia and gastroesophageal reflux disease) Cardiomyotomy,
  Vagotomy Gastrojejunostomy
- Laparoscopic advanced biliary surgery (Hepaticojejunostomy, Choledochal
  cyst, CBD exploration)
- Laparoscopic management of benign biliary and pancreatic cysts
- Laparoscopic / Endoscopic surgery on solid organs like Pancreas / Spleen /
  Liver / Adrenal / Kidney
- Surgery on small and large intestines.
- Retroperitoneoscopic Surgery for kidney/ ureteric stones and other
  pathologies
- Endoscopy assisted vascular techniques.
- Thoracoscopy (VATS)
- Hand assisted endoscopic surgery
- Laparoscopic surgery for Morbid obesity

Average cost of Lap Band Procedures
(Includes hospital stay, Band, Physicians fees and pre-op workup)

At Mexico: US$ 10,600-/
At Italy: US$ 12,000/-
At Belgium: Euro 12,000/-
At Switzerland: US$ 12,000/-
At UK: GB Pound Sterling 7,950/-
At USA: US$ 17,000 - US$ 30,000/-
At Sweden: US$ 14,000 - US$ 16,000/-
At Canada: Canadian $ 15,000/-
Source: 2006 by International Laparoscopic Obesity Surgery team of world class surgeons.

In INDIA: US$ 8,000/- to US$ 10,000/- all inclusive cost estimations included pre as well as post op follow up with Hotel accommodation, airport transfers, surgeons and anesthesiologist fees, all pre-op tests, nursing care, medical disposables and FDA approved International Band cost.
 
For Detailed Dossier on MAS & Bariatric Surgery, please write to us at  mktg@mediescapes.com