PUNE: Breaking away from conventional approach, surgeons are making bold changes and fast tracking patient recovery, post organ transplant.
A 62-year-old man suffering from liver cancer as well as end-stage liver cirrhosis was discharged on the third day after the surgery. Doctors could do this by boosting his morale, winning his confidence, along with meticulous pre-operative and post-operative care.
The 'fast-track approach', however, is not for all. It is used only in carefully selected patients. In addition to faster recovery, fast-track approach also helps in slashing the cost of surgery, said doctors.
"Transplant surgery is among the most expensive and lengthy surgical procedure. In carefully selected patients, we can fast-track pre and post-operative care to ensure faster recovery. We use it in 50% to 60% of patients needing transplants," said liver transplant surgeon Bipin Vibhute of Sahyadri Hospital.
Once the patient is enrolled for transplant, doctors conduct a slew of sessions to assess patient's mental status. "The objective of these sessions is to make patients comfortable and win their confidence so that they undergo the surgery in a positive frame of mind. These sessions are conducted quite a few times till we achieve this aim," Vibhute said.
"There is no change in surgery in fast-track approach. Only we try to ensure minimal blood loss and keep the duration of surgery shorter," he said. Central line (tube) which is inserted in the patient's body through the neck to measure pressure in the heart and other bodily functions is removed on the second day of surgery.
Conventionally, this tube is kept inside for five days.
"Preventing infection is the cornerstone of any surgery. Hence if the patient is doing well, we don't keep the line for longer period as it may become a causative factor for infection," he said.
Similarly, drips inserted in abdomen to clear fluid build-up is also removed on the third day after ensuring that there is no bleeding inside the abdomen and there is no bile accumulation.
On the third day, after assessing thoroughly, the patient is discharged .
"We have introduced homecare concept in which we provide a nurse to the patients to look after him for next 15 days post discharge. Her main role is to keep an eye on patient's vital parameters and ensure appropriate nutrition and diet," said medical expert Ketan Apte, unit head of Sahyadri hospital, Deccan branch.
Transplant anaesthetist Manish Phatak of Sahyadri Hospitals said, "We ensure that progress reports are sent to us twice a day. Pre-surgery protocols and post-operative care make it possible for us to discharge patient soon after surgery."
A 62-year-old man suffering from liver cancer as well as end-stage liver cirrhosis was discharged on the third day after the surgery. Doctors could do this by boosting his morale, winning his confidence, along with meticulous pre-operative and post-operative care.
The 'fast-track approach', however, is not for all. It is used only in carefully selected patients. In addition to faster recovery, fast-track approach also helps in slashing the cost of surgery, said doctors.
"Transplant surgery is among the most expensive and lengthy surgical procedure. In carefully selected patients, we can fast-track pre and post-operative care to ensure faster recovery. We use it in 50% to 60% of patients needing transplants," said liver transplant surgeon Bipin Vibhute of Sahyadri Hospital.
Once the patient is enrolled for transplant, doctors conduct a slew of sessions to assess patient's mental status. "The objective of these sessions is to make patients comfortable and win their confidence so that they undergo the surgery in a positive frame of mind. These sessions are conducted quite a few times till we achieve this aim," Vibhute said.
"There is no change in surgery in fast-track approach. Only we try to ensure minimal blood loss and keep the duration of surgery shorter," he said. Central line (tube) which is inserted in the patient's body through the neck to measure pressure in the heart and other bodily functions is removed on the second day of surgery.
Conventionally, this tube is kept inside for five days.
"Preventing infection is the cornerstone of any surgery. Hence if the patient is doing well, we don't keep the line for longer period as it may become a causative factor for infection," he said.
Similarly, drips inserted in abdomen to clear fluid build-up is also removed on the third day after ensuring that there is no bleeding inside the abdomen and there is no bile accumulation.
On the third day, after assessing thoroughly, the patient is discharged .
"We have introduced homecare concept in which we provide a nurse to the patients to look after him for next 15 days post discharge. Her main role is to keep an eye on patient's vital parameters and ensure appropriate nutrition and diet," said medical expert Ketan Apte, unit head of Sahyadri hospital, Deccan branch.
Transplant anaesthetist Manish Phatak of Sahyadri Hospitals said, "We ensure that progress reports are sent to us twice a day. Pre-surgery protocols and post-operative care make it possible for us to discharge patient soon after surgery."
Get latest news & live updates on the go on your pc with News App. Download The Times of India news app for your device.
