1. What is Plastic Surgery?

This is a specialty branch of Surgery dealing with surgical modification (molding) of various body parts. The main types are Reconstructive Surgery and Cosmetic or Aesthetic Surgery. In the former type, defects or deformities present from birth or occurring because of a disease or injury is rectified. In the latter, the size and shape of any body part that is unacceptable or uncomfortable to the person is suitably modified as per the desire of the person and requirements of the situation.

2. Is "Plastic" used always in this Surgery?

No. Most surgical procedures are done from body’s own tissue. Some times implantable materials made of high ‘medical’ grade bio-acceptable material may be used.

3. Who is a candidate for Plastic Surgery?

Any body who is well informed about the scope and achievements of this surgical branch is a candidate. He or she should understand the limitations too. Realistic expectations are essential part of every Plastic Surgery procedure. A free and frank discussion with the Plastic Surgeon helps one in deciding whether he or she should undergo the surgery.

4. How to contact a Plastic Surgeon?

It is easy to find one from your family doctor or any local hospital. Bigger hospitals have full fledged Plastic Surgery Departments where more than one Plastic Surgeon is available, often dedicated to either Reconstructive or Aesthetic Surgery.

5. Is Plastic Surgery expensive?

It is not a fact that all Plastic Surgery procedures are expensive. Some highly specialized time consuming operations may be expensive; but not as much as unaffordable. Most Plastic Surgery is affordable by the middle class. Some centers offer facilities for various Reconstructive Surgery for the poor at a subsidized and discounted price.

1. What is Brain Stroke?

Stroke is a brain attack that occurs when blood vessels leading to a specific part of the brain either get blocked (ischemic stroke) or burst (haemorrhagic stroke). This cuts off supply of nutrients and oxygen to that part of the brain, which creates a disastrous effect leading to a paralysis of one side/ loss of vision/ loss of speech, loss of swallowing etc.. Brain stroke is the third-leading cause of death in India.

The warning signs of stroke include sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg especially on one side of the body, sudden confusion or trouble in speaking or understanding, sudden trouble in sight in both or one of the eyes, trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance/ co-ordination, sudden severe headache with no known cause.

Recognizing stroke warning signs and taking assistance from a neurologist can prevent a major disability.

2. What does Epilepsy mean?

Epilepsy means the tendency to have seizures. It is not a disease but a sign/ symptom of an underlying neurological disorder. Abnormal electric discharge from a group of brain cells results in seizure (fits).

3. What are the causes of Epilepsy?

There is no single cause of Epilepsy. The following are some of the identifiable causes of epilepsy –

4. What are the common neurological ailments of elderly?

In the elderly, the common neurological diseases are Parkinson’s disease, dementia (Alzheimer’s disease), multi-infarct dementia, stroke, cervical and lumbar spondylitis, peripheral neuropathy etc.

5. What are the signs and symptoms of brain tumors?

The symptoms and signs of brain tumor are progressive in nature and slow in onset. They include-

The symptoms and signs usually depend upon the position of tumor in the brain.

1. What is the cause of back ache and what is its treatment?

There are two main types of back ache, postural and surgical. The postural back ache is due to bad posture, lack of toning exercises, strain on ligaments and muscles etc. This can be treated by stretching exercises, physiotherapy and correction of posture. Pain killers for a short while is indicated to help people start the treatment schedule.

Surgical back ache can arise from a birth defect, injury, infections (tuberculosis) and wearing out (degenerative) process. These conditions require medical as well as surgical treatment.

2. What is the cause of Arthritis and what is its treatment?

The arthritis in the young can be caused by various forms of Rheumatism, infections, gout etc. In the old the usual cause is aging (degenerative) changes in the joints. Diseases and injuries in younger days can produce degenerative changes earlier than in other individuals.

Prompt diagnosis and medical treatment is essential in rheumatism and gout. Infective arthritis may require surgical intervention in addition to medicines. Old age arthritis will respond to medicines, physiotherapy, braces and splints at the earlier stages. In late and advanced case surgical treatments are necessary. Arthroscopic surgery, realignment bone cuts and joint replacement surgeries are available options. The procedure will depend on the condition of the joint.

3. What is Arthroscopy?

It is a way of looking into the joints through needle shaped instruments that can be introduced in to the joints through miniature openings. The surgeon can see the details of the inside of the joint. It helps in diagnosis of various problems of the joints. Some surgical procedures like ligament reconstruction, smoothening of irregularities caused by injury or diseases are also possible through arthroscopy.

4. What is joint replacement ?

It is a type of surgery offered for badly damaged joints caused by ageing changes, older injuries and burnt out diseases. The most commonly operated joints are weight bearing joints like hip joint and knee joints. In this procedure, the damaged joint componenets are removed by special instruments and replaced by devices made of wear resistant medical grade metals and polymers called implants. By this technique the damaged joints get a new lease of life.

5. What is Spondylitis?

Spondylitis literally means inflammations of the spinal column. But technically it is ageing (degenerative) condition of the joints between spinal bony segments called vertebra(e). It is common in the neck and low back where lot of wear and tear occurs because of bad posture, lack of exercises and also because these are the most mobile areas of the vertebral column. Regular exercises, good posture, avoiding bumpy rides, neck collars and lumbar belts get relief. Physiotherapy may be of help at times. Extreme cases require surgery.

1. What is A B C in accident service?

Air way, Breathing and Circulation. These are the three important issues to be addressed as priority in every accident victim. The person’s nose and mouth should be cleared first. Second, if the patient is not breathing normally, then mouth to mouth breathing, sequential compression of chest and abdomen or other forms of ventilatory assistance is to be provided. Third, any visible bleeding should be stopped by manual pressure by hand or a piece of cloth. Rope or rubber tubings applied tightly may actually produce more harm because of excessive pressure.

2. What should be done if a hand or foot is amputated?

The bleeding should be stopped by manual pressure and holding the part elevated against gravity. The victim should be reassured, comforted and given first aid like pain killer, Tetanus prophylaxis, antibiotics and intravenous fluids when necessary. The amputated part should be cleaned thoroughly in clean running water (Normal saline, if available), wrapped in a clean cloth or kept in a clean polythene bag. If the part is wrapped in a clean cloth, it should be placed on crushed ice. If the part is enclosed in a bag, then the bag can be put in a bucket or bowl containing water and crushed ice. Time is an important factor for successful replantation of an amputated part. Therefore, the victim and the severed part should be transported to a replantation centre immediately.

3. What is the primary (pre-hospital) care of a burns victim?

The following steps should be taken at the site of burns. (1) The doors and windows should be opened immediately.(2) The victim should be brought out in to the open and the flame doused by pouring water or wrapping the victim up in a blanket keeping the mouth and nose open. (3) All clothes of the victim should be removed. (4) Cold water should be poured to cool down the skin temperature. (5) Victim may be placed on his or her back or on a side and normal breathing should be ensured after cleaning the mouth and nose. (6) The body of the victim should be placed over a few layers of clean bed sheet and covered with another layer of clean light linen. (7) The victim should then be transported to the nearest medical center without delay. The victim should not be given any food and water by mouth (except in minor burns) while being transported.

4. What should be done at the site of a road traffic accident.?

(1) The first step is to remove all the victims from the vehicle carefully. (2) The victim(s) should be laid on a flat surface on his or her back with the limbs, back and neck in a straight line. (3) The A B C (described above) should be attended to. (4) An accident help line number, if available, should be called. (5) The victim should be transported on a flat and unyielding stretcher / board with the neck supported in neutral position. (6) If the limbs are abnormally bent or bleeding, a fracture should be suspected and these limbs should also be splinted / supported in straight position with sticks or bamboo spikes. (7) The victim should not be given any food or water by mouth.

5. What should be done if a patient falls down from height?

The victim should be laid down flat on the back with the neck and limbs straightened. Take care that the backbone remains straight. Examine the victim’s breathing and give mouth to mouth respiration while keeping the neck and head straight in case the victim is not breathing normally. The nose and mouth should be cleared of any debris before giving mouth to mouth respiration. The limbs should be supported in a straight position. The rest of the management is like road traffic accident.

6. What should be done in case of drowning?

The victim should be rescued by an expert swimmer. The victim should be laid on his side and his head should be held back to keep the mouth open. Gentle pressure should be applied on the belly helping patient to vomit out the swallowed water. Next his breathing should be attended as mentioned above. The body should be covered with a warm blanket if the water is cold. Assisted breathing should be continued till the patient reaches the medical centre or starts breathing normally on his own.