The future of GI surgery in India

Dr Roy Patankar, Gastroenterologist, Director, Zen Multi Speciality Hospital shares how cutting-edge technology in the field of GI has made it possible for  even complex diseases to be successfully treated, also improving the quality of life of the patient post surgery

Gastroenterology can be described as the study of the normal function and diseases of the oesophagus, stomach, small intestine, colon and rectum, pancreas, gallbladder, and so on. Sometimes, these diseases can be life-threatening. Gastroenterologists are known as the doctors who tend to specialise in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the digestive system (or gastrointestinal tract). New advances in the field of gastroenterology as made it possible for the successful treatment of complex diseases and save the lives of the patients.

All you need to know about the future of GI in India

GI surgery has now become an established branch in India. Moreover, endoscopic, laparoscopic, and robotic surgery for oesophageal, colorectal, pancreatic, and even liver ailments such as cancer are carried out successfully by giving less pain and a shorter hospital stay and a faster recovery. You will be shocked to know that the developments in the field of gastroenterology have been commendable and exciting as well. These include innovations in colorectal cancer screening, and cures for hepatitis C, among many others that have been revolutionary in this field.

Do you know that the new digital choledochoscopes have vastly improved diagnostic and therapeutic capabilities within one’s bile and pancreatic duct? It is a no brainer that the evolution of endoscopic procedural techniques with the supporting technologies, aid safe and effective endoscopic therapies for many conditions that previously required more invasive surgical interventions.

The new advances and technologies in the field of GI

It is interesting that many advances and breakthroughs have taken place over years that allow for endoscopic approaches to what was formerly surgically treated issues and some of the advances have also opened up new frontiers for gastroenterologists. The use of miniature HD cameras and other electronics devices that are used for surgical interventions has enable to increase the success rate of the treatments.

Gastroenterologists will have to stay update and must be aware of the revolutionary changes occurring in the field, adapt to the current changes and this will have a positive impact on the patients, and enhance their quality of life. It is the need of the hour to have safe technologies and techniques for the endoscopic management of gastroesophageal reflux, and for endoscopic bariatric therapies. Moreover, the technologies need to be user-friendly and must give positive outcomes. New technologies and techniques will benefit patients. The adoption of new technology will increase enthusiasm for innovation in the GI field, and encourage one to come out with new ideas and innovations. Hence, the gastroenterologists should keep themselves updated with daily innovations and interventions. 3D printing and image guided technology helps in cancer surgery.

Thus, there is an increased risk of serious complications of these minimally invasive procedures when they are done by surgeons who are not trained properly and can put one’s life in danger. Also, attention should be given to the education, which for spreading of skills in GI surgery by improving the training of the young, and enthusiastic trainees who get into the field, that too in large numbers. The gastroenterologists must embrace and adopt worthy new technologies and techniques into their day-to-day practice and enhance the patient’s life. Since, the innovations have made it possible and easy to treat any disease. It is also the responsibility of the patient to seek timely treatment once he / she notices the signs and the symptoms. Also, there will be many inventions in the near future that will transform the field of gastroenterology.