Nishar Mohammed & Vikramaditya
Port Blair, May 26: In a press conference held at Apollo Hospital, Port Blair, Dr. V Balaji, a renowned Vascular Surgeon from Apollo Hospital Chennai, emphasized the critical importance of early intervention and the benefits of awake carotid surgery to prevent strokes.
“Stroke affects approximately 1.5 million patients annually in India, making it one of the most disabling diseases and a significant cause of death,” stated Dr. Balaji. “Strokes can be caused by either a blockage in the blood supply to the brain (ischemic) or bleeding within the brain (hemorrhagic).”
Dr. Balaji explained that the blockage could occur inside the brain (intra cranial) or outside the brain, predominantly in the neck (extra cranial). “Blockages in the blood vessels leading to the brain can be cleared to prevent strokes. This procedure, known as carotid endarterectomy, is performed to remove the blockage,” he noted.
Highlighting the advanced surgical techniques used at Apollo Hospital, Dr. Balaji mentioned, “Our department has performed over 750 carotid endarterectomy procedures in the last twenty years, specifically under regional anesthesia, which significantly reduces postoperative complications. Our postoperative success rates exceed 99%, surpassing many western institutions, and the cost of the procedure here is only one-third compared to western units.”
Dr. Balaji identified the risk factors for developing carotid disease, including age, diabetes, smoking, hypertension, and high cholesterol. He also pointed out common symptoms that could be early warning signs for a stroke:
Transient ischemic attacks (TIA), which are brief stroke-like symptoms that recover spontaneously and are often ignored by patients.
Transient blindness and visual disturbances.
Recovering stroke.
Progressive stroke.
“If these symptoms are detected early, the diagnosis can be confirmed through a color Doppler study and CT angiogram,” said Dr. Balaji. “Surgical intervention can then be performed to prevent future strokes.”
Dr. Balaji urged the public not to ignore early warning symptoms and to seek medical advice promptly if they experience any signs of a stroke. “Early diagnosis and timely surgical intervention can significantly reduce the risk of a stroke and improve patient outcomes,” he concluded.
