What is a renal biopsy?

Renal biopsy is the biopsy of the kidneys. Usually, a biopsy is done to diagnose cancers but a renal biopsy is not for cancer diagnosis.

If a patient suffers from increased protein in the urine, blood in the urine, or unexplained reduction in kidney function, a renal biopsy is advised by the nephrologist.

A needle is used by the nephrology doctors to extract a small sample of the kidney which is then sent for testing. This can help identify the issue and later provide accurate treatment for the issue.

Also Read: Know the Signs of Kidney Failure

A biopsy is not a surgery and hence you do not need to worry too much about it. A scan is done to watch the kidneys in real time and then the needle is inserted to take the tissue. The risk is very low. Very rarely a patient might experience excess bleeding in urine, bleeding around the kidney, or low blood pressure. In those cases, the patient is given blood or might want to get surgery but this risk is less than 1%.

Kauvery Hospital

When kidney specialists recommend a patient to get a renal biopsy, it is usually to identify the problem and give accurate treatment. Contact Kauvery Hospital to consult with some of the top nephrologists.

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Responding to a sudden cardiac arrest

 

 The three most important first-aid steps for a patient suffering a sudden cardiac arrest will prove to be life-saving. After the first aid, when the ambulance reaches, the patient should be taken to the cardiologist or cardiac electrophysiologist.

1.      Recognition of sudden cardiac arrest

The first step involves finding whether the person is suffering from a sudden cardiac arrest. The collapsed person should be checked for heartbeat and pulse. Breathing can be checked by noticing the rise and fall of the chest. Normal breathing involves 10-20 times rise and fall a minute. Patients suffering a sudden cardiac arrest might have shallow breathing or no breathing at all.

The pulse should be checked at the side of the neck. The patient suffering sudden cardiac arrest might not have a pulse.

Also Read: What is the difference between a heart attack and a sudden cardiac arrest?

2.      Shout for help

After the sudden cardiac arrest is confirmed, the next step is to shout for help. You should keep shouting till another person reaches the place. The other person should call an ambulance.

3.      Start chest compression

This is the most vital step of first aid for sudden cardiac arrest patients. The chest compression should be done at the lower and central parts of the chest wall. The compressions should be done 100-120 times a minute uninterruptedly at the depth of 5cm. This is called CPR.

The patient should also be given breaths at the rate of 2 breaths per 30 compressions. Mouth-to-mouth breathing can be done or you can use pocket masks if available. If the patient is a stranger, you can put a handkerchief over the mouth of the patient and then continue with mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. The chest compressions should be started immediately after the breaths. 

Kauvery Hospital

Immediate treatment along with suitable first aid can save the life of the patient suffering a sudden cardiac arrest. Kauvery hospital has a dedicated cardiology team with the best electrophysiologists in Chennai.

Watch Video on Youtube: Responding to a Sudden Cardiac Arrest

Listen on Podcast: Kauvery Heart Rhythm Services

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Thyroid Cancers and the role of Radiation

The thyroid is an endocrine gland in the neck. The four types of thyroid cancer are follicular carcinoma, papillary carcinoma, medullary carcinoma, and anaplastic.

Papillary carcinoma is the most common type of thyroid cancer with an incidence of about 80-85% of all thyroid cancers.

Follicular carcinoma is the second most common type of thyroid cancer. This can spread in the blood and travel to other organs like the lungs and more.

Medullary carcinoma is usually genetic. Anaplastic is the most aggressive malignancy. The tumour grows in the neck and causes difficulty in breathing. It can also spread to other parts of the body.

Also Read: The Importance of Thyroid Blood Tests

Thyroid cancer treatment

Papillary and follicular carcinoma are designated in the well-differentiated category. When found in the early stages, the cure rate for these cancers is high. Surgery followed by a whole-body iodine scan is used to treat these cancers. If there are remnants found in the scan, radioactive iodine is given to get rid of them fully.

If there are remnants of the tumour left from the surgery or there is a possibility of recurrence then radiation treatment is recommended.

For medullary carcinoma, surgery is the most recommended choice. For anaplastic malignancy, chemotherapy along with radiation is recommended.

Kauvery Hospital

Cancer no longer needs to evoke an inevitable sense of fear. With advanced treatment methods, it is possible to fully recover from cancer. If you find any symptoms related to cancer, consult with some of the best oncologist in Tirunelveli at Kauvery Hospital.

Watch Video on YouTube: Thyroid Cancers and the role of Radiation 

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Breastfeeding Awareness

The first week of August is celebrated as World breastfeeding week.

For the first 6 months since the birth, it is advised to provide only breast milk for the child. Even water should be avoided. From 6 months to 2 years, it is advisable to breastfeed along with other solid foods.

Despite celebrating World breastfeeding week and Breastfeeding awareness day, awareness about breastfeeding is lacking in India since the exclusive breastfeeding rate remains at only 51%. In Tamil Nadu, the rate is still low.

When the child cries during the time of breastfeeding, most people think that breast milk is not enough for the child and choose to feed cow milk or sugar water. Formula feed is also easily available and many people consider it to be a healthy alternative to breast milk. The mother needs emotional support at this time to continue breastfeeding.

 

Aslo Read: Breast Feeding- The Best Diet For Your Baby!

 

Why breastfeeding is important for your baby?

·         Breast milk contains all nutrients and minerals in the right proportion that aids the baby’s health. This cannot be matched by any formula milk.

·         Breast milk provides immunity for the child.

·         Breast milk is comprised of 90% water and hence it takes care of both the food and water need of the child.

·         Children who are breastfed tend to develop good immunity and high IQ levels.

·         Breast milk not only provides immunity against infections but also protects the child from asthma and other allergies.

Kauvery Hospital

Breast milk is undoubtedly the best food for babies. For the children’s future to be strong and bright, we need to encourage breastfeeding and support young mothers. At Kauvery Hospital, we have some of the best paediatricians in Trichy and would be able to provide good advice and support to breastfeeding moms.

 

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