EARly Times Report
Jammu, Nov 28: First masterclass of thyroid and parathyroid surgical disorders was successfully conducted virtually from Jammu. The conference focussed on surgical diseases of thyroid and parathyroid glands particularly thyroid cancer and primary hyperparathyroidism. These are diseases which are quite prevalent in the general population but unfortunately are not properly diagnosed and managed.
The initiative was taken by Dr. Suneel Mattoo, the only endocrine surgeon in Jammu and Dr. Suman Kotwal, HOD, Endocrinology, GMC Jammu. The conference got an immense response and was attended by more than 500 doctors worldwide. The guests of honour were Prof Sheetal Singh, Ex-Principal GMC, Srinagar and Prof. Rajgopal Shenoy, Ex, Associate Dean, KMC Manipal. The featured speakers included Prof. Amit Agarwal and Prof. Gaurav Agarwal from SGPGI, Prof. Shamim from AIIMS, New Delhi, Dr. Raouef Bichoo from UK, Ms Rochelle Lambiris from Greece, Dr. Vivek Agarwal from Delhi, Dr. Roma Pradhan from RML, Lucknow, Dr. Ramya VC from Apollo, Hyderabad, Dr. PRK Bhargava from Hyderabad, Dr. Chaitra Sonthneni from Vijaywada, and Dr. Sarthak and Dr. Atul Sharma from Jammu.
The director of the conference, Dr. Suneel Mattoo, says that primary hyperparathyroidism is a neglected entity. The symptoms which are usually subtle in the initial stages of the disease include weakness, tiring easily, depression, irritability, forgetfulness, bone and joint pains, nausea, vomiting and loss of appetite. These are frequently not paid attention to or managed as taken as symptom of ageing. He further emphasized the need of performing serum calcium test in such patients. Not diagnosed early, the disease can progress to osteoporosis, fractures, renal stones, kidney, and heart damage. Also, the patient may land up in emergency with very high calcium levels. The panel reiterated that a high index of suspicion is required for prompt diagnosis and referral, and this can be done by creating awareness among doctors and public and large. The facility for treatment of such disorders is now available at Jammu and there is no need to refer such patients to other states. |
