We feature our consultant Gastroenterologist, Dr Neha Kantawala, who completed her MBBS and MS in Government Medical College,Surat.

Her areas of special interest are Bariatric and oncological surgeries.

You are skilled as a laparoscopic surgeon; please let us know in what way it is superior to an open surgery?

Laparoscopy or Keyhole surgery has gained popularity all over the world. This is a painless procedure, as only a few incisions are made, this enables the patient to recover fast. It also minimizes complications, eliminating scars by huge cuts. It is also preferred because it drastically reduces hospitalization, resulting in the overall reduction of treatment cost.

This is a relatively a new technique as it has been in vogue for just over a decade and more. How does a surgeon get skilled in this technique?

A surgeon after dedicated assistance and observation for a period of 2-3 years can perform all Lap procedures independently, whereas they can perform basic procedures like appendectomy (removal of appendix) and diagnostic laparoscopy after 15-20 surgeries.

As the term indicates diagnostic laparoscopy, is the procedure used as a diagnostic tool? When does a patient require this procedure?

This is done in cases where the patient has pain but the investigative reports are not indicative of any problem. In most cases the diagnosis is clubbed with corrective surgery. It is done in case of abdominal tuberculosis and also to ascertain if a surgery is required for the cancerous growth.

Are there centers which offer training in laparoscopic procedures?

No. There are no specialized centers for this locally; But Lifeline Hospital conducts 3 day workshops periodically to familiarize surgeons with this procedure.

On the fist two days various lap surgeries are demonstrated followed by a lecture and interactive session on the third day. It is very well received and the participation is good.

What are the common Gastro intestinal complaints that you encounter in your patients?

Heart burn, Piles, fissures, Ulcers in the various part of the digestive tract are the commonest.

Of late the malignancy in the digestive system is on the rise, especially in the younger generation.

What according to you is the probable reason for this?

I attribute it to lack of dietary fiber in food as well as consumption of too much of saturated fat, which is also the reason for childhood obesity growing at an alarming rate.

What would be your advice to the readers to avert and minimize the gastrointestinal problems?

Most problems can be kept at bay by eating fiber rich food like cereals, pulses vegetables and fruits, drinking 1- 2 liters of water each day, avoiding caffeinated drinks and alcohol ,as well as minimizing the spice and oil in the food.

In India invariably the women are in charge of the Gourmet requirement of the family. They should set an example by eating right as well as include more vegetables, fruits and whole grains in the food they cook.

It is a sad state of affairs that women no longer are interested or innovating in cooking. Some women even take pride in stating that they can't manage without a cook or cannot cook, instead of feeling inadequate or lacking in some skill.

A woman accompanied her husband to the doctor's office. After the check-up, the doctor took the wife aside and Said, "If you don't do the following, your husband will Surely die". Each morning, fix him a healthy breakfast and send him off to work in a good mood. At lunch time, make him a warm, nutritious meal and put him in a good frame of mind before he goes back to work. For dinner, fix an especially nice meal, and don't burden him with household chores. Try to satisfy his every whim. On the way home, the husband asked his wife what the doctor had told her. "You're going to die," she replied.