When an individual in need of medical help approaches a doctor he or she is guided by two most basic human principles which are trust and faith, trust in the doctor and faith that he/she will be healthy again.
It was my experience at Apollo Hospital, Bannerghatta Road (Opp IIM Bangalore) at hands of Dr Mohan Keshavamurthy (Urologist) that has left me and my family extremely hurt and Apollo will be the last option for me and lot of my relatives and friends to go for medical guidance.
My wife complaint of pain in her right abdomen with frequent urge to pass urine, it became normal by evening but next day it re-occurred with vomiting, pain and fewer. By evening she had high fewer and we decided to go to the Hospital. At Apollo basic tests were administered in the emergency room and recommended ultrasound to rule out kidney stone problem.
Ultrasound was normal and next CT Scan (plain) and CT Scan Contrast was carried out for blockage / infection. My wife was in lot of pain during this exercise and only when the tests were over, pain injection was given. Urine sample for TB were also collected. I was informed there are 3 TB tests and will get report for one test in 2-3 days and other tests take 2 weeks to come.
Based on CT scan reports Dr Mohan conducted Cystoscopy and diagnosed bilateral urethra stricture and carried out stenting procedure (Procedure to put small pipe “sten” so urine passage becomes normal). Dr Mohan mentioned that TB is the most probable cause for this urinary infection in this age group and social stature. Later one TB report - MTB came as negative but other reports were not provided.
After few weeks, stent removal procedure was carried out and CT scan with contract was administered to confirm for blockage, strictures etc. CT scan report indicated marked improvement and disease regression and discharge summary mentioned no problems and general consulting after 1 week.
During consultation Dr Mohan gave me the bad news that CT scan has revealed stricture in right urethra with delayed drainage. He was extremely sorry for giving me this bad news and encouraged me to face the reality. He recommended surgical correction through end to end Ureteroplasty (surgery to remove blocked portion of urethra ) followed by stenting for 6 weeks and stent removal.
Next Steps
We make decisions day-in and day-out but making decision which effects oneself physically like surgical procedure on body are extremely tough and stressful. Some instances left me pondering
- Dr Mohan mentioned about 3 tests for TB, but hospital gave me report for only one. On checking with Pathology labs, came to know that only one test was administered and not three. There exists test for Urinary infection but these were not conducted
- Doctor insisted surgery although nothing was mentioned in either Discharge summary or CT scan reports regarding strictures
- Doctor advised stricture has been formed and it is matter of days or weeks before my wife may see worsening of condition.
We met doctors in other clinics, professors in medical colleges and Govt hospital. The result, each one of them whom we met henceforth advised only one thing- there is no problem whatsoever and we should stop all medicines (most of them even showed surprise for use of stens so early as it is one of the late options and recommended in more serious conditions). We stopped all medication and there has been no problems.
Conclusion
My wife suffered from basic UTI (Unary track infection) which is quite common and requires medical treatment using antibiotics etc. I have limited medical knowledge and like a common individual I trust a doctor to be the best advisor in pain. But such guidance and diagnosis from a doctor of extreme repute (?), associated with Apollo, having multiple degrees, AND exploiting people with such professional finesse leaves me thoughtless.
Human body is wonderful creation. There are millions of activities, actions happening at any given moment. Disturbing the inherent balance of body by external procedure when not required can cause tremendous damage. In addition there is pain, emotional and physical stress and financial burden of surgical operation.
I request the readers to make a conscious decision when consulting Dr Mohan Keshavamurthy (Urologist, Apollo Hospital, Bangalore)and do consult other urologists