Hyderabad: Observing bladder awareness in the month of November, city based urologists say that they have been witnessing a significant jump in number of patients with complicated bladder related ailments. Experts say that the majority of these patients are those who had stopped their treatment midway or delayed seeking medical attention during the lockdown in fear of getting infected by the coronavirus. Informs Dr. G Soundarya, Urologist, Preeti Urology & Kidney Hospital, Hyderabad, “We are at present getting patients with lots of complications and treating them has become quite challenging for us as due to the coronavirus pandemic, patients have delayed seeking medical help and thus have endangered their health and even risked their lives.”
Patients who needed only medical help for bladder related issues were prescribed medicines and advised lifestyle changes in terms of diet and exercise by their urologists who extended their help by offering online consultations during the lockdown. However, some patients who needed surgical intervention delayed their treatment and are now approaching their respective doctors where experts are finding it quite challenging to treat. Informs Dr. S. Bhargava Reddy, Urologist, Sri Sri Holistic Hospital, Hyderabad, “Delaying simple surgeries like kidney stone removal could lead to major issues in the long run. Delaying treatment is not the right option. Hospitals are taking all precautions and adopting all hygienic practices to ensure that their patient does not get infected.” Hospitals are adopting the latest guidelines laid down by ICMR (Indian Council of Medical Research) to contain spread of the virus.
While in men, urinary retention has been the commonest problem in the lockdown period, women had complaints of urinary tract infections. During the lockdown period many patients had shifted to alternative medicines and it has thus made the condition of the patients even worse. Delaying kidney stone removal without consulting your doctor can lead to kidney failure in the long run.
If I go to the hospital, I’ll get COVID as hospitals are full of COVID infected patients is the perception at present of the people at large. Patient and care takers should understand that hospitals have clearly demarcated and have taken steps according to the global guidelines to prevent spread of the virus in the hospital. Unlike shopping places where there is an increased chance of getting the infection, hospitals are quite safe and hygienic.
Deliberately delaying a surgery with an apprehension of getting infected with coronavirus is not the right decision. Doctors say that patients should consult their doctors who will advise them the further course of action. Not every disease needs a surgery for its treatment nor does the doctor would push you to get a surgery done. Urologists are only performing emergency cases in those patients where surgical intervention is the only option left with them for saving the life of the patient. Whether to wait, and for how long, it depends on the diagnosis of your treating doctor. Your doctor will weigh the risks against the benefits when deciding whether you should get a surgery done or not.