Events

Metasurg 2008

1-3 February, 2008
Mumbai

Bariatric surgery for obesity can no longer be limited to just being a cosmetic surgery. It is expected to play a bigger role in treating type 2 diabetes and other metabolic diseases. The possibilities and potential of all this and more were addressed in Metsurg 2008 conference held in Mumbai. Reportedly, it was the first ever metabolic surgery conference held in the entire Asia-Pacific region.

In this first of its kind mega event, 300 surgeons from across the world including the US, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Malaysia, Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Tanzania, the UAE and Saudi Arabia apart from India shared their views in this field.

Though metabolic surgery is quite popular and been practised since almost 30 years, the concept is just making its presence felt on Indian shores. Said Dr Pradeep Chowbey, Chairman, Department of Minimal Access Surgery, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi, "Metabolic surgery is a fairly new form of surgery and gradually bariatric surgery is taking the shape of metabolic surgery. In the future, we shall see many more such conferences happening."

Bariatric surgery is known to be the most effective and long lasting treatment for morbid obesity and many related conditions, but now mounting evidence suggest that it may be amongst the most effective treatments for metabolic diseases. "It is known to improve conditions including type 2 diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and obstructive sleep apnea," said Dr Uday Phadke, Consultant-Diabetes and Endocrinology, Endolab, Pune.

Metabolic surgery got the much required boost after the advent of laparoscopy in India. The workshop aimed at simplifying various techniques in intracorporeal anastomies and suturing. Said Dr Shashank Shah, Consultant Bariatric Surgeon, Wockhardt Hospital & Ruby Hall Hospital, Pune, "Surgery for severe obesity goes way beyond weight loss. This surgery results in the complete remission or significant improvement of type 2 diabetes and other life-threatening diseases like cardio-vascular illness in most patients."

The workshop was a good blend of live surgeries, ideos and symposia. Interesting debates on the best medical versus surgical treatment made the event exciting and engaging for all diabetologists, endocrinologists and physicians.

EH News Bureau