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Radiofrequency Therapy for Vaginal Health

Management Team

Radiofrequency Therapy for Vaginal Health

Overview

Radiofrequency therapy is a gentle, non-invasive, non-ablative laser treatment designed to enhance vaginal health and pelvic floor support. his procedure uses controlled heat to stimulate collagen production and tissue regeneration, strengthening the vaginal wall and improving symptoms of stress urinary incontinence, vaginal laxity, and genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM). Unlike traditional treatments, radiofrequency therapy requires no anaesthesia, causes minimal discomfort, and has no downtime, making it a convenient option for women seeking to restore comfort, confidence, and quality of life. It is particularly beneficial for women experiencing changes due to childbirth, ageing, or hormonal shifts.

Radiofrequency therapy is an effective, non-invasive treatment that addresses various gynecological and urological conditions by stimulating collagen production and improving tissue function. It offers significant benefits for women experiencing pelvic floor disorders, vaginal health concerns, and menopause-related symptoms. The following are key applications of radiofrequency therapy:

  • Stress urinary incontinence
    • Works best for mild to moderate cases of SUI
    • Helps reduce stress-related leakage in mixed incontinence cases
    • Strengthens urethral support by improving vaginal wall structure
    • Targets connective tissue in the vaginal mucosa, particularly the anterior vaginal wall
  • Vaginal atrophy
    • Ideal for women experiencing vaginal dryness, irritation, and painful intercourse
    • Uses low-energy, non-ablative therapy to gently stimulate tissue renewal
    • Improves blood circulation and enhances tissue hydration
    • Restores the normal structure and function of the vaginal mucosa
  • Genitourinary syndrome of menopause
    • Helps relieve urinary symptoms, such as urgency and discomfort
    • Eliminates the need for long-term oestrogen therapy
    • Significantly improves GSM symptoms, enhancing overall comfort and well-being
  • Vaginal relaxation syndrome
    • Ideal for women experiencing vaginal dryness, irritation, and painful intercourse
    • Uses low-energy, non-ablative therapy to gently stimulate tissue renewal
    • Improves blood circulation and enhances tissue hydration
    • Restores the normal structure and function of the vaginal mucosa

  • Patient friendly and non-invasive
  • Quick and simple, in-office procedure
  • Outstanding results with minimal side effects
  • No anaesthesia required, as it is non-ablative treatment
  • Minimal discomfort or downtime, allowing a quick return to daily activities
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Rigid Bronchoscopy

Management Team

Rigid Bronchoscopy

Overview

In rigid bronchoscopy, a long metal tube (rigid bronchoscope) is inserted into the patient’s windpipe and main airways. The rigid bronchoscope’s larger diameter allows the doctor to use more sophisticated surgical tools and techniques.

Rigid bronchoscopy is performed under general anaesthesia (unconsciousness with assisted breathing), like a surgical procedure. It is imperative to undergo evaluation by the physician as well as the anaesthesiologist prior to the procedure; this allows the discussion of risks and benefits and correction of any reversible contraindication. After general anaesthesia is administered, the patient is intubated with the rigid bronchoscope and attached to the ventilator.

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Respiratory Failure

Management Team

Respiratory Failure

Overview

Respiratory failure is a serious condition that makes it difficult to breath on your own. It develops when the lungs cannot transport enough oxygen to the blood.

Respiratory failure can be manifested through pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), pulmonary embolism, COPD, neuromuscular diseases or severe asthma flare-ups.

Respiratory failure manifests as two primary types, i.e., hypoxemic and hypercapnic.

  • Hypoxemic respiratory failure or Type 1: Symptoms include rapid breathing, shortness of breath, cyanosis, confusion, and signs specific to the underlying cause, like fever in pneumonia. Diagnosis typically involves blood gas analysis showing low partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2) with normal or low partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO2).
  • Hypercapnic respiratory failure or Type 2: Symptoms may include slower breathing, headaches, confusion, drowsiness and eventually respiratory distress. Blood gas analysis shows elevated PaCO2 and often low PaO2 in chronic cases.

Diagnosis of respiratory failure generally includes thorough clinical evaluation, encompassing evaluation of medical history, physical examination (lung auscultation, assessment of the respiratory rate), and imaging-based techniques like chest X-ray or CT scans to identify the underlying causes. Blood gas analysis plays a crucial role in confirming the type and severity of respiratory failure.

Pulmonologists in Management extend beyond their specialised medical expertise. They provide diagnostic precision through thorough evaluations, including PFTs, imaging studies, and interpretation of diagnostic tests. Pulmonologists collaborate closely with a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals, including intensivists, respiratory therapists and primary care physicians, to ensure coordinated and comprehensive care throughout the duration of respiratory failure, from acute stabilisation to long-term management and palliative care as needed.

Treatment of respiratory failure is a complex and multifaceted process that requires tailored approaches based on the specific type and severity of the condition. Central to this management is the role of a pulmonologist, a specialist in respiratory medicine who plays a crucial part in overseeing and coordinating the treatment plan.

  • Oxygen Therapy is foundational in managing hypoxemic respiratory failure, where inadequate oxygenation of blood occurs. Oxygen therapy is administered through various delivery methods such as nasal cannula, face mask, or mechanical ventilation.
  • Mechanical Ventilation becomes necessary in severe cases of respiratory failure, particularly when non-invasive methods are insufficient to support adequate gas exchange.
  • Management of Underlying Conditions is essential as many cases of respiratory failure stem from underlying respiratory diseases such as pneumonia, COPD flare-up or ARDS. This includes prescribing antibiotics for infections, bronchodilators and corticosteroids for obstructive lung diseases, and other medications tailored to manage the specific underlying cause.
  • Non-Invasive Ventilatory Support Strategies like BiPAP are employed for patients with hypercapnic respiratory failure, e.g., those with advanced COPD or neuromuscular diseases.

Long-term management involve pulmonary rehabilitation programmes that include exercise training, education on disease management, and strategies to improve overall respiratory health. Pulmonologists also emphasise lifestyle modifications such as smoking cessation and vaccination to reduce the risk of flare-ups and disease progression.

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Retinal Detachment

Management Team

Retinal Detachment

Overview

Retinal detachment refers to the separation of the delicate layer of receptors at the retina from the oxygen-supplying blood vessels. As the detachment of the retina may lead to permanent vision loss if left untreated for a long duration, immediate medical attention and emergency surgery are advised.

The retina, which contains many layers of interconnected photoreceptor and glial cells that line the inside of the eye, is sensitive to light (like a camera film) and is thus crucial for proper vision.

One or more holes in a retina could cause it to detach. Fluid tends to pass via these holes and is accumulated. This causes the retina to separate from the supporting tissues underneath it. Furthermore, small blood vessels may also leak blood into the vitreous humour, further clouding the vision. If left untreated, retinal detachment often leads to permanent blindness.

In most cases, retinal detachments are associated with the normal ageing process. This is referred to as posterior vitreous detachment (PVD), which cannot be prevented. Although a retinal detachment could happen to anyone, certain factors increase the risk of developing this condition. These risk factors include:

  • Short-sightedness.
  • Previous cataract surgery.
  • Severe direct trauma to the eye.

In some cases, retinal detachments may be hereditary, which is rare.

Although retinal detachment is painless, several visual symptoms appear before it advances. These signs include: 

  • Appearance of floaters (shapes or spots (visible as small dots or irregular strands, among others) drifting across the visual field).
  • Appearance of flashes of light in one or both eyes.
  • Blurring of vision.
  • Appearance of a curtain-like shadow encompassing the field of vision.
  • Gradual loss of peripheral vision.

If any of the above symptoms are noted, patients are advised to seek medical attention immediately or within a maximum of 48 hours. This will help rule out a retinal tear or detachment and minimise the long-term visual damage that the retinal detachment may cause.

Eye surgeons usually perform associated tests to confirm a retinal detachment or tear. Once this confirmation is obtained, the patient is referred to the hospital to undergo laser surgery or other surgical procedures to reattach the displaced retina. 

Retinal surgery to reattach the retina to the back of the eye and sealing any breaks or holes in the retina can prevent blindness. The sight has already been lost because of the detached retina. If the surgery is successful, it will usually bring back some but not all lost eyesight.

Preoperative preparation

As most surgical procedures to correct retinal detachment are performed after the administration of a local anaesthetic, the patient is awake throughout the operation. The local anaesthetic is injected into the area surrounding the eye to numb it and prevent any pain during the surgical procedure.

Procedures

One of the following procedures is used to repair retinal detachment:

  • Cryopexy and scleral buckle: the retinal holes are sealed by placing ‘splints’ (buckles made of sponge or solid silicone material) along the wall of the eye. These buckles are positioned outside the sclera (the white of the eyeball) (under the skin of the eye). They remain fixed there permanently.
  • Vitrectomy, cryopexy, and gas, air, or silicone oil injection: For vitrectomy operations, which are referred to as keyhole surgeries for the eye, tiny openings (less than 1 mm in size) are created in the eye by the surgeon, who then removes the vitreous humour. Next, the surgeon locates the retinal breaks and subjects them to treatment with laser or cryopexy (freezing), which causes adhesion and scarring that seals the breaks. Seal formation usually requires up to 10 days. Next, a gas bubble, air, or silicone oil (used as tamponades) is inserted into the eye to function as ‘splints’, holding the retina in place until the tears are sealed. This process is termed as “intraocular tamponade.” “Tamponade” (the use of a tampon) refers to the insertion of a plug tightly into an orifice or a wound to prevent haemorrhage. In ophthalmic medicine, tamponade agents, which provide surface tension across retinal breaks, enable surgeons to prevent further fluid leakage into the subretinal space until the leak can be permanently sealed (using cryopexy). The three types of gases used for intraocular tamponade include:
  • C3F8 (octafluoropropane) is a long-acting, non-flammable, non-toxic, synthetic gas and can remain in the eye for up to 12 weeks
  • SF6 (sulphur hexafluoride) is a highly stable gas and can remain in the eye for up to 4 weeks
  • C2F6 (hexafluoroethane) is a non-flammable, inert gas and can remain in the eye for up to 8 weeks

Postoperative care

  • Eye drops: They reduce inflammation (anti-inflammatory eyedrops) and prevent infection (antibiotic-based eyedrops).
  • Avoiding rubbing the eye: This may increase the chances of infection and complications.
  • Analgesics (such as paracetamol): This relieves pain or discomfort.

It is important to note that:

  • Itchy and/or sticky eyelids and mild discomfort (gritty sensation caused by the stitches) are normal for 5–10 days after surgery.
  • Some fluid leakage from around the eye is a common observation after surgery.
  • Blurred vision after surgery is normal.
  • In some cases, especially after a scleral buckle procedure, the area surrounding the eyes may show slight bruising.
  • Rest is important for healing.

Any discomfort should ease after 1–2 days. The eye requires about 2–6 weeks to heal in most cases. An appointment with the treating doctor is usually scheduled within 7–14 days of surgery.

If the pain or blurry vision intensifies after the operation, the patient is advised to contact the hospital immediately as further treatments may be necessary.

Usually, retinal detachment surgeries are outpatient procedures. Thus, overnight hospital stays are not needed and recovery can take place at home.

Working and driving should be avoided during recovery. If a gas bubble was inserted into the eye during surgery, flying should be avoided for a certain period of time. This is because the pressurised environment in airplanes may cause the gas or air bubble to expand in size, increasing intraocular pressure and causing vision loss.

Posturing is the hardest, but the most crucial, part of recovery. If a gas bubble or silicone oil is inserted into the eye, the patient is asked to ‘posture’ for up to 7 days, i.e., lying or sitting to position the head in a manner that enables the bubble to float up and press the retina into position during the healing process. The surgeon will determine the necessity and appropriate position for posturing. With the dispersion of the gas bubble, a moving line will begin to appear in the field of vision. The vision above the line is clear, but that under the line will be blurry or fuzzy. Eventually, the gas will disperse until it gradually disappears. The type of gas used determines the duration for which it will stay in the eye.

Recovery of vision usually requires a few weeks after surgery. The insertion of a gas bubble will cause the vision to be very blurry immediately after surgery. However, this is normal; once the retina is attached, the vision will improve gradually over a period of several months.

Visual acuity tests are performed to ascertain whether glasses are needed to improve vision. The final quality of vision depends on the severity and nature of the original retinal detachment. With timely diagnosis and treatment, most of the central vision can successfully be restored. However, if the central vision is already poor during the diagnosis of a retinal detachment, restoring the central vision in its entirety may not be possible. Reading using the affected eye may be difficult. From a distance, faces or car number plates may be difficult to recognise. However, objects and people approaching from the sides may be visible; this is important, given that peripheral vision is critical for daily activities, such as climbing stairs and going out.

Given that each patient is different and that some cases of retinal detachment are more complicated to treat than others, retinal detachment surgeries are not always successful; further, in some instances, more than one operation may be required.

After a retinal detachment, the eye tries to heal this damage naturally. However, this healing process is counterproductive, as it leads to the formation of scar tissue inside the eye and causes the retina to contract. This is referred to as proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR), a condition associated with poor vision that can cause the retina to detach once again (after it was surgically reattached). Around 5–10% of patients display scar tissue formation or develop another retinal tear, both of which will require additional surgeries.

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Recurrent Miscarriages/Pregnancy Loss

Management Team

Recurrent Miscarriages/Pregnancy Loss

Overview

Recurrent pregnancy loss is defined as the occurrence of two or more consecutive miscarriages. Though pregnancy loss is relatively common (occurring in 10–20% of known pregnancies), recurrent pregnancy loss is less frequent, affecting 1–2% of couples trying to start a family. The probability of failed pregnancy after two pregnancy losses increases with each loss. Importantly, the risk of repeated pregnancy loss increases with age. Older women with previous repeated pregnancy loss are at a much higher risk of subsequent pregnancy loss than younger women.

Recurrent pregnancy loss is of two types:

  • Primary recurrent pregnancy loss: This occurs in individuals who have never given birth to a live baby.
  • Secondary recurrent pregnancy loss: This occurs in individuals who have given birth to a live baby.

Recurrent pregnancy loss can be attributed to many factors; the common causes for this condition include:

  • Chromosomal abnormalities: Genetic issues might make it impossible for the embryo to develop properly. These issues account for more than half of the recurrent pregnancy loss cases.
  • Uterine abnormalities: Structural problems in the uterus, like uterine fibroids, scar tissue, or an abnormally shaped uterus, can prevent the pregnancy from continuing. Approximately, 10‒15% of the women with multiple pregnancy losses have uterine anomalies.
  • Hormonal imbalance: Certain conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), thyroid disorders, and luteal phase defects, cause imbalances in the levels of reproductive hormones, such as luteinising hormone (LH), insulin, thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), and progesterone; this, in turn, complicates the maintenance of the pregnancy.
  • Blood clotting disorders (Thrombophilia): Certain conditions cause blood to clot more easily (blood clotting disorders), resulting in interference with the ability of the placenta to nourish the baby. These conditions are therefore a major cause of pregnancy complications, including recurrent pregnancy loss.
  • Immune system disorders: In addition to the maternal molecules, the foetus contains paternal and ‘self’ molecules; some immune system-related disorders, such as lupus, may increase the risk of recurrent pregnancy loss as they cause the mother’s immune system to consider the paternal and ‘self’ molecules as foreign and thus, attack the foetus.
  • Maternal health conditions: Chronic illnesses, such as diabetes or unmanaged hypertension, have been shown to increase the risk of repeated pregnancy loss.

In some cases, the cause of recurrent miscarriages may remain unknown (idiopathic) even after thorough testing.

Recurrent pregnancy loss shares many symptoms with miscarriage; these include:

  • Vaginal bleeding.
  • Cramping or pain.

However, in some cases, pregnancy loss occurs silently without any noticeable symptoms.

  • Ultrasound: A pelvic ultrasound can check for uterine abnormalities—such as fibroids, polyps, or septum—that suggest a risk of miscarriage.
  • Hysteroscopy: In this procedure, a small camera is used to visually examine the inside of the uterus for structural issues. It can be used to determine the cause of repeated miscarriages.
  • Hormonal tests: The serum levels of progesterone, thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), prolactin, oestradiol, and anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) are evaluated to diagnose recurrent pregnancy loss.
  • Blood clotting tests: As clotting disorders are a major cause of recurrent pregnancy loss; blood clotting tests are used to check for clotting disorders.
  • Autoimmune tests: If there is a suspicion of immune system involvement, doctors might perform tests to screen for lupus anticoagulant, anti-beta2 glycoprotein I (IgG and IgM), and anticardiolipin antibodies (IgG and IgM) to check if your body is attacking its own tissues or the pregnancy.
  • Genetic testing: The chromosomes of both parents can be checked (karyotyping) to look for any underlying genetic issues that can result in recurrent pregnancy loss.

The treatment for recurrent pregnancy loss depends on the cause. Generally, one or more of the following treatment options may be considered:

  • Chromosomal issues: If a genetic problem is identified, preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) during IVF may be recommended to ensure only healthy embryos are implanted.
  • Uterine abnormalities: If structural problems—such as fibroids or septa—are found, surgery may be an option to correct the issue.
  • Hormonal imbalance: For conditions like PCOS or thyroid disorders, managing the hormone levels with medications can help regulate the pregnancy cycle and support a healthy pregnancy.
  • Blood clotting disorders: Blood thinners, such as aspirin or heparin, can be prescribed to help improve blood flow to the placenta, thereby reducing the risk of miscarriage.
  • Autoimmune problems: If immune system problems are suspected, treatments that dampen the immune response might be recommended.

Sometimes, lifestyle changes that include sustaining a healthy weight, controlling diabetes, and quitting smoking can significantly increase your chances of carrying a pregnancy to full term.

Early intervention, after just two miscarriages, can help you get the support and testing you need sooner.

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Respiratory Tract Infections in Children

Management Team

Respiratory Tract Infections in Children

Overview

Respiratory tract infections (RTIs) in children are the leading causes of paediatric consultations, hospitalisations, and absence from school. These infections vary in severity, from mild upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs), like the common cold, to severe lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs), such as pneumonia and bronchiolitis, which can lead to morbidity and mortality, especially in younger children and those with underlying health conditions.

RTIs in children are caused by various pathogens with certain factors increasing their susceptibility:

  • Viral infection: The most common causes of RTIs in children include respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), influenza viruses, rhinoviruses, and adenoviruses, which are often associated with widespread community outbreaks.
  • Bacterial infection: Bacteria, such as Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, and Mycoplasma pneumoniae, are frequently associated with severe LRTIs like pneumonia.
  • Underdeveloped immune system: As children have underdeveloped immune systems, they are susceptible to infections.
  • Communal exposure: Increased exposure to settings like schools and daycare centres increases the risk of infection spread.
  • Seasonal variation: Viral infections peak in colder months, contributing to high incidences of RTIs during winter.
  • Underlying conditions: Chronic health issues like asthma or congenital heart disease can worsen the severity of RTIs.

The symptoms of RTIs in children vary based on the site and severity of the infection.

  • Upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs): Symptoms include runny nose, cough, fever, sore throat, and nasal congestion, which are commonly associated with cold and pharyngitis.
  • Lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs): They are associated with severe symptoms, including persistent high fever, persistent cough, wheezing, difficulty breathing, rapid breathing, and, in severe cases, cyanosis (bluish discoloration of the skin due to lack of oxygen) and hypoxia (insufficient oxygen in tissues).
  • Systemic symptoms: In severe cases of LRTIs like pneumonia, children, especially infants, may exhibit lethargy, irritability, and poor feeding.

Accurate diagnosis of RTIs in children is crucial for appropriate management, often involving a combination of clinical and advanced diagnostic tools.

  • Clinical evaluation: Physical examination, including auscultation of the lungs, helps detect abnormal breath sounds, such as crackles and wheezing that are indicative of LRTIs.
  • Laboratory tests: Blood tests including complete blood counts and blood cultures help differentiate between viral and bacterial causes, while specific viral panels can be used to confirm viral infections.
  • Radiological imaging: Chest X-rays are commonly used to assess the extent of infection in LRTIs like pneumonia based on lung consolidation or other changes.
  • Pulse oximetry: This simple, non-invasive test measures oxygen saturation and is crucial for assessing respiratory function in children with suspected severe LRTIs.

Management of RTIs in children is dependent on the type and severity of infection with supportive care being the cornerstone of treatment in most cases.

  • Supportive care: This includes hydration, fever management with antipyretics and analgesics, maintaining oxygenation, and providing paediatric respiratory support in cases of respiratory distress. Humidified air and nasal saline drops can help relieve nasal congestion.
  • Antibiotic therapy: Antibiotics that are prescribed for bacterial infections are not useful for viral infections, highlighting the importance of accurate diagnosis.
  • Antiviral medications: Antiviral drugs, such as oseltamivir are used for severe cases of influenza, but most viral infections are managed with supportive care.
  • Oxygen therapy and ventilation: In severe cases where children develop respiratory distress or hypoxia, hospitalisation is required for advanced paediatric respiratory support. Our hospital has a paediatric intensive care unit (PICU) and a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) where both paediatric and neonatal patients with respiratory distress can receive advanced respiratory support, including mechanical ventilation if required.

Preventing RTIs is a key strategy to reduce their adverse impact on health. Various public health measures to prevent RTIs include:

  • Immunisation: Vaccines against influenza, pneumococcus, and Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) have significantly decreased the prevalence and severity of RTIs.
  • Hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette: Regular handwashing with soap, using hand sanitisers, and covering the mouth and nose while coughing and sneezing are simple but effective preventive measures.
  • Limiting exposure: Reducing children’s exposure to infected individuals, particularly in communal settings, and avoiding crowded places during peak seasons of infection can help prevent RTIs.
  • Breastfeeding: For infants, breastfeeding provides essential antibodies that help strengthen their immune system and protect against respiratory infections.
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Renal Transplant

Management Team

Renal Transplant

Overview

Our centre offers both ABO-compatible and ABO-incompatible kidney transplants, catering to a wide range of donor-recipient pairs.. Transplant options include live-related donors and deceased donors. A dedicated multidisciplinary team ensures comprehensive care, managing transplant rejections, as well as post-transplant surgical or infectious complications.

Plasmapheresis: Available for pre-transplant immunological optimization and for managing post-transplant rejection episodes.

Laparoscopic donor nephrectomy: Laparoscopic donor nephrectomy is a minimally invasive removal of donor kidney.

Robotic laparoscopic donor nephrectomy: Enhances precision and accuracy, offering improved outcomes with minimal disfigurement or scarring.

  • Kidney transplant is used to treat the following conditions:
  • Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)
  • ESRD
  • Diabetic Nephropathy
  • Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD)
  • Glomerulonephritis
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Radioiodine Therapy (131I) for Thyroid Cancers & Thyrotoxicosis

Management Team

Radioiodine Therapy (131I) for Thyroid Cancers & Thyrotoxicosis

Overview

Radioiodine therapy uses radioactive iodine (I-131) to target and treat thyroid-related conditions, such as hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) and thyroid cancer. Radioactive iodine is absorbed by the thyroid gland and works by destroying thyroid cells, either to reduce thyroid hormone production or eliminate cancerous tissues.

Your doctor may recommend radioiodine therapy for:

  • Hyperthyroidism: To reduce the overproduction of thyroid hormones, often due to conditions like Graves’ disease or hyperactive thyroid nodules.
  • Thyroid Cancer: To destroy any remaining cancerous thyroid tissue after surgery or to treat thyroid cancer that has metastasized to other areas.

  • The thyroid gland naturally absorbs iodine. Radioiodine therapy uses this property to deliver radioactive iodine (I-131) directly to the thyroid gland.
  • Once absorbed, the radioactive iodine destroys overactive or cancerous thyroid cells, reducing thyroid activity or eliminating cancerous tissue.

  • Low-iodine diet: You may be asked to follow a low-iodine diet for 1-2 weeks before treatment to help the thyroid gland absorb the radioiodine more effectively. This involves avoiding foods like dairy products, seafood, iodized salt, and processed foods that contain iodine.
  • Medications: Inform your doctor about any medications you are taking, especially thyroid medications. Some medications may need to be stopped temporarily before treatment.
  • Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Radioiodine therapy is not suitable for pregnant or breastfeeding women. You should avoid trying to conceive for at least 6 months after the treatment, and breastfeeding should be stopped prior to therapy.
  • Plan for isolation: After treatment, you may need to limit close contact with others, especially children and pregnant women, for a few days due to the radiation. The exact duration will depend on the dosage of radioiodine.

  • Radioiodine dose: Radioiodine is usually taken as a pill or liquid, which you will swallow in a single dose. It is tasteless and well tolerated by the body.
  • Absorption by Thyroid: The radioactive iodine is absorbed by your thyroid gland over the next few days to months, where it destroys the targeted thyroid cells.
  • Follow-up: You may be asked to come back for follow-up blood tests or scans to assess how well the therapy is working.
  • Radiation precautions: After receiving radioiodine therapy, you will emit small amounts of radiation. You need to follow specific safety guidelines for a few days to minimise radiation exposure to others.

Radiation Safety Guidelines: To protect those around you, follow these precautions for a few days after treatment:

  • Limit close contact: Avoid prolonged physical contact with others, especially pregnant women and young children.

    Specific duration of this will be conveyed by your treating Nuclear Medicine Physician.

  • Sleep separately: Sleep in a separate bed, if possible, for a few days.
  • Use separate utensils and dishes: Wash your utensils and dishes separately from others.
  • Flush the toilet twice: After using the bathroom, flush the toilet twice and wash your hands thoroughly.
  • Avoid public places: Stay away from crowded areas and public transportation to reduce exposure to others.
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Radioiodine Whole Body Scan (131I)

Management Team

Radioiodine Whole Body Scan (131I)

Overview

A Radioiodine whole-body scan is performed for patients with thyroid cancer to assess the state post-surgery.

The procedure involves taking a small amount of radioactive iodine, which is absorbed by the thyroid gland. A gamma camera then takes images to assess how your thyroid absorbs iodine and how it functions.

Doctors recommend a radioiodine scan to:

  • Evaluate thyroid cancer after surgery or treatment
  • Plan dosage of therapeutic radioiodine

  • Dietary Restrictions: You will be asked to follow a low-iodine diet 1-2 weeks before the scan.
  • Medications: Few medications need to be stopped before the scan. Please contact the Nuclear Medicine department or your doctor.
  • Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Inform your doctor if you suspect you may be or are pregnant or breastfeeding. This scan is generally not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

  1. Radioiodine administration: You will be given a small dose of radioactive iodine, either in the form of a pill or a liquid. This iodine will be absorbed by your thyroid gland over several hours.
  2. Waiting period: After taking the iodine, you will then have to return the next or day after for the scan depending on what information you doctor needs.
  3. Scan: You will be asked to lie down on a table, and a special camera will capture images of your thyroid gland. The scan is painless and takes around 30 to 60 minutes.

  • You can usually return to your normal activities right after the scan.
  • The radioactive iodine will pass naturally through your body, usually within a few days.
  • Drink plenty of water to help flush out the iodine.
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Renal Scans: DTPA/EC Scan

Management Team

Renal Scans: DTPA/EC Scan

Overview

A DTPA (Diethylene Triamine Pentaacetic Acid) or EC (ethylene dicysteine ) scan is a nuclear medicine test used to assess kidney function, blood flow, and possible obstructions in the urinary system.

Your doctor may recommend a DTPA/EC renogram scan for several reasons, such as: 

  • Evaluating the function of your kidneys
  • Checking for kidney obstructions or blockages
  • Monitoring kidney transplants
  • Diagnosing conditions affecting blood flow to the kidneys

  • Fasting: not usually required.
  • Hydration: Drink plenty of water before your test unless otherwise directed by your doctor. This will help your kidneys process the tracer more effectively.
  • Please inform the department if you have been advised of fluid restriction by your doctor.
  • Medications: Inform your doctor if you have undergone any recent barium or contrast-enhanced CT scan within 48 hours prior to the test. Also, inform your doctor about any medications you are taking, as they may affect the results.

A small dose of a diuretic (such as furosemide) may be administered as part of the protocol as required by your doctor. This is to assess the state of kidney obstruction.

You will be asked to lie down, and a special camera (gamma camera) will capture images,  tracking the tracer through your kidneys.

The initial scan called the dynamic phase, usually takes 30 minutes. Thereafter multiple smaller duration scans (called static scans) are acquired at specific time intervals as per the doctor’s instructions.

You will be asked to lie still during the imaging to get the clearest results.

  • You can resume normal activities immediately after the test. There are no dietary constraints.
  • Drink extra fluids to help flush out the tracer from your body faster.
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