Now Reading: Colorectal surgeon calls for breaking stigma around gut diseases in India
-
01
Colorectal surgeon calls for breaking stigma around gut diseases in India
Colorectal surgeon calls for breaking stigma around gut diseases in India
Dr. Arun Lakshmanan, Chief Colorectal Surgeon and founder of Smiles Institute of Gastroenterology, has urged Indians to overcome the shame associated with conditions such as fissures, fistulas, chronic constipation and piles. In…
Dr. Arun Lakshmanan, Chief Colorectal Surgeon and founder of Smiles Institute of Gastroenterology, has urged Indians to overcome the shame associated with conditions such as fissures, fistulas, chronic constipation and piles. In a press release issued on August 24, he said that while these diseases affect millions, they remain unspoken due to embarrassment, and that addressing the silence is as important as treating the disease itself.
Dr. Lakshmanan, who has been practicing for 25 years, was the first surgeon in Karnataka to perform LIFT surgery for fistula and to introduce laser treatment for colorectal and digestive disorders. He emphasised that technology alone cannot end stigma and that prevention through lifestyle and dietary changes remains the most undervalued aspect of care. He also highlighted his commitment to training the next generation of colorectal surgeons and promoting advanced techniques like laparoscopic and robotic surgery.
Indian Opinion Analysis
Colorectal disorders are among the most common yet underreported health issues in India, with prevalence estimates for piles alone ranging from 10-20% of adults. The cultural taboo around discussing anal and rectal problems means many patients delay treatment for years, often presenting with advanced disease that could have been managed early. Smiles Institute, founded in Bengaluru, operates in a growing private healthcare market where patient education and destigmatisation can directly improve outcomes and reduce surgical loads. The next step for Dr. Lakshmanan’s mission will be to expand training programmes for surgeons across smaller cities, where access to minimally invasive colorectal care remains limited.
Source: theprint.in
This story was synthesised by AI from the source linked above.
