There is a pea-sized structure at the base of the brain called the pituitary gland. It doesn’t look like much and it could be easy to overlook, but don’t underestimate the power of the pituitary gland. Small, yet mighty, this “master endocrine gland” is part of the endocrine system and produces critical hormones that affect a whole host of functions in the body. Hormones made by the pituitary help control growth, blood pressure, certain functions of the sex organs, thyroid glands and metabolism as well as some aspects of pregnancy, childbirth, nursing, water/salt concentration and the kidneys, temperature regulation and pain relief.
One of Vaidam’s patients, Denis Mkwati, from Tanzania, shares his experience at the Max Super-Specialty Hospital in Gurgaon. In October 2018, he had a pituitary adenoma removed by minimally invasive endoscopic endonasal surgery.
Denis arrived in India on the 4th of October, after almost one year when his journey began. “I was always feeling exhausted doing my day to day activities at work and home especially after a long drive home through heavy traffic jams. I visited a local hospital which among the diagnostics necessitated to do a head scan which detected that I have an enlarged pituitary with large tumour, and is the cause quite several issues going on. Surgery was the only suggested route of action due to its severity.” said Denis. “The idea of having surgery, and especially brain surgery, was a little bit frightening to me.”
After going through with the procedure, Denis recalls his experience in India. “The best part of my medical trip was discovering and choosing Max Hospital. After speaking to doctors in Tanzania, we were advised to get treatment abroad and after broader consultations, I decided to be under the care of one of the best neurosurgeon in India - Dr. Arun Saroha,” recalls Denis. “It was comforting to hear the even our Vaidam case manager had great things to say about the good doctor and advised for the same.”
When Denis was asked about his interaction with Dr. Arun Saroha he recalls: “When I first met Dr. Arun Saroha, I was very impressed with his incredible professionalism, knowledge and quiet warmth. Dr. Arun Saroha was very patient and answered all my questions and concerns without ever making me feel rushed or unimportant. He is so committed to helping his patients and always shows concern, incredible patience and great skill.”
When asked about the medical team that was on-call to address his every need, he recalls: “The medical team at this best neurology hospital in India were very accessible and comforting in the way they deal with their patients. They helped to greatly lessen my fears. Everyone on the team was so helpful and caring, including our attending nurse (I am unable to recall her name); all the doctors, nurses and office staff - they made my experience as easy and pleasant as possible.
When asked about his overall experience in India, Denis recalls: “my overall experience in India was extraordinary. My surgery went very well and my initial recovery went smoothly. I am so grateful to my case manager Ms Sapna Joseph for being a constant help and guiding me through every difficult obstacle.” “Such a wonderful team you have at Vaidam!!”
On the 30th of October Denis returned to Tanzania after a successful surgery and is today on the path to full recovery. Vaidam would like to thank Denis for sharing his story and wishes him a full and speedy recovery.