Pulmonologists address growing risks in advanced lung care

Bengaluru: For the first time, a two-day conference opened discussions on the complications of interventional pulmonology using real-life cases. The event brought together prominent pulmonologists from around the world to focus on lung-related complications and the role of interventional pulmonology.

The event was organised by Dr Ravindra Mehta, Founder and Director, Vaayu Chest and Sleep Specialists, Senior Consultant and Head of Pulmonology, Interventional Pulmonology & Sleep Medicine, Apollo Hospitals.

Interventional pulmonology is an operative arm for minimally invasive procedures in the airways and lining of the lungs. Interventional pulmonology is greatly helpful in treating tuberculosis and cancer. For the past two decades, interventional pulmonology has also been used for diagnosis.

Dr Mehta, who was one of the pioneers in bringing interventional pulmonology to the country, said, “As we operate in smaller areas such as the airways and lining, it is difficult to operate and complications are higher. We are trying to build a conversation about complications as it is inevitable and safety and complications are two faces of the same coin.”

The conference was held to raise awareness about interventional pulmonology as more and more doctors today are choosing it without understanding the complications it carries and the added sensitivity because of the delicate nature of lungs.

“Interventional Pulmonology is more complicated because during the procedure anesthesiologists and surgeons are dependent on the same airways. Even the simplest procedures or diagnosis will lead to complications as the lungs will start bleeding and end up in the passing away of the patient,” said Dr Sameer Bansal, Senior Interventional Pulmonologist and Clinical Head at Vaayu Chest & Sleep Specialists.

Museum opens A museum exhibiting actual cases of interventional pulmonology its complications and the resurrection of the patients opens today.