61-Year-Old African Doctor morbidly Obese successfully treated for End-Stage Renal Disease via Robot-Assisted Kidney Transplant at Fortis Hospital Cunningham Road



Bengaluru, 22 November, 2024: Fortis Hospital, Cunningham Road successfully performed a life- enhancing robot-assisted kidney transplant on 61-year-old African doctor suffering from End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD). Presenting with complex medical challenges, the patient underwent the transplant with the expertise of a multidisciplinary team led by Dr. Mohan Keshavamurthy, Senior Director Urology, Uro-Oncology, Uro-Gynaecology, Andrology, Kidney Transplant, and Robotic Surgery at Fortis Hospitals Bengaluru & Chairman Renal Sciences Specialty Council at Fortis Hospitals, India, Dr. Shakir Tabrez, Additional Director – Urology, Uro-Oncology, Andrology, Kidney Transplant, and Robotic Surgery and Dr Renuka Prasad, Senior Consultant – Nephrology at Fortis Hospital, Cunningham Road. The patient recovered remarkably well and was discharged just six days post-surgery.

Dr Benson, the patient had been battling End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) for over 6-7 months, relying on regular haemodialysis to manage his failing kidney function. His condition was further complicated by morbid obesity, and a long-standing history of hypertension, both of which significantly increased the risks associated with surgery. Despite seeking treatment at multiple hospitals across several countries, Dr Benson was refused treatment due to the complexity of his condition, compounded by obesity and co-morbid condition.

Desperate for a solution, Dr. Benson and his family turned to Fortis Cunningham Road for help. Following a comprehensive medical evaluation, the transplant team recommended a robot- assisted kidney transplant as the best option. His 23-year-old son, a healthy individual, was evaluated as a potential donor and found to be an excellent match. After thorough screening, the transplant procedure was planned and executed with precision.

Sharing details about the case, Dr Mohan Keshavamurthy, Senior Director – Urology, Uro-oncology, Uro-gynaecology, Andrology, Kidney Transplant & Robotic Surgery, Fortis Hospitals, Bengaluru and Chairman Renal Sciences Specialty Council, Fortis Hospitals, India said, “Our primary focus is always the well-being and successful outcomes of our patients. In complex cases like this, robotic surgery is an ideal approach due to its precision, smaller incisions, reduced tissue, and faster recovery. The enhanced 3D visualization provided by robot-assisted surgeries ensures meticulous dissection and graft placement. Additionally, the benefits of minimal scarring improve patient satisfaction and recovery. Given our expertise and capabilities, large number of international patients are placing their trust in us for complex procedures such as this. This case is a testament of our collaborative team to handle high-risk, intricate procedures using robotic technology, offering patients a second chance at life.”

Dr. Shakir Tabrez, Additional Director, Urology, Uro- Oncology, Andrology, Kidney Transplant & Robotic Surgery at Fortis Hospital, Cunningham Road, Bengaluru, said, “This was an extremely challenging case, given the patient’s obesity, hypertension, and long-term dialysis dependency. Managing such complexities required a multidisciplinary approach and cutting-edge robotic technology. By leveraging advanced robotic technology, we ensure that the incision is significantly smaller – allowing faster healing, quicker mobility and early discharge, while also minimizing the risk of immediate or long-term complications which are often a predicament in conventional open transplants. The surgery lasted approximately two and a half hours, and the patient showed remarkable improvement. His kidney function has normalised within 72 hours, and his creatinine levels are stable thereafter.”

Expressing his gratitude, Dr. Benson said “I am thankful to Dr. Mohan, Dr. Shakir, and the entire team at Fortis Hospital Cunningham Road for their exceptional care. After months of struggling with End- Stage Renal Disease and being turned away by other hospitals, Fortis gave me a second chance at life through this successful robotic kidney transplant. I’m grateful for their expertise, compassion, and support in helping me recover rapidly.”

Mr. Akshay Oleti, Business Head, Fortis Hospitals, Bengaluru, said, “At Fortis, we are committed to managing complex, high-risk cases like Dr. Benson’s with unparalleled expertise and care. This successful robot-assisted kidney transplant highlights the skill of our multidisciplinary team and the advanced capabilities of robotic surgery in handling intricate procedures. We are delighted to see the patient’s remarkable recovery and remain dedicated to delivering world-class healthcare to all our patients.”

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Squint/strabismus or commonly known as ‘cross eyed’ is a condition of the eyes where there is a misalignment between both eyes.

Squint/strabismus or commonly known as ‘cross eyed’ is a condition of the eyes where there is a misalignment between both eyes. More simply speaking, in this condition when one eye looks straight the other eye is deviated outward, inward, upward or downward. This condition can present at any age, though many patients are affected from infancy or early childhood.

The most common causes of strabismus in childhood or infancy are

Decreased vision in one or both eye due to various conditions like congenital/developmental cataract, retinal issues like retinopathy of prematurity, optic nerve disorders.

Refractive errors where child has to use glasses

Certain syndromes and neurological disorders

Idiopathic/genetic

When an adult presents with squint on the other hand, it may be a childhood squint that was left untreated or it may be due to other causes like paralysis of the nerves supplying the extraocular muscles in case of uncontrolled diabetics or neurological issues, thyroid disorders and trauma to the eyes.

The presenting symptoms of squint are

Appearance of squint in one or both eyes alternatively

Abnormal head posture

Decreased vision in one or both eyes

Asthenopic symptoms like headache

Diplopia or double vision in some cases.

The treatment of squint is largely based on the cause. One of the common myths around squint in our society is that it’s just a cosmetic blemish which may not be treated. Many infact consider squint as a lucky charm and refrain from getting treatment for the same. Another misconception is that there is no need for correction of squint in childhood and treatment can wait till the child becomes older. This is unfortunately incorrect. If squint is left untreated in a child, it can lead to amblyopia or lazy eye and inadequate development of stereopsis, depth perception and three-dimensional vision.

Therefore, it is best to treat squint at the earliest. However, when it’s left untreated, it can also be treated in adulthood for the purpose of cosmesis. Sometimes squint also needs to be treated to address double vision in both children and adults

Treatment of squint involves treating of cause like removal of any cataract, treatment of refractive error with glasses, patch therapy, home based or computer based exercises, prisms for diplopia and surgery

Surgery in squint requires realignment of extraocular muscles. This surgery is usually a day care procedure. In children general anaesthesia may be needed for surgery, but in adults it can be done under local anaesthesia. Surgery in squint is known to be predictable and safe

In conclusion, squint is a common eye problem which can easily be treated. Anyone having this condition is advised to contact an ophthalmologist preferably a strabismus specialist at the earliest. On behalf of Vasan Eye Care the above statements were released by Dr.Nishant pediatric and cataract surgeon
Dr.Parul priyambada pediatric and cataract surgeon at a press meet held at Press Club of Bangalore.

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Bizotico brings the Epitome of Swiss Craftsmanship to India: Unveils the New Machano Watch from Roamer Collection

1. Roamer’s Mechano watches will be made available via Bizotico’s Omnichannel Distribution Network spread across India through premium watch stores
2. Roamer’s Mechano watches will be available starting from INR 1,31,950/- onwards

November 14th 2024, Bengaluru , India Bizotico Group, India’s leading distributor of luxury timepieces, launched the exquisite watch collection Mechano by the renowned Swiss Watchmaker Roamer, bringing the very finest of Swiss craftsmanship in watchmaking to the Indian market.

With this new and original in-house movement, ROAMER OF SWITZERLAND goes back to the roots in the best sense of the word; Meyer & Stüdeli was the company’s name when they were already producing renowned movements in the best Swiss Made tradition at the beginning of the 20th century. Winding a watch by hand transcends mere functionality, becoming a cherished ritual among aficionados and collectors globally. The new MECHANO by ROAMER OF SWITZERLAND introduces a stunning men’s square watch with manual winding, poised to captivate your senses and earn its place as your preferred timepiece. This marvel of horological engineering is equipped with a robust 44-hour power reserve, ensuring meticulous timekeeping even when set aside for a day. At its heart lies the sophisticated Incabloc® shock protection system, safeguarding the movement against life’s unexpected jolts and ensuring longevity and reliability. Furthermore, the inclusion of 18 jewels within the movement not only reduces friction among the moving parts, enhancing accuracy, but also adds an element of refined luxury to the watch’s internal mechanics. The MECHANO stands as a testament to ROAMER OF SWITZERLAND’s commitment to blending traditional craftsmanship with avant-garde features, creating a watch that is both a functional masterpiece and a symbol of elegance.

The MECHANO is a perfect example of high-class Swiss Made functionality, paired with a classy stand-out vintage inspired design. A sophisticated soft square shape case and dial design, features a round skeleton window, allowing an engaging view into the Swiss Made mechanical hand-winding MST-23 movement signed Meyer and Stüdeli. Watching the gears at work through the glass caseback, you can especially appreciate the heart of the manual-wind MECHANO, where no rotor conceals any part of the mechanical movement.

Under a scratch-resistant anti-reflective sapphire crystal, the skeleton window of the MECHANO is set off with a dial in blue, black, green, or a striking cinnamon brown. Slender baton hour markers are doubled at the 12 o‘clock position. The five models come in an interchangeable box set with an extra strap included.

In colour-co-ordination with the model design, you will find a crocodile pattern style embossed hand-crafted Italian leather strap in black, blue, or brown. Thanks to an easy-change pushpin system, the MECHANO can change its look in no time at all, with no tools required.

Unveiling the Mechano collection in a gala launch event at the beautiful Zimson watch store in Bengaluru were Christian Frommherz, CEO and owner of Roamer and Jacques du Manoir, Antonello Miserino, CEO at FM Swiss Logistics, and Tony Harris, Sales Director, Roamer and Jacques du Manoir, who were accompanied by Ajay Gopal, Director, Bizotico Group; Akshay Gopal, Director, Bizotico and Movado Group India; Piyush Jain, National Sales Head, Bizotico; Chetan TR, Regional Manager South; Shamoeel, Director, Zimson Watches; and P. Rajendran, General Manager – Sales, Zimson Watches. 

Speaking about the collection, Christian Frommherz, CEO and owner of Roamer and Jacques du Manoir, said, “We are excited to bring Roamer’s Mechano collection to India, and present the consumer segment with a legacy of Swiss design that goes back over 135 years.
At Roamer we have a deep rooted tradition of achieving high quality production. Since its inception, we have been driving constant innovation in the space of watchmaking, earning our brand fame and appreciation the world over. Our association with Bizotico in India will ensure that the Mechano collection is accessible to the right consumer segment across India. We are proud to offer the aspirational Indian a timepiece that celebrates the convergence of tradition and modernity and stands as a symbol of timeless elegance.”

Speaking about bringing the collection to Indian Market, Akshay Gopal, Director, Bizotico Group, said, “We are thrilled to have launched the exquisite Roamer’s Mechano collection for the discerning Indian consumer. India is evolving rapidly, and we enjoy catering to the demand that stems from a growing appreciation of the finest designs, taste, and quality amongst Indian consumers. Roamer’s Mechano not only adds a whole new dimension to our exquisite collection of luxury value offerings but it also aligns perfectly with an emerging sophisticated audience who treasure excellence in all aspects of their lives. With our strong omnichannel presence we are committed to making Roamer more accessible to the masses.”

Shamoeel, Director, Zimson Watches, said, “We are excited to have Roamer Swiss Made and its finest product Mechano amongst our premium showcases for the Indian consumers. With its rich Swiss legacy, craftsmanship, and emphasis on quality, we’re confident the Mechano will captivate Indian customers who value both functionality and timeless design.”



With Sleek baton markers in appealing silver, gold, or rose gold, the dial comes in a selection of striking colours, including black, blue, green, and brown, with luminous baton hands adding a touch of brilliance. Customization is effortless with the Mechano interchangeable box set, featuring a stylish stainless steel bracelet or an additional leather strap for a vintage flair. An innovative push-pin system makes strap changes seamless, offering versatility for any occasion or mood.

Roamer’s association with Bizotico will help the Swiss watchmaker to leverage Bizotico’s strong distribution network, which includes over 250 retail stores and partners, to make Mechano available across premium watch stores in India.

Roamer’s Mechano watches will be available starting from INR 1,31,950/- onwards.

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Indiranagar welcomes a new culinary landmark as the Rameshwaram cafe expands with fresh flavors and spacious dining

Step into a grand South Indian experience at the new Rameshwaram Cafe, now open with ample seating and exclusive dishes in the heart of Indiranagar

Bengaluru – Bengaluru’s food scene just got a delightful addition with the grand reopening of The Rameshwaram Cafe in Indiranagar. Spanning 15,000 square feet on the bustling 100 Feet Road, the cafe combines the warm, welcoming spirit of South Indian hospitality with a fresh, modern dining experience. Designed to accommodate up to 400 guests, the new space is perfect for large gatherings or cozy meals alike, giving diners more room to relax and savor the flavors of the South.

With a thoughtfully curated menu featuring over 120 dishes, the Indiranagar outlet introduces new culinary delights exclusive to this location. Guests can now enjoy unique creations like the Jodi Masala Dosa, Chirotti, Tambuli, and Rasam Idly – recipes that capture the essence of traditional South Indian cooking with a fresh twist. Each dish is crafted using high-quality ingredients and served with a dedication to flavor, freshness, and authenticity.

“Indiranagar has always held a special place in our hearts, and with this new space, we’re excited to bring even more to our customers,” shared *Raghavendra Rao, Co-Founder and CEO of The Rameshwaram Cafe.* “This larger outlet allows us to expand our menu and provide a truly authentic South Indian experience. We’re thrilled to create a destination where people can come together over great food, right in the heart of Bengaluru.”

Alongside the new seating arrangements, the cafe offers convenient online ordering through Swiggy and Zomato, ensuring that even those staying in can enjoy the cafe’s renowned flavors. For those dining in, the spacious interiors and carefully designed layout create an inviting atmosphere, perfect for unwinding over a comforting South Indian meal.

Divya Raghavendra Rao, Co-Founder and Managing Director, added, “We’ve received such incredible support from our patrons, and this new outlet is a way for us to give back by elevating their dining experience. We’re proud to offer a space where people can feel at home, enjoy our expanded menu, and embrace the warmth of South Indian hospitality.”
The Rameshwaram Café is dedicated to creating an experience where every guest feels welcomed and valued. Known for its authentic South Indian cuisine, the new Indiranagar location elevates the dining experience with a warm, inviting atmosphere and a spacious layout. This outlet beautifully blends traditional and contemporary decor, featuring a vibrant, temple-inspired design that brings the richness of South Indian culture to life. This expansion represents a milestone in Rameshwaram Café’s growth journey and underscores its commitment to providing exceptional dining experiences for its patrons.

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St Joseph’s University Hosted Start-Up Mela 4.0

launches new council to foster innovation and entrepreneurship

Bengaluru: St Joseph’s University’s Entrepreneurship Cell, in collaboration with the Public Relations Office, hosted “Start-Up Mela 4.0” and launched the St Joseph’s University Institution’s Innovation Council at the university grounds. The event was inaugurated at 10 a.m. by Chief Guest Dr. Raj Waghray, Head of the Entrepreneurship (STEM) Cell, Foundation for Science, Innovation and Development (FSID) at the Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, along with Dr. PV Venkitakrishnan, Scientist and Former Director at ISRO.

This year’s Start-Up Mela 4.0 brought together more than 100 start-ups from a variety of sectors, providing a space for entrepreneurs, innovators, and start-up enthusiasts to showcase their ideas and products. Over 10 venture capitalists attended the event, offering budding entrepreneurs the opportunity to network with potential investors and explore funding options. The Start-Up Mela has become a platform for innovation, connecting students with professionals in the start-up ecosystem and inspiring future entrepreneurs to consider start-up opportunities.

The event also marked the official launch of the Institution’s Innovation Council at St Joseph’s University. The council aims to nurture a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship among students and faculty members, supporting the development of new ideas and fostering growth within the university’s academic and research community. The council will also provide resources and guidance for start-up initiatives, encouraging both students and staff to engage in entrepreneurial ventures.

Open to the public, students, faculty, and start-up enthusiasts, the event saw an enthusiastic turnout. Attendees engaged with innovators and gained insight into the start-up landscape, highlighting St Joseph’s University’s commitment to empowering young minds and contributing to India’s entrepreneurial future.

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