FEBRUARYASIA BUSINESS OUTLOOK19COMPANY SPOTLIGHTAdditionally, he works as an Associate Professor at Apollo Hospitals Education and Research Foundation and is also an International Advisor to the Royal College of Surgeons of Glasgow.Mastering Complex HerniasThe doctor specializes in advanced hernia surgery and abdominal wall reconstruction. His work spans uncomplicated and complex hernias using open, laparoscopic, and robotic approaches, with a strong emphasis on technically demanding cases.Notably, his expertise includes transabdominal preperitoneal repair, intraperitoneal on-lay mesh repair, extended-view totally extra-peritoneal repair, and conventional open hernia surgery. Additionally, he performs advanced component separation procedures, including transversus abdominis release, and manages lateral abdominal wall defects through peritoneal flap hernioplasty.Furthermore, he provides specialized management for complex parastomal and loss-of-domain hernias. In selected cases, he has used the Fasciotens device to facilitate abdominal wall closure. In contaminated or infected surgical fields, he employs bioabsorbable meshes to achieve safe and durable reconstruction.Clinical Philosophy"My clinical philosophy centres on restoring function and quality of life, not just achieving anatomical repair," states Dr Premkumar Balachandran, Senior Consultant, Institutes of Hernia Surgery and Abdominal Wall Reconstruction at Apollo Hospitals, Chennai. He approaches each case with careful individualization, recognizing that hernia disease often impacts mobility, self-image, and daily living.In particular, he manages complex conditions that significantly impair patient well-being, including parastomal hernias, loss-of-domain hernias, and complex hiatal hernias associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease. These cases often require advanced planning and coordinated multidisciplinary care.Through this patient-centric approach, he aims to deliver outcomes that are durable, functional, and meaningful in the long term, even in the most complex hernia scenarios. Restoring Life beyond RepairThe case arrived as a referral from abroad and immediately stood out for its complexity. An elderly patient presented with a massive loss-of-domain hernia, where the hernia sac had grown to more than 20 percent larger than the abdominal cavity itself. Everyday movement had become difficult, and the visible deformity caused profound social distress. The challenge deepened when an infected mesh from a previous surgery was found eroding through the skin, ruling out conventional closure and raising serious concerns about cardiopulmonary compromise.Drawing on advanced abdominal wall reconstruction strategies, Dr Balachandran planned a carefully staged solution. He performed component separation techniques and reinforced the repair with a bioabsorbable Phasix mesh, allowing safe closure without added physiological strain. The recovery progressed smoothly, without complications. Over time, the patient regained physical function and confidence, experiencing a transformative improvement in overall quality of life.The Path AheadDr Balachandran observes that laparoscopic and robotic techniques have significantly advanced hernia surgery by improving precision, reducing tissue trauma, and enhancing recovery. He underscores the impact of three-dimensional, contoured, and composite meshes, along with advanced fixation devices and bioabsorbable meshes, in improving outcomes. In the near future, he anticipates greater use of robotics and AI-assisted imaging to enable more precise, individualized, patient-centric care. My clinical philosophy centres on restoring function and quality of life, not just achieving anatomical repairFEBRUARYASIA BUSINESS OUTLOOK19
< Page 9 | Page 11 >