Obesity is strongly linked with arthritis, say researchers

Abu Dhabi / Emirates Business

Under the patronage of His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Culture and Knowledge Development, the 11th International Conference of Al Noor Hospital successfully concluded in Abu Dhabi. The two-day conference welcomed a large number of participants, all of whom were given the opportunity to exchange knowledge and expertise in the field of surgery.
The 11th International Conference of Al Noor, which was held in affiliation with the UAE Chapter of the American College of Surgeons, was specifically designed to keep Bariatric surgeons, General surgeons, Laparoscopic surgeons, Orthopaedic surgeons, Paediatric surgeons, Neurosurgeons, Vascular surgeons, Cardiac surgeons, Surgical oncologists, Anesthesiologists, Anesthesia technicians and Operating room nurses abreast of the latest developments in the practice of surgery.
Held under the theme “Current Surgical Practice, Challenges and Solutions”, the conference comprised a total of nine sessions, which covered a vast array of topics. The content rich agenda included interesting topics such as ‘Modern Management of Acute Appendicitis’, ‘Deep Brain Stimulation in the Treatment of Neurological Disorders’, ‘Advanced Recovery After Surgery’ and ‘How Anesthesia Can Change and Improve Bariatric Surgery Outcomes’, among others.
‘Obesity and Orthopaedic Surgery’ is a topic that was presented by Dr. Zakaullah Khan, Consultant Orthopedic Surgeon and the Medical Director of Al Noor Hospital Khalifa Street branch. During his presentation Dr. Khan said: “Clinical researches suggest that obesity is strongly associated with arthritis, which is the condition most commonly necessitating a knee replacement surgery.” Dr. Khan added: “It is estimated that obese patients are 8.5 times more likely to require a total knee replacement surgery than those who fall within the healthy weight range.”
Dr. Mario Patricolo, Consultant Pediatric Surgeon and Head of Pediatric Surgery, Al Noor Hospital Abu Dhabi gave a presentation titled ‘Modern Management of Acute Appendicitis in Children,’ during which he spoke about the several changes seen in the treatment of acute appendicitis over the last two decades.
Dr. Patricolo said: “An open appendectomy, in which the inflamed appendix is removed through an incision on the right lower part of the abdomen, was the technique of choice in the past. However, as diagnostic imaging techniques developed, healthcare professionals are now able to discover cases of appendicitis much earlier than before. Early and accurate diagnosis will therefore, allow them to explore other treatment options before resorting to surgery.”
Dr. Patricolo added: “In recent years, non-complicated cases are being managed also conservatively using intravenous antibiotics. However, the majority of cases with a clear diagnosis of acute appendicitis must be treated surgically using a traditional open technique or by using a laparoscopic approach. Some cases may be managed, at least initially, with a conservative approach by an expert trained medical team.”
In its 11th edition, the conference featured more than 30 speakers who have extensive experience in the field of surgery from the University Hospital of Perugia in Italy, Ain Shams University in Egypt, Hamad Medical Corporation in Qatar, King Hussein Cancer Center in Jordan, Southampton University Hospitals in the UK, Sheikh Khalifa Medical Center, Al Ain Hospital, Tawam Hospital, Al Zahra Hospital, Prime Hospital and Healthcare, and from Al Noor Hospitals Group.