Alarming rise in deep vein problems in Kerala: Here's why

Kochi: Medical experts have flagged the rise in cases of deep venous problems in Kerala, which can cause disabilities among the youth also. The under-recognised health issue was highlighted at a two-day national conference recently held in Kochi to raise awareness about diseases and treatments related to deep veins. Dr Vimal Iype from Lourdes Hospital and Dr Sidharth Viswanathan from Amrita Hospital, Kochi, expressed their concerns over the increasing incidence of deep venous problems in Kerala, terming it ‘alarming’. They attributed the rise to “increasing obesity, unhealthy food habits, and sedentary lifestyles.” 

The conference emphasized the alarming rise in morbidity and mortality linked to deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a condition where blood clots form in the deep veins of the body. Discussions included innovative, minimally invasive interventional techniques for treating such clots. The therapeutic potential for addressing blocked lower lymph veins in patients suffering from conditions like post-thrombotic syndrome, particularly in those with DVT, was also explored. "Diseases affecting the deep veins of the leg are generally under-recognised and can cause significant disability in the younger population, leading to issues such as leg swelling and non-healing ulceration," Dr Sunil Rajendran, Vascular Surgeon at Starcare Hospital, Kozhikode, and the organising chairman, said. 

Dr Stephen Black, a vascular surgeon from St Thomas Hospital, London, emphasized the importance of angioplasty and stenting of the leg veins. Dr Sriram Narayanan, a vascular surgeon from Singapore, shared his experience with using a special ultrasound device (IVUS), which is crucial in treating such diseases. Jointly organised by the Vascular Society of Kerala and the Vascular Society of India, the event was inaugurated by veteran vascular surgeon Prof K S Neelakandan and Dr P C Gupta, the president of the Vascular Society of India. Special sessions covering approximately 15 topics were held during the program at Kochi Ramada Hotel, with over 100 attendees from India, London, the USA, and Singapore. The event was presided over by VASK president, Prof Dr R C Sreekumar, with participation from Dr Rajesh Anto, a member of the Scientific Committee, V Vineet, and others.