What sets surgical gastroenterologists apart from other specialists?

Surgical gastroenterologists are specialized doctors who focus on treating complex digestive system problems through surgery. What makes them unique is their in-depth knowledge of both gastroenterology (digestive health) and surgery. While regular gastroenterologists diagnose and treat many digestive issues without surgery, surgical gastroenterologists step in when surgery is needed. They have advanced training in performing surgical procedures specifically for digestive problems, like removing tumors or repairing damaged organs.

Is surgery always necessary for gastrointestinal conditions?

Surgery is not always necessary for gastrointestinal conditions. Many digestive issues can be managed and treated with non-surgical methods, such as medications, lifestyle changes, and dietary adjustments. Surgery is usually considered when other treatments haven't been effective, or when the condition is severe and poses a significant risk to your health.

How long does it typically take to recover from gastrointestinal surgery?

The recovery time after gastrointestinal surgery varies based on the type of procedure and individual factors. Generally, it can take a few weeks to several months for a full recovery. Less invasive surgeries often have shorter recovery times, while more complex surgeries might require a longer period. Factors like overall health, age, and how well you follow post-operative instructions also influence the recovery timeline. During recovery, you might experience some discomfort and limitations in daily activities.

Are there any risks associated with minimally invasive surgery?

Yes, there are some risks associated with minimally invasive surgery, although they are generally lower compared to traditional open surgery. These risks can include infection, bleeding, damage to nearby organs or tissues, and reactions to anesthesia. There's also a small chance of developing blood clots. However, skilled surgeons take precautions to minimize these risks.

Gut Microbiome Test - Dr. K V Dinesh Reddy

Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine once said that “All disease begins in the gut”.

He may not be entirely right in this regard but over the years numerous studies have proved that many chronic metabolic diseases begin in your gut.

Your gut isn’t just responsible for digestion, it also plays a huge role in metabolism, immunity, brain function, and even hormone regulation. Research suggests that when harmful bacterial products called endotoxins overtake the good ones in your gut they can sometimes leak through your gut lining and enter your bloodstream. These products are recognised as foreign molecules by your immune system and are attacked by immune cells— resulting in chronic inflammation. Over time, this inflammation may contribute to insulin resistance, obesity, fatty liver disease, and metabolic disorders like type 2 diabetes.

But the problem is most people don’t realize their gut health is compromised until they start experiencing symptoms like bloating, fatigue, skin issues, or frequent illnesses.

This is where a Gut Microbiome Test in Hyderabad can help.

What is a Gut Microbiome Test?

Your gut microbiome has trillions of microscopic organisms, i.e., more than 200 types of bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Some of them help in digestion and nutrient absorption and are extremely important to your immune system, heart, weight, and many other aspects of health.

Others may be harmful and associated with diseases like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) if they grow too much. A Gut Microbiome Test in Hyderabad is used to examine what types of microbes live in your gut using your stool sample. The test analyzes which bacteria are present, how diverse they are, and whether your gut is healthy.

With information from this test, doctors recommend personalized dietary recommendations to support gut health.

Who Should Go For a Gut Microbiome Test?

If you have been struggling constantly with bloating, gas, constipation, diarrhoea, acid reflux or any metabolic issue your doctor may advise this test.

But a Gut Microbiome Test in Hyderabad isn’t just for people with digestive issues. You can go for the test if you wish to learn more about your digestive tract.

How Do Gut Microbiome Tests Work?

Different gut microbiome tests offer varying levels of analysis. Some may provide a broad overview of gut bacteria, while others may provide a deeper analysis, identifying specific subtypes of bacteria.

There are two main types of gut microbiome tests:

1. Clinical Stool Tests

This is the most common type of gut test and is often done in hospitals or labs. This type of test looks for specific markers that may indicate gut infections, inflammation, or digestive disorders like IBS or IBD.

In this test, your stool sample is taken and the bacteria found in it is grown in the lab. This process detects harmful bacteria that may be causing diarrhoea, bloating, or gut infections. According to the reports, the doctor suggests treatment options.

2. Shotgun Metagenomic Sequencing (DNA Sequencing)

This is one of the most advanced methods used to analyze the gut microbiome. Most commercial microbiome tests use DNA analysis instead of traditional culture-based testing. Instead of just detecting harmful bacteria, this method extracts DNA from your stool sample to identify the different types and numbers of bacteria in your gut.

With this test, you can get a detailed breakdown of your gut microbiome, including the balance between good and bad bacteria, how diverse your gut microbes are, and whether you have an overgrowth of any particular strain.

It can help identify imbalances linked to conditions like IBS, food intolerances, and metabolic issues.

The Procedure for the Gut Microbiome Test

The test is a simple and non-invasive procedure. It primarily involves collecting a stool sample, which is then processed to extract and analyze microbial DNA. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of the procedure:

You can schedule a Gut Microbiome Test in Hyderabad online or by visiting a diagnostic lab.
Once the booking is confirmed you will receive a kit to collect a small stool sample at home.
The kit includes a sterile container, detailed instructions, and a collection tool to ensure hygienic and proper sample collection.
It is essential to follow the instructions carefully to prevent contamination.
The sample is sent to a lab, where advanced techniques like DNA sequencing or culture-based analysis identify the different microbes in your gut.
Once the results are ready, they are shared digitally or in a printed format, depending on the lab’s service options.

The entire testing process, from sample collection to report generation, may take a few days or weeks (usually around 35 days).

Costs of Gut Microbiome Test in Hyderabad

Gut microbiome test prices in Hyderabad range from ₹2,099 to ₹9,999, depending on the provider, test type, and analysis level.

What Do The Gut Microbiome Results Mean?

Once you receive your gut microbiome test results, you’ll find various metrics that indicate the health and diversity of your gut bacteria. Some key parameters include:

Microbial Diversity Score– A score above 7.0 (on a scale of 1-10) indicates a well-balanced gut microbiome and a score below 5.0 suggests poor gut health.

Good vs. Bad Bacteria Ratio– Beneficial bacteria like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium should ideally make up at least 85% of your microbiome, while harmful bacteria should remain under 15%.

Pathogenic Bacteria Levels– If harmful bacteria like Escherichia coli or Clostridium difficile exceed 10%, it may indicate gut dysbiosis or an infection.

Short-Chain Fatty Acid (SCFA) Levels– Healthy levels of SCFAs like butyrate should be above 10 mmol/kg. Low levels may suggest poor gut function and inflammation.

Inflammation Markers– High levels of calprotectin (>50 µg/g) or lipopolysaccharides (LPS >200 EU/ml) may indicate gut inflammation and a leaky gut.

If your test results are not ideal, don’t worry—consult Dr. K V Dinesh Reddy, a well-known gastroenterologist in Hyderabad. Based on the results, the doctor will suggest appropriate action that can help nurture your gut microbiome back to its healthy equilibrium.