‘Most patients colorectal diseases in Karachi are in their 20s and 30s’

[Naveed Yaseen]

By Saher Baloch
Colorectal disease is the third most common form of cancer and the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the west; however, while the age for developing colorectal disease is usually 60 to 70 years in Europe, most patients in Karachi are much younger, “mostly in their 20s or 30s,” said Professor Neil Mortensen, an internationally acclaimed colorectal surgeon and a professor at the University of Oxford Medical School.

He is currently in Karachi to conduct a live demonstration of colorectal surgery at the Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Center and to share his experience with surgeons in Pakistan.

The live demonstration means that Prof. Mortensen will perform the surgery behind a glass wall, while surgeons from the four provinces of Pakistan will observe the procedure. “The basic purpose of this live demonstration is to raise the standard of surgery as well as counter the various questions that come into a surgeon’s mind while dealing with a difficult situation,” Prof. Mortensen told The News.

“Colorectal Disease is the growth of a cancerous tumour in the bowel, rectum or anus. The symptoms may vary, depending on the location of the tumour inside the body,” Prof. Mortensen said. He explained that if the tumour is located near anus, then a change could occur in bowel habits; blood in the stool might also indicate rectal cancer.

Prof. Mortensen completed his surgical training in 1977 from Bristol. In 1981 he became the resident surgical officer at St Mark’s Hospital in London (the only specialist hospital for colorectal disease in Europe at that time) and returned to Bristol as a senior lecturer and consultant surgeon on the Bristol Royal Infirmary in 1982. He is currently the chairperson of the British Journal of Surgery Society, founded in 1912, one of the leading surgical journals of the world; he is also the Clinical Director of Surgery at the John Radcliffe Hospital. Prof. Mortensen has published over 260 original papers, 30 book chapters and has edited five dozen books.

He said that people need to be made aware of colorectal disease, because they currently have a very low understanding of the disease — a fact that affects their overall wellbeing. Moreover, early diagnosis of the disease can help doctors come up with a solution, he said.

Prof. Mortensen said that facilities at the hospitals in Karachi are “no way near enough” and are “sparse” compared to the number of patients. He pointed out the lack of specialists, which, he said, needs to be dealt with as soon as possible.

Prof. Mortensen, however, appreciated the sincerity and eagerness of the postgraduate trainees and the paramedical staff work at hospitals. “The female trainees impressed me especially, with their keenness and ability to work hard in difficult circumstances,” he said.

Prof. Mortensen also praised the hospitality of the residents of Karachi. He said that during his four-day stay in the city, he has already attended three back-to-back weddings…“with delicious food,” he added with a laugh.