Dr. Venkata Mukunda M

I am a 36Y Male who seemed to have lived a healthy life without any issues/surgeries. One night (Wednesday), I had unbearable pain in my abdomen. I thought it to be a gastric issue and when it was not reducing, went to Emergency of a renowned hospital in Bangalore the next early morning (Thu). They gave painkillers, antacid, etc. and the pain reduced to some extent. During that time, my sugar level was detected to be around 300 units (it was normal when tested a year ago). So, I thought the Lockdown has brought upon this as well. Emergency Doctors sent me home asking me to revisit and get an ultrasound done if pain remains/increases.

Later in the evening, I called up Dr. Venkata Mukunda (who also happens to be my school friend) and upon listening to my case, he asked me to get Ultrasound/Sonography done as he suspected the acute pain could be from some other factor and not necessarily a gastric/acidity related issue.

The next day, I got my ultrasound test done and the radiologist found 3 large stones (1.3~1.7 cm) in my gallbladder, of which one was in the neck of the gallbladder. When I called up Dr. Mukunda to update him, he said he anticipated it and hence had asked me to get the Ultrasound done. Immediately he asked me to get a Liver Function Test (Blood test) done so that he can gauge the damage caused by the stones and if any stone(s) has/have moved out of the gallbladder, which requires further testing and procedures. The Liver Function Test results were normal and he started planning my surgery 5-6 days later.

As with any medical emergency, it was a shock for me and family that a seemingly perfect healthy person can get into such issues. Maybe reduced physical activities during the pandemic could be a major reason, however, the pain felt was too much to experience again. Had it been any other Doctor or Patient, there would have been another round of consultancy with other Doctors to see if surgery can be avoided and if any natural remedies/medicines can cure. However, since I knew Dr. Mukunda for a very long time and since he explained to me and my wife very patiently on why the surgery was required, we were convinced. No "Second Opinion" was taken and we agreed for the surgery on the next Wednesday.

Dr Mukunda prescribed a dose of anti-biotics and also to reduce my sugar levels we consulted another Diabetologist whose treatment ensured my sugar levels reached admissible limits. Moreover, due to ongoing Covid, I had to get my Covid test (RT-PCR) done for the surgery to take place.

Before the surgery, Dr. Mukunda used to check with me on a regular basis if my pain had reduced and through Pristyn Care, he ensured that I had a pleasant experience of pre-authorization of my mediclaim for the surgery. I got admitted to Apollo Spectra Hospital (Koramangala, Bangalore) on Tuesday. The pre-surgery checks/blood tests, ECGs, etc. were done. Sugar level was within range (110-160).

On the day of Surgery, Dr. Mukunda met me in the Pre-operative region of the hospital and very briefly discussed the procedure. He ensured that I was not afraid as it was my first surgery. He made me feel very comfortable and asked the support team to lead me to the Operation Theatre (OT). The anaesthetist and others made me feel very comfortable and within no time, I do not remember what happened.

Fast forward to 3-4 hours, I was in the post-operative care region and it was all hazy. When I regained partial consciousness, I could see Dr. Mukunda and my elder brother (who had accompanied me) discussing. Both of them came to me and told me the surgery was a success and showed me three stones (perfectly spherical I should say!) and my removed gallbladder organ in two different containers. Dr. Mukunda asked how I was feeling and ensured that I get good attention at the hospital. He allowed me to rest and then after shifting to my ward, he visited again to check on me. We had a good chat over the surgery and he explained the procedure along with post operative care I had to take for the night and next day, before he would again visit me. I had difficulty for the first night with pain and restricted movement.

However, the next day I was better in mobility and spirit and Dr. Mukunda explained further procedure, do's and don'ts very nicely. He also explained what would happen if I do not follow the set procedures. In the discharge summary, all these were also mentioned and we reached home.

Post surgery, I used to update Dr. Mukunda every morning for 1 week. He would acknowledge my message and also ask me specific questions. Luckily my sugar levels started dipping while taking diabetes medicines and with concurrence of the diabetologist, I gradually reduced medicine dosage and have finally stopped diabetes medicine. With good control over food and regular walking, I suppose my sugar levels have reduced and I have to continue doing the same.

A week after the surgery, I visited Dr. Mukunda and he investigated the incision ports. The cuts had healed and he removed the pins. Thereafter he asked me to follow a few important steps (no lifting of > 5kg, no major workouts/exercise, running, swimming, etc. for atleast 2-3 months).

Today, (12 days after surgery), I feel almost normal (except I should not strain too hard/lift weights) and I owe my present situation to Dr. Mukunda. I thank him from the bottom of my heart for helping me diagnose the issue correctly and taking utmost preference in getting my surgery planned and executed. Had I waited for 2nd/3rd opinion, it would have caused more harm than help.

Summary:

1. Trust your Dr. He/She would have seen similar issues as yours.

2. Get all tests done as they mention.

3. Go with your intuition.

4. Follow the diet/steps told by the Dr.

When I had a sudden bout of stomach pain, I went to my nearby doctor who asked me to do an ultrasound, Upon seeing it, he diagnosed it as gallstones and asked me to check myself into a hospital to deal with it. I didn't know which hospital to go to. And I was worried about the cost of the procedure.

I searched online and went to the first clinic it recommended. The Clinic - Pristyn Care, Koramangala. Mr.Ajith who was the point of contact from Pristyn Care set up an appointment with their doctor. And I am so happy the doctor turned out to be Dr.Venkat. The day I took all my scans and went to his clinic (Pristyn Care, Koramangala), he sat with me patiently, literally took out a paper and drew the anatomy of the digestive system and explained what was wrong as per my ultrasound. And suggested we do the surgery asap because there was a 16mm stone at the neck of the gall bladder blocking the flow of bile from the gall bladder to the small intestines, thus preventing digestion. He painstakingly explained what happens with surgery, without surgery, alternatives to it and covered all range of questions for over 30 minutes...and I knew the only viable option I had was surgery. When discussing the cost, I was surprised at it being inexpensive as opposed to what was told to me in major hospitals. So I got admitted the next day. And Dr.Venkat performed the surgery.

Turns out, once he went in, the gall bladder was way more damaged than was seen in the ultrasound. It was enlarged, with a 1cm thick wall, filled with infection and puss!! What was a one hour procedure took over three hours. But Dr.Venkat, as per the nurse who described the surgery to me later, took great efforts to make sure it was a clean surgery with all infection removed (over 50ml of puss suctioned out) and the gall bladder was removed without problems and as minimally invasive as possible.

I was asked to stay an extra day for observation, owing to the severity of the surgery. By the next day I was already walking and Dr.Venkat visited me in the hospital to describe what had happened. And also told me certain other anomalies he found in the body, which I can start addressing right away, so that I don't land up on a surgery table years later.

The second day, Dr.Venkat visited me again and checked on me and I was allowed to go home. It was a pain-free procedure except for the discomfort in the stomach owing to how complicated the surgery had turned. By the seventh day, I was completely alright. And I visited Dr.Venkat who checked on me again and removed the staples and once again gave me instructions on how to maintain my body and so on. That was another 30 minutes! The doctor makes time for patients like no other doctor I know!! :-)

Even though the hospital stay for extended for a day, Dr.Venkat and Pristyn Care made sure the cost wouldn't go too much beyond the package I was initially told. I just had to pay the hospital 10k extra because of the extra day and also for the additional equipments that had to be used for the surgery and also the additional medicines for the extra day. Dr.Venkat and Pristyn Care made sure the cost was exactly as I was told and I was extremely grateful that such doctors and clinics still do exist!! Right from arranging a transport to bring me to the hospital, to arranging for me to be dropped back home after surgery, with two of their 'care buddies' repeatedly checking on me everyday, Pristyn Care turned out to be much more than I expected...and Mr.Ajith and his team took care of every concern (especially the cost) without us having to stress about anything.

It's been three weeks since surgery and I am perfectly fine, my medicines ended yesterday and I feel absolutely relieved. I sent the report of the biopsy to Dr.Venkat on WhatsApp and he responded with observations and I am totally free from any further issues. I am eternally grateful to Dr.Venkat for the amount of work put in by him and for stepping in at just the right time and helping me with this.

Everything was explained clearly, everything was laid out openly and honestly. He took as much time as I needed to explain to me what needed to be done, before the surgery. But most impressively....even seven days AFTER surgery, he took equal amount of time to talk to me even though he didn't need to! That shows genuineness and I would recommend anyone in need of help in this area to go to Dr.Venkat. He is the best!!

The doctor was very good and explained everything clearly. I understood all the details well. The clinic experience was also good, and I would recommend Dr. Venkata Mukunda M to others.

Last 8 -10 years I had gallstones. I was delaying surgery just because I wanted to avoid the hassle of running around hospitals and running behind insurance approval. Then I came to know about Pristyn Care. The way it started and ended it, changed my whole perception of medical care. I still can’t believe, how could the overall process of my gallbladder surgery be so easy?

It started with my search for the best surgeon in Bangalore for Gallstones. Practo brought me to Dr Venkata Mukunda. I was impressed with Practo ratings and patient experience with him. So I decided to get the consultancy from him. Had an online consultancy with him and I was given a single point of contact (Mr Ajith). Real surprise came when I was told that I need not worry about insurance approval and hospital selection. Mr Ajith took all the hassles, he took care of insurance approval, free pickup and drop cab booking and hospital selection. Everything was just sitting at home. No paperwork at all.

My insurance company had a daily bed charges limit of Rs 3000 only, whereas most hospitals charge Rs 6000 for twin sharing rooms. So I was expecting a low-quality hospital room. Pick up cab came to my house and directly brought me to Apollo hospital Seshadripuram. There was a care-buddy from Pristyn care who helped me to get admitted. The admission process took more time than expected but it was painless. They admitted me even before insurance approval. I did not pay any money from my pocket. Insurance approval came a little late at night, but I was already given room and basic medication.

It was a big surprise for me that the hospital room was way better than I was expecting. Much better than 3-star hotels. ( Only thing missing was beer and barbeque, just kidding... ). Nurses on the press of a button, regular cleaning of rooms, toilets. Prompt room service.

The next day morning I was made ready for surgery. MRCP and blood test was done early in the morning. My operation was a complicated one, so it took 5 hours to get all the stones removed. They gave me a full box of stones, around 100 plus big and small stones. The surgery went well and I could recover quickly. I got discharged in 2 days. Thanks to Dr. Venkata Mukunda. ** ** *** **** ******* * **** **** ************ Till discharge, he visited me (even on Sunday) and made sure everything was fine. He is my real-life hero.

I am from Pune came to visit my family in Bangalore. Since a week had abdominal pain.did USG and found 2 gallbladder stone of 12mm and 10mm each. So had to get it operates . First appointment and visit with doc was at mediscan.Doc was on time explained and answered all queries.Assured of quick and complete recovery.As I had to travel back to Pune.He gave appointment to get the same operated at Apollo hospitals Bannerghatta road..The transaction was smooth starting from admission till discharge..doc visit on time and other medical issues were addressed.. About doc I am really happy and glad to meet such a doc who gave me so much time answered all my questions and assured for any assistance even when I am in Pune.I am really glad to meet such a kind person..in the afternoon around 2pm my operation was done Nd I was kept in recovery room..it was unbelievable for me that I could start walking by night around 9pm which is great recovery. When your doc helps you with positive thoughts and gives you courage for a quick recovery,you end up showings response fast..from next day after discharge I was able to do all my basic work like getting up on my own till walking around while I follow do's and don'ts.. Highly recommend the doc..best for consultation and surgery..I also have hernia which requires operations but not that early.. I will plan my next visit to Bangalore and do it from Doc Venkat..I would like to thank you so much Doc 🙏🙏🙏🙏😊

Would like to write a note to share our experience with Dr. Venkata Mukanda

I was diagnosed with Gall Stones and was suffering with difficult phase of my life of painful days and nights. On top of it was running post to pillar to get self-referred to the right doctor for professional and medical guidance and support. To my luck and blessing of almighty got thru Dr. VENKATA via Pristyn Care. To the best of the blessings of almighty, got thru the wisest, softest, humanitarian and extremely professional Dr. Venkata. He personally not only understood our concern, but also assured the best in class service and support until we are thru the medical support required. During the COVID times, while we all were afraid of stepping out of our home, but Dr. Venkata organized all services at the doorstep (from consultation to the reports / diagnosis etc.) We were given the consultation by the extremely humble *** *** ****** ** *** ***** *** ******* ******* ** ***** * ****** ** *** ********** Dr. Mukunda is utmost patient, courteous Doctor we have ever met and he understood our concerns with utmost care and attention and advised and executed the Lap Coly the only solution.

Hence we would like to express our gratitude to Dr. Mukanda and May Lord Bless him with good health and longevity to support many more patients like me..

Writing on behalf of my wife - Isha Shete.

Surgery Date : 19th September 2020

Review Date : 12th October 2020

My wife was suffering from stomach ache for some time. One of the doctors we consulted suggested on doing ECG. ECG revealed that there were 2 stones in her Gall Bladder.

We found Dr. Venkata through Practo and based on the feedbacks from other patients we decided to consult with him. We met him on 17th September 2020. He looked at the reports are explained the issue in a way a layman can understand. He cleared all our doubts and answered all our questions very patiently. As per his recommendation we decided to get the Laproscopy done right away. The surgery was performed on 19th September. During the surgery doctor found out that my wife has a different condition called 'Adhesion' where the organs are stuck to the inner abdominal wall. Due to this condition a surgery which takes generally 1 hour took almost 4 hours. I thank Dr.Venkata that he took his time and ensured that surgery is completed properly. My wife has recovered well and there are no issues as of now. Doctor was in constant touch even post surgery to ensure the proper recovery. I highly recommend everyone reading this post to consult with Dr. Venkata for any of their relevant medical problems.

I was diagnosed with a problem of inguinal hernia during my first consultation with doctor. He heard my symptoms, did physical examination and explained me everything very calmly and patiently. He gave enough time and explained everything in detail, from the body anatomy, letting me know how the problem could have occurred, various treatments for the problem and finally explaining the treatment that was suitable for me. He was very confident and I never felt the need to get a second opinion. The suggested treatment for me was laparoscopic inguinal hernia mesh repair. I underwent the surgery and stayed in hospital for just one day. The surgery went well and i was discharged by the doctor next day. I am quite impressed by the laparoscopic surgery. The doctor made only 3 cuts that are very small in size (2 cuts about 1 cm in length and 1 big cut which was still only 1 inch in length). I could carry out my daily activities almost immediately the following day. I met him after a week to get the dressing removed, and by that time the wound had healed very well. I am advised to avoid strenuous activities for 3 weeks after the surgery.

All this being done during covid times, lot of safety precautions were followed by the doctor and hospital. So it was one less thing to worry about.

Overall i had a very good experience. Doctor is friendly, approachable and confident. I would definitely recommend him to anyone with a similar problem.

It had been more than one and a half years since no medication or treatment could help my brother in law in getting rid of anal fistula. His condition was affecting his professional career as well as his life. He was really embarrassed of this disease. One of our common friends suggested him to check Pristyn Care on the internet. After going to the website, he was quite convinced and took an appointment with Dr. Venkata Mukunda M who sits at Pristyn Care associated hospital in Koramangala, Bangalore. The doctor was very courteous and empathetic towards him. My friend did not feel hesitant in sharing his problem with the doctor who ensured him to cure fistula permanently. My friend was a bit apprehensive about the laser treatment but when he got to know its benefits over the conventional surgery, he was sure about undergoing the treatment. There were only minor interruptions in the treatment journey which were also efficiently taken care of by the doctor and the staff. It’s been more than three months since the surgery, and he is doing good in his personal as well as professional life and all the credit goes to Pristyn Care for creating trustworthy relationships between doctors and patients.

I highly recommend Dr. Venkata Mukunda for surgery. When I was referred, I was a bit anxious and surprised that my primary care doctor felt surgery was needed. Dr. Mukunda met with my family and explained everything in understandable terms and made me feel very much at ease about the upcoming procedure. The day of the surgery he went over what was to be done, answered my questions and all went well as expected. The entire staff at Marigold Hospitals were attentive, interested and professional and I would definitely recommend them when surgery is needed! I had minimal pain following the procedure. The follow-ups after the surgery were taken care of in an efficient and easy manner. I would like to thank him for all he has done for me and wish him all the best!