Tuberous Sclerosis
Steps Involved in IVF:
Procedure Description
Tuberous sclerosis (TS), also known as tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC), is a rare genetic disorder that leads to the development of benign tumors in various parts of the body, including the brain, kidneys, heart, eyes, lungs, and skin. These tumors, though typically non-cancerous, can cause significant complications depending on their size, number, and location. Tuberous sclerosis is caused by mutations in either the TSC1 or TSC2 genes, which play a crucial role in regulating cell growth. When these genes malfunction, cells may grow uncontrollably, leading to the formation of the tumors associated with the condition.
Treatment for tuberous sclerosis focuses on managing symptoms and controlling tumor growth. While there is no cure, modern medical interventions offer a variety of approaches to improve patients’ quality of life. The management of TSC typically involves a multidisciplinary team of specialists, including neurologists, dermatologists, nephrologists, cardiologists, and geneticists. Treatment approaches range from medications, such as mTOR inhibitors like everolimus, which help reduce tumor size, to surgical interventions for removing or controlling larger, more problematic growths.
In addition to medications and surgery, supportive therapies are essential in managing the complications of tuberous sclerosis. These may include therapies for epilepsy (a common feature in TS patients), developmental delays, behavioral issues, and organ-specific complications. For example, children with severe developmental delays may benefit from speech therapy, physical therapy, and occupational therapy. Regular monitoring through imaging studies and genetic counseling also forms a key part of long-term management.
Procedure Duration
The management of tuberous sclerosis is not a one-time event but a lifelong process that evolves based on the individual patient’s condition. Different phases of care may include diagnostic evaluations, acute treatment interventions, and long-term follow-up. The duration of individual procedures, such as surgeries or tumor removal, will depend on the size and location of the tumor as well as the patient’s overall health.
Diagnostic Phase: The diagnostic process begins shortly after birth or early childhood when symptoms, such as seizures or skin abnormalities, manifest. This phase involves a series of tests, including brain imaging (MRI or CT scans), echocardiograms, and genetic testing to confirm a TS diagnosis. The diagnostic phase may take a few weeks, as doctors need to confirm the presence of TSC gene mutations and assess the extent of organ involvement.
Acute Interventions: Once a diagnosis is confirmed, the next phase involves initiating treatment to manage any acute symptoms. If the patient has epilepsy, treatment may begin with anti-seizure medications. If problematic tumors are present, medications like mTOR inhibitors are prescribed to reduce their size. In cases where surgery is needed, such as for tumors causing severe complications in the brain, kidneys, or heart, the procedure duration may vary based on the complexity. For example, brain surgery to remove subependymal giant cell astrocytomas (SEGAs) could take several hours and require additional recovery time in the hospital.
Ongoing Care: Following any acute interventions, patients will need ongoing monitoring. Regular imaging tests, including MRIs, ultrasounds, and other diagnostic scans, are performed every six months to a year, depending on the severity of the condition. Adjustments in medications or additional surgeries may be necessary as tumors can re-grow or new ones may appear in different organs. Long-term management, therefore, spans a patient’s lifetime, with different procedures and treatments occurring at various intervals.
Benefits
- Early Tumor Detection and Control: Treatments help identify and reduce the size of tumors before they cause severe complications.
- Symptom Management: Medications and therapies can effectively manage seizures, developmental delays, and behavioral issues.
- Improved Quality of Life: With a comprehensive treatment plan, patients often experience significant improvements in their day-to-day functioning.
- Minimized Organ Damage: Timely interventions, such as mTOR inhibitors or surgery, can prevent long-term damage to critical organs like the brain, kidneys, and heart.
- Lifelong Monitoring and Care: Regular follow-up care ensures that complications are identified early, allowing for proactive management.
Potential Destinations
- United States
The U.S. is home to world-class research institutions and medical centers specializing in rare genetic disorders, including tuberous sclerosis. Medical tourists often seek care in the U.S. due to the advanced diagnostic technologies and access to cutting-edge treatments such as genetic therapies and neurosurgical options.
- Germany
Known for its high standards in healthcare, Germany provides state-of-the-art facilities for treating neurological disorders like TSC. With a focus on integrating surgical precision with comprehensive rehabilitative care, Germany is an ideal destination for those seeking advanced care for tuberous sclerosis-related tumors and neurological complications.
- Japan
Japan has a reputation for innovative approaches in medical treatment, particularly for genetic and neurological disorders. Its focus on personalized medicine, combined with a strong healthcare infrastructure, makes it a top destination for patients requiring long-term management of tuberous sclerosis.
- South Korea
South Korea offers advanced medical services at internationally accredited hospitals, many of which are renowned for their expertise in neurology and oncology. Its healthcare system is well-suited for patients seeking a multidisciplinary approach to TSC, including genetic counseling and tumor treatment.
- India
India has become a major hub for medical tourism due to its cost-effective yet high-quality healthcare services. The country’s expertise in neurosurgery, as well as access to modern treatments such as mTOR inhibitors, makes it a viable option for patients looking for affordable care for tuberous sclerosis.
Risks & Considerations
- Potential for Tumor Recurrence: Even after surgical removal or medication-based reduction, tumors can regrow, necessitating ongoing treatment and monitoring.
- Seizure Risks: Epilepsy is a common symptom in patients with tuberous sclerosis, and managing seizures can be challenging, requiring frequent adjustments in medications.
- Developmental Delays: Children with TSC often experience developmental issues, requiring long-term therapy to address motor skills, speech, and behavior.
- Organ Damage: Untreated tumors in the kidneys, heart, or lungs can lead to permanent organ damage or failure over time.
- Complications from Surgery: Surgical procedures to remove tumors, especially in the brain, carry risks such as infection, bleeding, and neurological impairment.
How to Choose the Right Doctor and Hospital
When selecting a doctor or hospital for tuberous sclerosis treatment, patients should prioritize centers with a multidisciplinary team of specialists who have experience in treating rare genetic disorders. This includes access to neurologists, oncologists, nephrologists, and cardiologists who can provide comprehensive care for all aspects of the condition. Additionally, patients should look for hospitals with a proven track record in neurology, oncology, and genetics, as well as access to the latest diagnostic and therapeutic technologies.
It is essential to seek out facilities that offer long-term follow-up care since tuberous sclerosis requires continuous monitoring and management throughout the patient’s life. Finally, choosing a hospital with international accreditation and positive patient reviews can provide further reassurance regarding the quality and safety of care provided.
To receive a free quote for this procedure please click on the link: https://www.medicaltourism.com/get-a-quote
Patients are advised to seek hospitals that are accredited by Global Healthcare and only work with medical tourism facilitators who are certified by Global Healthcare Accreditation or who have undergone certification from the Certified Medical Travel Professionals (CMTP). This ensures that the highest standards in the industry are met. GHA accredits the top hospitals in the world. These are the best hospitals in the world for quality and providing the best patient experience. Click the link to check out hospitals accredited by the Global Healthcare Accreditation: https://www.globalhealthcareaccreditation.com
Frequently Asked Questions
What actually happens during hyperstimulation of the ovaries?
The patient will take injectable FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) for eight to eleven days, depending on how long the follicles take to mature. This hormone is produced naturally in a woman’s body causing one egg to develop per cycle. Taking the injectable FSH causes several follicles to develop at once, at approximately the same rate. The development is monitored with vaginal ultrasounds and following the patient’s levels of estradiol and progesterone. FSH brand names include Repronex, Follistim, Menopur, Gonal-F and Bravelle. The patient injects herself daily.
What happens during egg retrieval?
When the follicles have developed enough to be harvested, the patient attends an appointment where she is anesthetized and prepared for the procedure. Next, the doctor uses an ultrasound probe to guide a needle through the vaginal wall and into the follicle of the ovary. The thin needle draws the follicle fluid, which is then examined by an embryologist to find the eggs. The whole process takes about 20 minutes.
What happens to the eggs?
In the next step, the harvested eggs are then fertilized. If the sperm from the potential father, or in some cases, anonymous donor, has normal functionality, the eggs and sperm are placed together in a dish with a nutrient fluid, then incubated overnight to fertilize normally. If the sperm functionality is suboptimal, an embryologist uses Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection to inject a single sperm into a single egg with an extremely precise glass needle. Once fertilization is complete, the embryos are assessed and prepared to be transferred to the patient’s uterus.
How are the embryos transferred back to the uterus?
The doctor and the patient will discuss the number of embryos to be transferred. The number of successfully fertilized eggs usually determines the number of eggs to be placed in the uterus. Embryos are transferred to the uterus with transabdominal ultrasound guidance. This process does not require anesthesia, but it can cause minor cervical or uterine discomfort. Following transfer, the patient is advised to take at least one days bed rest and two or three additional days of rest, then 10 to 12 days later, two pregnancy tests are scheduled to confirm success. Once two positive tests are completed, an obstetrical ultrasound is ordered to show the sac, fetal pole, yolk sac and fetal heart rate.
Embryoscope©
Built into this technology there is a microscope with a powerful camera that allows the uninterrupted monitoring of the embryo during its first hours of life. In this way, we can keep a close eye on the embryo, from the moment when the oocyte is inseminated and begins to divide into smaller and smaller cells, until it can be transferred to the uterus.
Orthopedics Stem Cell
Knee
Research on mesenchymal stem cells regenerative properties in knee osteoarthritis. In these studies, researchers suggest that Stem Cell Therapy has the potential to regenerate lost cartilage, stop and reverse cartilage degeneration, provide pain relief, and improve patient mobility.
Shoulder
Stem Cell Therapy as an Alternative to Rotator Cuff & Shoulder Replacement Surgery. Stem cell therapy may offer an excellent alternative for patients looking to avoid shoulder joint replacement surgery, as well as many other surgical treatments for shoulder pain.
Ankle
If you suffer from chronic or acute ankle pain or instability due to arthritis, cartilage loss, ligament strain or tear, or tendon damage, then you may benefit from non-surgical stem cell treatments or stem cell-enhanced surgery.
Back Pain
Patients now have a minimally invasive option. Stem cell therapy for back pain and disc herniations can potentially repair the damaged disc or facet joint, restore function, rehydrate the disc, and ultimately alleviate chronic pain.
Anti-Aging Stem Cell
Hair Loss
Stem cell therapy and PRP therapy have been shown to be most effective for: Those in the early stages of hair loss, patients who are not viable candidates for surgery and women who prefer to avoid hair surgery.
Facial Anti-Aging
Aesthetic Anti-Aging. The Aesthetic Stem Cell Localized Treatment is a non-surgical minimally invasive procedure to enhance the appearance of aging skin and hair restoration. This all-natural technique combines dermal injections of bone marrow or adipose tissue derived stem cells and growth factors.
Fertility Stem Cell
Endometrial PRP
The stem cells used for treatment of a thin endometrium include mesenchymal stem cells. In addition, successful repair of the endometrium in pregnancy with stem cells has been reported previously.
Low Ovarian Reserve (PRP)
The treatment uses PRP (Platelet-Rich-Plasma), which with stem cell therapy is the novel therapeutic approach for restoring the quality of the ovarian reserve.Your PRP will contain a physiologic balance of platelets, growth factors and white blood cells tailored specifically for you.
Punta Mita Hospital
Mexico
Punta Mita Hospital - Genesis Cell
Mexico
