When she began practicing medicine in the 90s, minimally invasive surgery was in its nascent stage. Dr. Manjula Anagani, a well-known gynaecologist and obstetrician in the city, saw the merits of the procedure especially in women’s health.
After nearly two decades of pursuing her passion and developing several new techniques in the field of laparoscopic surgery the doctor has been selected for one of the highest civilian honours, the Padma Shri.
One of the seven from the city to have won the prestigious award this year, Dr Manjula says the announcement came as a surprise.
“I knew about the nomination but didn’t expect to be actually selected. I was at a national conference when I got the call confirming the conferment and I was elated. The award came as a bigger surprise for my family, who had no inkling about the nomination,” she smiles, as she sits in her office at Sunshine Hospital with old Hindi songs playing softly in the background.
“I trained in both minimally invasive surgery and IVF and for a short while I tried my hand at IVF.
Minimally invasive surgery, which was just developing at the time helped me provide my patients with better treatment options while cutting down the risk of infections and recovery time,” says the doctor, who is credited with pioneering several new techniques in laparoscopy including her work on primary amenorrhea (absent menstrual cycles), using autologous stem cells to regenerate endometrium and a technique to create a Neovagina for women with absent vaginas.
“Back then minimally invasive surgery was a man’s world and it was more experience based, with surgeons developing their own techniques.
I soon realised that it was the future of medicine. From a 10mm incision we’ve now progressed to doing surgeries through a mere 3mm incision. From basic cameras we’ve now progressed to ones that afford us a panoramic view of the body and allow for precision,” she explains.
The reputed gynaecologist has in the past been associated with Apollo Hospitals, Care Hospital and currently is a consultant at Sunshine Hospitals.
But apart from being at the helm of cutting edge techniques in her field, she also heads several teaching programmes, has published several papers, consults at a hospital in Dubai and also founded an NGO Pratyusha along with actor Samantha to spread awareness about women’s health, while also extending help to those in need.
“When your work is driven by passion, you find a way to make it all happen,” she says about juggling so many roles. “It helps that I have always associated myself with health institutes rather than just hospitals as it gives me the chance to carry on my research work as well,” she adds.
But none of her work would have been possible without the support of her family she says. “It was my father’s dream that I become a doctor. I’ve been blessed with a very supportive family.
Even after I got married my husband and mother-in-law were with me every step of the way. In fact, I did my post graduation after marriage. On my part I try and ensure that I’m there for important family events. It’s all about prioritising and planning,” she smiles.
Published - February 09, 2015 08:01 pm IST
