Dr. Ashwin R. Maharaj, BSc MB BCh FACS

12/11/2023

Today I got one of the greatest pieces of news in my professional life. A patient that I was caring for on Saturday suffered a cardiac arrest while we were performing a gastroscopy for him. We immediately started CPR and for the next six minutes we watched him become blue and his eyes glazed over, and I feared the worst that we had lost him. With the expert help of my team; recovery and procedure room, nurses, and my expert anesthesiology colleague, primarily with high-quality CPR, (with the heel of your clenched, hand press, hard and press fast on the lower part of the breastbone, at least 2 inches in depth in adults, at a rate of about 100 to 120 compressions per minute.) (get somebody to call 911 as soon as possible)

We were able to return a pulse to a man I thought we had lost. I heard today that he was responding well to the sound of his daughters voice, and we are very hopeful that he will come off his breathing tube and return to his usual activity and enjoyment of life very soon!!

It was not that we gave him fancy drugs, or put a breathing tube in for him that brought him around … but high-quality CPR, which is the cornerstone of cardiac life-support in such situations. 

I implore everyone of you to learn, basic, cardiac life-support BCLS through the American Heart Association and the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada courses that will give you the skills needed to save a life as we did a couple of days ago. 

https://cpr.heartandstroke.ca/s/bls?language=en_US

09/30/2022

First Laser assisted Hemorrhoidoplasty (LHP)cases in Canada. 10 cases in and no problems, no calls or texts with severe pain after surgery. 🤞🏾Thanks to Paul, Gil and Eduardo and team at Clarion/Neo/The Clinic at Beverly Hills/ Thornhill Endoscopy and the trust in me from my patients to help my patients get here.

09/21/2022

Presenting minimally invasive surgical hemorrhoid therapy experience at the European Society of Coloproctology conference in Dublin

09/20/2022

One of my great inspirations to go into medicine and eventually surgery 😍😍. M*A*S*H

“Mike Farrell and I today toasting the 50th anniversary of the show that changed our lives - and our brilliant pals who made it what it was. MASH was a great gift to us.”
- Alan Alda
9/17/2022

09/10/2022

Recently returned from 30 year medical school reunion. Very happy to see my mentor who took me through my first appendectomy!!!

08/25/2022

Attended RCSI Scientific Meeting; connecting with Mentors and Colleagues was awesome!!

07/20/2022

You are invited to a Zoom webinar. Given by Dr. Ashwin Maharaj

THE DOWN LOW ON ALL THINGS THAT CAN GO WRONG WITH ONES BOTTOM:
HEMORRHOIDS
FISSURES
FISTULAS
ABSCESSES

When: Jul 20, 2022 20:30 Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Jul 20, 2022 20:30
Aug 17, 2022 17:00
Sep 13, 2022 10:00
Please download and import the following iCalendar (.ics) files to your calendar system.
Monthly: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/tZUvd-uuqT4pE9EcjFMjP6Dx9AoO1Fi03lRj/ics?icsToken=98tyKuGprDsoHNOQsxCCRpwcAIiga-7wtiVej_p4nxXDLipjNCfub8NNHeNZGYiD
Topic: BUTT FOR THIS AND THAT

Please click the link below to join the webinar:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81202675395?pwd=NTh6YlhjTStsdkpCc3ZjZ1p1N0dQUT09
Passcode: 809152
Or One tap mobile :
US: +14086380968,,81202675395 #,,,,*809152 # or +15642172000,,81202675395 #,,,,*809152 #
Or Telephone:
Dial(for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location):
US: +1 408 638 0968 or +1 564 217 2000 or +1 646 876 9923 or +1 646 931 3860 or +1 669 444 9171 or +1 669 900 6833 or +1 253 215 8782 or +1 301 715 8592 or +1 312 626 6799 or +1 346 248 7799 or +1 386 347 5053
Webinar ID: 812 0267 5395
Passcode: 809152

Zoom is the leader in modern enterprise video communications, with an easy, reliable cloud platform for video and audio conferencing, chat, and webinars across mobile, desktop, and room systems. Zoom Rooms is the original software-based conference room solution used around the world in board, confer...

04/15/2022

With great sadness I heard today the passing of the son of the originator of the Shouldice repair, Dr. Byrnes Shouldice. Both Drs Shouldice, Edward Earle and Byrnes championed and perpetuated, respectively, the simple timeless elegant genius of the continuous running non absorbable suture and the utility of the patients own tissues in the repair of primary groin hernias. Their legacy will leave on forever in the groins of their many hundreds of thousands patients and surgeons like me who will never forget.

06/26/2021

Loved chatting with you about my guides in my professional and personal development!!

NEW EPISODE ALERT🚨: "My Father was a GP". Please join me to hear the amazing story of Dr. Ashwin R. Maharaj, BSc MB B*h FACS.

Dr. Ashwin Maharaj, Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, Member of American College of Colore**al Surgeons, Outpatient Gastrointestinal Medicine and Natural Tissue Hernia Repairs, Clinical Lead Minimally Invasive Hemorrhoid Therapies is our special guest on Pulse by healthjobhub, Healthcare Superheroes Podcast with host Prasanthi Naidoo, founder of healthjobhub.com.

Hear his incredible story about what inspired him to become a physician and the work he does today.

Link to podcast:https://anchor.fm/prasanthi-naidoo/episodes/My-Father-Was-a-GP-e13dfu6

04/10/2021

The erstwhile enemy symptomatic hemorrhoid

04/03/2021

One of the people who were instrumental in stimulating my love of biology. Mr Dursley my Biology Guru teacher!!!

08/22/2020

https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/w3csz9dc

Lindsey Fitzharris tells the story of Ignaz Semmelweiss, the hand washer

06/10/2020

My greatest influences, my role models; my parents

03/25/2020

In this video, Sanjay Mukhopadhyay, MD, Director of Pulmonary Pathology in the Department of Anatomic Pathology, presents an overview of COVID-19, starting with the global numbers and ending with what he and other pathologists are seeing under their microscopes. He explains the histology of acute respiratory distress syndrome, highlights the diffuse alveolar damage seen in patients who are infected with the virus and offers a patient-friendly explanation of alveolar function and hypoxia.

https://youtu.be/v2EHsG-C_Rg

Learn more about how COVID-19 causes acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), the histology of ARDS, and how diffuse alveolar damage causes hypoxia in thi...

11/14/2019

Wonderful how we touch people in different ways. My colleague whom I took care of for his heartburn and acid reflux, I noticed when I was saying goodbye to him after I did a gastroscopy, that he never had a colonoscopy. I tried to convince him, but he said he would think about it.

I was glad to see him months later, when I removed a sessile serrated polyp, a nasty actor. He and I were very happy and again I said goodbye again, admonishing him to encourage his mom and dad and siblings to have a colonoscopy too. As much as 30% of colon cancer get their start through this serrated polyp to cancer pathway. I again forgot about him.

https://www.mdedge.com/ccjm/article/95697/gastroenterology/sessile-serrated-polyps-cancer-risk-and-appropriate-surveillance

Fast forward a few months later and I see his brother who had been bleeding for some time and listened to his brother and came to me for his colonoscopy. He had an advanced sigmoid colon cancer, but my other colleague removed it after which he stayed in hospital for only a few days.

No lymph nodes positive!!!!! = No chemo!!!!! He’s going to go back to Hong Kong to visit his aunt in the company of his 96 year old mom.

All of this from a little heartburn.

Feeling pretty chuffed about all of this!!!!

The serrated polyp pathway is different than the pathway for conventional adenomas. What does finding these polyps on colonoscopy mean for patient care?

11/03/2019

07/13/2019

I had a great day with Mr Amit Patel, Colore**al Surgeon, Saw three THD procedures today Very thankful to all and especially his three patients. Can’t wait to get back and help more patients with this excellent technique for symptomatic hemorrhoids.

https://proctocan.com/

THD™ – Transanal Hemorrhoidal Dearterialization The Minimally Invasive Treatment Option We’re here to help! “Note: This site contains graphic information which may upset some visitors to our site; this information is meant to inform. Your situation may vary, discussion with your own physicia...

07/13/2019

I had a great day with Mr Amit Patel, Colore**al Surgeon,. Saw three THD procedures yesterday Very thankful to all and especially his three patients. Can’t wait to get back and help more patients with this excellent technique for symptomatic hemorrhoids.

07/01/2019

Excited to be traveling to England this week to observe Dr. Amit Patel colore**al surgeon and how he takes care of symptomatic hemorrhoids. Will report back soon!!!!

03/27/2019

Very excited 😆 to have learned of a new medicine that is a true mucosal protectant in heartburn and GERD than the usual DROP THE ACID! (pun intended) of the stomach.

https://esoph.ca/

Hyaluronic acid exerts an anti-inflammatory effect by suppressing pro-inflammatory mediators, and an analgesic effect by decreasing the sensitivity of stretch-activated ion channels, thereby effectively blocking the pain response.

EsopH™ is a new OTC therapy for GERD. It helps relieve heartburn and protect the esophagus from acid reflux. Ask your pharmacist about EsopH™!

03/01/2019

Approximately 1 in 6 Americans will contract food poisoning this year. Review our slideshow for the signs and symptoms that can lead you to the correct diagnosis and treatment of foodborne diseases.

02/18/2019

The Pancreas; so often ignored. An excellent talk by my colleague Dr. Ryan S. Ponnudurai.

Your pancreatic health plays an important role in your quality of life. So how much do we really understand about our pancreas? In today’s show we discuss the common diseases associated with thi...

12/06/2018

Just went live with new website for advanced operation for symptomatic hemorrhoids!!!!! We are the first to offer in Canada

https://proctocan.com/

Conservative Treatment Options: The level of treatment is based on the degree of the hemorrhoid. THD is indicated for symptomatic internal hemorrhoids, 2nd, 3rd and 4th degrees.Consult a physician to discuss the various treatment options. 1st Degree: Because most hemorrhoids “shrink” or heal on ...

06/28/2018

The American Cancer Society (ACS) has updated its colore**al cancer (CRC) screening guidelines [7]. On the basis of an apparent increase in the incidence of CRC in younger adults, the ACS guidelines now make a “qualified” recommendation to begin screening persons at average risk for CRC at age 45 years, with a strong recommendation to screen at age 50 years and above. The guidelines also now offer six testing options to select among: colonoscopy every 10 years, computed tomographic colonography (CTC) every five years, sigmoidoscopy every five years, take-home high-sensitivity guaiac-based f***l occult blood testing yearly, take-home f***l immunochemical testing (FIT) yearly, and multitargeted stool-DNA test every three years, noting that any positive result on a noncolonoscopy test should be followed up with timely colonoscopy. In including more tests, rather than prioritizing tests that could detect both polyps and cancer, the ACS notes that screening with a test acceptable to the patient is preferable to the patient declining screening. For average-risk patients, and in keeping with most guidelines, we continue to initiate screening starting at age 50 years. We prefer colonoscopy when possible, and FIT or CTC if the patient cannot or will not have colonoscopy.

06/06/2018

Just returned from Montreal having learned a new minimally invasive, much less painful, less time off work definitive treatment of hemorrhoids.

My patients are well on their way to getting better much faster than the old technique of cutting hemorrhoids out!!!!

Hemorrhoids are not a frequently discussed topic. Most people simply tolerate the problem and are often frightened by the thought of traditional surgery. It ...

05/18/2018

Looking forward to learning from the the expert the non-Surgical obesity management in Tel Aviv!!!! Gastric Balloon; adjustable!

10/16/2017

Everybody start early to stress less over holidays!!

03/06/2017

https://www.facebook.com/ashwin.maharaj.75/posts/10154425488401847

While rates of colon and re**al cancer are on the decline in older people, they’re steadily rising amongst millennials and Gen-Xers. Here's why.

03/05/2017

https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fglobalnews%2Eca%2Fnews%2F3283310%2Fwhy-are-colon-cancer-rates-in-gen-xers-and-millennials-in-canada-rising%2F%3Futm_source%3DArticle%26utm_medium%3DEditorsPick%26utm_campaign%3D2015

11/19/2016

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/globe-debate/u-of-t-one-step-closer-to-offering-a-masters-of-pseudoscience/article25419832/

The university just released a report clearing an anti-vaccine course taught by a homeopath

12/18/2015

Very small polyp removed just a couple of weeks ago with a tiny focus of invasive cancer within it. She'll need a small length of colon removed in the new year and she'll be cured!
What do you tell people who say, 'no I feel fine, I'll feel it if I had cancer, I don't want an internal check!'

It was a good day... Happy holidays everybody eat lots fresh dark coloured foods everyday.

Best Ash

09/18/2015

Just heartburn you say. I get it all time but it goes away... Nothing to worry about right doc?
Well yes most of the time.......

09/06/2015

I think I'll just eat something the day before, what harm could it do? Bad idea..... Can't see that polyp that maybe hiding! Polyp that may have or turn into cancer!!!

Hey Doc; how come you missed my cancer two years ago....
.... Well Mrs. Jones you decided to stop taking the preparation medicine after 3 liters and not the full 4 litres that we prescribed for you and therefore didn't clean out properly! We are very sorry 😢

03/23/2015

Scoped a patient today; one in whom I found a large soft polyp with invasive cancer in it. Great news completely removed with no residual 6 months later. Oncologist at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre was happy and sent him back to us for follow up! No need for surgery!

We will follow him closely because he seems to have lots of little polyps. He was very happy as I was!!!!

03/12/2015

The beginning of the Gastroscopy; I'm asleep, very comfortable, no gagging or choking; breathing for myself.

03/12/2015

It's my turn to get my stomach and colon checked!

02/15/2015

Perfect example of a Perianal Hematoma. Not a hemorrhoid! Cut it out best cure... not cut it open and drain! Drain it and many times deeper lying clots remain to cause further pain and swelling... need for further operation.

12/17/2014

Case of probable Crohns ileitis/colitis. Took biopsies. Started on low residue diet/probiotics/prednisone (steroids) and antibiotics. Will let you know how this patient does