Date : 08/04/2010
KUWAIT, April 8 (KUNA) -- The committee on morality of the medical
profession approved conducting bypass surgeries for multiple sclerosis (MS)
patients for research purposes, the Ministry of Health said on Thursday.
A surgery of this kind could be conducted through inserting a catheter into
a vein of the neck to enlarge it and facilitate the blood circulation,
chairman of the standing committee for coordination of medical researches at
the ministry, Dr. Youssof Al-Nesf, said.
"The move which came in response to a presentation made at the meeting of
the committee by Dr. Tarek Senan aims to ensure the safety of patients and
protect the rights of researchers," Al-Nesf told KUNA after the meeting.
"The presentation meets the legal, moral and scientific criterions
specified by concerned organizations including the World Health Organization
(WHO)," he affirmed.
Under the decision of the committee, the researchers are asked to inform
beforehand the patients of the medical checks, surgical procedures, the
benefits, and the possible risks and complications of the surgeries the
patient are supposed undergo.
"No measures should be done without the knowledge and a written consent of
patients in line with the internationally-recognized protocol of medical
treatment," Al-Nesf underscored.
The MS bypass surgery was devised by Prof Paolo Zamboni, an Italian
vascular surgeon, as an experimental treatment similar to angioplasty in order
to enlarge the blocked veins.
Prof Zamboni gained international praise after his study, published a study
in 2009, proved to be highly successful in reducing MS symptoms.
However, some experts have expressed concern that the surgery may cause
clots in the brain although people with MS are exposed to gradual destruction
of their nerves or at least weakness and inability to walk. (end)
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