On the Ground: Visiting Gadre Hospital with a Leading Colorectal Surgeon in Mumbai
- Pooja Vishwakarma
- 1 day ago
- 6 min read
As a medical journalist, I recently visited Gadre Hospital in Dadar East to meet Dr. Chintamani Godbole — a name that often comes up when one searches for “Colorectal Surgeon in Mumbai.” My goal was simple yet important: to observe directly how colorectal care is delivered in a real-world setting, understand the surgeon’s approach, and shed light on what patients can expect when considering surgery for diseases of the colon, rectum, or peritoneum.
Who is Dr. Chintamani Godbole — Qualifications, Experience & Clinical Setup
Dr. Chintamani Godbole is a highly qualified gastrointestinal and colorectal surgeon. His academic credentials include an MBBS and MS (General Surgery) from Seth G S Medical College / KEM Hospital in Mumbai, followed by a DNB in Surgical Gastroenterology from Jaslok Hospital — a recognized super-speciality training track.
Further advancing his expertise, he underwent fellowships in the UK: in robotic colorectal surgery (Coventry, UK) and in colorectal & peritoneal oncology (Basingstoke, UK), including training in cytoreductive surgery and HIPEC (Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy).
Today, Dr. Godbole practices at Gadre Hospital and is affiliated with multiple high-profile hospitals across Mumbai — offering patients access to sophisticated colorectal and peritoneal-surface oncology care.
During my visit, I observed that the hospital’s colorectal unit is set up to handle a broad spectrum of conditions: advanced imaging and diagnostics, pre-surgical evaluation, minimally invasive (laparoscopic/robotic) surgery, and postoperative care — giving the kind of environment one expects when seeking Colorectal Surgery in Mumbai under experienced hands.
Given his background, experience in complex surgeries, and his patient-centered approach (frequent mention of “personalised direct communication” in his profile), Dr. Godbole fits the profile of what people refer to when they look for a top-tier Colorectal Surgeon in Mumbai.
What Colorectal Care Looks Like — From Diagnosis to Treatment
During my time at Gadre Hospital, I witnessed the typical pathway a patient may follow:
Initial diagnosis & evaluation: Patients presenting with symptoms — such as bleeding, persistent abdominal pain, bowel irregularities, or suspected cancer — undergo comprehensive evaluation: clinical examination, colonoscopy or imaging, blood work, and sometimes advanced scans. Dr. Godbole emphasized that these steps are critical to establish accurate diagnosis before recommending any intervention.
Decision-making: conservative vs surgical care: Where possible (e.g., inflammatory bowel disease, early lesions, or benign conditions), the team may recommend medical management, monitoring, and lifestyle/diet modifications first. However, for structural problems, tumours, or advanced disease, surgical intervention becomes necessary.
Surgical intervention when needed: Dr. Godbole specializes in minimally invasive approaches — robotic and laparoscopic — for colon and rectal cancer, ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, peritoneal cancer (with cytoreductive surgery + HIPEC), sphincter-preserving resections, complex fistula or pelvic-floor problems.
Post-operative care and follow-up: After surgery, patients receive tailored aftercare: wound monitoring, rehabilitation if required, dietary guidance, and regular follow-ups — essential in colorectal care to monitor recovery, bowel function, and overall outcome.
This integrated, step-wise care model reflects contemporary best practices in colorectal medicine, and underscores why patients often search for “Colorectal Surgeon in Mumbai” when seeking reliable care.
Benefits and Risks of Colorectal Treatment
Benefits
Minimally invasive techniques: Robotic and laparoscopic surgery allow smaller incisions, reduced tissue trauma, less postoperative pain, faster recovery, shorter hospital stay — significant advantages over traditional open surgery.
Broad scope of treatment: Dr. Godbole’s expertise spans benign conditions (ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, fistula, pelvic-floor problems), malignancies (colon/rectal cancer), and advanced peritoneal disease — offering patients a wide array of options under one roof.
Organ preservation when possible: For rectal cancers or diseases near the sphincter, Dr. Godbole practices sphincter-preserving surgery where feasible — prioritizing quality of life and bowel continence over radical removal.
Holistic cancer and bowel-disease care: With additional capability for cytoreductive surgery and HIPEC, the centre can manage advanced peritoneal cancers — a complex, multidisciplinary challenge.
Personalised, patient-centred care: According to the hospital profile, patients value Dr. Godbole’s clear communication, thorough explanations, and consistent follow-ups—qualities that matter deeply in colorectal care.
Risks & Limitations
Surgical risks remain: Even minimally invasive colorectal surgeries carry inherent risks: infection, bleeding, anaesthesia complications, anastomotic leaks, bowel dysfunction, or need for revision — especially in complex cases.
Recovery demands compliance: Success depends significantly on postoperative care: diet, bowel rest, gradual reintroduction of food, physiotherapy or bowel rehabilitation, and follow-up monitoring. Non-compliance can hamper outcomes.
Not all conditions guarantee cure: For advanced cancers or extensive peritoneal involvement, even with cytoreductive + HIPEC therapy, outcomes vary; treatment may extend over months and require adjunct therapies (chemotherapy, radiation).
Cost and resource intensity: Advanced surgeries (robotic, HIPEC) require high-end infrastructure — these are resource-intensive, potentially limiting accessibility for some patients.
Approximate Cost Range
Estimating cost for colorectal surgeries in Mumbai can be challenging due to varying hospital charges, complexity of disease, type of surgery, pre- and post-operative care, and individual patient factors. However, data from public sources suggest a broad range: basic colorectal procedures may start at modest costs, but on average, colorectal surgeries tend to cost around ₹1,65,000, while more complex or extended treatments may reach up to ₹2,20,000.
Of course, cases involving advanced care — e.g. robotic resections, cytoreductive surgery, HIPEC, extended hospital stay, intensive postoperative monitoring — can cost more. Dr. Godbole noted that costs vary based on condition severity, procedure type, hospital stay, and supportive care required.
Precautions and Aftercare Advice Shared by Dr. Godbole
During our conversation, Dr. Godbole laid out several important precautions and aftercare guidelines for patients — especially those undergoing colorectal surgery:
Pre-surgical evaluation is critical: Before any surgery, thorough imaging, colonoscopy/biopsy (if needed), blood tests, and assessment of overall health and fitness — particularly for advanced cases — to minimize risk.
Bowel preparation and per-surgery instructions: Patients must follow strict pre-operative bowel-cleansing protocols if required, dietary adjustments, and avoid certain medications or substances as advised.
Postoperative care and diet: After surgery, gradual reintroduction of diet, attention to hydration, avoidance of heavy meals early on, and fiber-rich, balanced diet when appropriate.
Physical activity and rest balance: Early mobilization (as advised) helps prevent complications (e.g. blood clots), but strenuous activity, heavy lifting should be avoided during the initial healing phase.
Regular follow-up visits: Monitoring wound healing, bowel function, signs of infection or complications; periodic imaging or colonoscopy if required; vigilance for symptoms such as pain, bleeding or altered bowel habits.
Long-term lifestyle and preventive measures: For patients with risk factors (inflammatory bowel disease, family history, etc.), regular screening, healthy diet, avoidance of tobacco/alcohol, and stress management are recommended.
Dr. Godbole emphasized that surgery is just one step — long-term recovery and health require patient involvement, compliance, and lifestyle adjustments.
Who Should Consider Consulting a Specialist — And When to Seek It
Based on what I observed and heard, the following individuals may benefit from consulting a centre like Gadre Hospital under an experienced colorectal surgeon:
Patients with persistent colorectal symptoms: bleeding per rectum, altered bowel habits, unexplained weight loss, abdominal pain — especially when non-responsive to medication.
Individuals diagnosed with colorectal polyps, early or confirmed colon/rectal cancer, or peritoneal malignancy — where timely surgical intervention can significantly impact prognosis.
People suffering from inflammatory bowel diseases (ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease), complex fistula-in-ano, or pelvic-floor disorders requiring specialized colorectal care.
Patients seeking minimally invasive and sphincter-preserving surgical options to maintain quality of life and avoid drastic lifestyle changes.
Anyone needing multidisciplinary care: surgery + oncology + postoperative support — particularly for complex or advanced conditions.
However, for mild or early symptoms, or for general digestive discomfort, starting with conservative management, dietary changes, and periodic screening may be advisable.
Final Thoughts — Reflections from the Visit
Visiting Gadre Hospital and speaking with Dr. Chintamani Godbole impressed upon me the depth and complexity behind what many patients perceive simply as “colon or rectal surgery.” It isn’t just about removing a diseased segment — it’s about restoring function, preserving life quality, careful planning, and sometimes navigating cancer treatment.
In a city like Mumbai, with rising incidence of gastrointestinal and colorectal disorders, access to a dedicated colorectal centre led by a surgeon with both domestic and international exposure presents a critical resource. For patients confronting challenging diagnoses — whether cancer or chronic bowel disease — having a thoughtful, experienced, and empathetic colorectal surgeon can make all the difference.
If you or a loved one are facing colorectal issues, or simply wish for an expert evaluation, consider taking that step. Informed decisions, timely treatment, and careful aftercare may not guarantee perfection, but they can restore dignity, health, and hope.
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