General Surgery

Colorectal Cancer, Colorectal Surgery, General Surgery, Rectal Bleeding, Rectal Cancer

There is Blood in my Stools … What should I Do

What is rectal bleeding? Looking down right into a toilet and seeing blood can be alarming. If you’re experiencing rectal bleeding, you might see blood in a couple of various means– on your toilet paper as you wipe, in the water of the commode bowl or in your stools. It can be various shades, ranging from bright red to a dark maroon to black. The shade of blood you see can actually show where the bleeding might be originating from. Bright red blood usually indicates bleeding that’s low in your colon or rectum. Dark red or maroon blood can indicate that you have hemorrhaging  from right colon or small intestine.  Melena (dark, smelly as well as tar-like stool) typically indicates hemorrhaging in the stomach. In some cases, rectal blood loss isn’t noticeable to the naked eye and can only be seen through a microscope. This type of blood loss is typically discovered during a laboratory test of a faeces sample as a part of screening or test stone to diagnose anemia. Is rectal bleeding of concern? In some cases, anal blood loss can be a small symptom of a problem that can be conveniently dealt with. Piles, as an example, can cause you to experience rectal bleeding. This usually doesn’t last long and piles are frequently very easy to treat. Rectal blood loss can sometimes be a sign of a significant problem like colon or rectal cancer. It’s vital to track any kind of blood loss you are experiencing. If it’s hefty, frequent or triggering you to worry, call your doctor to check it out. How does anal bleeding appear? You may see or experience anal bleeding in a couple of different means, including: Seeing blood on your toilet paper when you clean. Seeing blood in the toilet water of the bathroom when you are making use of the restroom– the water in the bowl may look like it’s been dyed red. Noticing dark red, black or tarry poop while you are having a bowel movement. What are the signs and symptoms of anal bleeding? The symptoms of anal bleeding can differ depending upon what is creating the bleeding. Some signs and symptoms you may have with rectal blood loss can include: Feeling anal discomfort and/or pressure. Seeing bright red blood in or on your stool, undergarments, toilet paper or in the toilet dish. Having stool that’s red, maroon or black in shade. Having stool that has a tar-like appearance. Experiencing fatigue or restlessness. Feeling lightheaded or lightheaded. Fainting. In some very severe instances, anal bleeding can result in shock. The signs and symptoms of shock can include: Experiencing an unexpected decrease in your blood pressure. Having a rapid heart rate. Not being able to urinate. Slipping into unfamiliarity. What creates rectal bleeding? There are several reasons why you might experience rectal blood loss. The sources of rectal blood loss can differ from usual and also moderate conditions to much more severe as well as unusual problems that require immediate clinical therapy. Causes of rectal bleeding can include: Hemorrhoids Anal Fissure  Anal abscess Anal Fistula Diverticulosis/Diverticulitis Inflammatory digestive tract condition (IBD) Large polyps Colon Cancer Rectal Cancer Can foods transform the shade of my stool in a similar way to rectal blood loss? There are certain foods that can make your stools an unusual colour. Foods like black licorice, beetroots, dark berries (blueberries and also blackberries) and red jelly can all make your stools appearance extremely dark. This can easily be confused for blood in your stool. If you observe extremely dark poop throughout a bowel movement, think back to what you consumed lately. There’s a chance that what you consumed could be the cause for the usually dark stool. Can constipation and straining result in anal bleeding? Yes it can. Straining can trigger rectal bleeding. This is commonly related to bowel constipation. Really hard faeces can actually cause the skin around your anus to tear, creating you to see blood. Dealing with constipation can aid prevent this from happening. What are the tests required to diagnose the cause of rectal bleeding? There are a number of means your doctor can utilize to review rectal blood loss to help determine the cause. These are: A physical exam of the rectum as well as anus. A colonoscopy. A sigmoidoscopy. A faecal occult blood examination  Haemoglobin and other lab tests CT Scan Exactly how do I deal with rectal blood loss? For you, the only instruction is to go and consult a surgeon. For the most part, rectal bleeding can be dealt with by taking care of the cause of the blood loss. Once that condition has actually been dealt with, the bleeding usually quits. Treatment options can vary relying on the condition.  Will anal bleeding vanish by itself? Depending on the cause of the bleeding, your rectal blood loss can in fact quit on its own. You need to pay attention to your body and maintain track of the blood loss. If it occurs one-time and then quits, remember of it, yet it more than likely isn’t an emergency. If you have heavy rectal blood loss or are on a regular basis seeing blood, connect to your doctor to get prompt care.  Conclusion Blood in your stool could just be due to piles, but it could also be a sign of something more sinister and dangerous. The only way to be sure is to consult your doctor or a surgeon. People tend to be shy about talking of blood in ones stools or giving a stool sample and that may cause significant loss of blood as well as delay in diagnosing the cause.  To develop the right treatment plan, a correct history should be provided. Nip the evil in the bud before it can create havoc.

Cancer, Cancer Screening, General Surgery

Screening Tests for Cancer

Early Diagnosis gives better chances of Cure for Cancer. Cancer is very common these days and the outcomes may not be favourable if diagnosed late. Cancers treatments can be successful if the cancer is detected early or is stage 1. How can we make sure that cancers are not detected late. Each cancers starts of as very small and thus a test or a combination of tests may detect the cancer at a very early stage. Not all cancers can be detected early, but a few common ones can be picked up early. Thus if we follow a screening program, then we can identify and treat these early cancers with very good outcomes. Each sort of cancer  has its own screening tests. Some kinds of cancer presently do not have an efficient screening approach. Creating new cancer cells screening tests is a location of active research. In this article I have listed a few tests, which if done annually can help in the early screening for these cancers. Read on. Breast cancer Breast self-examination: Throughout this exam, a woman looks and feels for changes in her own breast. This has to be done on a monthly basis on a fixed date. If she notices any changes, she needs to see a medical professional. Clinical breast assessment: A physician looks for any type of changes in the breast’s dimension or form. The examiner also tries to find changes in the skin of the breasts and also nipples. Mammography: Mammography is a kind of x-ray especially developed to check out the breast. The pictures generated by mammography can show tumours or irregularities in the breast. These images are called mammograms. Cervical cancer Pap test: This examination utilizes cells from the beyond a lady’s cervix. A pathologist then determines any kind of precancerous or malignant cells. A Pap examination might be incorporated with HPV testing. Human papillomavirus (HPV) screening: Cells are scraped from the outside of a female’s cervix. These cells are evaluated for specific strains of HPV. Some strains of HPV are much more highly connected to an increased threat of cervical cancer. This examination may be done alone or incorporated with a Pap test. An HPV test may also be done on an sample of cells from a female’s vaginal area that she can collect herself. Colon and Rectal cancer Fecal occult blood test (FOBT): This test discovers blood in the faeces, which can be a sign of polyps or cancer cells. Stool examination is required for this and this test should be done annually. If stools contain occult blood, then colonoscopy is required. Colonoscopy. Throughout this procedure, the medical professional inserts a flexible, lighted tube called a colonoscope into the anus. The medical professional has the ability to examine the whole colon for polyps or cancer. Another added advantage of stool occult blood is that it can even help pick up small gastro-intestinal cancers like cancer of the oesophagus, stomach or other parts of the small intestine. Prostate cancer Digital rectal evaluation (DRE): A DRE is an examination in which the doctor inserts a gloved moisturized finger into a guy’s rectum and also feels the surface area of the prostate for any type of irregularities. Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) examination. This blood test determines the degree of a compound called PSA. PSA is usually discovered at higher-than-normal degrees in men with prostate cancer But a high PSA level may likewise be a sign of conditions that are not malignant. Lung cancer X-Ray or Low-dose helical or spiral computed tomography (CT or CAT) check. A CT check takes x-rays of the within the body from various angles. A computer system then combines these images right into a thorough, 3-dimensional image that reveals any kind of problems or tumours. High risk population especially smokers and their families can be screened for lung cancer. ST Scan is expensive, but Xray is cheap. However, CT Scan is more efficient. These have to be done annually. Annual Medical Check-up Getting oneself checked annually may be the another best alternative to pick up any irregularity in the body. This check-up should definitely have the above mentioned tests. Conclusion:  Screening tests can help doctors locate a cancer at an earlier, a lot more treatable stage. This helps enhance survival. However, cancers can still be missed even with these tests. However, the overall advantage far outweighs the occasional missing out of a diagnosis or even overdiagnosis rarely. I will write about some warning symptoms, which could be due to early cancer and if ignored can lead to a delay in the management with the cancer advancing.

Gall Bladder Diseases, General Surgery, Laparoscopic Surgery

Myths and Misunderstandings regarding Gallstones and Surgery

Lets clear some doubts and wrong impressions about gallstones. Gallbladder diseases are a relatively common problem in a many parts of the globe. The overall occurrence of the gallstone illness in the United States and much of the Western Europe is in between 10 and 20 percent. In India as well, the gallstone condition is fairly usual with a total frequency was found to in between 6 to 20% in the adult populace. In either sex, the occurrence raises with age.  There are lots of misconceptions and mistaken beliefs about gallstones and exactly how they ought to be treated. Right here, we clear up some more common ones so that you are educated of what to expect about gallstones. Myth: Excess dietary fat is the culprit in gall bladder stone illness. This a wrong notion that needs to be laid to rest. While it’s true that nutritional fat causes the gall bladder to contract, creating pain if you already have gallstones, studies do not sustain the concept that a high-fat diet creates gallstones, particularly if carbs are restricted. There’s a high-concordance in between fatty liver, metabolic syndrome/insulin resistance, excessive weight as well as gall bladder troubles. All these are now recognized to be more closely related to excess dietary carbohydrates, not fats. Also See Gallstone Removal Surgeon in Chandigarh Myth: Gallstones can be ‘FLUSHED’ away Numerous alternate therapies are available on the web with ‘assurance’ to remove your gallstones using ‘natural solutions’ such as olive oil, lemon juice or some concoction. None of these are sustained by any kind of clinical evidence and also are best avoided. Gallstones come in all shapes and sizes. If gallstones are present, the most effective area for them to continue to be is within the gallbladder, as troubles develop when the stones are pushed out the gallbladder and gets stuck along the neck of the gallbladder and/or block essential ducts such as the bile duct or the pancreatic duct or even the intestinal tracts if the gallstone is large sufficient (gallstone ileus). Even if it was feasible to flush away gallstones, the root of the issue stays, a damaged gallbladder and the vulnerability to create more stones continues to be. Gallstones can additionally bring about long-term (persistent) irritation of the gallbladder, triggering it to be at higher threat of gallbladder cancer cells as well as persistent infections. Myth: Gallstones can be broken up using shockwaves Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL) has actually been used to treat kidney stones effectively. Many perplex this as treatment for gallstones as well. Although, it can separate the rocks in smaller sized fragments, the problem continues to be that the stone pieces may still block the gallbladder, bile air duct or pancreatic air duct. Myth: You cannot live a normal typical life without a gallbladder This is a totally wrong concept. One leads a normal life without a gallbladder. Majority of individuals have no worry following the removal by surgery of their gallbladder very glad that the root cause of gallstones is out of the way. An extremely small percentage of people may have gastrointestinal issues in the short-term however most instances settle without the demand for treatment; majority of these are medication related. Myth: Surgery for gallstones is high-risk and unpleasant Whilst no procedure is safe, surgery for gallstones is really risk-free and also very reliable. Complications rates are really low as well as occur in less than 1%. Keyhole surgical treatment to remove your gallbladder (laparoscopic cholecystectomy) can be done in one night admission with minimal discomfort and downtime. The gallbladder’s feature is to store a portion of bile created by the liver as well as release it in a controlled way throughout meals. Bile then help digest the fat helping absorption. After the gallbladder is removed by a surgical procedure, bile trickles constantly into the intestines. For a small team of patients ranging less than 1%, this can bring about loosened stools throughout oily/fatty dishes; and also in others the bile can take a trip back right into the stomach creating heartburn-type signs (bile reflux). Most of the times, these symptoms settle within a few months after surgery. Majority of patients join work within the first week of surgery. Myth: All gallstones need to be dealt with Gallstones are commonly discovered ‘by the way’ on scans when your medical professional is exploring various other problems. In the many of these cases, these gallstones can be left alone without concern if they do not create symptoms or has not in the past. Even if the gall bladder surgery is to be done, it can planned electively. It is, nonetheless, vital to keep in mind that you have gallstones in case they start to trigger issues in the future. However, many other factors may be considered like age, other comorbidities, diabetes mellitus etc and then patients are advised surgery for asymptomatic stones. Myth: It is alright as well as better to simply eliminate the gallstones alone and keep the gallbladder If gallstones are present and surgery is being done, they must be dealt with by getting rid of the gallbladder and also the stones within together. Removal of the gallstones without the gallbladder does not address the issue as the root of the issue remains, an unhealthy gallbladder and its sensitivity to form even more rocks in the future. Additionally, the removal of the gallstones without the gallbladder is a lot more complicated and riskier than eliminating the gallbladder and the stones within together. Hence, it is not recommended. Myth: Gall bladder disease is rare in non-whites We were educated the “4 Fs” in our medical colleges. The common gall bladder patient is fat, fair, female as well as fertile (the latter pertains to the capacity for estrogen to promote gallstones). Gall bladder illness, while much less typical in is widespread in non white races. Myth: Gallstones are mostly a hereditary problem.  While roughly 30 percent people are in danger for getting afflicted with gallstones due to

Gall Bladder Diseases, General Surgery

What to do if you have Gallstones?

Management of Gallstones What are gallstones? Gallstones are stones that develop in the gallbladder. The gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped organ situated in the top right abdominal areas– the location between the chest and hips located below the liver. Gallstones can range in dimension from a grain of sand to a golf ball. The gallbladder can develop a solitary huge gallstone, thousands of small stones, or a mixture of small and large stones What creates gallstones? Gallstones may develop if bile contains excessive cholesterol, way too much bilirubin, or otherwise enough bile salts. Scientists do not totally recognize why these inequalities take place. Gallstones also might be create dif the gallbladder does not empty entirely or frequently enough. Certain people have a greater danger of establishing gallstones than others; these are: Females are more probable to develop gallstones than males. maternity, hormonal agent substitute treatment, or contraceptive pill may be the culprits People over age 40 are most likely to establish gallstones than younger individuals. Individuals with a family history of gallstones have a higher risk. Weight problems. People that are overweight, specifically females, have raised risk of creating gallstones.  Quick weight-loss Low-calorie diets and bariatric surgical treatment Diet plans high in calories and also refined carbohydrates as well as reduced in fiber increase the threat of gallstones.  Diseases that influence normal absorption of nutrients, such as Crohn’s disease, are connected with gallstones. Metabolic disorder, diabetes, as well as insulin resistance.  Liver cirrhosis Hemolytic anemias What are the signs and symptoms and also issues of gallstones? Many people with gallstones do not have signs. Gallstones that do not trigger signs and symptoms are called asymptomatic, or silent, gallstones.  Upper abdominal pain: The pain typically lasts from 1 to numerous hours. It can occur with heavy meals, and they generally occur in the evening or throughout the night. Vague dietary symptoms like fullness after meals, belching, bloating or indigestion. What are the complications of Gallstones? Apart from the usual presentations, gallstones can cause lot of complications which have different set of presentations. These complications could be: Acute Cholecystitis Mucocele of the gall bladder Empyema Gallbladder perforation Biliary peritonitis Chronic cholecystitis Obstructive jaundice Biliary pancreatitis Gall Stone Ileus When should a person consult a surgeon about gallstones? People with any of the below given signs during or after a gallbladder pain (biliary colic) must see a health care service provider instantly: Abdominal pain lasting more than 5 hours. Nausea as well as throwing up. Fever– even a low-grade high temperature– or chills. Yellow-colored shade of the skin or whites of the eyes, called jaundice. Tea-colored urine and light-colored stools. These symptoms may be signs of major infection or inflammation of the gallbladder, liver, or pancreas. Exactly how are gallstones detected or diagnosed? Ultrasound examination is the best investigation done to identify gallstones.  Other imaging tests may also be utilized according to clinical presentations or ultrasound findings; these are: Computerized tomography (CT) scan.  Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).  Cholescintigraphy or HIDA Scan Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP).  Blood tests to look for indicators of infection or swelling of the bile ducts, gallbladder, pancreatic, or liver.  How are gallstones managed? If gallstones are not triggering symptoms, therapy may not be required. The decision will depend on many factors. A lot of time, your surgeon will advice surgery for silent gall stones based on many factors. The normal treatment for gallstones is surgical treatment to get rid of the gallbladder. If a person cannot go through surgery, nonsurgical therapies may be made use of to dissolve cholesterol gallstones. ERCP may be used to eliminate migratory stones from bile ducts Latest Surgical treatment Surgical procedure to eliminate the gallbladder, called cholecystectomy, is one of the most common procedures executed on adults. The gallbladder is not a vital body organ, which indicates a person can live normally without a gallbladder. When the gallbladder is gotten rid of, bile flows out of the liver through the hepatic and typical bile ducts and also straight into the duodenum, instead of being saved in the gallbladder. Surgeons perform two kinds of cholecystectomy: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy: In a laparoscopic cholecystectomy, the doctor makes several small cuts in the abdomen as well as inserts a laparoscope– a thin tube with a tiny video camera connected. The camera sends a magnified image from inside the body to a video clip display, offering the surgeon a close-up sight of body organs and gall bladder. While looking at the screen, the doctor uses tools to meticulously separate the gallbladder from the liver, bile ducts, and other structures. After that the surgeon removes the gallbladder through one of the tiny cuts. Procedure is done under general anesthesia. The majority of cholecystectomies are done with laparoscopy. One night stay is required. Normal physical activity can usually be returned to in aa weeks time. Open cholecystectomy: An open cholecystectomy is carried out when the gallbladder is significantly swollen, contaminated, or adherent from other surgeries in the past. In most of these situations, open cholecystectomy is intended from the start. A surgeon may execute an open cholecystectomy when it is difficult to remove gallbladder during a laparoscopic cholecystectomy. In these instances, the surgeon changes to open cholecystectomy. This conversion is always explained to the patient before surgery and the discretion to convert remains with the surgeon. Conversion rates in planned laparoscopic surgeries are below 5%. To execute an open cholecystectomy, the surgeon creates a incision about 4 to 6 inches long in the upper abdomen on the right side to remove the gallbladder. Recovery from open cholecystectomy may need some individuals to stay in the hospital for up to a week. Typical physical activity can normally be returned to after a few days or weeks Nonsurgical Treatments for Cholesterol Gallstones. Nonsurgical treatments are utilized just in unique scenarios, such as when an individual with cholesterol stones has a serious medical problem that prevents surgical procedure. Gallstones frequently reoccur within 5 years after nonsurgical therapy. Stone dissolving drugs can be made use of to

General Surgery, Hernia Surgery, Laparoscopic Surgery

Inguinal (Groin) Hernia: Management and Treatment

Know everything about groin hernia What is a hernia? A hernia is a typical problem that happens when part of an indoor body organ or intestinal tract protrudes via a muscle out as a bulge. Hernias can occur around the belly button, by means of a medical scar (incisional hernia), in the diaphragm, or in the groin (the location in between the abdomen as well as the upper leg on both sides of the body). Also See: Hernia Surgeon in Chandigarh What is an inguinal hernia? An inguinal hernia occurs when a part of the intestinal tract  or fat from the abdominal cavity protrude out as a lump via the weak abdominal wall surface area into the inguinal, or groin region. It could be unilateral or bilateral. Age: It can occur at any age. In children it could be a congenital in origin. Heavy exercise can cause it in adulthood. Elder can have it and actually it is common after the age of 40. Male over age 40 are much more most likely to get direct inguinal hernias than women. Relating to 25% of males, in addition to simply around 2% of ladies, will certainly develop an inguinal hernia in their life time. Predisposing factors: A family history of having an inguinal hernia, smoking cigarettes, and also people that have had previous abdominal surgical procedure are at greater risk for obtaining an inguinal hernia. What is a incarcerated or strangulated inguinal hernia? Incarcerated or strangulation of inguinal hernias is unusual, yet severe concerns can produce if a hernia is left ignored. Incarceration happens when part of the fat or digestive system from inside the abdominal area gets stuck in the groin or scrotum as well as cannot be returned or pushed back into the abdominal area. Strangulation can occur when incarcerated hernia is not treated and the part inside the hernia gets gangrenous. Strangulated hernia is an emergency situation and also may result in some loss of intestinal tract. The main symptoms include pain, redness, inability to be able to reduce the hernia and tender to touch. Also See: Robotic Surgeon in Chandigarh What are the signs of an inguinal hernia? A lump on one or both sides of the groin that disappears when lying down. Discomfort in the groin, specifically when training, coughing or exercising. An experience of weak point, thickness or burning in the groin. A puffy scrotum (the sac-like a part of the male genitalia below the penis). Do all inguinal hernias call for surgical procedure? Yes. All inguinal hernia need surgical procedure. It will certainly not get better or disappear on its own. Just how is an inguinal hernia repaired? Inguinal hernia fixing is a common surgery, which is called herniorrhaphy or hernioplasty. It is done laparoscopically or by open method.  Treatment of Inguinal Hernia Open hernia repair: This is an operation in which a cut is made in the groin, the components are pushed back into the abdominal area and the abdominal wall surface is strengthened with mesh as well as stitches. Minimally invasive or laparoscopic hernia repair: It is a much less invasive procedure in which tiny, half-inch cuts are made in the in the lower abdominal area as well as a slim tube with a tiny camera affixed is placed inside. This is called a laparoscope. The laparoscope sends out pictures to a monitor or a tv screen display and then surgery of the hernia is done with these little incisions. Mesh is used in this surgery as well. Robotic hernia repair: It’s similar to laparoscopic surgical treatment. Robot surgical procedure uses a laparoscope, as well as surgical procedure is carried out in the same manner (tiny lacerations, a tiny video camera and forecasting the within the abdominal area on tv). Right here the surgeon is seated at a console in the operating room, and also manages the surgical tools from the console. It’s similar to laparoscopic surgery, but more expensive. What is the healing after inguinal hernia repair surgery? Healing from both minimally invasive and open surgical treatment typically requires some medication to deal with postoperative discomfort. Individuals are recommended to not lift anything heavy or engage in strenuous task. One night admission is required. Minimally intrusive hernia surgical procedure has a shorter recovery time. Minimally invasive surgery might not be a choice for individuals with larger hernias or those who have actually had previous hernia surgical procedure and have a recurrence.  Conclusion Groin or inguinal hernia when discovered should be shown to a surgeon. Surgery is recommended as the treatment; though the surgery can be planned in the next few weeks or months. However, waiting longer would mean that the hernia will become larger or more difficult to deal with. Symptomatic hernia should be treated earlier than later. If it is a painful lump or hernia becomes irreducible, then emergency consultation should be sought the same day; emergent surgery may be required. Laparoscopic repair is the best way to treat inguinal hernia. Hernia in both the groins can be handled through the same small incisions while performing laparoscopic surgery. Postoperative recovery is quicker and return to work is faster with laparoscopic surgery. Postoperative pain is lesser than open surgery.

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