Bariatric surgery is unlike other surgeries, the success is defined after 6-18months later. It is not without its complications. But complications managed well by Bariatric surgeons and the introduction of Laproscopy, it gives advantages of reduced post-op pain to less incisional hernias and less post-operative hospital stay. 

Sometime problems may happen like- 

Post-operative bleeding: Managed well by the surgeon. 
Dehydration: Chances of dehydration, therefore, one of the main post-op instructions, would be to increase water intake significantly, after the first week of course, when water is included in the diet. For someone who is not used to drinking lots of water, this can be difficult. 
Indigestion: Difficulty digesting food after the surgery is very common. There could be a burning sensation in the stomach. This is often managed by dietary changes like avoiding fatty foods, eating small frequent meals, avoiding too much sugary food items, etc. Too much fruits and vegetables should not be introduced early on, as fibre can be difficult to digest. Avoid fruits like nuts, seeds, fried foods, processed foods, etc. Gradually moving from water to pureed diet to semi-solids to solids can help in getting the stomach used to it. 
Vitamin and mineral deficiency: With the drastic cut in the amount of food consumption, there could be multiple problems including skin rashes, weak bones, dental issues, hair loss, gallstones, kidney stones, etc. All these are due to deficiency of various essential minerals like calcium, potassium, etc. This can be managed through minor diet modifications to ensure the body gets the required minerals and vitamins, even if they are in the form of supplements. 
Dumping syndrome: With a reduced size of the stomach, the food moves from the stomach into the smaller intestine much faster. Therefore, the sugar levels increase rapidly, producing various symptoms like bloating, diarrhoea, nausea, weakness, and anxiety. This is managed by eating less amount of sugars and fats and spacing out the meals through the day. Five to six small meals are preferred over 2 to 3 large meals. Some people also get relief from lying down after eating. 
Hernias: Less after laproscopic surgery but sometime it may happen. 
Diet changes: Whether it is medications or foods, some substances have to be knocked off your list. A detailed diet plan should be made with the doctor, as some can affect the stomach in an adverse manner. 
Altered bowel habits: Some people may have diarrhoea, others have constipation. Looking into one s diet and making suitable changes will help. Therefore, it is very important that you must keep regular follow-up and consultation with your surgeon, in order to avoid complications.

Bariatric Surgery - 8 Complications It Can Cause!

Adrenal Glands are endocrine glands located right above the kidneys. They produce important hormones such as adrenaline, aldosterone and cortisol which are involved in a number of biological functions. The dysfunction of the adrenal glands can cause serious endocrine diseases.

Need for Surgery?
The adrenal glands may not function properly due to a number of reasons, including any kind of infection in the glands, kidney disorders, genetic ailments, lesions, tumours on or around the adrenal glands. Due to the irregularity in the release of hormones and enzymes that are essential to the normal functioning of a human body, a number of serious illnesses arise. There is an excess or absolute insufficiency in the release of hormones. This can even turn into a medical emergency. It can lead to uncontrollable obesity, very high or low blood pressure, dermatological problems, menstrual irregularities, blood sugar level irregularities, severe headaches, cramps, fluctuations in potassium levels and so on. That is when surgery is required.

How surgery is performed?
Laparoscopy is the type of surgery which requires minimum invasion. This is fairly a new and successful method of surgery. The patient recovers speedily and is able to go back home within a short span of time after the surgery. Removal of adrenal glands can be performed by making a maximum of three or four-and-a-half inches incision. This results in quicker cosmetic recovery compared to other patients of open surgery.
The surgery is performed under general anaesthesia. A narrow tube-like instrument, known as the cannula is placed into the upper abdominal cavity, below the ribs. Through the cannula, a tiny telescope, known as the laparoscope is inserted. It is connected to a special camera that provides a magnified view of the patient s internal organs on a large monitor. Using such technology, the adrenal glands are dissected free from other organs and removed.

Post Operative Care
In case of a simple laparoscopic surgery, there are hardly any post operative complications. In case of mild pain or discomfort, the doctors may however prescribe some medications. It is important to go for a medical check up after a couple of weeks of the surgery, to make sure you are completely fine.

Laparoscopic Adrenal Gland Removal Surgery - What Is It?

Achalasia is a serious disorder of the esophagus in which your nerves and muscles fail to work properly. This disorder causes problems in your body such as chest pain, difficulty to swallow food and excessive coughing. 

You will also face problems in breathing in case the food enters in to the lungs. There is a valve in your lower esophageal splinter, which closes the esophagus from your stomach. If you have problems like achalasia then perhaps your lower esophageal splinter fails to open while swallowing food it can lead to accumulation of food in esophagus. In this condition the nerves in your body gets damaged and hence cause health complications.

You are at risk of achalasia when you are middle aged, but it can also occur during childhood. Auto immune disorder often places you at risk for achalasia.

Symptoms of achalasia:
The major symptom of achalasia is dysphagia in which you face problems while swallowing food. You may feel that the food is struck in your esophagus which causes choking and problems when you breathe. There may be other symptoms of achalasia which includes:
1. Loss of weight
2. Heart burn
3. Discomfort or pain while you eat food
4. Chest pain
5. Risk of esophagus cancer

Treatment for achalasia:
Esophageal manometry is a technique your doctor may use, if he suspects achalasia when the symptoms include difficulty while you eat and swallow foods. A tube measures the muscular activity in your stomach and reports about the functioning of your esophagus. Another way to diagnose is through X- ray of the esophagus or endoscopy.

The treatment for achalasia generally starts with oral medications. Sphincter nitrates and calcium blockers often help to relax the muscles. Botox can also help to relax your sphincter and help you swallow food.
Esophagomyotomy also helps to treat achalasia in which your doctor can use an incision to access the sphincter and also alter it to enable better flow into the stomach. It s a generally successful procedure, but sometimes can cause gastro esophageal reflux disease (GERD) which causes heart burn and would require intensive care. Sometimes surgery can also help to give relief but it can also cause acid reflux, respiratory problems, tearing of esophagus along with other serious complications.

Laparoscopic surgery is a simple and effective way of treating this problem .The tight lower esophageal sphincter is released to make way for easy passage of food.The patient recovers in one day and is discharged home following this operation.

Achalasia - Symptoms + Treatment

Hernia are bulges protruding form a weak point on belly (abdomen) through which intestine and abdominal fat comes out to lie just below the skin. It can also be found in groin, upper thigh and chest. There are several types of hernia like inguinal hernia (direct and indirect), femoral hernia, umbilical hernia, umbilical hernia, epigastria hernia and incision hernia.

Who get hernia?

Conditions that lead to increased abdominal pressure are at more risk of developing hernia  

o Persistent cough

o Being overweight or pregnant

o Lifting, carrying or pushing heavy loads

o Straining on the toilet

What are the symptoms of hernia?

o Mostly they are asymptomatic/ no symptoms.

o People just notice a swelling or bulge which gets bigger while standing or straining and disappear while lying down/sleeping.

o Some might feel a dragging/aching sensation.

o The swelling tends to get bigger with time.

o Symptoms develop when there is a complication like strangulation. This happens when the content of abdomen (intestine) come out and can not go back. There will be severe pain in the region and vomiting. Overlying skin will become red. Urgent surgery is needed in this situation otherwise the blood supply to intestine gets cut-off and the intestine in hernia might die (gangrene).

How are hernia treated?

Surgery is the only treatment for hernia. Now a days, most of the hernias are operated laparoscopically (key hole or minimally access technique)

Minimally Invasive Hernia Repair - The surgery is done with a laparoscope which has a small tiny camera, hernia mesh and small tool with it. So the patient can return back to their normal routine earlier as the incision made is smaller.

Advantages of Laparoscopy:

Laparoscopy has clear advantage over open repair in the way of less pain, less complications like wound infection, small and more cosmetic scar, shorter hospital stay, early return to work and daily activities and less chance of recurrence (repeat formation of hernia after surgery).

Before undergoing hernia surgery:

* One week before surgery it is much essential to stop taking drugs that are causing the thinning of the blood. Drugs like Clpodogrel and Acitrome or Warfarin should be stopped with the doctor s advice. 
* Stop herbal supplements and check the fitness of your cardio and diabetes. 
* Gain adequate knowledge about surgery and be prepared for post surgical care.

After hernia surgery:

* Avoid heavy weight lifting, exercises, and physical works with excessive strain a few weeks after surgery 
* Cough or laugh loud only with support to the surgical site until one week after surgery

DO s & DON T s in patients of Hernia:

DO s:

1. Increased intake of fibers in diet. ( Fruits, vegetables and grains)

2. Drink plenty of water and other fluid to prevent constipation.

3. Exercise regularly: sweat and loose excess weight and toxins.

4. Eat small meals more frequently in place of one or two large meals

DON T s:

1. Stop smoking and drinking

2. Don t reduce the amount of food you eat

3. Avoid lying down or bending after meal

4. Avoid wearing tight clothes

5. Avoid food difficult to digest

6. Avoid strenuous activities like heavy weight lifting

Types of Hernias:

Incisional hernia:

This happens at the site of previous surgery. This occurs as a result of poor wound healing at the time of previous surgery or as a result of complications like in infection. It is rare after laparoscopic or key hole surgery.

Umbilical hernia:

This occurs through or around belly button (umbilicus). It can be present at the time of birth and needs no repair as most of them resolve by the end of one year. If it persists or appears after 5 years of age then operation is required.

Inguinal hernia:

These are most common hernias and occur in groin region. They are more common in men.

All You Need To Know About Hernia!

What is an ovarian cyst?
If a follicle present in the ovaries grows beyond 2cm in size, it is called an ovarian cyst. In an ovarian cyst, fluid accumulates inside a thin wall in the ovaries. The size of the ovarian cyst varies in size from person to person. It is most common in women during their fertile period, but it can happen anytime.

What is the cause of an ovarian cyst?
Follicles are produced in the ovaries under normal conditions. One of these follicles matures into an egg every month. It is a very normal process and happens spontaneously in most cases. However, under certain circumstances and conditions, these follicles fail to rupture and turn into a fluid filled cyst. In rare cases, dermoid reactions caused by entrapment of sebum follicle or hair follicle can cause ovarian cysts as well. It is common for most women to have at least one cyst in their lifetime.

What are the symptoms of an ovarian cyst?
Sometimes, an ovarian cyst does not present many symptoms. The most common symptoms include:

Increase in weight
Painful intercourse
Headache and fatigue
Pain in the abdomen
Heaviness and fullness in the stomach
An increase in the frequency of urination
Increase in bowel movements as a result of pressure
Back pain
Ayurvedic treatment for ovarian cyst

Shilajit: It is the most common herb for enhancing male libido and induces strength and vigour. Hence, this herb is indicated in women to increase agility so that they are able to get on with their daily schedule without much interference due to the fatigue.
Commiphora mukul: It is a very potent drug and has immense rejuvenating properties. The cells of the body are revitalised and rejuvenated by these. It is also effective in people who are anaemic or have low haemoglobin levels in the blood.
Emblica Officalis (Amlaki): Amlaki  is known for its rejuvenating properties as well. It has great anti oxidant properties and helps to neutralise the free radicals in the body. It is also effective in increasing immunity in the body and enhancing metabolism.

Ovarian Cysts - Ways Ayurveda Can Help You Treat It!

What is adrenal gland tumour? Let's answer this question by first knowing the meaning of what a tumour is.

When many tissues grow in the body, some tissues start to grow abnormally and it forms a clot thing in the blood. These clots do not allow the body to function properly and hence, it is called a tumour.

Adrenal gland tumour is the type of tumour when some tissues join together and grow abnormally in the adrenal parts of the endocrine system. It forms a cyst there hence resulting in the swelling of that body part and is called as adrenal gland tumour. This tumour can be cancerous or maybe non-cancerous, depending on the functioning of the cells.

Adrenal glands are an important part of the body. These glands are present on the top of our kidney and are in triangular shape. It releases all kinds of hormones which are important for the metabolism of the human body. These hormones help the human body in many ways.

Causes of Adrenal Gland Tumour:

One of the main causes of adrenal gland tumour is the normal behaviour of any tumour. The tumour grows in the body and does not allow other organs to work properly, which results in many problems inside the body.

The tumour grows and grows and becomes a regular part of metabolism. It suppresses the other glands by not letting them do their work and obviously forming a cyst.

The other reason of these kinds of tumours can be that they release hormones which affect the body and may also result in cancer. These hormones are generally the androgens and estrogens which result in the early growth of many people.

Symptoms of Adrenal Gland Tumour:

People experience many symptoms before they get diagnosed with this tumour. These symptoms are clearly visible and one should take care of all the symptoms. If a person notices any of the symptoms, they should be directly admitted to the hospital.

The symptoms which are visible in a person having adrenal gland tumour are:

They might experience high blood pressure with a low potassium level.

They may experience heart palpitations, anxiety, or panic attacks.

The major signs are that they may experience abdominal pain, weakness, weight loss, or weight gain.

Other symptoms include abdominal stretch marks, excessive hair growth, changes in their genitalia, unusual acne, and also changes in libido.

Treatment for Adrenal Gland Tumour:

The adrenal gland tumour is mainly treated by surgery. The surgery is done by a specialist called endocrine surgeons. The surgery not only consists of many steps performed together by multidisciplinary team. They do the surgery and remove the cyst out of the body and also ensure that it does not return.

The surgery is known as Adrenalectomy, which removes a tumour from the adrenal gland. There is a team of endocrine surgeons who have come together to clear this tumour from the body.

Conclusion:

The adrenal gland tumour should be detected at an early stage so that it can be treated properly and cured at the right time. However, it is always advisable to consult the doctor or specialist before opting for any treatment or medicines.

Adrenal Gland Tumour - What Should You Know?

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