Obesity can shorten your lifespan by decades and also limit and reduce the quality of your life. Obesity cannot always be controlled by dieting and exercise and thus more complicated means such as bariatric surgery has to be employed.

Types of bariatric surgery
Most bariatric surgeries either limit your ability to consume food and thus make you feel fuller quickly or limit the absorption of nutrients from the food you eat. Certain surgeries use a combination of the two in varying degrees. Mentioned below are the most commonly employed forms of bariatric surgery  

Gastric Balloon   This is a form of surgery wherein a specially made balloon is inserted into the stomach. In certain cases even two balloons are inserted into the stomach to reduce the room left for food. This causes you to have less food resulting in weight loss over a period of time.
Gastric Sleeve   This is a form of surgery wherein a major portion of the stomach is removed through the procedure. Also known as Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy, the surgeon creates a pouch within the stomach which essentially becomes a connecting tube between the esophagus and the large intestine. The reduced stomach size causes fewer hunger related enzymes and hormones to be secreted, causing less hunger and also reducing your food intake capability. This results in weight loss over a period of time.
Gastric Bypass   Gastric bypass uses the combination of two techniques, lesser absorption of minerals as well as reduced intake capacity. In this method, a part of the stomach is rearranged akin to the gastric sleeve. However the leftover portion of the stomach is not removed as it can continue to secrete stomach acids. Because of the reduced size of the stomach, you would eat less and if you happen to over eat, it would cause dumping syndrome (quick and repeated bowel evacuation) which would deter you from eating more.
Lap band surgery   This is one form of surgery where the stomach is not reduced or cut but rather limited by a band that is put around it. This band constricts the stomach and causes the upper part to become smaller. Hence you would feel fuller from eating less, thus resulting in weight loss.
V-bloc therapy   This is a very modern approach to bariatric procedures which works in a very similar way to a pacemaker. A device is placed just under your skin and two leads or wires are connected to the vagal nerve. This nerve is responsible for sending the hunger signals to the brain from the stomach. This device acts as a block to the nerve signals and thus ensures you eat less.
Duodenal switch   This surgery is also known as a Biliopancreatic Diversion wherein the surgeons cut out the part of the stomach similar to a gastric sleeve surgery but also make adjustments to the pancreatic chain and the small intestine to reduce the absorption of minerals.

6 Types Of Bariatric Surgery You Can Think of!

Looking good and feeling good are sometimes one and the same thing which can be achieved with good skin and a fit body. One can turn to many measures to achieve the same, including cosmetic procedures. Cosmetic surgery like liposuction is generally used to remove the excess fat in the body which cannot be treated with normal exercise or diet control measures. This surgery is conducted by a plastic surgeon. Here is everything you need to know about liposuction.

About: Liposuction is a cosmetic procedure. It removes the excess fat present in one s body with the help of a procedure known as body contouring. This kind of contouring may be carried out in various parts of the body including the calves, knees, buttocks, hips, abdomen, upper arms, breasts and even the neck and chin area. These are the areas that generally end up accumulating excessive fat which does not go away easily. For some people, persistent diet control and exercising may help. But for severe and chronic cases, one will have to make use of measures like liposuction.

Types of Liposuction: Depending on your case as well as the individual system of the patient, one can go in for one of the various types of liposuction. The fluid injection based liposuction is the most popular and common form where a large dose of medicated solution is injected with a local anaesthesia blended into it. This helps in contracting the blood vessels so that the fat can be suctioned out. The next type is the super wet liposuction where the amount of liquid solution injected is the same as the amount of fat that has to be removed. Ultrasound assisted liposuction uses ultrasonic waves in order to transform the fat cells into liquid which can be vacuumed out later. Further, laser assisted liposuction makes use of laser pulses and beams in order to make the fat cells liquid before they are vacuumed out of the system.

The procedure: The plastic surgeon will make use of a special liposuction machine and cannulas or special instruments, so that the surgery may be carried out in a proper manner. Also, depending on the type of procedure you are going in for, you will require local or general anaesthesia. A small incision is made so that the tube may be inserted for the liquefaction process to begin. After this, the fat that has been dislodged will be vacuumed away through the same suction tube. Small drainage tubes will be inserted to remove blood and fluid from the deflated areas and in some rare cases, blood transfusion or fluid replacement may also be required. High blood pressure and cardiovascular cases should not use this option.

Liposuction - How It Can Help You?

Even though Prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancer among men and a lot of research has been conducted towards its understanding, it still remains one of the least talked about forms of cancer. This can lead to a lot of confusion and misinformation that gives rise to a number of myths associated with the disease. Some of the most common myths about prostate cancer are:

1. It occurs only in old men

Although the risk of developing prostate cancer does increase with age, especially after 60-65 years of age, it can develop at any age in a man s life. Ageing cells are more susceptible to mutations and hence more susceptible to cancer but other factors such as genetics, geographic location, overall health, lifestyle, etc. can play a major role in whether someone stands a chance to get prostate cancer.

2. It is a slow-growing cancer

Research has discovered 29 different types of prostate cancers, each of which behaves a little differently from others   some are very fast growing and aggressive while others are slower in developing. Prostate cancer also tends to be more aggressive in younger men than older men; aggressive cancers metastasize faster, i.e. spread to other parts of the body quicker and progress rapidly. Therefore, it is important not to ignore any initial symptoms and consult a doctor as quickly as possible to have the best shot at successful treatment.

3. You can t get prostate cancer if no one in your family had it

While having a family history of prostate cancer does significantly increase the risk of a man developing prostate cancer himself, it can also be diagnosed in men who have no genetic history or predisposition. It depends not only on genetics but also on a number of other factors which can contribute to prostate cancer.

4. If you don t have any symptoms, you don t have cancer

Prostate cancer is known to be one of the most asymptomatic forms of cancer and even when symptoms are present, they are very often misinterpreted as something else. The most common symptoms are: needing to urinate frequently, difficulty in urinating, blood in urine or semen, erectile dysfunction and pain in the pelvic area. Although all of these symptoms don t always mean cancer, it is best to go to the doctor in case you experience these symptoms.

5. Prostate cancer is inevitable   you can t prevent it

It is true that genetics, ethnicity and age do increase the risk of prostate cancer in men. However, research has shown that lifestyle changes such as avoiding red meat in your diet, regular exercise and preventing stress, do have an effect on the genes that regulate growth of tumours.

Hence, you should stop believing everything you hear or read on the internet, they may not always be true. Any symptoms out of the ordinary should be immediately checked out by your doctor. Do not ignore unusual symptoms   they might prove to be very costly later in life.

Prostate Cancer - 5 Most Prevalent Myths About It! 

A hysterectomy is an operation to remove the uterus and, usually, the cervix. The ovaries and tubes may or may not be removed during this procedure, depending on the reasons for the surgery being performed. If the ovaries are removed, you will commence menopause. A hysterectomy is a major surgical procedure with physical and psychological consequences.

Why is a hysterectomy performed?

Common reasons include painful or heavy periods, pelvic pain, fibroids or as a part of therapy for cancer. You should have a clear understanding of your reason for this surgery.

How is this done?

The procedure is normally performed under a general anesthetic and takes approximately one hour. To commence your anesthetic a drip is inserted into your arm. Once you are asleep, you will have a urinary catheter inserted. The importance of the catheter is to reduce the size of your bladder, keeping it away from the operation site and reducing the risk of complications.

There are three ways to remove the uterus:

Vaginal hysterectomy - The removal of the uterus and the closing of the wound is performed through the vagina. There is no cut in the abdomen. 
Laparoscopic hysterectomy - About four small keyhole cuts are made in the abdomen to divide the attachments of uterus, ovaries, and tubes in the pelvis. The uterus is usually then removed through the vagina.
Abdominal hysterectomy - The uterus is removed through a cut in the lower abdomen. The cut is about 15 20 cm in length and runs across your abdomen, usually below the bikini line. Less commonly, it may be necessary to have a cut that runs from the belly button down to the pubic area.
What are the risks of undergoing this procedure?

Although the risks associated with hysterectomy are low, you should be aware that every surgical procedure has some risk. This may also depend upon the type of surgery you have. 
Severe bleeding from large blood vessels around the uterus or top of the vagina. This is not common. A blood transfusion may be required to replace blood loss. A vaginal pack may also be used to control the bleeding.
Infection in the operation site, pelvis or urinary tract.
Nearby organs such as the ureter (tube leading from kidney to bladder), bladder or bowel may be injured expected to happen to approximately one in every 140 women. Further surgery will be needed to repair the injuries.
The bowel may not work well after the operation; this is usually temporary. Treatment may include a drip to give fluids into the vein and no food or fluids by mouth.
Things to do before you come to the hospital

It is important for you to have all the tests ordered at your outpatient clinic appointment completed prior to coming to the hospital these include blood tests and an ECG and chest X-ray, if you are more than 50 years old

You may be required to have a bowel preparation, which will empty your bowel prior to the surgery.

You should stop eating and drinking at the following times on the day of your surgery unless otherwise notified

At midnight if your procedure is in the morning

At 6 am if your procedure is in the afternoon.

You will need to shower and dress in clean clothes prior to coming into hospital. It is important that you do not shave your operation site as this increases the risk of wound infection.

Please remove all body jewelry.

After your surgery

When you wake from the anesthetic, you will be ready to be transferred, in your bed, for recovery.

Having an anesthetic can make you feel sick and may cause vomiting. You will have a drip in your arm which is necessary to maintain fluid intake and provide pain relief. This will remain in until you can tolerate food and fluids and your pain control is changed to oral medication.

Your nurse will take frequent observations of your vital signs e.g. temperature, pulse, blood pressure.

You may have small amounts of water or ice to suck, then progress from fluids to a normal diet as tolerated.

If you have pain or nausea, please tell your nurse. Effective pain management is important.

You will have a urinary catheter in place. The catheter will normally be removed the day following your surgery.

Recovering at home

What to expect

You may have a blood-stained vaginal discharge which is similar to a light period. This will gradually reduce to nil over 4-6 weeks as your internal wounds heal

You may need to take some simple analgesia for pain/discomfort, especially on waking and settling at night

You may feel fatigued

You may require up to four to six weeks off work. You should have returned to normal activity by two to three months, depending on the type of surgery, although full recovery may take longer

After the operation, you will no longer have a period

For the majority of women, hysterectomy surgery does not have a negative effect on sexual function

What to avoid

For the first two to three weeks lift nothing greater than two kilograms. Increase gently as tolerated over six weeks.

It will take about three weeks before you should drive a car. Only when you know you can act confidently with emergency breaking should you attempt driving the car.

Avoid sexual intercourse for six weeks to allow healing to take place.

Avoid inserting anything into the vagina for six weeks to allow time for healing to take place (e.g. use sanitary pads and not tampons).

It is important to avoid constipation and straining immediately after your surgery as this will assist healing and improve your comfort.

Contact your doctor if you develop any of the following complications:

Your wound becomes red or inflamed, painful.

You have heavy vaginal bleeding heavier than a normal period.

You have offensive vaginal discharge.

You develop a fever i.e. temperature of about 38  C, or you are feeling unwell.

You have pain that is not relieved by simple analgesia.

You are having difficulty passing urine or opening your bowels.

 In case you have a concern or query you can always consult an expert & get answers to your questions!

Surgery For Womb Removal - What You Need To Be Aware Of?

Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs in the ovaries, often in multiples, which are very common in women. This is absolutely different condition from polycystic ovaries. Most of them are benign and not indicative of an underlying problem. They produce no specific symptoms and even if detected, can be watched over a period of time. Treatment may be required only if there are serious symptoms or there is higher possibility of cancerous nature of the cyst. Read on to know more. 

Types 

Functional: There are two types in this. The follicular variety is when the egg that is ready for fertilization does not completely shrink and stays for a few more days before it disappears. Another variety, the luteal ovarian cysts are formed when after the release of the egg, there is blood filling up in the corpus luteum. 
Pathological: There are many types here   dermoid, cystadenomas, endometriomas, cancerous cystadenocarcinomas etc. These are worrisome and need to be treated. Both varieties, once identified, should be monitored. The functional variety, though may not cause a problem, can cause infertility and so necessitate treatment. 
Symptoms 

Any ovarian follicle larger than 2 cm can be called as an ovarian cyst. They are usually benign and do not produce any symptoms. However, if they turn pathologic or grow in size, they can cause various symptoms such as: 

Irregular menstruation 
Heavy bleeding 
Intermittent spotting 
Painful and/or frequent urination 
Severe, recurrent abdominal pain 
Infertility 
Abdominal bloating 
Constipation or loose motions 
Nausea, sudden vomiting 
Fever, dizziness, and weakness 
While cysts are often quiet and do not produce any symptoms, they can cause intermittent, nonspecific symptoms like above. If there is a family history of ovarian cancers in mothers, maternal aunt, Sisters, Grandmothers etc then women should have regular Gynaecological checkups to have a check done for ovarian cysts. 

Why go for laparoscopic surgery? 

Laparoscopic surgery is considered to be one of the most effective ways of treating the condition of ovarian cysts. During the surgery, problem causing non-cancerous cyst can be removed without harming the ovaries. In the case of cancer, both ovaries along with uterus etc may have to be removed. This decision is taken by the operating surgeon depending upon age of the patient, characteristics and nature of the cyst and future fertility desires of the patient. 
The patient is given general anesthesia during the surgery. After the surgery, one is suggested to rest for a day and may be permitted to return to normal activities within a day s time. However, one needs to avoid any strenuous activity for almost a week. 
While some cysts can be watched for years, others need treatment. This would be specifically true in cases where the couple is facing infertility issues or if there is a higher possibility of cancerous cysts. Such cysts need urgent intervention and should be monitored by a gynecologist with an experience in oncology. There are few blood tests that are needed to be done to know the nature of the cyst if it is benign or cancerous.

Ovarian Cysts - Ways Laparoscopic Surgery Can Help! 

Gastroesophageal reflux disease is a condition which occurs due to unhealthy food habits and sudden lifestyle changes. This condition causes the stomach acid to travel in a reverse direction and enter the esophagus. If changes in your food habit and lifestyle do not cure you of this condition, then a surgical procedure is recommended.

What are the different surgical methods of treatment for gastroesophageal reflux disease?
The different forms of surgery that can be used to treat this condition have been explained below:

Fundoplication: Fundoplication is one of the most common surgical methods recommended to patients suffering from gastroesophageal reflux disease. The lower esophageal sphincter or LES is tightened with the help of this surgery. The strengthening procedure is accomplished by wrapping the upper part of the stomach around the outer part of the lower esophagus. Both open and laparoscopic surgical options are available for this surgery.
Transoral Incisionless Fundoplication or TIF: In this surgical procedure you do not have to undergo any incisions. A barrier is made between the esophagus and the stomach. This barrier will work to prevent the acid of the stomach from entering the esophagus. A special device is inserted through the mouth of the patient which helps in creating several folds at the base of the esophagus, these folds form a new valve or barrier. Thus you do not have to undergo any incisions at all if you opt for this procedure. Those who are looking for a non-invasive method to treat their gastroesophageal reflux disease, this procedure is no doubt one of the best.
Bard EndoCinch System: This is a special type of surgery that is accomplished with the help of an endoscope. Although it is not one of the common methods to treat the problem. In this procedure, several stitches will be made in your lower esophageal sphincter so that they result in the formation of valves.
Stretta Procedure: This procedure is also performed with the help of an endoscope. But this is an outpatient procedure and you will be discharged on the same day. A flexible tube is inserted into your esophagus and the other end of this tube has an electrode. This electrode will help in heating the tissues of your esophagus. It will also form small cuts in it. The scar tissue that results from this procedure helps in stopping the acid from flowing in the reverse direction. It also strengthens the muscles that are present in the surrounding area.
These surgical procedures are very successful and have the ability to give you long-term results. Many complications such as the inflammation of the esophagus, can be avoided if you opt for a surgical treatment as a cure for gastroesophageal reflux disease. 

Gastroesphageal Reflux Disease - How Surgery Can Be Of Help?

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