Ovarian Cancer, as the name suggests, is a cancer that affects the ovaries. It leads to the abnormal growth of cells, which eventually spreads over to other parts of a woman s body, such as the stomach, uterus and vagina. The risk of ovarian cancer is greater in women who have experienced the process of ovulation many times in their lifetime. It also includes those women who attain menopause at a much later stage in their lives or those who start ovulation at an early age. The different types of tumors, which develop in ovarian cells are more often than not, benign or non-cancerous and do not spread beyond the ovaries. 

Therefore, they can be easily treated by either removing a part or the whole of the ovary. But malign tumors have the ability to spread to other parts of the body and can prove to be fatal.

What are the causes of ovarian cancer

1. Family History: If someone in your close relation like mother, sister or daughter has developed ovarian cancer, then the risk of becoming susceptible to the disease also increases. If any of your close relatives have developed the disease earlier at a young age, then it s quite likely that it was due to some inherited faulty gene. BCRA1 and BCRA2 are known to be the faulty genes that are connected to ovarian cancer.

2. Age: You become more susceptible to developing ovarian cancer at a postmenopausal stage.

3. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): Women who go for hormone replacement therapy put themselves at a greater risk of developing the disease. Nevertheless, if you stop undergoing the sessions of HRT, your risk of suffering from this fatal condition eventually decreases.

4. Obesity/overweight: This is also one of the important factors behind the increased risks of developing ovarian cancer. So, the more obese you are, greater is the risk involved.

What are the symptoms associated with ovarian cancer?

1. Symptoms at an initial stage include pelvic or abdominal pain, postmenopausal vaginal bleeding or irregular menstruation.

2. Loss of appetite or feeling full quickly

3. Other typical symptoms are diarrhea, constipation, nausea or changes in bowel movements.

4. Feeling of mass pressure at your lower back or pelvis

Treatment available for it

Treatment for ovarian cancer generally consists of a combination of surgery and chemotherapy:

1. Surgery: Treatment usually entails removal of the ovaries, uterus and fallopian tubes, including the surrounding lymph nodes as well as the fatty abdominal tissue, which often gets affected with ovarian cancer. This surgery may help you to retain the ability to conceive.

2. Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy is a procedure that follows a surgery and is performed to destroy the remaining cancer cells, if any. Chemotherapy drugs are either inserted into your vein or directly into the abdominal cavity and if need be, into both.

Ovarian Cancer - Are you at a risk?

A hernia is a condition where fatty tissue or an organ in your body might bulge through a muscle or an abnormal opening in the body. It is caused mainly due to pressure in the muscle area or weakening in the spot. This may occur due to heavy lifting or weakness that was present since birth.

The different types of hernia are inguinal, incisional, hiatal, umbilical and femoral. For inguinal hernias, surgical methods are used. The most common method is laparoscopic repair.

What is laparoscopic hernia surgery?

In this process, you will be given general anaesthesia before the surgeon performs the surgery. Before undergoing the operation, you will have an evaluation of your complete health that will include an analysis of your past medical history and a physical examination. An electrocardiogram or ECG will also be conducted. 

Then a small cut or incision is made in the lower part of your abdomen below the navel. The laparoscope that is a small telescope-like instrument is inserted to view your internal organs. A video camera is attached to the device that projects the internal view of your body on to a screen. This is viewed by the surgeon in the operating room.

During the process, your abdomen is inflated with carbon dioxide, to create some space for the doctor to look inside easily. The inner abdomen lining called peritoneum is cut open to observe the weakness of the abdominal wall or the location of the hernia sac. After locating it, the surgeon will remove the hernia sac from the wall and use a prosthetic mesh to cover the defect. Then the small incisions are closed with surgical tapes or stitches.

Furthermore, if hernias are found on both sides, they can be operated without making a second incision. The mesh can be placed on all the abdominal areas that are weak. This prevents the hernia to occur in the same spot again or spreading to other areas.

However, laparoscopic surgery is not performed for children. It is also not suitable for some cases such as if you are pregnant, or cannot tolerate general anaesthesia or are obese. 

Aftercare

You will be able to go back home on the same day of the surgery after laparoscopic hernia repair. The recovery time lasts for about 1 to 2 weeks. After that period you can return to light activity like walking. However, you must not engage in any kind of strenuous activity like working out or lifting heavy objects.

You might observe soreness after the first 2 days of the surgery. In some cases, bruising is found in your groin area. But if you observe significant swelling in the groin region, contact the doctor immediately.

It is recommended that you maintain a diet that is rich in fibre. This is because if you suffer from constipation, the straining during your bowel movements might put pressure on the area that is repaired.

People prefer laparoscopic hernia repair as they suffer lesser pain and can get back to their normal lives faster than open repair surgeries. It is advised that you take the medications and follow the instruction of your surgeon properly after the procedure. 

 



 Laparoscopic Hernia Repair - What Should You Know?

If you have taken the big decision to go ahead with bariatric surgery, one thing you need to prepare for well in advance is the additional effort that is required after the surgery to ensure it is a success. The results will be evident only after a few months post the surgery. This period requires your constant attention. 

Listed below are some after-care measures that are essential for the success of a bariatric surgery.

Hospital stay: Most patients are advised hospital stay for four days, during which the hospital staff will ensure the sleeve is working fine. No food is allowed for 48 hours. Diet is gradually advanced from water to clear liquids, about 50 ml to 100 ml and then to 150 ml.
Wound care: Depending on whether a laparoscopic or open surgery was done, the number and location of incisions will vary. However, the wound should be maintained clean and it should be ensured that there is no infection of the site. Wound care should be done by the nursing staff if required. Suture removal, if required, should be done as per doctor s advice.
Pain management: Finish the course of antibiotics and pain killers to ensure infection is completely gone. Pain would continue, if the infection is not completely controlled.
Diet: The first two weeks would be a completely liquid diet. The next two weeks will consist of a pureed diet. After these four weeks, solid foods will be introduced.
Foods to avoid after a bariatric surgery include anything with a higher protein content and anything that has too much oil as the stomach s ability to digest these is reduced. Refrain from:

Carbonated beverages
Hard meat
Nuts and seeds
Fried foods
Food items to include post bariatric surgery include those which are easy on the stomach, including:

Liquids such as soups, broth, juice, and milk
Pureed cooked vegetables and eggs
Soft mashed food including meat and vegetables
Adherence to this will reduce complications. While eating, the patient should also remember to chew nicely, eat and drink slowly, increase water intake throughout the day, and avoid fats and sugar. It is advisable to eat three proper meals a day and avoid snacking during the day.

Remember that the need for bariatric surgery arose in the first place due to uncontrolled eating of oily food. After undergoing a bariatric surgery, diet pattern is definitely going to move to a healthier side with reduced fat and sugars. It is not an easy shift, but definitely required, if the surgery is to be a success. Imagine the new you and you will be able to do it!

Bariatric Surgery - Aftercare Tips You Must Follow!

Surgeons perform the Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy Procedure when there is an obstruction to the flow of bile from the gallbladder to the digestive system. This may happen due to the formation of stones in the gallbladder. 

In case there is stone in the gallbladder, it calls for the removal of gallbladder. If the gallbladder is not removed, it may give rise to abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, pain in the shoulder, arms, etc. It may also lead to jaundice and infection and put the pancreas in difficulty. The gallbladder removal procedure can be carried out through the Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy.

In this procedure, the gallbladder is removed from the abdomen through small incisions using a laparoscope and other surgical instruments. A total of five incisions are made into the abdomen.

Role of Gallbladder and Why Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy is Needed?

The gallbladder is a pear-shaped organ located at the right side of the liver. It helps the digestive system of the body. The gallbladder stores the bile juice made by the liver. This bile juice helps in digesting the fat. If there are stones in the gallbladder, it can block the flow of bile fluid, which affects the functionality of digestive system. This problem is known as Gallstones. A Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy is performed when there is a stone in the gallbladder.

What Is a Laparoscope and How Is It Used?

A laparoscope is a narrow tube-like structure that carries a camera in front of it. This instrument is inserted through a small incision and the doctor manipulates it to view the targeted area clearly. He can view the area clearly on the monitor. Surgical instruments are then inserted through other incisions, and the gallbladder is removed.

The Procedure:

Before the procedure, the patient is administered with general anesthesia. This relaxes the muscles and prevents pain. The patient falls asleep and the doctor carries out the procedure. Carbon dioxide is inserted into the abdomen to inflate it. After this, a small incision is made in the navel and the laparoscope is inserted through it. The surgeon may also perform an X-ray to confirm the existence of stones in the common bile duct. Once he is confirmed about the existence of stones, he inserts surgical instruments through other incisions. The surgeon removes the gallbladder through these incisions.

What Are the Benefits of Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy Procedure?

There are many benefits of Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy over open gallbladder removal:

The patient suffers less discomfort compared to regular surgery.

The patient also needs to stay in the hospital for a lesser number of days as compared to open surgery.

The patient also suffers smaller tears as compared to open surgery.

Risks of Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy:

The risk of complications is low in a laparoscopic procedure. However, there are still some risks, that include:

Infection

Business

Injury to the common bile duct

Shoulder Pain

Leakage of Bile

Conclusion:

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy has become a popular option for patients suffering from gallbladder stone. Surgeons often suggest this procedure so that patients can recover quickly and there is minimal bleeding. However, the laparoscopic surgeon must be experienced to perform this type of surgery. An experienced laparoscopic surgeon can ensure that there are minimal bleeding and little risk of other side effects during the procedure. The patient must be able to recover quickly and get back to his routine.

Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy Procedure!

Rectal problems in women are quite common. It is experienced by many women in some form or the other such as rectal itching, pain or bleeding. Rectal problems are more common in women than in men. These conditions need to be attended to immediately as severe rectal problems may cause several health problems. There are many ways to deal with rectal problems in women.

Treating rectal itching: Rectal itching is a common rectal problem. These can be treated by

    Improve hygiene: You should clean the rectum area gently using cotton balls moistened with water. You should apply mild ointments to prevent irritation and soothe the skin.
    Unscented toilet paper or unscented lotions and creams: You should use white toilet paper that does not have any scent. Scented soaps, creams or lotions should be avoided as it may cause further irritation. You can also apply ointments containing 1% hydrocortisone.
    Control excessive sweating: Rectal problems may occur due to excess sweating. You should avoid sweating too much by wearing light clothes and using talcum powder for the absorption of moisture.

In case of excessive itching, you should follow the following tips:

    Do not scratch the area as scratching may lead to further itching. You can take an oral antihistamine during the night to get better sleep.
    You can take a warm sitz bath after every bowel movement, for at least three days, every day. The anus should be dried properly after the bath.
    Abstain from foods that stimulate rectal itching like tea, coffee, aerated drinks, alcohol, chocolate, spicy food, tomatoes and excess vitamin C, for a period of two weeks.
    You must maintain short fingernails to avoid injuries during scratching. To prevent unconscious scratching during sleep, wear cotton gloves.
    Stress should be managed as increased stress may lead to enhanced rectal itching. When you are anxious, do not scratch the rectal area.

Treating rectal bleeding: Rectal bleeding is another problem, which may be accompanied by other rectal problems. In case of rectal bleeding, avoid taking aspirin or any other non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drug. These drugs may cause bleeding in the digestive tract. This will increase the blood amount in your stool. Bleeding hemorrhoids can worsen by the intake of these medicines. For soothing pain, opt for an acetaminophen. Constipation and diarrhoea may also lead to rectal bleeding. However, it is advised to consult a doctor before consuming any medicine.

Prevention
For prevention of rectal problems, you must have a good sense of hygiene. Keep the rectum region clean and avoid sitting in the toilet for a long time. You should have a fiber-rich diet including fresh fruits and vegetables. Avoid food items, which may cause rectal problems. General rectal problems are not very serious and can be treated using simple measures. Maintaining proper rectal hygiene is very important to avoid rectal problems. It is highly recommended to visit a doctor if the problem persists.

Rectal Problems in Women - Doctor Recommended Tips

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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