An anal fissure is a small tear or crack in the lining of the anus which causes sharp pain, bleeding, itching, or burning.

An anal fissure can affect people of all ages, and it s often seen in infants and young children. Constipation is a common problem in this age group and it is a major cause of this problem.

An anal fissure usually isn t a serious condition. In most cases, the tear heals on its own within four to six weeks. In cases where the fissure persists beyond eight weeks, it s considered chronic, or long term.

Symptoms-

A visible tear in the skin around the anus
A small lump of skin just next to the tear
A sharp pain in the anal area during bowel movements
Streaks of blood on stools or on wiping
Burning or itching around the anus
Causes-

Straining during childbirth
Straining during bowel movements as a result of constipation
Chronic constipation
Diarrhea
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
Overly tight anal sphincter muscles
In rare cases, an anal fissure may develop due to:

Anal cancer which occurs due mostly to ano-receptive sex without barrier protection
HIV infection
Tuberculosis
Syphilis
Herpes
Let s take a closer look at these risk factors.

Anal fissures are common in infants and young kids. Older adults also become prone to anal fissures as the blood flow to the anorectal region decreases.
Women also become prone to these fissures due to straining during childbirth.
The inflammation that occurs in the intestinal lining in people with IBD makes the tissue around the anus more prone to tearing, further causing fissures.
People who frequently experience constipation are at an increased risk for fissures. Also, one can suffer from fissures due to straining and passing large, hard stools. In both these cases, one may experience tears in the anal lining.
Frequent diarrhea can also tear the skin around the anus and so can ano-receptive sex without protection. This can lead to sexually transmitted diseases like genital herpes, HIV/AIDS and infection with HPV virus which causes anal cancer.
Treatment-

Treatment usually helps control anal fissures and the discomfort it causes. Your doctor will prescribe stool softeners and topical pain relievers to stem discomfort. However, if these do not make your anal fissure go away then surgery may be required. And in addition to this, your doctor will also need to look for other underlying causes that can cause anal fissures like for example anal cancer.

Diagnosis

An anal fissure can be diagnosed by simple physical exam. The doctor looks at the area around your anus and follows it up with a rectal exam to confirm the diagnosis.
This can mean the use of an anoscope. In this, the doctor inserts an anoscope into your rectum to be able to see the anal tear.
An anoscope is a thin tube and it allows doctors to inspect the anal canal. An anoscope is also used to diagnose other causes of anal or rectal pain such as hemorrhoids or piles.

How Anal Fissures are Diagnosed?

Surgery is basically the most important treatment for majority of kidney cancer and without undergoing surgery, the chances of survival for the patient are very small. Surgery for kidney tumor is also beneficial for the people who has cancer in different other organs of the body. People also live longer with the help of the removal of the kidney which contains cancer thus even if cancer has spread beyond just the Kidneys, the doctor might suggest kidney surgery.

The removal of kidney tumor can also be used to prevent or reduce symptoms like abnormal bleeding or pain. Some of the tissues surrounding the kidney or the entire kidney might be removed depending on the location or other factors involving the tumor for cancer.

Risks or Side-effects of the Surgery
Surgery of any type might have some risks which can be short term like abnormal bleeding, blood clots which will eventually lead to infection. Majority of people does tend to have pain after undergoing the operation which usually could be benefited with the help of pain medicines. Some other possible risks are:

Some internal organs such as spleen, pancreas, large or small bowel or some blood vessels might be damaged after undergoing the operation.
Internal organs might observe some bulging near the area of surgery because of the issues with the healing of the wound which is known as incisional hernia
If the remaining kidney is unable to operate then there might be the risk of Kidney failure.
Is the chest cavity lets in unwanted air then there is a risk of Pneumothorax.
There is always a risk of urine leaking into the abdomen.
Advantages of Kidney Surgery
Transplantation surgery tends to have some benefits. Which minimises the need for dialysis and helps the patients enjoy life at its best which more freedom productivity and energy. Although majority of the patients before being first evaluated for surgery are on dialysis. But the patients who are undergoing end stage renal disease might be referred for surgery even ahead of dialysis.

A successful kidney surgery can provide you with more than just your health back. It can also provide you with an even better quality of life. There are several cases where the majority of patients return home and also good work and still lead a quality life after the transplantation therefore this treatment is preferable for several patients.

Surgery For Kidneys - Know The Benefits!

Since the development of modern medicine, doctors and health care professionals have always tried to come up with minimally invasive procedures for both diagnostic purposes as well as surgery. Endoscopy was developed to see inside a human body without the need for large incisions or surgery.

What is Endoscopy?
Endoscopy is a type of procedure wherein the doctor inserts a long thin tube into the body through an opening such as the mouth, anus or the urethra. Sometimes small incisions may be made on your body to insert the tube as well. The tube which is inserted within the body is fitted with a camera which allows the doctor to see what is wrong within your body, a specific section or organ. Doctors can even take images or videos of your organs which help them to determine a due course of action in your treatment. Endoscopy may also be used as a part of a laparoscopic operation to correct problems within the body, especially in cases wherein tissues have to be removed.

Types of endoscopy and its uses-
Although endoscopy could be used in any part of the body, there are certain areas where they are used more commonly than the others. Some of the types or endoscopies are mentioned below:

Colonoscopy   Used to examine your colon wherein the scope is inserted through your anus
Laparoscopy   This is one of the most common forms of diagnosis as well as surgery wherein the tube may be inserted through a small area in your abdomen or the pelvic area. This is not only used for imaging or diagnosis but is used in surgery as well.
Arthroscopy   Here, an incision is made on the joints of your body to check for problems
Cystoscopy   In this type, the tube is inserted through the urethral opening to check for problems in the urinary tract or the bladder. Another variation of this would be ureteroscopy.
Enteroscopy   This is an endoscopic examination of the intestines wherein the tube is inserted via the anus or the mouth.
Hysteroscopy   Here, examination of the uterus and the female reproductive organ is carried out wherein the endoscope is inserted into the vagina.
Bronchoscopy   It entails an examination of the lungs wherein the scope may be inserted through the nose or mouth to check the lungs
Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy - This is used for the examination of the esophagus and the upper intestinal tract.
Risks and safety-
Endoscopy is a widely performed and very reliable procedure. In the hands of a skilled doctor, endoscopy will be able to determine the cause of the problem and also correct the issues if surgery is also performed along with it. However, like any procedure, it does carry certain risks although the chances are fairly low. Some of the risks are mentioned as follows  

Perforation or other injuries to your organs such as scraping or bruising
Fever due to the introduction of foreign materials
Persisting pain in the specific area wherein endoscopy was performed
Swelling of the area wherein the tube was inserted
Infections after the procedure
Bleeding at the site of the incision or entry of the tube
However, these cases are rare and only occur in a very small section of the cases. Although there is minimal pain associated with the procedure, the benefits far outweigh the risks and inconveniences.

8 Types Of Endoscopies & For What They Are Used For!

GERD or gastroesophageal reflux disease is a chronic digestive disease which occurs when the stomach acid and at times the contents in your stomach flows backwards into the food pipe. The backwash or reflux irritates the esophagus's lining and hence causes GERD. Individuals may manage GERD's discomfort by changing their lifestyle and by taking over-the-counter or OTC medications. But, certain people might also require stronger medications or surgery for reducing the symptoms.

Some of the basic signs include chest pain, burning sensation in the chest, dry cough, difficulty in swallowing, sore throat, etc. If you experience such symptoms at least twice a week or if your physician notices damage in your food pipe, then you might undergo diagnosis. Though drugs are the primary GERD treatment yet, an individual can manage it by following certain tips which may give relief.

Few ways to manage GERD- self-care tips:

One of the effective ways to help yourself is by consuming smaller meals. Instead of taking three big meals regularly, you may try having smaller meals frequently and avoid stuffing.
Almost all individuals tend to have dinner just half an hour before sleep, but this might affect GERD patients. It is best to eat 2 hours before going to bed as by doing so your stomach will get enough time to digest the food.
Due to a hectic schedule and fast paced lifestyle, people tend to eat as quickly as possible. To manage GERD, one must eat slowly and put down the spoon or fork in between each bite.
Changing the daily diet by striking off the trigger foods is beneficial in managing GERD symptoms. Though the food triggers vary from one person to another yet, it includes coffee, chocolate, peppermint, alcohol, tomato, citrus juices, onions, spicy and high- fat foods, etc.
Sleeping with the head end of the bed elevated by 6 inches is a very effective way of reducing night time reflux. It is also advisable to sleep on your left side . Never sleep on the right side as this position promotes reflux. Medications to reduce acid production are the mainstay of the medical treatment. 
One always has to ensure that they are following the various lifestyle changes along with the medication. Other medications include pro kinetic medicines which help the stomach empty. Surgery always remains the last resort in the treatment of GERD. Endoscopy is required for the diagnosis or GERD Prior to any surgery a Manometry and 24 hr ph merry test is compulsory.
If you are suffering from GERD symptoms frequently, then you may maintain a diary for figuring out which foods are giving you trouble.

When is a surgery required?
If lifestyle changing tips and other medications fail to provide any relief, then physicians recommend undergoing surgery.

Surgery is done for strengthening lower esophageal sphincter and also for reinforcing it. The surgery for reinforcing lower esophageal sphincter is performed by surgeons laparoscopically. The surgeon inserts instruments like a tiny camera and flexible tube by making 3-4 incisions in the abdomen. This surgery for managing GERD may be quite effective.
Experts state that candidates who undergo GERD surgery are those who are unwilling to take GERD drugs or are not getting relief from them. While choosing a surgeon, it is better to consider one who possesses huge experience of the particular operation which you need and also with a good track record.
So, you must visit a doctor if you experience frequent gastroesophageal reflux disease symptoms. It won't be a good decision to take OTC medications without your doctor's recommendation if you notice arm or jaw pain along with difficulty in breathing as these are signs of heart attack.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease - How Best Can You Manage It?

Ovarian cancer takes place when the cells in either of your ovaries have an abnormal growth. The ovaries are two small organs, situated on either side of your uterus. They deliver female sex hormones and store and discharge eggs (ova) that help a woman reproduce. Ovarian cancer is a serious disease that emerges from various sorts of cells and growths inside the ovary.

Specialists do not know precisely what causes ovarian cancer. Hereditary qualities, for example and other DNA changes, are a danger element for few ladies. Around 10 out of 100 ovarian cancers are thought to be brought about by quality transformations in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes. Women who go through changes due to these carrier genes are more at risk of contracting ovarian cancer.

The earliest symptoms of ovarian cancer are as follows

    Frequent bloating in the uterus or stomach area.
    Pain in your pelvis or belly.
    Inconvenience while eating, or feeling full quickly.
    Urinary issues, for example, a critical need to urinate or urinating more frequently than expected.


Treatment options for ovarian cancer

The decision of treatment and the long-term result for ladies who have ovarian cancer relies upon the sort and phase of cancer they are in. Your age, general wellbeing, personal satisfaction, and wish to get pregnant should be considered. The primary treatment methods for ovarian cancer are:

    Surgery to see whether you have cancer or not and to treat it. This may include taking an ultrasound and biopsies to check for the spread of cancer.
    Chemotherapy, which uses medications to kill the cancerous cells. It is suggested after surgery for most phases of ovarian cancer.
    Women who are in a more progressive stage of ovarian cancer may have a portion of their chemotherapy before surgery and whatever is left of it after surgery. This can make the surgery more secure for these women.
    Radiation treatment might be utilized to pulverize the cancer cells with the help of high-measurement X-ray beams or other high-vitality beams.

Side Effects of Treatment Methods:

Most medications for ovarian cancer cause reactions. They may vary, depending upon the kind of treatment, your age and general well-being. Reactions of surgery rely on the degree of your surgery and spread of the disease. In case your specialist removes your ovaries, you lose the capacity to bear children or get pregnant. Furthermore, in case you were all the while bleeding before your surgery, you will begin with your menopause.

Symptoms of chemotherapy may incorporate loss of appetite and weight, queasiness, fatigue, vomiting, nausea and hair loss. There is also a possibility of getting a very serious infection. One should get regular or annual check-ups done to see if there are anomalies in either parts of the bodies since natural symptoms of cancer are only visible after a certain stage. 

Ovarian Cancer - 4 Highly Effective Treatment Options Available

The kidneys are primarily responsible for filtering blood and removing waste from the body. They also regulate the fluid and electrolyte balance. If the kidneys stop functioning, a patient may need to undergo dialysis or have a renal transplant. Many patients prefer undergoing a transplant as it offers a better quality of life in the long run.

A kidney transplant can be described as a procedure to replace one s own kidneys with a donor's kidney. In case of kidney transplant, there are two types of donors. The human body can function with one healthy kidney and hence family members and friends of the patient may choose to donate a kidney. Else, a kidney may be sourced from recently deceased donors who have chosen to donate their organs after death. In both cases, it is important that the donor kidney match the patient s blood and tissue type.

A renal transplant surgery usually takes about 3 hours. The donor kidney is placed in the abdominal cavity and connected to the patient s arteries, veins and bladder. Usually, the donor kidney begins functioning immediately. The patient s own damaged or diseased kidneys may not be removed unless there is a severe infection, cancer or a diagnosis of large polycystic kidneys.

The patient will need to be hospitalized for a few days after the surgery. In some cases, dialysis may be needed if the kidneys are unable to produce urine. In addition diuretics and other medication may be needed to remove excess water and salt from the body. Medication will also be prescribed to suppress the immune system so that the patient s body does not reject the donor kidney. These medications typically need to be taken for the rest of the patient s life.

A renal transplant is considered a relatively safe procedure. Less than 20 out of 100 people reject a donor kidney. However, there are a few other risks involved. These include:
  Bleeding
  Severe infection
  Failure of the donor kidney
  Reaction to anesthesia
  Increased risk of infections due to suppressed immune system

Kidney transplant is not advised for people suffering from diseases such as cancer or any significant lung or heart disease. If the patient is suffering from an infection, he or she may be advised to wait until the infection subsides before undergoing a renal transplant. A renal transplant may seem to be an expensive procedure but in the long run, this can work out to be more budget friendly than dialysis.

Renal Transplant - What Should You Know About It?

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