A laparoscopic cholecystectomy may sound like a very complex medical procedure. Well, that should not come as a surprise because that is pretty much what it is. In any case, however, would it not be more than a little interesting to get to know more about this complex sounding procedure?

The cholecystectomy is required when there is a need to remove the gallbladder. When it comes to the surgery itself, there are two options from which a person can choose, in consultation with the doctor. There is the traditional sort and there is the laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The traditional way of performing the surgery requires that there is a cut made along the right side of the person s body, from which the surgeon removes the gallbladder.

When a person goes for a laparoscopic cholecystectomy, there is no need for a long cut of the body or anything of that sort! In its stead, there are a few very small incisions which are made of the abdomen of the patient and even a video camera is inserted through one of these incisions!

The use that is served by the camera is that it provides the surgeon with the view required inside the abdomen to perform the surgery without having to cut open much of the abdomen. Using the tools at his or her disposal, the surgeon can perform the same operation. Now, does that sound seem to be a lot better?

One of the great advantages about the laparoscopic cholecystectomy as compared to an open cholecystectomy is the fact that the recovery time is so much shorter! While the open surgery takes about an hour or two for the procedure itself and generally two to three whole days after it to recover, a laparoscopic cholecystectomy means that the patient can generally go home the same day, after spending about just ten hours at the hospital! That being said, in some cases, the doctors recommend that a night is spent at the hospital so that everything is stable.

Taking this into consideration, the time it takes for a person to get back to normal and do anything and everything that he or she wants is a lot less when the surgery was of the laparoscopic variety. Care needs to be taken though, but within a week to ten days, everything should be just fine.

Pain in the gallbladder, unfortunately, affects some people, but laparoscopic is the way to go!

Gallbladder Removal Surgery - Tips To Help You Recover!

The kidneys are two small organs located in the abdomen. The main function performed by these organs is filtering of the blood. Kidneys help remove waste from the blood which they turn into urine so that it may be excreted from the body. In doing this they also help regulate blood pressure, maintain the production of red blood cells, and sustain the electrolyte balance. When the kidneys do not function properly, the results could be fatal. 

Hence, it is important to be able to recognize the early signs and symptoms of Kidney failure.

Tiredness: A decrease in kidney functioning can cause toxins to build up in the body and blood. This can make a person feel more tired than usual and keep them from concentrating on simple tasks. Kidney failure is also associated with anemia which can also contribute to fatigue.
Trouble sleeping: Chronic kidney disease has been linked to obesity and sleep apnea. Both these conditions can make it difficult for a person to fall asleep and stay asleep. The buildup of toxins in the blood can also contribute to insomnia.
Dry skin: The skin is one of the first organs to show signs of internal organ failure. Thus, when the kidneys stop functioning as well as they are supposed to, the skin turns dry and itchy. This is because the production of red blood cells is reduced and the amount of minerals or nutrients in the body is unbalanced.
Increased urge to urinate: An increased urge to urinate frequently especially at night could be a sign of kidney disease. This may also be a sign of a urinary infection.
Blood in the urine: Urine should ideally be clear and pale yellow in color. Seeing blood mixed with urine should never be ignored. This is a sign that the kidneys have been damaged and blood is leaking into the urine. It could also be a sign of kidney stones, an infection, or a tumor in the kidney.
Foamy urine: Excessive foam in the urine that does not go away even after flushing could be a sign of protein in the urine. This foam may look similar to a beaten egg white as it is produced by albumin; the same protein present in eggs.
Swollen ankles: Swollen ankles are a sign of sodium retention. This is caused by the improper filtration of blood by the kidneys. The patient may also notice his or her feet getting swollen.

Kidney Failure - Recognising The Early Signs!

Obesity is a medical condition where the body accumulates excess fat to the extent that it adversely affects your health. People having a Body Mass Index (BMI) equal to or greater than 30 are considered obese. BMI is the measure of your body fat based on your height and weight. While some people may have a genetic background of being obese, others may gain excess weight due to underlying health conditions.

What causes obesity?
People who do not take part in physical activities or exercise on a regular basis are prone to excess weight gain. Those who have a family history of obesity are likely to be obese. Consumption of high-fat and high-calorie food like processed/fried food, pulses, rice, potatoes, red meat etc. Lack of sleep and sedentary lifestyle also play a huge part in unhealthy weight gain. As you age, your body undergoes many hormonal changes and loses muscle mass as a result of which metabolic rate becomes slower. This makes it easier for you to gain weight. A number of medical conditions like Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), diabetes, hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid gland), Prader-Willi Syndrome etc also cause your body to gain excess weight.

What are the symptoms of obesity?
People who are obese, experience symptoms such as- tiredness, fatigue, exhaustion, shortness of breath, increased sweating, inability to keep up with physical activities etc. These symptoms, if not paid attention to, can lead to serious health issues such as sleep apnea, heart ailments, high blood pressure.

Role of homeopathy in treating obesity-
Homeopathy can proficiently manage the symptoms of obesity, and also prevent the condition from relapsing. Homeopathic remedies are extracted from different plants, herbs and natural substances that are absolutely safe for you. This branch of medicine attempts to improve your metabolism, correct your digestive system and easily eliminate waste products- which are the three basic prerequisites for weight loss. Homeopathic medicines, unlike conventional medications which restrict nutrient absorption and promote a feeling of fullness, aim to cure the symptoms responsible for excess weight gain naturally. The homeopathy component most commonly used to treat obesity is impure calcium derived from the middle layers of the shells. Homeopathic components like Clubmoss plant extract and sodium chloride are prescribed to those who have excess fat accumulated in the buttocks and thighs.

One major advantage of homeopathy is that they are non-addictive, and can be adopted by people even when they re on other conventional treatment medications.

Obesity - How Homeopathy Can Help?

Breast examination is a way of detecting early changes that help in detecting lumps or other growth in the breast. This is a manual form of examination that may be carried out by the doctor or even by the patient. This kind of examination helps in detecting the onset of breast cancer and helps in successful treatment of the same. It is an essential screening strategy that all women must go through. Let us cast a glance on the various details regarding this examination, and also how frequently it must be conducted.

Age: Women who have reached the age of 18 are said to have matured physically and sexually. They should perform this examination once they have reached the said age in order to detect any anomalies in the way the physical changes occur in the breast tissue.
Procedure: One should begin by looking at one's reflection in the mirror to find any rashes or dimpling in the breasts. The shape, size and colour of the breasts and nipples must also be studied so as to check for any anomalies. Inverted nipples, redness and soreness must also be reported to the doctor. Once you are done checking the visuals, you can raise your arms and look for any changes. Then, you will need to lie down and feel your breasts by using a circular motion. The finger pads must be used in order to check for any lumps. One must start from the centre and move the breasts sideways. Any wet and slippery feeling must be reported to the doctor immediately.
Pressure: During the breast examination, you must use light pressure for the skin and tissue that lie beneath the breasts, while medium to moderate pressure should be used for the middle portion of the breasts. One must use a firm hand to check the tissue that lies at the back of the breasts, near the rib cage.
Frequency: One must get into the habit of conducting a breast examination at least once a fortnight or once a month, without fail. You can also go to the gynaecologist for an examination in case you are not confident of conducting it on your own with proper movements and accuracy. You may also journalise your breast examination findings.
Menstrual Cycles: When you are going through your menstrual cycle or period, it is important to remember that your breasts can become tender just before or after the start of the cycle. So, do not panic if you think you have found a lump or any other growth at this time. It is best to check again after a week and then visit the doctor about checking the same.

How Frequently Should a Breast Examination Be Done?

Causes and symptoms of enlarged prostate

The problem of an enlarged prostate or benign prostate hyperplasia is a very common occurrence as you grow older. It's known to strike men above the age of 50, with more than 50% of men after the age of 60, having this complaint.

Causes of enlarged prostate

A non-cancerous condition, enlarged prostate makes the passing of urine from the bladder through the urethra difficult. The multiplication of the prostate cells causes an enlargement of the gland, leading to a buildup of pressure on the urethra, affecting the discharge of urine from the body. The narrowing of the urethra, due to this benign condition, forces the bladder to contract more vigorously so as to push urine out of the body.

As time passes, the muscles of the bladder get significantly affected, causing them to become extremely sensitive, thicker and stronger. As a consequence, the bladder begins to contract, even if the amount of urine in the organ is negligible, causing episodes of frequent urination. Gradually, the bladder fails to completely empty itself of urine due to the constriction of the urethra. This can give rise to a number of health problems including the formation of bladder stones, urinary tract infections, blood in the urine and so on.

How can you identify the signs of the condition?

Signs of enlarged prostate are very easy to identify and include:

- A slow or weak urine flow
- Difficulty in initiating urination
- Instances of frequent urination
- A feeling of not completely emptying one's bladder
- Frequent urination during the night
- Exerting a lot to urinate
- Instances of dribbling
- Urgency to pass urine
- A feeling of urinating again minutes after doing so
- Urination that starts and stops



What Leads to an Enlarged Prostate?

When dieting and exercising fail to help an obese person manage their weight, bariatric surgery may be suggested. One of the most popular types of bariatric surgery is a gastric sleeve surgery or sleeve gastrectomy. The main aim of this surgery is to reduce the amount of food that can be consumed in one sitting. It does not affect the amount of nutrients and fats absorbed from the food that has been eaten. A majority of the weight loss resulting from this surgery happens within 12-18 months.

A gastric sleeve surgery is a relatively safe, straightforward and short surgery. Prior to surgery, few patients would have been given a special diet.  This surgery is always  performed laparoscopically popularly known as keyhole route. More than half the outer side of the stomach is removed. The remaining part of the stomach takes the form of a tube. 

Though recovery from any surgery varies from person to person, most patients are able to walk and allowed sips of water by evening. Though certain amount of pain and discomfort is expected, this remains in bearable range with pain killers. Usually liquid diet is advised for 2 weeks followed by soft foods for 4 weeks.

You will notice that you feel fuller much faster and are able to consume a very limited portion of your normal food intake. It is essential to drink plenty of water to remain adequately hydrated and to prevent constipation.

On an average, this surgery can help people lose up to 70% - 100%% of their excess body weight. However, this depends largely on your understanding and compliance of post operative dietary changes. A dietician can also help you make right food choices, decide meal portions and address the right number of meals needed by your body. For long term weight maintenance it is important not to fall back to your earlier lifestyle and to maintain a positive attitude.

Gastric Sleeve Surgery - What Is The Process Of It?

Don't wait any longer, manage your Venous Ulcer online with a Lybrate doctor today

Consult for Venous Ulcer - Online and Easy!

FilterClear All

COMMON SPECIALITIES

COMMON ISSUES