Culture and Sensitivity - Ascitic Fluid Tips

Top 10 Doctors for Liver Disease in Bangalore

MBBS, DNB - Internal Medicine, DNB - Gastroenterology
Gastroenterologist, Bangalore




1. Dr. Sushruth shetty

Https://www. Lybrate. Com/bangalore/doctor/dr-sushruth-shetty-gastroenterologist ;

Mbbs bachelor of medicine and bachelor of surgery, m s general surgeon, mch surgical gastroenterology

11 years experience 100 online



He has garnered both a prestigious education and extensive clinical experience as a physician. He is a highly regarded gastroenterologist who has successfully helped several people with intricate issues. He also treats patients effectively as an advanced endoscopic interventional surgeon and a hepato biliary pancreatic surgeon. ;



He received his undergraduate degree in the form of mbbs, from kasturba medical college, and his post graduate degree of m s, general surgeon, from the reputed institution jipmer. He has also done speciality in the field of m. Ch surgical gastroenterology from gujarat university, ahmedabad. He is a renowned gastroenterologist has earned a reputation dealing with the disorders of liver and various disorders of gut

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He has prior experience as a surgical gastroenterologist at mazumdhar shaw medical center, narayana health city, bangalore. He is a tire expert when it comes to treating disorder of liver and also disorders of gallbladder pancreas and small and large intestine he also treats various disorders of stomach including peptic ulcers.

2. Dr. Phanindra v v

Https://www. Lybrate. Com/bangalore/doctor/dr-phanindra-v-v-ayurveda

Md - ayurveda, fellowship in cardiac rehabilitation, bachelor of ayurveda, medicine and surgery

17 years experience 400 at clinic 1600 online

He provided the highest quality of treatment as an ayurvedic doctor. He is a skilled gastroenterologist, health specialist, and hepatologist. He was able to achieve academic success and obtain his md in ayurveda from skamch & rc bangalore and his bachelor of ayurveda, medicine and surgery (bams) from government ayurvedic medical college, bangalore, karnataka. ;

He also holds a fellowship in cardiac rehabilitation medvarsity. In 2008, he received the prize for highest marks at graduation.

3. Dr. Ramesh v s

Https://www. Lybrate. Com/bangalore/doctor/dr-ramesh-gastroenterologist-4

Mbbs, md - medicine, dm - gastroenterology

25 years experience 250 - 600 at clinic

As a gastroenterologist, he is an exceptionally skilled doctor who gives his patients his whole attention. He was able to accomplish academic achievement and acquire his mbbs from bangalore medical college and research institute, located in bangalore, as well as his md-medicine from the karnataka institute of medical sciences, located in hubli (kims). ;

He also has a dm in gastroenterology from bombay's nanavati hospitals. He has been a part of the karnataka medical council for a long time and has earned a good reputation there.

4. Dr. Sadiq s sikora

Https://www. Lybrate. Com/bangalore/doctor/dr-sadiq-s-sikora-gastroenterologist

M. B. B. S, m. S

39 years experience 800 at clinic

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He has revolutionised the standard of care for patients through his years of exemplary work as a skilled and devoted medical professional. He has specialised as a gastroenterologist. He has a great deal of expertise in this field. He is a renowned hepatologist and also a trained gastroenterologist who also deals with various liver disorders surgically and in the need of conservative treatment he also prescribed treatment for various liver disorders.

5. Dr. A. C. Praveen kumar

Https://www. Lybrate. Com/bangalore/doctor/dr-ac-praveenkumar-gastroenterologist

Mbbs, dm - gastroenterology, md - medicine

39 years experience 500 at clinic

As a gastroenterologist, he has helped people in the area who were experiencing digestive issues. His impressive medical training includes a bachelor of medicine and bachelor of surgery (mbbs) from bangalore medical college and research institute in bangalore and a dm in gastroenterology from naval hospital, bombay university. ;

He also has an md in medicine from bombay university's naval hospital. The doctor has made a name for himself as a respected member of the indian society of gastroenterology.

6. Dr. Harish k c

Https://www. Lybrate. Com/bangalore/doctor/dr-harish-k-c-gastroenterologist-1

Dm - gastroenterology, md - general medicine, mbbs

12 years experience 1000 at clinic 150 online

Dr harish has helped thousands of patients in his twelve years of experience and treating various disorders of the guard in the field of medicine. He is highly distinguished for his work in the medical field as a gastroenterologist. Additionally, he is a skilled and efficient hepatologist. ;

He has obtained medical education in the form of dm-gastroenterology from the sanjay gandhi postgraduate institute of medical sciences, lucknow, md general medicine-mysore medical college and research institute, mysore, and mbbs-kempegowda institute of medical sciences, bangalore.

7. Dr. Madhu m p

Https://www. Lybrate. Com/bangalore/doctor/dr-madhu-m-p-gastroenterologist ;

Mbbs, md - general medicine, dm - gastroenterology

17 years experience 500 - 650 at clinic 600 online

As a gastroenterologist, he has been of assistance to a significant number of patients. His patients received the best possible treatment from him. Throughout his work, he has observed a great number of satisfied patients.

He has an extensive education and is a respected member of the medical community. He received his mbbs from the davangere medical college, his md in general medicine from the general medical college in bhopal, and his dm in gastroenterology from the sms in jaipur. ;

8. Dr. Shabir ahmed

Https://www. Lybrate. Com/bangalore/doctor/dr-shabbir-ahmed-k-gastroenterologist

Dm - gastroenterology, mbbs

47 years experience 600 at clinic

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He is a well-respected physician who has a distinguished educational background and a wealth of practical expertise in the medical field. He is a gastroenterologist who is both highly accomplished and widely renowned in the field. He attended madras university in chennai, india, for his dm in gastroenterology degree, and karnataka university in india for his bachelor of medicine and bachelor of surgery degree.

9. Dr. Sreenivasa d

Https://www. Lybrate. Com/bangalore/doctor/dr-sreenivasa-d-gastroenterologist ;

Dm - gastroenterology, mbbs

33 years experience 550 at clinic



He is a talented and dedicated clinician, treating patients as a gastroenterologist. He was able to achieve academic success and obtain his dm-gastroenterology from seth g s medical college, mumbai, and his mbbs from karnataka university, india. He is a well known and expert physician. ;

 

He was a gold medalist in md and also a gold medalist in dm. He is a well respected and honoured member of the indian medical association (ima), the indian society of gastroenterology, and the american society of gastrointestinal endoscopy. 

10. Dr. Tanmaya acharya

Https://www. Lybrate. Com/bangalore/doctor/dr-tanmaya-acharya-ayurveda 

Md - ayurveda, bams, post graduate diploma in nutrition and dietetics

13 years experience 400 at clinic 400 online

 

Through her years of excellent work as a knowledgeable and committed medical expert, she has revolutionised the quality of care for patients. She did well in school and got her md-ayurveda from the government ayurveda medical college in bangalore and her bams from the jss ayurvedic medical college in mysore. 

 

Additionally, she is a holder of a post graduate diploma in nutrition and dietetics from the karnataka state open university. She formerly worked for keva ayurveda health care pvt. Ltd. As a medical officer.

Strange Things About Peptic Ulcer!

MBBS, MD - General Medicine, DNB - Gastroenterology
Gastroenterologist, Hyderabad
Strange Things About Peptic Ulcer!
Peptic ulcer often referred to as stomach ulcer, is usually a misunderstood disease. Most people are unaware of the reasons why the ulcer is caused and are also unaware of the early symptoms of the disorder. Here is a look at some of the strange facts about peptic ulcers that you may not know.

Stress does not cause ulcers: The myth that stress causes ulcers is just that- a myth. Ulcers are not caused by stress and tension. However, if you are already affected by an ulcer, stress can alleviate the symptoms and make matter worse. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can result in ulcers. So, if you have already been diagnosed with peptide ulcer, try not to stress too much.
Ulcer pain is not caused due to food: Contrary to popular belief, ulcer pain is not alleviated when you eat something. In fact, the pain increases if your stomach remains empty for a long period of time. So, if you are an ulcer patient, make a point of eating at regular intervals. In fact, the American College of Gastroenterology claims that people with ulcers do not need to follow a bland diet in order to recover from the condition.
Heartburn medication is effective against ulcer: Stomach acid is the common link between heartburn and ulcer, as both of these disorders are caused as a result of excess acid formation in the stomach. This is why physicians often prescribe antacids to ulcer patients.
Untreated ulcers can be problematic: Ulcers are easy to cure and can be completely treated with proper medication and adherence to restrictions. However, you should seek treatment for ulcers as soon as it is diagnosed. If left untreated, this ulcer may go on to cause severe issues for the patient. For instance, untreated ulcers may lead to internal bleeding and scar tissue. The same also impede the digestive process. So, do not leave ulcers untreated and think that they will be repaired automatically over time.
Endoscopy is the best way to diagnose ulcers: Even though X-rays may often reveal ulcers, a normal X-ray cannot detect certain smaller ulcers. Endoscopy is the best way to detect the disorder. In this process, a small tube, containing a light and a camera, is inserted inside the patient s oesophagus. The camera reveals any abnormal growth or infection inside the stomach. If you suspect an ulcer, book an appointment with the doctor as soon as possible.
1565 people found this helpful

Common Colorectal Conditions - Have Ayurveda At Your Rescue!

MS - Ayurveda, BAMS
Ayurvedic Doctor, Mumbai
Common Colorectal Conditions - Have Ayurveda At Your Rescue!
Your colon and rectum plays a vital role in the digestion process. Therefore, any disorder or disease affecting these regions is considered to be quite serious. Conventional medications are effective in treating such conditions, but they are fraught with side effects. Ayurveda is a much safer and convenient for of treatment for colorectal diseases.

Here is a look at two of the most common complications affecting the colon and rectum.

Ulcerative colitis: An inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) causes long-term swelling and ulcers inside the colon and rectum. It is a debilitating condition that can cause severe complication and may pose a threat to life as well. Even though there is no permanent cure, treatment is required to keep symptoms under control.
Crohn s Disease: Another form of IBD, the condition causes inflammation inside the digestive tract. It can lead to severe diarrhoea, stomach cramps, malnutrition or even weight loss. Conventional medications are unable to cure the condition completely, even though the symptoms can be managed.
Role of Ayurveda in treatment of colorectal conditions
Ayurvedic treatment relies on a system that classifies people into different doshas. There are three doshas, namely, Pitta, Vata and Kapha. If all of the three doshas are in perfect balance, a human being remains healthy. However, when a person s Kapha properties are lost, it may aggravate the Pitta. This change causes the inflammation and the bleeding ulcers in the colon and rectum region.

Treatment mainly consists of powders, salts, alkalis and varieties of buttermilk may be prescribed under the Ayurvedic remedy. Apart from medications, therapies are also used in conjunction. Ayurveda targets the ulcers and balances the dosha. This not only treats the colorectal disease, but bolsters the entire immune system.

Lifestyle changes, such as diet and activities will also need to be adopted to maximize the results of Ayurveda.
1 person found this helpful

Pancreatectomy - Know Procedure Of It!

MBBS, MS General Surgery, FRCS
General Surgeon, Ludhiana
Pancreatectomy - Know Procedure Of It!
Pancreas are a small, but a pretty important part of a person s digestive system. So when it needs to be removed, the reason has got to be quite serious, to say the least, doesn t it? The procedure is known formally as pancreatectomy and it is most often required for people who are suffering from cancer of the pancreas. Ideally, these people would only need the cancerous tumours removed, but things are not always this simple. As a matter of fact, only a little more than a tenth of the people who have pancreatic cancer can have the tumour alone removed. As a result, most need to go for a pancreatectomy, which involves removing the entire pancreas. Whether the pancreas can be kept is usually related to how soon the cancer was detected, with people who have done so in time being a majority of the 10% of people with pancreatic cancer who have not needed pancreatectomies.

If a person does not have cancer, the reason he or she may need a pancreatectomy due to an accident which has injured the area significantly badly. In this case, a procedure which is known as a partial pancreatectomy is carried out on the patient. The good news is that the success rate of this sort of operation is generally quite high and the long-term effects on the body are nil. This is the case in spite of a lot of the normal tissue of the pancreas being removed, pretty amazing, isn t it?

While it may be called a pancreatectomy, it does not always mean that the pancreas is the only thing that is removed. In fact, in a lot of pancreatectomies, the surgeons also remove other parts of the digestive system which are usually the common bile duct, the spleen and the gallbladder.

There is, of course, the case of chronic pancreatitis, which occurs when the organ just swells up repeatedly. The repeated swelling leads to permanent damage to it, which affects the rest of the body, too. In most cases, the cause of this happens to be a sustained addiction to alcohol. When this is the case, it is really hard to perform a pancreatectomy and the utility of the pancreas is greatly reduced. Not a good situation to be in, under any circumstances, at all!

A pancreatectomy is a process which nobody would voluntarily wish to undergo, but there are advantages to knowing what it is, in any case!
2307 people found this helpful

Ulcerative Colitis Surgery - Know More About It!

MCh(Minimally Invasive & Robotic Surgery), MS - Surgical, MBBS
General Surgeon, Guwahati
Ulcerative Colitis Surgery - Know More About It!
What Is Ulcerative Colitis?
Ulcerative colitis is a chronic, inflammatory condition of the colon and the rectum. It affects the mucosal lining of the large intestine (colon) and the rectum. The rectum is present just above the anus.
In this condition, patients have ulcers and abscesses in their colon and rectum.

Symptoms are seen periodically. The symptoms are severe pain in the abdomen, blood in stools and diarrhea. Anemia is seen due to decreased healthy red blood cells as a consequence of bleeding in stools.

When is surgery required?

The colon has ruptured
There is extensive bleeding
The treatment results in severe side effects affecting the patient's health
Drug therapy fails to provide results
When it progresses to colon cancer
Surgery for Ulcerative colitis
There are 2 types of surgeries:

Colectomy: Surgery performed to remove the entire colon
Proctocolectomy: Surgery is conducted to remove both the colon and rectum. It is considered as the standard treatment for ulcerative colitis.
Procedures for the surgery

Ileostomy: The entire colon and rectum are removed and the surgeon creates an opening or stoma in the abdominal wall particularly below the waist. Stoma allows waste from the intestines to exit the body. The tip of the lower small intestine is brought through the stoma. An external bag, or pouch, is attached to the stoma. This is called a permanent ileostomy. Stools pass through this opening and collect in the pouch. The pouch must be worn at all times. Before an ileostomy, the surgeon will perform a proctocolectomy. They will perform the ileostomy in the hospital, and the patient receives general anesthesia.
Ileal Pouch Anal Anastomosis (IPAA): This is also called a J-pouch. This is a procedure that does not require a permanent stoma. The patient is still able to eliminate stool through the anus. A pouch is constructed at the end of the ileum and attached to the anus. This is called a J- pouch. As with the ileostomy, the patient will need a proctocolectomy before an IPAA. An IPAA is done in a hospital, and the patient will receive general anesthesia.
Side-effects
Some people experience incontinence after the surgery. Medications may help control the function of the pouch.
Some women may become infertile after the procedure.

Recovery after Surgery
Both sets of the procedure will require a four-to-six-week recovery period.

Keep your diet healthy: A healthy diet is essential because good nutrition can help the body heal faster and help avoid post-operation health issues. Absorption of nutrients can be an issue after these surgeries, so eating well will help in maintaining the proper level of nutrients.
Keep yourself hydrated: Hydration is important for overall health, especially for digestive health. Drinking six to eight glasses of water per day is recommended.
Manage your stress: Anxiety or emotional stress can cause stomach issues, which can aggravate the complaint.
1030 people found this helpful

Ulcerative Colitis - How Can Ayurveda Tackle It?

Bachelor of Ayurveda, Medicine and Surgery (BAMS), MD - Ayurveda
Ayurvedic Doctor, Kolhapur
Ulcerative Colitis - How Can Ayurveda Tackle It?
There are many different Ayurvedic medicines used in the treatment of ulcerative colitis, and one of the most common ways of treatment is to use a combination of the four best medicines, which work in unison to get rid of the disease.

Kutazghan vati: This medicine is derived from the tree Kutaz. Its scientific name is Halorrhreana anti dysentrica. The name itself suggests how effective the tree is in treating the disease. Diarrhea can occur due to many reasons, and one of the reasons is ulcerative colitis. If diarrhea is due to this, then it can get treated by taking Kutazghan Vati tablets, which are made from the bark of the tree.
Pitta balance with calcium compounds: When pitta or the gastric juices flow more inside the intestines, it leads to bleeding due to the ulcers inside, which needs to be balanced and controlled. The use of calcium compound rich Ayurvedic medicines serve the perfect remedy. Calcium is extracted from naturally occurring things like pearls and corals. When the tablets made from such calcium compounds are consumed, the inflammation within the colon goes down, bleeding reduces and gradually stops, and the internal irritation diminishes.
Vatsakadi churna: Tablets made from elements like fennel, coriander, Aegle Marmelos, Nutmeg, pomegranate, Green Cardamom, work like magic in treating ulcerative colitis. These are all ulcer healing items, proven beneficial for ages, and cure fast. The main function of a combination of these herbs is in restoring the metabolic imbalance carried on in the body. The ulcers are healed soon with their use, and the body balance is restored.
Arjuna capsules: One of the wound healing barks, really very famous in Ayurveda, is the bark of the Arjuna (Terminalia Arjuna) tree. This helps in many ways to heal wounds, and especially the endothelial layer inside the body arteries are healed from injuries related to free radicals, stress and other toxins. The same effects of the Arjuna tablets are seen inside the inner layers of the intestines. The ulcers are cleaned with time with the consumption of these tablets, while the bleeding also stops, and diarrhea which was due to the inflamed colon gets cured. Moreover, the hemoglobin level is also normalized in the body, which was once affected due to bloody diarrhea.
Ulcerative colitis is a painful situation but can be healed totally with the proper administration of Ayurvedic medicines. These 4 essential medicines must be taken in combination without suddenly stopping them. They must be continued until the symptoms and irritation go away.
1785 people found this helpful

Appendectomy - How Is It Performed?

MBBS, MS General Surgery, FRCS
General Surgeon, Ludhiana
Appendectomy - How Is It Performed?
What is an Appendectomy?

An appendectomy (which is sometimes referred to appendicectomy ) is the surgical elimination of the organ known as the appendix. Appendectomy is mostly performed as an emergency surgical procedure when patients suffer from appendicitis.

How is Appendectomy Performed?

Appendectomy can be performed both as an open operation as well as laparoscopically. An appendectomy is most often performed laparoscopically, if the diagnosis is in doubt, or if the patients feel that they need to hide their telltale surgical scars near their umbilicus or in the pubic hairline.

However, although laparoscopic appendectomy has its cosmetic advantages, and its recovery time is a little quicker, this procedure is more expensive than conventional open surgery.

Conventional Open Appendectomy-

In the conventional open surgery, the surgeon makes an incision which is less than 3 inches in length in the lower right section of the abdomen. Once the infected appendix is identified, the surgeon separates the infected appendix from its surrounding tissues and removes it surgically from the cecum (an intraperitoneal pouch that forms the junction of the small and large intestine). After that, the cecum is closed and is returned back into the abdomen. In the end, the muscle layers and the skin are sewn together and the incision is closed.

Laparoscopic Appendectomy (LA)-

While performing appendectomy laparoscopically, which is also known as LA, four incisions of 1 inch in length are made in the abdomen. One incision is made near the umbilicus, while another one is made in an appropriate region between the umbilicus and the pubis. The other two incisions, which are even smaller in size, are made on the right side of the lower abdomen. The surgeon then passes the camera and special laparoscopy instruments through these openings and after identifying, frees the appendix from its surrounding tissues. Next, the appendix is removed from the cecum and the site of its former attachment is sewed. The infected appendix is removed from the body of the patient through any one of the two 1 inch incisions. In the end, the laparoscopic instruments are removed and the incisions are sutured and closed. During this whole procedure, the intraperitoneal space is filled with medical grade carbon dioxide gas, to inflate the abdomen, which is released after the surgery.

Recovery Time For Appendectomy-

The recovery time for appendectomy depends on and varies with the type of procedure and anesthesia used during the surgery. While laparoscopic appendectomy can be done on an outpatient basis so that the patients can recover back at home, an open surgical procedure will require an overnight or even longer hospital stay.

Normally patients after appendectomy can resume their normal daily activities within a few days. However, for the full recovery, it may take four to six weeks. Patients are advised to avoid strenuous activities during this period of time.

Risk and Long Term Consequences of Removing the Appendix-

While wound infections are the most common complications of this surgery, the formation of an abscess in the area of the surgical incision and also in the area close to the removed appendix has also been noticed as an aftermath of appendectomy.

Other rare complications may include lack of intestinal peristalsis (ileus), gangrene of the bowel, injuries to the internal organs and infections in the peritoneal cavity (peritonitis).

Major long-term consequences of appendectomy include increased risks of bowel obstruction, stump appendicitis (infection in the retained portion of the appendix still stuck with the cecum) and development of incisional hernia at the site of the scar.
2041 people found this helpful

Liver Cirrhosis - Can Ayurveda Help?

Fellowship Course in Panchkarma, BAMS
Ayurvedic Doctor, Navi Mumbai
Liver Cirrhosis - Can Ayurveda Help?
Cirrhosis of the liver is a chronic and progressive condition in which the liver gets damaged and healthy liver tissue is replaced with scar tissue, ultimately causing dysfunction of the liver. Liver damage obstructs the circulation to the liver and also hinders the processing of nutrients, hormones, drugs, toxins as well as the production of proteins and other substances made by the liver. Liver cirrhosis is caused due to hepatitis C, fatty liver, alcohol abuse, viral infections, inherited diseases, and as a toxic reaction to drugs and environmental waste products. The modern management of this condition involves diet modification, reduction in salt intake, total abstinence from alcohol, and avoiding all the causative factors of this condition.

Cirrhosis of liver causes multiple symptoms in the body including fluid collection in the abdomen, bleeding varices in the stomach, chronic heart failure, damage to the central nervous system, and various metabolic disorders in the body. Advanced cirrhosis of the liver is ultimately fatal.

Ayurvedic Treatment

It is therefore of prime importance to commence treatment at the earliest possible. It is of utmost importance to treat the known cause of the condition. Ayurvedic herbal medicines have a definite action on the hepatic cells and can effectively treat inflammation within the liver. Ayurvedic medicines can also treat the infection as well as metabolic dysfunction of the liver, and protect it from the toxic effects of drugs and environmental wastes. Ayurvedic medicines can, therefore, be effectively used to treat all the known causes of liver cirrhosis.
Liver damage causes healthy cells to be replaced with scar tissue. This is preceded by a process of inflammation, swelling and gradual death of the liver cells. Early institution of Ayurvedic treatment can help dramatically reduce inflammation and swelling and thereby preserve the liver cells and prevent unnecessary damage. Even in the early phase of scar deposition. Ayurvedic herbal medicines can help remove scar tissue, minimize permanent liver damage, and help regenerate damaged or near-dead cells Ayurvedic herbal medicines, therefore, form a comprehensive treatment therapy for liver cirrhosis.
The other symptoms resulting from liver cirrhosis such as ascites, esophageal varices, congestive cardiac failure and metabolic disorders start improving automatically when the obstruction in the liver is treated and removed. However, Ayurvedic medicines can treat these symptoms independently too, if these are observed to be severe in the affected individual and require urgent medical care. Improved functioning of the liver also helps to improve the overall metabolism and nutrition of the body and metabolize toxic substances within the body. Prompt and aggressive Ayurvedic treatment, therefore, helps comprehensively treat liver cirrhosis and significantly reduce morbidity and mortality resulting from this disease.
Cirrhosis can also adversely affect the central nervous system and cause psychotic symptoms and permanent nerve damage. Prompt treatment with Ayurvedic herbal medicines also helps to preserve the brain function and treat the associated symptoms. If required, brain damage can be treated separately with herbal medicines which strengthen the nervous system and help rejuvenate nerve cells. Medicines which act on the nervous system also help improve confidence and self-control and are therefore equally useful in helping the affected individual abstain completely from alcohol, which is a known and predominant cause of cirrhosis.
Depending upon the severity of the condition, most individuals affected with cirrhosis require regular and aggressive Ayurvedic herbal treatment for periods ranging from six to eighteen months, in order to obtain significant benefit and a possible complete cure from the condition. Ayurvedic treatment thus has a definite role to play in the management and treatment of cirrhosis.
4256 people found this helpful

Appendicitis - Know How To Handle It!

MS - General Surgery, Fellowship In Laparoscopic & Bariatric Surgery, MBBS, Certificate Robotic & Laparoscopic Colorectal Surgery
Laparoscopic Surgeon, Bangalore
Appendicitis - Know How To Handle It!
A vermiform appendix is a small, blind-ended hollow tube. It is closed from an end and attached at the other side to the caecum, which is a pouch-shaped opening of the colon (large intestine), where the contents of the small intestine are emptied. An appendix is considered to be a vestigial organ in the human body, with no clear function or any useful purpose in humans. It is however suspected that previously in humans it served the purpose of cultivation of gut flora that could be beneficial in repopulating the intestines after being affecting by a gut flora attacking disease. It also supposedly functioned in the production of the endocrine cells during fetal life, whose function was regulation of hemostasis.

A possible function of exposing the white blood cells to antigens in the abdominal tract during the initial years of life that aided in the stimulation of the production of antibody and thus regulating the immune reactions in the gastro-intestinal tract is also speculated. An evolutionary disappearance of the appendix has been proved in humans. If an appendix is present in the body and undergoes any kind of blockage, it can lead to appendicitis which is a very painful and a potentially fatal inflammation.

The appendix is around 3-5 inches in length and 0.4-0.5 inches in width. Cavity of the appendix is narrow at the end where it joins the cecum. It constitutes of muscular walls that aid in expulsion of mucous secretions of the walls of appendix into the cecum. A blockage to the opening of appendix that prevents the expulsion of the mucus secretions of the cecum cause appendicitis. A fecalith, a solidified mass of the fecal matter is a common source of blockage of the appendix. Obstruction can also be a result of enlarged lymphoid follicles, worms in the intestine, trauma or tumors. The mucus secretions get collected in the appendix causing edema and the distension of the organ itself. With an increase in the distension of the organ, blood supply is affected. Discontinuation of the blood supply to the organ cause death due to necrosis of the appendiceal tissues.

Certain micro-organisms like the Yersinia species, Actinomyces, Mycobacteria species, Histoplasma species, viral agents like Cytomegalovirus, Adenovirus are implicated in the pathology of appendicitis. Microbial load on the necrosed organ further worsens the inflammation. Increased distension of the inflamed organ can cause it to burst and spill the contents into the abdominal cavity. The membranes that line the abdominal cavity and form the covering of the abdominal organs is known as the peritoneum. Spilling of the mucus contents from the appendix may affect the peritoneum too.

The presenting symptom of appendicitis is moderate to severe pain in the abdomen. With the progression of infection, pain becomes localized to the lower right part of abdomen called as the McBurney s point . Other common symptoms are abdominal tenderness, a progressive worsening of pain, pain during coughing or sneezing, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty or inability to pass gas, fever, acute constipation, loss of appetite and sometimes even a urinary tract infection.

Appendicitis is diagnosed on the basis of a patient's history and physical examination by the physician. For a confirmatory diagnosis white blood cell count, a urine analysis, abdominal X-ray, barium enema, ultrasonography of the abdomen, computerized tomography scan, and laparoscopy can be advised.

In patients with a mild and confined appendicitis, antibiotics treatment is sufficient to resolve inflammation. The appendix may be removed later if required. The most common treatment of appendicitis is an appendectomy, where the inflamed appendix is removed before it bursts. Surgical removal of appendix remains the most sought after treatment option by the physicians.

In an open appendectomy, an incision of two to three inches in length is made on the skin and the passed the layers of abdominal wall over the location of the appendix. The appendix is freed from its mesenteric attachment to the colon and obliterating the opening on the colon with sutures. Pus is drained and the incision is closed.

Nowadays, to ensure minimum invasion, laparoscopic surgery also known as the key-hole surgery is done. It causes a minimal loss of blood, less scar tissue formation and quicker healing.
1987 people found this helpful

Foods To Avoid If You Have a Stomach Ulcer!

MBBS, MRCP (UK)
Gastroenterologist, Noida
Foods To Avoid If You Have a Stomach Ulcer!
Many times we forget about the importance of our health in the race to pursue our careers and goals. We take our bodies for granted and keep working them without stopping for a breath. While some may have mastered this art, there are many who may not be able to cope with such a lifestyle and may end up falling ill. The most common problem that most people suffer from is stomach upset, gas, or stomach pain, and all of this may be because of not eating right or having irregular eating habits.

It is due to such problems that people fall ill and then goes to the doctor with a problem that may take much longer to treat. However, if the patient starts to check in with the doctor before the stomach pain worsens, it may be easier to treat because very often the pain arises from stomach ulcers. Ulcers are sores that are caused on the lining of the stomach or the oesophagus or even on the intestines. In serious cases, the sores may cause great damage to the stomach and may lead to much worse issues. However, with the right intake of food, the damage may be controlled in combination with medicines and treatment from experts.

Foods to avoid

In controlling the spread of stomach ulcers or peptic ulcers, it may be important to know the food that should be avoided so that the medicines and treatments taken for controlling the problem may work better. Here is a list of foods that you should avoid:

Hot beverages such as tea, coffee, cocoa and milk should be avoided because they cause an acid imbalance in the stomach.
Anything that may contain caffeine should also be avoided.
Alcohol should be completely avoided by those suffering from peptic ulcers.
Citric or sour drinks such as grape or orange drinks should also be avoided for remaining at ease.
Any spicy powders or seasonings, such as pepper, chilli powder and garlic should be excluded from the diet.
Anything that is made from milk or cream and is extremely fatty in nature should not be consumed.
Flavoured cheese that is strong and spicy should not be eaten.
Meats that include high levels of fat or those that are highly seasoned should be completely avoided.
Chillies or peppers in any form should be kept away from your diet.
Anything that is made from tomato should also be avoided, such as gravy, sauces or raw tomatoes.
When you start to keep your diet clean and healthy, it may be much easier for your doctor to cure you of stomach ulcers.
951 people found this helpful