Golds In Gut

In the midst of global economic slump,bordering on recession if not depression, any glitter that resembles that precious metal asset Gold is very attractive indeed.

Unfortunately,that gold-like structures above is a picture of multiple bile duct stones being extracted endoscopically during a procedure called Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangio-Pancreatography, or in short ERCP.

These stones originated in the Gallbladder.

Patients with symptomatic Gallbladder Stones(=Gallstones) who delay treatment in the form of Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy may be complicated by Bile Duct stones.

Usually,patients will experience excruciating abdominal pain in the area of the Upper Right abdominal region associated with Jaundice(Yellow Eyes) and sometimes Fever.

The treatment consist of 2 steps;

1.ERCP to remove the Bile Duct stones

2.Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy to remove the diseased gallbladder containing the original stones

Is colon cancer preventable? - Western Focus - Jamaica Gleaner - Saturday | January 4, 2014

Is colon cancer preventable? - Western Focus - Jamaica Gleaner - Saturday | January 4, 2014

Breast-Preserving Cancer Surgery

One of the most important reason why breast cancer patients refuse mastectomy or decide late for the operation is the notion that one has to part with a very sentimental organ if ones body( especially female).

Mastectomy can be likened to limb amputation. There is a lot if emotions involved in dealing with diseases that require radical removal of organs that shape the individual personality.

It is not a common knowledge to most people that some breast patients may not need a complete(total) mastectomy.

Some patients are suitable to undergo a Partial Mastectomy/Quadrantectomy preserving some portion of the breast.

Patients with small primary tumour located in the outer portion if a big breast is most suitable for Breast-Preserving Cancer Surgery.

This picture is showing skin markings surrounding a small primary breast cancer located in the upper outer quadrant of a large breast.

This picture shows the portion if the breast removed together with the axillary tissues.

The picture shows the specimen cut open demonstrating the small tumour in the centre(the whitish tIssue) surrounded by normal breast tissues.

The picture shows the remaining breast being reconstructed at the end of the operation. 

Is The Breast Tumour Dangerous?

Every so often I am being asked the question whether its necessary to remove a small benign lump from breasts of young female patients.

This is compounded by a very common advice by many doctors that a small benign lumps in low risk patients may not  be removed.

Benign breasts lumps and cysts are very common among female patients young and old.

For patients above 35 years of age, any lump in the breast should be examined by Surgeons, then fully investigated with Ultrasound and Mammogram/Mammography.Then, the surgeon would decide whether to perform a Needle Biopsy or a Operative Biopsy depending in the Imagings findings.

Benign images suggest a benign tumour regardless of size( pics above), and the surgeon will decide on direct Surgical Excision of the whole tumour.

Pic 1 : A large breast tumour of 20 years duration in an old lady

Pic 2 : Mammogram  picture of large benign breast tumour

Pic 3 : a large benign breast tumour removed at surgery preserving the breast

When A Vogue Started By A Celebrity Confuse The Public......

Surgeons Say Many Women Opt For Unnecessary Double Mastectomies, Following Angelina Jolie’s Example

By Sarah Rae Fruchtnicht, Tue, September 17, 2013

Breast cancer doctors and surgeons are seeing an increase in the number of women requesting unnecessary double mastectomies after Angelina Jolie announced her surgery earlier this year.

Read more..

Complicated Soft Tissues Skin Infections In Diabetics

Infections of any kind is very common in diabetics especially those whose blood sugar level is poorly controlled.

Diabetics with varying severity and locations of infections commonly present to General Surgeons for treatment.

Carbuncle is a common but complex soft tissue infections that require emergency surgery.

The series of pictures above demonstrate a typical carbuncle management;

Pic1 ; preoperative appearance of carbuncle over patients back

Pic 2 ; carbuncle removed using cautery in operation theatre under general anaesthesia

Pic 3 ; Hydrogen Peroxide is a typical cleansing Agent frequently used at operation

Pic 4 ; The appearance of the wound after 2 weeks of daily dressing

Most patients will have to undergo daily dressings for weeks to even months until the wound heals by tissue growth and contraction.

Don't Be Scared If Your Surgeon Is Wearing Google Glass In The Operating Room

For most people, Google Glass still seems like little more than a gimmick. But in health care, doctors are already finding uses for the technology that could one day save your life.

Five years down the line, don't be surprised if surgeons are wearing Google Glass in the operating room. In fact, some surgeons--in San Francisco, naturally--are early adopters of the technology already. At Rock Health's recent Health Innovation Summit, Dr. Pierre Theodore, a cardiothoracic surgeon at UCSF Medical Center, described his experience wearing Google Glass while performing surgery, using the glasses to compare the patient's CAT scan images with what he was seeing in front of him.

http://www.fastcoexist.com/3015669/dont-be-scared-if-your-surgeon-is-wearing-google-glass-in-the-operating-room