Colorectal Cancer

Colon cancer is caused at the large intestine i.e. colon (lower part of the digestive system) and rectal cancer is the cancer caused at the end of the colon. Together they are denoted as colorectal cancers. It is also known as bowel cancer. It is caused due to uncontrolled cell growth in the colon or rectum or in appendix. This cancer can show prominent symptoms of anemia and rectal bleeding.

The cancer begins with a small, non-cancerous benign of cell called as polyps. With time, these polyps become colon cancer. Doctors recommend regular screening tests to avoid colon cancer by early identification of polyps before they cause colon cancer. Bowel cancer is diagnosed through colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy.

The research shows that colorectal cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer all over the world. But it is observed that mostly people of the developed countries are affected by colorectal cancer. This type of cancer is caused to lifestyle and increasing age. Minority cases show underlying genetic disorders as the cause of this cancer.

Colorectal cancer starts in the lining of the bowel and grows into the muscles layers underneath and then through the bowel wall, if not treated on time. At the age of 50 till 75 years of age, screening is recommended to decrease the chances of death due to colorectal cancer. If diagnosed and treated on time, colorectal cancer is curable. If not, then chemotherapy, surgery are advised to colorectal cancer patients.

Usually bowel cancer shows no early symptoms.

The warning signs may include the following:

• Pelvic Pain
• Abdominal discomfort
• Dark patches of blood in stool
• Unexplained fatigue
• Loss appetite and/or weight loss
• Changes in bowel movements, which includes diarrhea or consistent constipation, difficulty in constipation, rectal cramping or rectal bleeding

Obesity Surgery

Obesity was once counted as a problem in developed countries only, but nowadays we can see that almost everywhere in the world, obesity and overweight have become serious problems. We generally see people neglecting health and competing in the race of success. We do not have enough time for exercising and eating healthy food. Fast and junk food have become very common today and from young kids are seen consuming junk foods on regular basis.

Obesity can cause different diseases like type 2 Diabetes, heart diseases, some type of cancer, high blood pressure, etc. Obesity can be reduced today by different methods and obesity surgery is one of them. Weight loss surgery is very famous these days and many people go for it. It is trusted method to lose your extra kilograms.

• Who can do an obesity surgery?
• People with BMI(body mass index) greater than 40.
• People with BMI between 35 and 40 who are facing obesity related diseases like type 2 Diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, etc.
• Women who are 80 pounds overweight and men who are 100 pounds overweight.

Numbers of obesity surgery options are available like adjustable gastric band, intragastric balloon, sleeve gastrectome, biliopancreatic diversion, and gastric bypass surgery.

The after-surgery program helps to maintain a proper health and weight:

• Medical Follow-up
• Support Group
• Psychological Counseling
• Nutrition and Exercising Programs
• Cooking Classes

Overview of Laparoscopy

Laparoscopy, also known as keyhole surgery, is done to find out problems like adhesions, fibroid, infections and cysts. It is a surgical procedure in which the surgeon looks inside the abdomen and pelvis by making small incision in the belly. This is done by putting a small thin tube, which consists of a light source and a camera, in the cut in belly. The camera shows the images inside the pelvis or abdomen to the television monitor.

In many cases, laparoscopy is preferred over laparotomy surgery that involves making a large incision in the belly. Laparoscopy proves to be less stressful, causes minimal scarring, requires less recovery time and causes less paining after the operation. 

When is Laparoscopy done?

It is done to:

• ·         To fix inguinal hernia or hiatus hernia.
• ·         Do a bioscopy.
• ·         Find the cause of sudden pelvic pain.
• ·         Find the causes of why is it difficult for a woman to get pregnant. These causes may include infections, cysts, adhesion and fibroid.
• ·         Do a tubal ligation.
• ·         Take out organs such as spleen, gall bladder, uterus, ovaries, and appendix.
• ·         Check and remove the abnormal growths in the belly like tumors.

 Laparoscopy is very common these days and is regarded as a safe surgery. Complications due to this surgery are very rare and can be seen in 1 in 1000 cases. Complications may include injury to major artery and damage to organs such as bowel or bladder.