Category Archives: Uncategorized

When to Consider Gallbladder Removal Surgery

Gallbladder specialist in Hyderabad – Dr. Datta Ram U

Gallbladder removal surgery, also known as cholecystectomy, is a standard surgical procedure that involves the removal of the gallbladder. The gallbladder is a small organ located under the liver that plays an important role in the digestive process by storing and releasing bile. However, in some cases, the gallbladder can develop problems, leading to a range of symptoms that can affect your quality of life. In this article, we will explore the reasons why you might consider gallbladder removal surgery, the types of surgery available, and the recovery process.

What is the Gallbladder, and what does it do?

Before we dive into the reasons why you might need gallbladder removal surgery, it is essential to understand what the gallbladder is and what it does. The gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped organ that sits under the liver on the right side of the abdomen. Its main function is to store and release bile, a fluid produced by the liver that helps digest fat. When you eat, the gallbladder contracts and releases bile into the small intestine, where it breaks down the fat in the food you have eaten.

When is Gallbladder Removal Surgery Necessary?

A gallbladder specialist doctor in Hyderabad recommends surgery if a person has one or more of the following conditions:

Gallstones

Gallstones are small, hard deposits that form in the gallbladder and can cause pain and other symptoms. Gallstones can develop when there is too much cholesterol or bilirubin in the bile, or when the gallbladder does not empty properly. If you have gallstones that are causing pain or other symptoms, your doctor may recommend gallbladder removal surgery.

Cholecystitis

Cholecystitis is a condition in which the gallbladder becomes inflamed. This can happen when a gallstone gets stuck in the opening of the gallbladder, causing a blockage. Cholecystitis can cause severe pain, fever, and other symptoms. If you have cholecystitis, a gallbladder specialist in Hyderabad may recommend gallbladder removal surgery to prevent future attacks.

Biliary Dyskinesia

Biliary dyskinesia is a condition in which the gallbladder does not empty properly, causing pain and other symptoms. Biliary dyskinesia can be caused by a variety of factors, including nerve damage and certain medications. If you have biliary dyskinesia that is causing pain or other symptoms, your gallbladder specialist in Hyderabad may recommend gallbladder removal surgery.

Pancreatitis

Pancreatitis is a condition in which the pancreas becomes inflamed. In some cases, gallstones can cause pancreatitis by blocking the pancreatic duct, which is the tube that carries digestive enzymes from the pancreas to the small intestine. If you have pancreatitis caused by gallstones, gallbladder specialist in Hyderabad may recommend gallbladder removal surgery to prevent future attacks.

Types of Surgery to remove gallbladder

There are two main types of gallbladder removal surgery: laparoscopic cholecystectomy and open cholecystectomy.

Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is the most common type of gallbladder removal surgery. It involves making several small incisions in the abdomen and inserting a laparoscope, a thin tube with a camera and surgical instruments attached. The surgeon uses the laparoscope to see inside the abdomen and remove the gallbladder through one of the small incisions.

Open Cholecystectomy

Open cholecystectomy is a more invasive type of gallbladder removal surgery that is usually only performed if laparoscopic cholecystectomy is not possible. It involves making a larger incision. The surgeon directly accesses the gallbladder through this incision to remove it.

Advantages of Laparoscopic Gallbladder Surgery

Laparoscopic gallbladder surgery, also known as laparoscopic cholecystectomy, is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to remove the gallbladder. This type of surgery offers several benefits compared to traditional open surgery, including:

1. Smaller Incisions

During laparoscopic gallbladder surgery, the surgeon makes several small incisions in the abdomen rather than one large incision. This minimizes scarring and reduces the risk of infection.

2. Faster Recovery Time

Because laparoscopic gallbladder surgery is minimally invasive, it typically results in a faster recovery time compared to open surgery. Most patients are able to go home the same day or the day after the surgery and can return to work and normal activities within a week.

3. Less Pain and Discomfort

Laparoscopic gallbladder surgery is less painful than open surgery because it causes less trauma to the surrounding tissues. This means that patients experience less pain and discomfort after the surgery and require less pain medication.

4. Lower Risk of Complications

Laparoscopic gallbladder surgery is associated with a lower risk of complications compared to open surgery. This includes a lower risk of bleeding, infection, and damage to surrounding organs.

5. Higher Success Rates

Laparoscopic gallbladder surgery has a high success rate, with most patients experiencing complete relief of their symptoms after the surgery. In addition, the recurrence rate of gallstones after laparoscopic cholecystectomy is low.

6. Improved Quality of Life

Patients who undergo laparoscopic gallbladder surgery often experience an improvement in their quality of life. This is because the surgery relieves the symptoms of gallbladder disease, such as abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting.

Bottom Line

In conclusion, laparoscopic gallbladder surgery offers several benefits over traditional open surgery, including smaller incisions, faster recovery time, less pain and discomfort, lower risk of complications, higher success rates, and improved quality of life. If you are considering gallbladder surgery, talk to the best gallbladder specialist in Hyderabad about whether laparoscopic gallbladder surgery is right for you – don’t delay in seeking the appointment of Dr. Datta Ram U.

Intestinal Obstruction – Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

Intestinal Obstruction Treatment

Intestinal obstruction and Ileus: Intestinal obstruction is a partial or complete blockage of the bowel.  If intestine is blocked, the contents of the intestine can not pass through it. The blockage can occur in the small or the large intestine. It can be partial or total blockage.

Large bowel obstruction

There is a blockage in the large intestine. It can be due to a scar tissue, a tumor or something else. It is a medical emergency condition wherein the risk of stool and gas build up and intestine rupturing is high.

Intestinal Obstruction Causes

Causes of obstruction of the bowel may be due to a mechanical cause, which means the blockage can be due to intestinal adhesions, twisting of the intestines, intussusception, tumors, stones, swallowed objects, and hernias.

Mechanical Blockage of Colon or Large Intestine

The blockage can be due to diverticulitis, volvulus and intussusception, colon cancer, ovarian cancer, adhesions from surgeries or pelvic infections; stool impaction, the narrowing of colon (stricture) due to inflammation or scarring.

Non-mechanical blockage (functional intestinal obstruction)

A temporary blockage is known as ileus (pseudo-obstruction). The causes include electrolyte imbalances, certain medicines, appendicitis or gastroenteritis and pelvic or abdominal surgery. The other causes may include diabetes mellitus, multiple sclerosis and other nerve and muscle disorders that cause nerve injuries.

Paralyzed ileus, also called pseudo-obstruction, is one of the major causes of intestinal inhibition in babies and children.

Signs and Symptoms of Bowel Obstruction

The signs and symptoms of bowel obstruction may include abdominal lump(distention), abdominal wholeness, gas, abdominal pain, severe bloating and cramping, constipation, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, inability to pass gas or stool, decreased appetite and abdominal swelling.

Bowel Obstruction Diagnosis

A gastroenterologist examines you by pushing on your abdomen and then listening to the sounds using a stethoscope. The doctor may order other tests such as blood tests – liver and kidney function test, blood counts, levels of electrolytes, CT scan and colonoscopy. The diagnosis is made based on the results of the tests, scanning reports and symptoms.

Intestinal Obstruction Treatment

Partial intestinal obstruction due to adhesions or scarring may need medical support to clear up. However, large bowel obstructions can be treated by a variety of treatment options including medications, IV fluid replacement, nasogastric tube and barium enema. Surgical intervention becomes pertinent in large bowel obstructions due to adhesions, tumors or hernia. In some surgical cases, a segment of the dead intestine is removed during surgery to treat the obstruction.

Treatment involves placing a tube through the nose into the stomach or intestine. This relieves abdominal bloating(bloating) and vomiting. Intestinal torsion can be treated by fitting a tube into the rectum. If catheterization doesn’t relieve symptoms surgery may be needed to clear the blockage. Surgery may also be necessary if there are signs of bowel tissue death.

Prevention

Prevention – Prevention depends on the cause. Treating conditions that can cause blockage, similar as excrescences and hernias, can reduce the threat. Certain blocking causes cannot be prevented.

Bottom Line

Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial. Intestinal obstruction can become life-threatening and serious if ruptures. The condition leads to inflammation and infection of the abdominal cavity (peritonitis). Severe abdominal pain and fever develops. It is a life-threatening emergency condition that requires emergency surgery. For intestinal obstruction treatment, meet Dr. Datta Ram U.

Esophageal Varices – Symptoms, Causes & Prevention

Causes of esophageal varices: Veins in the esophagus enlarge and become abnormal. This occurs when the blood flow to the liver is blocked by a scar or blood clot in the liver. To compensate this blockage large volumes of blood flows through smaller blood vessels. This condition is most common in people with serious liver disease.

Esophageal varices cause bleeding: There is a risk of these blood vessels leaking or even rupturing – causing life-threatening bleeding.

A number of drugs and medical procedures can help prevent or stop bleeding from esophageal varices.

Signs and symptoms of esophageal varices

A gastroenterologist may suspect esophageal varices if he or she notices the signs and symptoms of liver disease including:

  • Easy bruising or bleeding
  • Jaundice (yellowish eyes and skin)
  • Ascites – fluid buildup in the abdomen

Signs and symptoms don’t manifest with esophageal varices unless they bleed. However, bleeding esophageal varices cause the following signs and symptoms:

  • Bloody, black or tarry stools
  • Vomiting blood
  • Lightheadedness
  • Loss of consciousness if there is severe bleeding

What are the causes of esophageal varices?

When there is a blockage of blood flow to the liver due to scar tissue, esophageal varices form. When this happens, blood begins to back up in the portal vein (large vein) increasing pressure (portal hypertension). The increased pressure forces the blood to sneak through smaller veins – especially the veins in the lower part of the esophagus. These small veins swell, rupture and bleed.

Causes of esophageal varices

Thrombosis or blood clot in the portal vein or splenic vein that feeds portal vein can cause esophageal varices.

Liver cirrhosis or scarring of liver due to a large number of liver diseases – such as fatty liver disease, alcoholic liver disease, hepatitis infection and primary biliary cirrhosis – can lead to liver cirrhosis.

Schistosomiasis is a parasitic infection common in Africa, East Asia and Middle East. It can damage the lungs, liver and intestines and other organs.

What are the risk factors for esophageal varices?

Esophageal varices will bleed if you have:

  • Severe liver cirrhosis
  • Large varices – These varices are at increased risk of bleeding
  • Portal hypertension – when pressure in the portal vien increases, the risk of bleeding increases.
  • Continued alcohol use with severe liver disease

What should you do if you have liver disease?

If you have been diagnosed with liver disease, then quit smoking if you smoke and don’t drink alcohol. Lose weight if you have excess body weight and eat a healthy and balanced diet. Be careful with chemicals use. Follow all precautions and instructions if you use any cleaning agents, insect sprays and other household chemicals. Protect yourself from getting exposed to hepatitis A, B and C viruses.

If you want to know more about the causes of esophageal varices, and the most appropriate treatment of esophageal varices, meet Dr. Datta Ram U.