Post-Surgery Care for Perforated Stomach and Peritonitis: Key Concerns
Post-operative home care issues following surgery for perforated gastric ulcer leading to peritonitis? Hello Doctor: A family member (57-year-old female) underwent emergency surgery due to a gastric perforation that led to peritonitis, resulting in a total hospital stay of 45 day...
Dr. Chen Jiaming reply Surgery
Due to the lack of specific details regarding the clinical course (such as the interval between the second surgery and the discharge date), along with the observed changes during the medication change after discharge (suspected wound infection), it is advisable for you to return ...[Read More] Post-Surgery Care for Perforated Stomach and Peritonitis: Key Concerns
Post-Surgery Care Challenges for Perforated Ulcer and Peritonitis Patients
Case #165471 Follow-up - Home Care Issues After Surgery for Perforated Stomach Causing Peritonitis Dear Dr. Chen, Thank you for your response. This morning, my family member began experiencing sharp pain in the swollen area, so we hurried back to the original hospital's eme...
Dr. Chen Jiaming reply Surgery
As you mentioned, the emergency physician expressed a significant amount of purulent fluid from the umbilical wound, and the patient's temperature is elevated. This "wound infection with subcutaneous abscess formation" increases the likelihood of elevated white blo...[Read More] Post-Surgery Care Challenges for Perforated Ulcer and Peritonitis Patients
Understanding Appendicitis Complications: Pelvic Abscess vs. Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
Appendicitis with peritonitis Is a pelvic abscess the same as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) in the context of appendiceal perforation with abscess and localized peritonitis? Will a pelvic abscess be prone to recurrence like PID? Also, does localized peritonitis mean the same ...
Dr. Chen Jiaming reply Surgery
Pelvic abscess and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) are distinct conditions. PID in women is often caused by issues related to the uterus/fallopian tubes or urinary tract infections. If the underlying source is not addressed, it can indeed lead to recurrent episodes. In contrast...[Read More] Understanding Appendicitis Complications: Pelvic Abscess vs. Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
Understanding the Malignancy Risk of Irregular Calcifications in Mammograms
Mammography 4A I am a patient with rheumatoid arthritis and I am taking immunosuppressants. My mammogram showed category 4A with numerous irregular calcifications, while the nipple and overall shape appear normal. I plan to go to the radiology department for a minimally invasive ...
Dr. Chen Jiaming reply Surgery
The classification of mammography is designed to ensure consistency in reports, reduce discrepancies between different personnel, and facilitate communication among healthcare providers. According to the Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) developed by the American...[Read More] Understanding the Malignancy Risk of Irregular Calcifications in Mammograms
Post-Laparoscopic Surgery: Is Your Belly Button Pain Normal?
Post-laparoscopic surgery, issues with the umbilicus? I underwent laparoscopic appendectomy about 5-6 years ago, which resulted in three incisions. Recently, I've been experiencing pain in the area around my navel where the surgery was performed. This pain occurs when walkin...
Dr. Chen Jiaming reply Surgery
Previous laparoscopic incisions can lead to openings in the rectus sheath, which are subsequently filled with scar tissue during the healing process. Young individuals often engage in high-intensity abdominal muscle activities, and certain positions may cause pain. It is importan...[Read More] Post-Laparoscopic Surgery: Is Your Belly Button Pain Normal?
Managing Granuloma After Nail Surgery: When to Seek Further Treatment
Granuloma formation after the healing of paronychia? Hello Doctor: Six months ago, I developed paronychia on my right big toe and received treatment. At that time, the doctor removed part of my nail, and it healed about three months ago. However, now a granuloma has formed at the...
Dr. Chen Jiaming reply Surgery
Due to the ongoing discharge and purulent condition, it is advisable for you to visit a hospital or clinic for treatment, as simply using topical ointments will not provide a complete cure.[Read More] Managing Granuloma After Nail Surgery: When to Seek Further Treatment
Understanding Rectal Bleeding: Causes and Emergency Response
Rectal bleeding Sudden rectal bleeding during a shower, which continues to drip and is not associated with a bowel movement, along with some lower abdominal bloating and pain, and persistent bleeding for 14 hours, could indicate several potential conditions. These may include hem...
Dr. Chen Jiaming reply Surgery
If the bleeding has persisted for too long, it is advisable to seek medical attention as soon as possible. If there is no appropriate specialty available (such as colorectal surgery to confirm if it is rectal bleeding), then go directly to the emergency department.[Read More] Understanding Rectal Bleeding: Causes and Emergency Response
Understanding Umbilical Discomfort: Itchy Skin and Clear Discharge Concerns
Itchy around the navel and suspected clear discharge (continued 2) Hello Dr. Chen, Happy New Year and wishing you peace. I am the patient who inquired about an issue with my navel a few days ago. Over the past few days, I have observed some changes in the condition of my navel. T...
Dr. Chen Jiaming reply Surgery
The itching and cramping sensation around the navel has decreased in frequency, indicating an improvement. However, you mentioned that the amount of discharge from the navel is increasing and is yellow-green in color. Additionally, the navel appears to be smaller and shallower. D...[Read More] Understanding Umbilical Discomfort: Itchy Skin and Clear Discharge Concerns
Post-Surgery Concerns for Umbilical Urachal Remnant Closure
Postoperative issues following patent urachus closure surgery? Hello Doctor, I was diagnosed with a patent urachus about a month ago and underwent surgical excision. Since I have type 1 diabetes, the doctor advised me to be cautious about the possibility of recurrent infections. ...
Dr. Chen Jiaming reply Surgery
Postoperative conditions can vary depending on the type of surgery performed. Based on your description, it does not appear to be a specific complication issue, as the original condition was an infection, and antibiotic treatment was likely administered during the treatment proce...[Read More] Post-Surgery Concerns for Umbilical Urachal Remnant Closure
Post-Laparoscopic Surgery: Managing Drainage and Fluid Leakage Concerns
Postoperative drainage issues after laparoscopic surgery? Hello Doctor, I underwent laparoscopic surgery for intestinal volvulus last week, and the twisted segment of the small intestine was not resected during the procedure. On the 7th postoperative day, the drain was removed, a...
Dr. Chen Jiaming reply Surgery
Based solely on the amount of drainage you described, it does seem to be on the higher side. Generally, after the removal of an abdominal drain, suturing is not typically performed, as the wound is expected to heal naturally over a few days. However, if there is a persistent high...[Read More] Post-Laparoscopic Surgery: Managing Drainage and Fluid Leakage Concerns
Post-Surgery Dietary Guidelines: Supplements and Foods to Avoid After Spleen and Pancreas Removal
After a splenectomy and distal pancreatectomy, it is generally advisable to consult with a healthcare professional regarding the use of dietary supplements. Some supplements may interact with medications or affect your health. Additionally, it is important to avoid certain foods ...
Dr. Chen Jiaming reply Surgery
Based on your description, it is unclear why you underwent splenectomy and distal pancreatectomy, so it is also unclear which organ your surgeon was referring to regarding the stones (gallstones? kidney stones? etc.). As for cranberry concentrate tablets, the purpose of your use ...[Read More] Post-Surgery Dietary Guidelines: Supplements and Foods to Avoid After Spleen and Pancreas Removal
Understanding Ganglion Cysts: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Ganglion cyst Hello, doctor. My mother recently developed a lump on her finger joint that feels slightly hard and soft to the touch, but it's not very noticeable externally. Her job involves frequently using a knife to cut things. When she shines a flashlight on it, it seems...
Dr. Chen Jiaming reply Surgery
A ganglion cyst, there is already ample information available online (I may not be able to explain it in more detail). Whether my mother's condition is indeed caused by a ganglion cyst requires an actual consultation with a physician for diagnosis and examination in order to...[Read More] Understanding Ganglion Cysts: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Understanding Umbilical Itching and Discharge: A Patient's Guide
Itchy around the navel and suspected clear discharge (continued 1) Hello Dr. Chen, I am the patient who inquired yesterday about a suspected secretion in my navel. There should be no wounds in the navel, as I do not have a habit of digging at it; the initial symptom was itching. ...
Dr. Chen Jiaming reply Surgery
The method for disinfecting the umbilical cord involves maintaining alcohol disinfection, keeping the area dry, and covering it with gauze to avoid contact with unsterilized water. The use of the ointment "HYDROCORTISONE" is not recommended, as it is a steroid ointment....[Read More] Understanding Umbilical Itching and Discharge: A Patient's Guide
Understanding Adhesion Prevention in Appendectomy Surgery
Appendicitis surgery issues? Hello, doctor. I had a perforated appendicitis with a pelvic abscess and localized peritonitis, and I underwent an open laparoscopic surgery with four drainage tubes placed. Now I am experiencing symptoms of intestinal adhesions. I would like to know ...
Dr. Chen Jiaming reply Surgery
The main cause of your intestinal adhesions was an intra-abdominal infection (specifically appendicitis) that led to an inflammatory response in the peritoneum and intestinal tissues, resulting in the formation of adhesions. Anti-adhesion barriers cannot prevent this inflammatory...[Read More] Understanding Adhesion Prevention in Appendectomy Surgery
Understanding Itchy Belly Button and Clear Discharge: Causes and Treatments
Itching around the navel with suspected clear discharge? Hello Dr. Chen, my symptoms started with an itching sensation around my navel for about 3 to 4 days. After that, I began to notice what seems to be discharge inside my navel, which dries up and forms a thin layer of secreti...
Dr. Chen Jiaming reply Surgery
Based solely on your description, it is not possible to confirm the presence of a wound or signs of infection. If there is a wound, it is important to avoid contact with unclean water and to provide appropriate cleaning and disinfection (using antiseptics like Betadine, etc.). If...[Read More] Understanding Itchy Belly Button and Clear Discharge: Causes and Treatments
Understanding Arm Issues: Cysts, Tumors, and Weight Loss Surgery Options
Upper arm issues? Hello Dr. Chen, 1. A few days ago, I accidentally felt a small lump (cyst?) in the muscle layer on the inner side of my left upper arm. Sometimes I can feel it, and sometimes I can't. When I do feel it, it seems to be fixed in place and does not move (isn&...
Dr. Chen Jiaming reply Surgery
1. For skin or subcutaneous tissue masses, it is recommended to first consult a general surgeon for evaluation. The choice of diagnostic tests will be determined based on the clinical physician's assessment during the examination (and in some cases, no tests may be necessary...[Read More] Understanding Arm Issues: Cysts, Tumors, and Weight Loss Surgery Options
Post-Cholecystectomy Hemorrhage: Understanding Causes and Concerns
Continuous bleeding from the drainage tube after cholecystectomy? Hello Dr. Chen: My father underwent gallbladder removal surgery around 3 AM on December 9, 2020. The surgery ended at approximately 5:50 AM, and he was transferred from the recovery room to the emergency ward aroun...
Dr. Chen Jiaming reply Surgery
A gallbladder surgery performed at 3 AM is typically indicative of acute cholecystitis. However, the duration of the surgery aligns with standard gallbladder procedures, suggesting that the lead surgeon successfully completed the operation without complications. Regarding the inc...[Read More] Post-Cholecystectomy Hemorrhage: Understanding Causes and Concerns
Understanding Breast Cysts: When to Seek Further Medical Advice
Breast issues Hello, Doctor. On November 10, I experienced pain when pressing on the right side of my right breast, so I went to the hospital for a breast examination. The doctor told me it was a cyst, with a little bit present in both breasts, and there seemed to be some calcifi...
Dr. Chen Jiaming reply Surgery
Women in their 20s to 30s often experience breast tenderness associated with their menstrual cycle due to increased ovarian hormone secretion. During this time, ultrasound examinations typically reveal what is known as fibrocystic changes, which are imaging alterations caused by ...[Read More] Understanding Breast Cysts: When to Seek Further Medical Advice
Should You Get a Check-Up for a Hard Lump Near Your Nipple?
Chest lump I am a male student and recently noticed a small round hard lump about one centimeter in size located slightly above the right side of my left nipple. It has been almost a month; it is not painful, has not grown, but has not disappeared either. I read online that it co...
Dr. Chen Jiaming reply Surgery
Since it has been present for a month and does not appear to be small, it is advisable to go to the hospital for an examination.[Read More] Should You Get a Check-Up for a Hard Lump Near Your Nipple?
Post-Splenectomy Recovery: Managing Pain and Vaccination Concerns
Post-splenectomy Hello Dr. Chen, I am currently two and a half months post-splenectomy due to a car accident. 1. Recently, I have been experiencing swelling and soreness in my left abdomen and lower back. Is this condition normal, and what can I do to alleviate it? 2. Since m...
Dr. Chen Jiaming reply Surgery
Trauma from a car accident can cause splenic injury, indicating that the left upper abdomen or lateral chest and abdomen has sustained a significant degree of impact and contusion. Although it has been two and a half months, if there are residual symptoms from the muscle contusio...[Read More] Post-Splenectomy Recovery: Managing Pain and Vaccination Concerns