Can Fistula Treatment with Thread Technique Ease Post-Op Care?
Can anal fistulas be treated with the seton technique? I have an anal fistula (non-complex type) and due to work commitments, it seems that postoperative care from a standard surgery would interfere with my job. I've heard that there is a seton technique that is more conveni...
Dr. Hou Yongji reply Surgery
The treatment for anal fistulas, according to current medical principles, is surgical excision, which is a curative method. However, as you mentioned, the so-called seton technique is considered traditional medicine (also known as alternative therapy) and is not within my area of...[Read More] Can Fistula Treatment with Thread Technique Ease Post-Op Care?
Laparoscopic Surgery for Rectal Tumors: What You Need to Know
Laparoscopic Surgery for Sigmoid Colon Tumor Hello Dr. Hou, my mother is 54 years old and has been experiencing bloody stools for many years. She underwent a colonoscopy at a clinic, and a non-regular tumor was found approximately 15 cm from the anus in the sigmoid colon, measuri...
Dr. Hou Yongji reply Surgery
1. Currently, the staging of colorectal cancer is based on the depth of tumor invasion into the bowel wall, the involvement of surrounding lymph nodes, and whether there is distant metastasis (to the liver or lungs). Therefore, if staging is determined solely by endoscopic diagno...[Read More] Laparoscopic Surgery for Rectal Tumors: What You Need to Know
Understanding Anal Burning and Swelling: Causes and Treatments
What are the causes of anal burning sensation and swelling pain? Hello Doctor: For the past two to three months, I have been experiencing pain in the anus after bowel movements, similar to the discomfort from excessive wiping with toilet paper. However, I have been using wet wipe...
Dr. Hou Yongji reply Surgery
Based on your description, a diagnosis cannot be made accurately. The diagnosis of anal diseases includes medical history, visual examination, digital examination, and even endoscopic examination. It is recommended that you consult a colorectal specialist for a definitive diagnos...[Read More] Understanding Anal Burning and Swelling: Causes and Treatments
Understanding Internal Hemorrhoids: Symptoms and Treatment Options
Internal abscess Hello, doctor: While showering, I noticed a 0.5 cm hard lump located about 1 cm inside the anal canal. It is not painful. Could it be a hemorrhoid? It has been present for a few months. I feel a bit embarrassed to visit the hospital; can I buy an ointment at the ...
Dr. Hou Yongji reply Surgery
The diagnosis of our condition includes taking a medical history, visual examination, palpation, and even further endoscopic examination. Based on your description, a correct diagnosis cannot be made. Please seek consultation with a nearby colorectal surgeon as soon as possible. ...[Read More] Understanding Internal Hemorrhoids: Symptoms and Treatment Options
Post-Surgery Pain After Hemorrhoid Ligation: Causes and Recovery Tips
Pain may occur after hemorrhoid ligation surgery for internal hemorrhoids? Dear Doctor: During my last vasectomy, I experienced no pain at all. However, after this recent procedure, I was in so much pain on the first and second days that I couldn't sleep. The doctor prescrib...
Dr. Hou Yongji reply Surgery
Typically, hemorrhoid ligation is performed for internal hemorrhoids; however, in some patients with mixed internal and external hemorrhoids, it is possible that external hemorrhoids may also be ligated for therapeutic purposes. In your case, since the pain was most severe on the...[Read More] Post-Surgery Pain After Hemorrhoid Ligation: Causes and Recovery Tips
Understanding Abdominal Tumors: X-rays, Ultrasound, or Endoscopy?
Abdominal issues? To determine whether there is a "tumor" in the abdomen, can X-rays and ultrasound provide sufficient information, or is a gastrointestinal endoscopy necessary? Thank you.
Dr. Hou Yongji reply Surgery
The abdomen contains many organs and tissues, so when it comes to tumors in the lower extremities, it is important to differentiate whether they are located in the abdominal wall or within the abdominal cavity. There are various examination options available, which depend on the ...[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Tumors: X-rays, Ultrasound, or Endoscopy?
Understanding Anal Itching: Causes, Treatments, and When to Seek Help
Anal itching? Hello, I had hemorrhoid surgery three years ago, and recently I've had a recurrence over the past six months. Two days ago, an external hemorrhoid protruded (there are three, which seem to have formed small blood clots), and my anus has started to feel very itc...
Dr. Hou Yongji reply Surgery
1. The diagnosis of anorectal diseases includes not only the medical history but also visual examination, palpation, endoscopy (colonoscopy, anoscopy), and even stool or biopsy tests. Therefore, please seek treatment from a colorectal surgeon nearby (attached is a list of colorec...[Read More] Understanding Anal Itching: Causes, Treatments, and When to Seek Help
Understanding Rectal Symptoms: Is It Hemorrhoids or Something Else?
Anus Hello, I have been experiencing irregular bowel movements for quite some time. Sometimes I have normal bowel movements once a day or multiple times, while other times I only go once a week. I occasionally feel abdominal pain, but the stool is normal. I initially thought it w...
Dr. Hou Yongji reply Surgery
Based on your description, a precise diagnosis cannot be made. Typically, conditions related to the rectum and anus cannot be diagnosed remotely; the evaluation must include a thorough medical history, visual examination, digital rectal examination, and possibly endoscopy or X-ra...[Read More] Understanding Rectal Symptoms: Is It Hemorrhoids or Something Else?
Post-Surgery Concerns: Bleeding After Hemorrhoid Ligation Explained
Could you please provide more context or specify your question regarding the hemorrhoid ligation surgery? Doctor, I had a hemorrhoid ligation surgery a few days ago. I am still experiencing bleeding during bowel movements, although the amount is not as much as before the ligation...
Dr. Hou Yongji reply Surgery
Please return for a follow-up examination as soon as possible to identify the issue and provide appropriate management.[Read More] Post-Surgery Concerns: Bleeding After Hemorrhoid Ligation Explained
Understanding Anal Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Anal pain Hello Doctor: Recently, I have been experiencing severe pain in the anal area during bowel movements, and hemorrhoids have also protruded. There is blood on the toilet paper when I wipe. I tried to push them back in, but they do not fully retract into the anus. Why is t...
Dr. Hou Yongji reply Surgery
Based on your description, please seek out a colorectal surgeon for diagnosis and treatment as soon as possible (attached is the list of specialists). Thank you, Dr. Hou Yong-ji.[Read More] Understanding Anal Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Understanding Blood in Stool: When to Seek Medical Attention
Blood in the stool? Blood in the stool can be concerning, especially if it occurs intermittently. It's important to note that the presence of blood does not always correlate with the overall appearance of one's health, such as facial color. A person can appear healthy w...
Dr. Hou Yongji reply Surgery
1. The human body has the ability to produce blood. If the amount of bleeding is less than or equal to the amount of blood produced, there will be no change in complexion. Additionally, the body's blood circulation has compensatory mechanisms, so significant anemia is requir...[Read More] Understanding Blood in Stool: When to Seek Medical Attention
Chronic Anal Fissures: Surgical Options, Recovery, and Long-Term Relief
Chronic anal fissure Dear Dr. Hou, I have chronic anal fissures. Whenever my stool is a bit hard, I experience bleeding. I apply ointment for a while and it gets better. I also regularly soak in warm water and consume a high-fiber diet, avoiding spicy foods, but bleeding still o...
Dr. Hou Yongji reply Surgery
Chronic fissure surgery requires a 3-day hospital stay. The purpose of the surgery is to accelerate wound healing, but attention should still be paid to daily dietary habits and anal care. Please consult a colorectal specialist for diagnosis and discussion of your condition. Dr. ...[Read More] Chronic Anal Fissures: Surgical Options, Recovery, and Long-Term Relief
Understanding Rectal Bleeding: Causes and When to Seek Help
Blood in the stool during bowel movements? In recent days, I have been drinking less water and often feel dizzy at night. When I lie down to sleep, it feels like the world is spinning. If I sit up from bed, the dizziness intensifies, and it usually takes about 10 minutes for the ...
Dr. Hou Yongji reply Surgery
1. Based on your description, a definitive diagnosis cannot be made. It is recommended to first have a blood test to check for anemia. If anemia is not present, please consult an otolaryngologist or a neurologist for the treatment of dizziness. 2. If anemia is present, please see...[Read More] Understanding Rectal Bleeding: Causes and When to Seek Help
Can a Permanent Colostomy Be Reversed to a Normal Anus?
Is it possible to surgically convert a permanent colostomy back into a normal anus? Dear Dr. Hou, My mother is your patient. She underwent surgery for rectal cancer in July of last year. At that time, I made the decision to proceed with a colostomy without informing her of the s...
Dr. Hou Yongji reply Surgery
Based on your description, it is difficult to understand the exact condition. However, in general, if a colostomy resulting from rectal cancer surgery is permanent, it means that the original normal anus has been removed. Therefore, if a new anus were to be created, it would not ...[Read More] Can a Permanent Colostomy Be Reversed to a Normal Anus?
Post-Polypectomy Bleeding: When to Seek Medical Attention?
Postoperative bleeding after rectal polyp excision? Hello doctor, I had a polypectomy 10 days ago, and I'm currently eating normally. This morning, I noticed some fresh blood and a thread on the toilet paper after having a bowel movement. Should I schedule a follow-up appoin...
Dr. Hou Yongji reply Surgery
Based on your description, it is not possible to determine the severity. Please return for a follow-up examination as soon as possible. Thank you.[Read More] Post-Polypectomy Bleeding: When to Seek Medical Attention?
Understanding Hemorrhoids: Symptoms, Causes, and When to See a Doctor
Hemorrhoids A few days ago, I had diarrhea and stayed up late at night, which affected my sleep. Today, when I went to the bathroom, I felt like I hadn't completely emptied my bowels. While I was wiping with toilet paper, I noticed a lump of tissue. In shock, I pushed it bac...
Dr. Hou Yongji reply Surgery
Based on your description, it could be a hemorrhoid. However, the diagnosis of hemorrhoids relies not only on medical history but also on visual examination, palpation, and even endoscopy (such as anoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, or colonoscopy). Therefore, please seek a colorectal speci...[Read More] Understanding Hemorrhoids: Symptoms, Causes, and When to See a Doctor
Pregnancy and Colon Polyp Surgery: What You Need to Know
Colorectal Polyps & Pregnancy Hello Dr. Hou, I previously inquired about your upcoming colon polyp removal surgery, which requires general anesthesia, and there may be a need for additional colon surgery in the future. However, I discovered yesterday that I am approximately...
Dr. Hou Yongji reply Surgery
In general, pregnancy is not suitable for any invasive examinations, as there is a risk of miscarriage, especially with general anesthesia, which may have adverse side effects. Therefore, it is not recommended to perform the aforementioned two types of examinations or surgeries. ...[Read More] Pregnancy and Colon Polyp Surgery: What You Need to Know
Understanding Colon Polyp Removal: Risks, Recovery, and Future Surgery
Colorectal polypectomy Dear Dr. Hou, I recently underwent a colon X-ray, and the doctor informed me that there are "many" polyps. They plan to first perform a colonoscopy to remove any that can be excised, and if there are larger polyps, I may need to undergo further c...
Dr. Hou Yongji reply Surgery
1. Colorectal polypectomy does have a higher rate of complications, such as bleeding and perforation, compared to standard diagnostic colonoscopy; however, the overall risk remains relatively low and is considered an acceptable risk. 2. If a hemostatic clip is used, it typicall...[Read More] Understanding Colon Polyp Removal: Risks, Recovery, and Future Surgery
Improving Anal Weakness: Kegel vs. Pelvic Floor Exercises
Kegel exercises Hello Dr. Hou, may I ask if Kegel exercises are helpful in improving symptoms of anal incontinence? Which exercise is easier to learn, Kegel exercises or pelvic floor exercises? Thank you.
Dr. Hou Yongji reply Surgery
Kegel exercises are a type of exercise related to obstetrics and are somewhat similar to general pelvic floor exercises. As for symptoms of anal incontinence, a thorough rectal and anal physiological examination by a colorectal surgeon is necessary for diagnosis. Whether Kegel ex...[Read More] Improving Anal Weakness: Kegel vs. Pelvic Floor Exercises
Understanding Hemorrhoids vs. Anal Fistulas: A Teen's Guide
Hemorrhoids or anal fistula? I am a high school student, and about a year ago, I experienced blood in my stool once or twice, but it resolved within a day or two. Since then, I have not had any episodes of blood in my stool. Recently, I noticed a soft protrusion near my anus when...
Dr. Hou Yongji reply Surgery
The diagnosis of anal diseases includes not only the medical history but also visual inspection, palpation, and even endoscopic examinations (colonoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, or anoscopy). Therefore, please seek a nearby colorectal specialist for diagnosis and treatment (attached is a...[Read More] Understanding Hemorrhoids vs. Anal Fistulas: A Teen's Guide