Managing Airway Obstruction in Elderly Patients: Is Tracheostomy a Safe Option?
In elderly patients, the airways are often obstructed by mucus. How to manage this? My father is 98 years old and has been frequently experiencing mucus blocking his trachea over the past six months. I have heard about a procedure where an incision is made in the trachea and a tu...
Dr. Shang Dongfu reply Surgery
Hello: Tracheostomy can effectively facilitate mucus clearance, but it is still an invasive procedure. For a 98-year-old gentleman, the risks associated with surgery and anesthesia are higher than for the general population due to multiple comorbidities and age factors. Wishing y...[Read More] Managing Airway Obstruction in Elderly Patients: Is Tracheostomy a Safe Option?
Post-Thoracoscopic Surgery: When Can I Resume Sports Activities?
After undergoing pneumothorax surgery? Dear Doctor, Last September, I underwent video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) for spontaneous pneumothorax. I have not exercised for a year due to fear of causing another lung rupture from intense impact. However, I realize that not ...
Dr. Shang Dongfu reply Surgery
1. In principle, patients can resume normal activities one month after surgery for pneumothorax. Clinically, more than half of pneumothorax episodes occur during rest or static conditions, so unless engaging in activities that involve sudden changes in pressure, such as skydiving...[Read More] Post-Thoracoscopic Surgery: When Can I Resume Sports Activities?
Can Pectus Excavatum Patients Do Push-Ups Safely?
Pectus excavatum Hello, doctor. 1. Can a person with pectus excavatum do push-ups? Sometimes after doing them, I feel short of breath. 2. Is the occasional shortness of breath related to pectus excavatum? (I have been checked by a cardiologist and have mitral valve prolapse.)...
Dr. Shang Dongfu reply Surgery
Hello: The severity of pectus excavatum varies from person to person and should be assessed by a professional physician (thoracic surgeon, cardiologist). If it is not a particularly severe case, the main impact of pectus excavatum on an individual is aesthetic, and they should be...[Read More] Can Pectus Excavatum Patients Do Push-Ups Safely?
Understanding Pectus Excavatum: Treatment Options and Implications
Pectus excavatum Hello doctor, how should pectus excavatum be treated? What are the potential consequences if it is left untreated? Is it true that one may be exempt from military service? I experience a feeling of pressure in my left chest when sleeping on my left side; could th...
Dr. Shang Dongfu reply Surgery
Hello: 1. The severity of pectus excavatum varies, and it should be assessed through imaging and functional evaluations conducted by a qualified physician to make an accurate judgment. 2. The criteria for military service must also refer to the relevant regulations set by the Min...[Read More] Understanding Pectus Excavatum: Treatment Options and Implications
Understanding Surgery for Pectus Carinatum: Hospital Stay and Risks
Could you please provide more details or context regarding the question about chicken breast surgery? Hello, I would like to ask if someone with pectus carinatum wants to undergo surgery, will they need to be hospitalized after the operation? Is this considered a major surgery? I...
Dr. Shang Dongfu reply Surgery
Hello: Whether surgery is required for pectus excavatum is determined by a specialist based on imaging and functional test results. Post-surgery, hospitalization is necessary. The surgical site in the thoracic cavity is close to major organs such as the heart, blood vessels, and ...[Read More] Understanding Surgery for Pectus Carinatum: Hospital Stay and Risks
How to Correct Pectus Carinatum After Surgery: Solutions and Options
How can pectus carinatum be corrected? Hello, doctor. I have previously undergone surgery for intestinal volvulus, and six months post-operation, I am still experiencing bloating. I am unsure if this is related to the surgery. The abdominal bloating has become quite pronounced, m...
Dr. Shang Dongfu reply Surgery
Hello: If the shape of the thorax is asymmetrical and presents a condition similar to "pectoralis muscle," further evaluation is usually needed to determine the specific thoracic issue and the degree of abnormality to decide if correction is necessary. If correction is ...[Read More] How to Correct Pectus Carinatum After Surgery: Solutions and Options
Understanding Trauma: Insights on Bruises, Strangulation, and Healing Time
Regarding trauma? 1. Doctor, I have a question: My chest was struck multiple times with a fist by my partner, but the injuries only showed minor "abrasions" and "bruises" (2x2 cm and 4x1.5 cm). How is this possible? 2. Additionally, I was choked twice by my ...
Dr. Shang Dongfu reply Surgery
Hello, the content of a forensic examination must be objective and based on specific observations or results from medical instruments; therefore, the symptoms described by the patient cannot be used to create a legally admissible record. The appearance of bruises can last for var...[Read More] Understanding Trauma: Insights on Bruises, Strangulation, and Healing Time
Understanding Fibrocystic Breast Changes: What You Need to Know
Fibrocystic breast disease A friend of mine discovered a hard lump during a breast examination at a health clinic, which was identified as a fibrocystic breast condition.
Dr. Shang Dongfu reply Surgery
Hello: Fibrocystic breast changes are common breast lumps in women. Generally, they do not require surgical treatment and can be monitored with annual follow-ups at a breast specialist's clinic.[Read More] Understanding Fibrocystic Breast Changes: What You Need to Know