Understanding Colonoscopy: Risks, Pain Levels, and Hospital Options
Colonoscopy Dear Dr. Yuan, I apologize for interrupting your valuable time. I would like to inquire about undergoing a colonoscopy: (1) Does the painless colonoscopy include anesthesia and does it carry higher risks such as bowel perforation? Which hospitals offer this procedure...
Dr. Yuan Hongdao reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Reply: Hello, 1. Anesthesia itself carries certain risks, such as respiratory depression, allergic reactions, and potential cardiovascular side effects. However, as long as there is proper evaluation and monitoring by a physician, it is generally considered safe. While anesthes...[Read More] Understanding Colonoscopy: Risks, Pain Levels, and Hospital Options
Impact of High Protein Diet on Liver Health: What You Need to Know
High protein and the liver? I was found to have hepatitis B during my military physical examination, which exempted me from service. Recently, I want to start weight training and build muscle, and I'm considering purchasing whey protein. I've heard that consuming high p...
Dr. Yuan Hongdao reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, if there is liver cirrhosis and poor liver function, consuming high protein may lead to an increase in the metabolites of protein → ammonia. However, ammonia does not cause an increase in liver enzyme levels. Sincerely, Dr. Yuan Hong-Dao, Internal Medicine.[Read More] Impact of High Protein Diet on Liver Health: What You Need to Know
Understanding Severe Diarrhea: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Severe diarrhea? One day, after going to an internet café and finishing a cup of cola, I started to have a headache. That night, I also had a fever. I'm not sure if there's a connection. Before going to the internet café, I had already experienced diarrhea once, but it ...
Dr. Yuan Hongdao reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, based on your description, it seems you may have gastroenteritis. Generally, gastroenteritis will resolve on its own within a few days. However, if you experience persistent diarrhea, severe abdominal pain, or a high fever that does not subside, it is important to seek med...[Read More] Understanding Severe Diarrhea: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Managing High Triglycerides and Liver Health: A Guide for Patients
Triglycerides Hello doctor, my question is that after a health check, I found my triglycerides to be 800, SGPT (ALT) 40, SGOT 41, and SGPT 61. What should I do? I have also been diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome and fatty liver. Will taking Diane (Diane-35) or blood sugar-...
Dr. Yuan Hongdao reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, if your liver enzymes are elevated due to fatty liver (assuming there is no hepatitis B or C, alcohol consumption, other medications, or biliary diseases), then treatment should focus on fatty liver. Common causes of fatty liver include obesity, diabetes, alcohol consumpti...[Read More] Managing High Triglycerides and Liver Health: A Guide for Patients
Understanding Right Upper Abdominal Discomfort: Causes and Solutions
Discomfort and occasional pain in the upper right abdomen..? Hello, I have recently started preparing for my graduate school entrance exam, and since a major exam two years ago, I've been experiencing occasional discomfort and pain in my upper right abdomen, mostly when lyin...
Dr. Yuan Hongdao reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, the most common cause of pain in the upper right abdomen is liver and gallbladder disorders. Other possibilities include duodenal ulcers, right kidney issues, and colon diseases. However, based on your description, it seems more like functional dyspepsia. I recommend that ...[Read More] Understanding Right Upper Abdominal Discomfort: Causes and Solutions
Managing Unexplained Gastrointestinal Bleeding: Home Care and Follow-Up Tips
What should be done in cases of gastrointestinal bleeding with an unknown cause? Hello, doctor. I have had ten episodes of tarry black stools within four days, accompanied by symptoms such as palpitations, rapid heartbeat, and dizziness. During the emergency visit, my hemoglobin ...
Dr. Yuan Hongdao reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, if both the gastroscopy and colonoscopy were performed thoroughly without any missed findings (some small lesions may cause significant bleeding but can sometimes be obscured by food or hidden in mucosal folds), then it is possible that the issue lies within the small inte...[Read More] Managing Unexplained Gastrointestinal Bleeding: Home Care and Follow-Up Tips
How to Maintain Liver Health While Adjusting to Time Zone Changes
Liver maintenance? Hello, a report indicates that the liver's metabolic activity occurs approximately between 10 PM and 2 AM. If a person flies to the United States (with a 12-hour time difference) and has their day and night reversed, wouldn't the liver have no rest ti...
Dr. Yuan Hongdao reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, the liver operates 24 hours a day, year-round. To maintain liver health, it is important to minimize the intake of medications (both Western and traditional Chinese medicine), limit alcohol consumption, increase the intake of vegetables and fruits, reduce the consumption o...[Read More] How to Maintain Liver Health While Adjusting to Time Zone Changes
Understanding Elevated Jaundice Levels in Liver Cirrhosis Patients
Abnormal bilirubin levels? Hello doctor, my father went to the hospital last week for an examination and was found to have cirrhosis with a bilirubin level of 18. The attending physician mentioned that the normal value is 1.1, but after a series of tests, no bile duct obstruction...
Dr. Yuan Hongdao reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, a bilirubin level of 18 may indicate possible causes such as bile duct obstruction, hepatitis (viral, alcoholic, drug-induced, autoimmune), tumors, sepsis, or hereditary diseases, among others. If none of these conditions are present and it is determined to be solely due t...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Jaundice Levels in Liver Cirrhosis Patients
Understanding Gastric Bleeding: Causes, Symptoms, and Dietary Tips
Gastrointestinal bleeding issues? Hello, doctor: I am inquiring for a relative who may have experienced gastrointestinal bleeding due to high family and work stress, resulting in black, hard stools (blood clots) for a week. They later went to the hospital for a hemostatic injecti...
Dr. Yuan Hongdao reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, the most important aspect of gastrointestinal bleeding is to identify the cause of the bleeding in order to treat and prevent it accordingly. Common causes include ulcers. If ulcers are present, it is essential to avoid taking pain relievers (such as those for headaches, j...[Read More] Understanding Gastric Bleeding: Causes, Symptoms, and Dietary Tips
Is Surgery Necessary for Long Intestines? Understanding Your Options
Is surgery necessary for an elongated intestine? Last June, a polyp was found in my colon. At that time, the doctor said to just observe it. This year, when I returned for a follow-up, I underwent a barium enema, and the polyp had disappeared. However, the doctor mentioned that m...
Dr. Yuan Hongdao reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, it is rare to hear about surgeries needed due to an excessively long intestine, and it is also uncommon for an excessively long intestine to cause complications during childbirth. I suggest you consult another colorectal surgeon to get a second opinion before deciding whet...[Read More] Is Surgery Necessary for Long Intestines? Understanding Your Options
Scary Stool Changes: When to See a Doctor for Digestive Issues
Oh my gosh~ what a scary stool! Something terrifying happened with my bowel movement tonight. I passed about three stools. The first two were red, and the last one was black. Oh my gosh, how could this happen? Could it be related to food? Last night, I had a plate of red fermente...
Dr. Yuan Hongdao reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, certain foods can cause stool to appear red or black; for example, pig's blood can make stool turn black. If there is no abdominal pain or dizziness, it is advisable to monitor the situation. If the stool remains black or red, you can collect a sample in a plastic bag...[Read More] Scary Stool Changes: When to See a Doctor for Digestive Issues
Understanding Rectal Prolapse: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
After finishing a bowel movement..? Hello doctor, for the past month and a half, I have occasionally noticed a fleshy red protrusion, resembling a small lump, at the anus after having a bowel movement. It makes it difficult for the anus to contract and is somewhat painful. It usu...
Dr. Yuan Hongdao reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, it is most likely hemorrhoids, although polyps are also a possibility. I recommend that you visit a colorectal surgery outpatient clinic for a physician evaluation to confirm the diagnosis. If it is indeed hemorrhoids that frequently protrude, you may consider surgery or l...[Read More] Understanding Rectal Prolapse: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Understanding Liver Cancer Surgery: Recovery, Survival Rates, and Recurrence
Liver cancer I would like to ask if liver cancer resection can lead to a quick recovery and how likely it is to experience complications after the surgery. What is the survival rate after resection? Is there a high percentage of cancer metastasis? There are symptoms present, but ...
Dr. Yuan Hongdao reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, if liver cancer is completely resected and there are no complications, one can quickly return to normal life; however, recurrence is common. The one-year survival rate after resection is approximately 78%, and the five-year survival rate is 43% (according to data from Taip...[Read More] Understanding Liver Cancer Surgery: Recovery, Survival Rates, and Recurrence
Understanding Hemangiomas: Diagnosis and Accuracy in Imaging Tests
Hemangioma Hello, I would like to ask about a previous ultrasound that showed a shadow (3cm x 2cm). I then underwent a CT scan, and the doctor confidently stated that the examination report indicated a hemangioma. Is it possible for this to be a mistake? What is the basis for suc...
Dr. Yuan Hongdao reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, the differences between hemangiomas and liver cancer in ultrasound and computed tomography imaging are significant. Hemangiomas gradually enhance from the periphery after the injection of contrast agents. Generally, a CT scan is sufficient to differentiate whether it is a ...[Read More] Understanding Hemangiomas: Diagnosis and Accuracy in Imaging Tests
Understanding Human Blastocystis: Infection Risks and Treatment Insights
What is human microsporidia (or human microsporidian parasites)? Dr. Yuan: Hello! A friend of mine recently applied for a foreign worker to enter the country, and during the health check, it was discovered that the worker has human blastocystis (or human blastocyst cysts) and was...
Dr. Yuan Hongdao reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, Blastocystis hominis is a common protozoan that resides in the intestines. Some researchers do not consider it pathogenic, while others believe it may cause abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, and fever. The mode of transmission is not very clear, but it may be related to ...[Read More] Understanding Human Blastocystis: Infection Risks and Treatment Insights
How to Care for Your Liver After Elevated SGPT Levels?
Liver function Hello, my SGPT liver function index was 44 during a blood test, which exceeds the normal range. What should I do to take care of my liver? Also, my doctor mentioned that staying up late is not related to liver enzyme levels. Is this perspective correct? Thank you.
Dr. Yuan Hongdao reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, an SGPT level of 44 can have many possible causes. The more common ones include chronic hepatitis B and C, biliary diseases, fatty liver, alcoholic hepatitis, and drug-induced liver injury. It is essential to identify the underlying cause of the abnormal liver function tes...[Read More] How to Care for Your Liver After Elevated SGPT Levels?
Understanding Blood in Stool: When to Seek Medical Advice
Questions Regarding Examinations After Rectal Bleeding Hello Doctor: I am 23 years old and have no family history of colorectal cancer. On July 9th, I noticed blood in my stool, which was yellow and the blood was bright red. Although there was no bleeding the following day, I was...
Dr. Yuan Hongdao reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, the presence of blood in your stool on July 9 could be due to hemorrhoidal bleeding or mucosal bleeding caused by hard stools. If you have already undergone a sigmoidoscopy and no significant lesions were found, there is no need for excessive concern. If you are not experi...[Read More] Understanding Blood in Stool: When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding Digestive Discomfort: Causes and Solutions for Constipation and Diarrhea
Gastrointestinal discomfort? Hello, Doctor: I have been suffering from chronic constipation for many years. However, I have not improved because I dislike drinking water. Since the summer vacation began, I have been experiencing diarrhea almost every day, or I have difficulty pas...
Dr. Yuan Hongdao reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, I would like to know if you are experiencing any symptoms such as fever, weight loss, or blood in your stool. If none of these symptoms are present, it may be irritable bowel syndrome. However, if you have any of the aforementioned symptoms, or if your abdominal discomfort...[Read More] Understanding Digestive Discomfort: Causes and Solutions for Constipation and Diarrhea
Understanding Fatty Liver: Key Questions About Diagnosis and Management
Fatty liver disease Hello Doctor: In October of last year (93rd year), my health check report showed liver function indices SGOT: 42, SGPT: 98, HBsAg: negative, HBsAb: positive. A nearby clinic's scanning physician indicated that I have mild fatty liver. Since then, I have b...
Dr. Yuan Hongdao reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, abnormal liver function tests can be caused by several factors, including hepatitis B and C, as well as fatty liver disease. Other potential causes include medications, alcohol consumption, biliary issues, autoimmune hepatitis, and hereditary metabolic disorders. I would l...[Read More] Understanding Fatty Liver: Key Questions About Diagnosis and Management
Understanding Duodenal Deformity: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Duodenal deformity I had a second gastroscopy two days ago, and it was found that my duodenum is deformed (I had a duodenal ulcer two years ago). What treatment options are available? P.S. During my first gastroscopy two years ago, it was noted that the opening below my esophagus...
Dr. Yuan Hongdao reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, after the healing of a duodenal ulcer, scarring may occur, which can lead to deformity. However, if it does not cause duodenal obstruction, no specific treatment is necessary. It is important to maintain good habits, such as avoiding smoking, not taking painkillers, and ma...[Read More] Understanding Duodenal Deformity: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options