Can Umbilical Surgery Correct a Protruding Belly Button?
Protruding navel Hello doctor, I have had an outie belly button since I was young, and it has always bothered me. Is it possible to have surgery to correct an outie belly button? After the procedure, will it look like a normal, aesthetically pleasing innie belly button? What is t...
Dr. Luo Qihua Reply:
An umbilical protrusion, commonly referred to as an umbilical hernia, can be improved through surgery; however, there is still a possibility of recurrence, and a scar may remain next to the umbilicus. Patients can consult a general surgeon, and there may be coverage under health ...[Read More] Can Umbilical Surgery Correct a Protruding Belly Button?
Do You Need Surgery for Sciatica? Understanding Pseudoscience in Nerve Pain
Is surgery always necessary for sciatica? What is pseudo-sciatica? Symptoms: Pain in the buttocks and thighs, inability to sit or stand, difficulty getting in and out of a vehicle. MRI shows signs of degeneration in the spinal nerves.
Dr. Xiao Furen Reply:
I believe you are referring to sciatica. Sciatica generally refers to back pain accompanied by leg pain, numbness, or tingling, which results from compression of the nerves in the lumbar or sacral spine. Common causes include herniated discs, spinal stenosis, and vertebral displa...[Read More] Do You Need Surgery for Sciatica? Understanding Pseudoscience in Nerve Pain
Pros and Cons of Sitting vs. Lying Position in Neurosurgery
What are the advantages and disadvantages of using sitting and supine positions in neurosurgical procedures? What are the advantages and disadvantages of using sitting and supine positions in neurosurgical procedures?
Dr. Chen Changmu Reply:
I don't quite understand the question you are asking. If it pertains to the surgical position, it is determined by the area of the body being operated on. For example, in cases of lumbar disc herniation, the prone position is used, while for frontal lobe tumors, the supine p...[Read More] Pros and Cons of Sitting vs. Lying Position in Neurosurgery
Understanding Post-Surgery Recovery Challenges After Abdominal Surgery
Abdomen My father underwent surgery due to a hernia, which caused a portion of his intestine to protrude (he was under the care of the urology department at that time). The attending physician explained that the mesh used to support the intestine had ruptured due to improper stra...
Dr. Liu Mingyue Reply:
Hello: Based on your description, the patient likely had a hernia (commonly known as a "rupture") and underwent surgery at the hospital. During the surgery, the intestines would be pushed back, and the defect in the hernial sac would be repaired, along with reinforcemen...[Read More] Understanding Post-Surgery Recovery Challenges After Abdominal Surgery
Understanding Herniated Discs: Treatment Options and Risks Explained
Herniated disc Hello, doctor. I have a herniated disc, but I find that if I press down on the protruding area with both palms and then bend my waist forward while leaning my body back, I can feel the protruding cartilage being pushed back in. This also alleviates some of the sore...
Dr. Chen Changmu Reply:
Hello, based on your symptoms, they do not appear to be indicative of a herniated disc. Currently, neurosurgical procedures have advanced significantly, and the risk of paralysis from surgery is very low. However, your condition may require further examination, as it might not so...[Read More] Understanding Herniated Discs: Treatment Options and Risks Explained
Understanding Disc Herniation: Seeking Effective Treatment Options
Annoying pain? Hello Dr. Chen, Last June, I noticed a tingling sensation in my feet and difficulty straightening my back, so I visited an orthopedic clinic. I was diagnosed with a herniated disc, and the doctor only recommended physical therapy, including lumbar traction, heat t...
Dr. Chen Changmu Reply:
Your condition sounds quite serious and indeed requires further intervention. For a herniated lumbar disc, the initial treatment, as you mentioned, involves medication and being mindful of lifestyle habits to avoid exacerbating the condition. If symptoms do not improve, rehabilit...[Read More] Understanding Disc Herniation: Seeking Effective Treatment Options
Understanding Disc Herniation: Symptoms, Surgery, and Recovery Concerns
Herniated disc Hello Doctor, at first, my fingers started to feel numb. I didn't pay much attention to it, but I went to a small clinic for an examination, and the doctor said there was no problem. However, my condition did not improve; in fact, it got worse. My feet also st...
Dr. Chen Changmu Reply:
Spinal cord compression can cause numbness and pain. After decompression surgery, the improvement in pain is often most noticeable, but the numbness may take some time to resolve. Sometimes, if the compression has lasted too long, it may result in permanent spinal cord damage, wh...[Read More] Understanding Disc Herniation: Symptoms, Surgery, and Recovery Concerns
Understanding Recent Onset Sciatica Symptoms and Treatment Options
Recently started? Hello doctor, I’m not sure if my symptoms are related to sciatica. They started a few months ago, beginning with a sharp pain in my lower back that extends to my buttocks, where I also feel a sharp sensation when pressure is applied. The pain then radiates down ...
Dr. Ding Xianwei Reply:
Hello: It seems that you may be experiencing an acute lumbar disc herniation with nerve root compression. You can try resting in a supine position with your knees slightly bent, avoiding prolonged sitting or standing, and not lifting heavy weights. If this treatment does not lead...[Read More] Understanding Recent Onset Sciatica Symptoms and Treatment Options
Effective Remedies for Severe Hand Numbness from Cervical Disc Herniation
Cervical intervertebral disc herniation My mother's hands are experiencing severe numbness. What can be done to improve this condition? Thank you.
Dr. Xiao Furen Reply:
Wow... This question is quite broad. Generally speaking, if there is nerve root pathology, the approach is medication -> rehabilitation -> surgery. If there is spinal cord pathology, then surgery is the way to go.[Read More] Effective Remedies for Severe Hand Numbness from Cervical Disc Herniation
Understanding Hernias in Women: Surgery, Pregnancy, and Recovery
Female hernia I had a hernia since childhood, and it only bothers me occasionally as I grew up. I would like to ask the doctor if the discomfort might worsen during pregnancy, and whether it is necessary to undergo surgery beforehand. How long after surgery can I try to conceive?...
Dr. Niu Zhenyuan Reply:
The main cause of female inguinal hernias is incomplete closure of the inguinal canal, resulting in swelling of the labia majora when standing, which diminishes when lying down. Some women have congenital incomplete closure of the inguinal canal, while others may develop hernias ...[Read More] Understanding Hernias in Women: Surgery, Pregnancy, and Recovery
Post-Surgery Neck Issues: Is Swimming Safe After Disc Replacement?
Postoperative Issues After Cervical Spine Surgery Ten months ago, I underwent surgery to remove a herniated disc at the C6-C7 level, and a titanium artificial disc was implanted. Aside from still experiencing some discomfort and weakness in my right shoulder (which causes sorenes...
Dr. Chen Changmu Reply:
Dear Mr. Lu, Thank you for your letter. It has been 10 months since your cervical disc herniation surgery, and based on your correspondence, it seems that your recovery is progressing well. Slow head rotation exercises are acceptable as part of your rehabilitation program. As fo...[Read More] Post-Surgery Neck Issues: Is Swimming Safe After Disc Replacement?
Are Sciatica, Herniated Discs, and Bone Spurs the Same Condition?
Is sciatica, herniated disc, and bone spurs the same condition? Is sciatica, herniated disc, and bone spurs the same condition? I have undergone a lumbar CT scan and MRI, and the doctor diagnosed me with a mild herniated disc, indicating that surgery is not necessary and that I c...
Dr. Ding Xianwei Reply:
Hello! I apologize for the delayed response due to my recent busyness. I sincerely regret any inconvenience. The three issues you mentioned cannot be conflated. Generally speaking, bone spurs are a result of spinal instability, where the body attempts to repair the spine. The pai...[Read More] Are Sciatica, Herniated Discs, and Bone Spurs the Same Condition?
Why Does My Leg Go Numb at Night? Understanding Nocturnal Numbness
Numbness in the feet at midnight? Hello, Dr. Ding. I would like to ask you about a recent issue I've been experiencing. I often wake up in the middle of the night with one leg feeling numb and tingling. When I touch it with my fingers, I also feel a sharp pain. I would appre...
Dr. Ding Xianwei Reply:
Hello! You may have a lumbar disc herniation with associated nerve compression, but your information is not clear. I recommend that you visit the outpatient clinic for a detailed evaluation. Sincerely, Dr. Ding Hsien-Wei, Neurosurgery, Taoyuan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Wel...[Read More] Why Does My Leg Go Numb at Night? Understanding Nocturnal Numbness
Understanding Endoscopic Discectomy for Herniated Discs: What You Need to Know
Herniated disc Excuse me, doctor, does Hsinchu Hospital perform lumbar intervertebral disc endoscopic surgery? If I want to undergo surgery, should I consult the orthopedic department or the neurosurgery department? Are there any limitations for endoscopic surgery, such as the lo...
Dr. Qiu Yushu Reply:
Hello: Our hospital does not perform this type of surgery. Please contact a medical center for inquiries (Neurosurgery). Generally, herniated discs at the L4 and L5 levels are more suitable for this type of surgery. Dr. Yu-Shu Chiu[Read More] Understanding Endoscopic Discectomy for Herniated Discs: What You Need to Know
Understanding Endoscopic Lumbar Disc Surgery: Symptoms and Coverage
Endoscopic lumbar disc surgery? Hello Doctor: I would like to ask if there are any symptom limitations for lumbar endoscopic discectomy? Is it covered by health insurance? I have a herniated disc at the L5-S1 level, but it is protruding posteriorly into the spinal canal. The comp...
Dr. Qiu Yushu Reply:
Hello: There are no symptomatic restrictions for endoscopic discectomy. Clinical examination is indeed important. Could you please come to the outpatient clinic for an examination and detailed explanation?[Read More] Understanding Endoscopic Lumbar Disc Surgery: Symptoms and Coverage
Understanding Endoscopic Lumbar Disc Surgery: Symptoms and Coverage
Endoscopic lumbar disc surgery Hello Doctor: I would like to ask if there are any symptom limitations for lumbar endoscopic discectomy? Is it covered by health insurance? I have a herniated disc at the L5-S1 level, but it is protruding posteriorly into the spinal canal. The compr...
Dr. Shao Guoning Reply:
Hello: In response to your questions. 1. Endoscopic lumbar discectomy is covered by health insurance. 2. Your symptoms are typical of sciatic nerve compression; the numbness in your leg is a result of nerve degeneration due to compression. If the compression is severe, the only o...[Read More] Understanding Endoscopic Lumbar Disc Surgery: Symptoms and Coverage
Understanding Lumbar Disc Herniation: Treatment Options and Surgical Considerations
Herniated disc Dear Doctor: In March of this year, I injured my lower back while playing basketball (I am currently 25 years old). Since then, I have been unable to put weight on my left leg, which shakes when I stand. My lower back is extremely painful, and I need to hold onto s...
Dr. Chen Junxing Reply:
Hello: If a herniated disc has not absorbed after six months and symptoms persist (such as numbness, pain, and mobility issues), surgical intervention should be considered. Currently, endoscopic surgery is well-established and successful. Many medical centers have experienced neu...[Read More] Understanding Lumbar Disc Herniation: Treatment Options and Surgical Considerations
Understanding Disc Herniation: Why Is My Leg Numb and How to Find Relief?
Herniated disc I previously had a CT scan that showed a herniated disc compressing a nerve, and then the doctor referred me for electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction studies (NCS). The results indicated no nerve impairment, so the doctor prescribed medication for my myofasc...
Dr. Hong Xuyi Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are referred to as "imaging studies," which indicate issues related to anatomical structures. Electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction studies (NCS) are classified as e...[Read More] Understanding Disc Herniation: Why Is My Leg Numb and How to Find Relief?
Understanding Chronic Pain: Insights from Neurosurgery
Pain Hello, doctor! My shoulders, back, and lower back hurt when I press on them lightly, and it has been over three months. I have seen many doctors, but there has been no improvement. Recently, when I have a cold and cough, my back also hurts. Additionally, my right knee someti...
Dr. Hong Xuyi Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, the cause of back pain is often due to tendon and fascia inflammation. To differentiate it from a herniated disc, please consult a neurosurgery outpatient clinic.[Read More] Understanding Chronic Pain: Insights from Neurosurgery
Understanding High-Frequency Thermal Coagulation in Neurosurgery
The therapeutic principle of "high-frequency thermal coagulation" involves the application of high-frequency electrical currents to generate heat in targeted tissues. This heat causes coagulation of proteins and destruction of cellular structures, leading to tissue necr...
Dr. Shao Guoning Reply:
Hello: In response to your question: The dorsal branch of the spinal nerve innervates the adjacent joints and intervertebral discs after exiting the spinal cord. A herniated intervertebral disc can cause referred pain when it does not compress the nerve root, often due to irritat...[Read More] Understanding High-Frequency Thermal Coagulation in Neurosurgery