Should You Use Degradable Mesh for Hernia Surgery? Expert Insights on Benefits and Risks
Is it recommended to use biodegradable mesh for hernia surgery? My mother (59 years old) has been diagnosed with a hernia (a lump in the lower right abdomen near the groin). She has had two cesarean sections and often lifts heavy objects, but she does not have any issues with hyp...
Dr. Chen Jiaming Reply:
Hernia surgery is a very common procedure in Taiwan, with approximately 30,000 surgeries performed each year. The technique has evolved from traditional tissue repair methods to the current mainstream approach of tension-free repair using synthetic mesh. A wide variety of synthet...[Read More] Should You Use Degradable Mesh for Hernia Surgery? Expert Insights on Benefits and Risks
Post-Discectomy: Should My Boyfriend Have His Hardware Removed?
Postoperative care for herniated disc surgery? My boyfriend underwent minimally invasive surgery for a herniated disc on July 11 of last year due to lower back pain and leg numbness. After the surgery, he still experiences lower back discomfort. He is now hesitant about whether t...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
Why is it necessary to perform spinal fusion? Is it due to lumbar spondylolisthesis? If the purpose of the procedure is not clear, it is not advisable to remove the hardware casually![Read More] Post-Discectomy: Should My Boyfriend Have His Hardware Removed?
Numbness in Left Thumb and Index Finger: Possible Causes and Relief Tips
Numbness in the left thumb and index finger? Initially, I thought the neck stiffness was nothing serious. After a week, the pain in my neck has decreased, but I am experiencing some numbness in my left thumb and index finger. When I massage my shoulders, the left shoulder feels l...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: 1. It is suspected to be a cervical spine issue, most commonly a cervical disc herniation that compresses the nerves. 2. Reduce the forward head posture. Temporarily wear a cervical collar. Apply heat to the shoulders and neck daily, and perform neck rehabilitation exercis...[Read More] Numbness in Left Thumb and Index Finger: Possible Causes and Relief Tips
Understanding Disc Herniation: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Herniated disc Hello Doctor, three years ago I had an MRI that showed a mild herniation of the intervertebral disc between the 4th and 5th lumbar vertebrae, which caused some nerve discomfort in my right leg. However, I did not experience any recurrence until recently. In the pas...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: It is suspected that you have a herniated disc compressing the nerve, leading to recurrent symptoms. You should consult another neurosurgeon who has arranged for an MRI. Wishing you the best. // Dr. Lai Chao-Kang, Chief of Spine Neurosurgery.[Read More] Understanding Disc Herniation: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Is It a Hernia or Muscle Strain? Understanding Your Symptoms
Suspected hernia? Hello Doctor: I am currently in the United States, and medical care is not very convenient. I would like to request your assistance. For the past two to three days, I have been experiencing some tightness in my right groin area. It feels swollen and hard when pr...
Dr. Ke Fangxu Reply:
If it is a hernia, there should be a bulging mass that becomes more prominent when coughing or straining, and it can be pushed back in with your hand. If these symptoms are not present, it is more likely to be a muscle strain. I would like to reiterate that online consultations c...[Read More] Is It a Hernia or Muscle Strain? Understanding Your Symptoms
Post-Surgery Concerns for Severe Lumbar Disc Herniation: What to Expect
Postoperative Issues Following Severe Cartilage Extrusion in Segments 4-5 I'm sorry to hear about your situation. Recently, I experienced severe lower back pain that left me unable to move, so I went to the hospital. The examination results showed that there was severe herni...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: 1. Did you have the symptoms you mentioned before the surgery, such as complete swelling and numbness in the lower body, along with loss of bladder and bowel control? If so, it may indicate that there was already prolonged nerve compression prior to the surgery. 2. If thes...[Read More] Post-Surgery Concerns for Severe Lumbar Disc Herniation: What to Expect
Can Herniated Discs Shrink or Be Absorbed Through Rehabilitation?
Herniated disc Hello, doctor. I would like to ask if a herniated disc complicated by spinal stenosis can have the protruding portion reduced or absorbed by the body through rehabilitation. I previously asked some questions and scheduled a surgery, but I have noticed that the disc...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: 1. Rehabilitation primarily involves lumbar traction (spinal decompression), aiming to open up the intervertebral discs to relieve pressure. However, once the treatment ends and the machine is released, the effects may diminish. After several sessions, this can help allevi...[Read More] Can Herniated Discs Shrink or Be Absorbed Through Rehabilitation?
Understanding Disc Herniation: Surgical Options and Recovery Insights
Herniated disc Hello Doctor, last month I went to the hospital for an examination due to lower back pain and found out that I have multiple herniated discs, with the first, second, fourth, and fifth discs being the most severe (the fourth and fifth discs are completely herniated ...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
1. Over 90% improvement is achievable, with a safety rate of over 99% (unless there are specific underlying conditions) (##but this depends on the surgical method you ultimately choose##). 2. It is essential to review your imaging and symptoms. The benefits of the product come ...[Read More] Understanding Disc Herniation: Surgical Options and Recovery Insights
Post-TEP Hernia Surgery: Common Concerns and Recovery Tips
Post-hernia surgery Hello Doctor, the patient underwent a TEP hernia repair about a month ago and has a few questions for you: (1) Does stretching or yawning increase abdominal pressure and potentially cause the mesh to shift, leading to a recurrence of the hernia? (2) Does sleep...
Dr. Yu Mingchang Reply:
1. No 2. No 3. No 4. One month, the Ministry of Health and Welfare Changhua Hospital cares about you.[Read More] Post-TEP Hernia Surgery: Common Concerns and Recovery Tips
Understanding Weakness and Tightness in Legs After Prolonged Sitting
After sitting for about 2-3 hours, there is a feeling of weakness in the thighs and tightness in the calves? Hello, Doctor. Recently, whenever I sit for about 2-3 hours, I experience weakness in my thighs and tightness in my calf muscles. The first time I noticed this was two yea...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
It seems like you are experiencing neurological symptoms. You may want to consult a neurosurgeon. Best wishes to you. // Changhua Hospital, Department of Neurosurgery, Dr. Lai Chao-Kang.[Read More] Understanding Weakness and Tightness in Legs After Prolonged Sitting
Post-Operative Concerns: Understanding Swelling After Inguinal Hernia Surgery
Post-hernia surgery Dear Doctor, Two weeks after undergoing total extraperitoneal laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair, the area remains swollen regardless of whether I am lying down or standing. The skin color appears normal, with no bruising, and when gently touched, it feels ...
Dr. Xu Kaixi Reply:
Based on your description, this is considered a normal postoperative change. If there were fluid accumulation or a hematoma, you would experience localized swelling and pain. In the case of a recurrence, the swelling would be more pronounced. It is recommended that you continue t...[Read More] Post-Operative Concerns: Understanding Swelling After Inguinal Hernia Surgery
How Soon After Laparoscopic Hernia Surgery Can You Get an Endoscopy?
How many days after laparoscopic hernia surgery can a patient undergo an endoscopy? How many days after laparoscopic hernia surgery can a patient undergo an endoscopy? Thank you, doctor.
Dr. Ke Fangxu Reply:
Laparoscopic hernia surgery does not affect the ability to undergo gastroscopy, and there is no specific time interval required between the two procedures.[Read More] How Soon After Laparoscopic Hernia Surgery Can You Get an Endoscopy?
Understanding Cervical Disc Issues: Symptoms and When to Seek Help
Cervical cone issue Recently, I watched an educational video about proper neck posture and intentionally adjusted my neck according to the recommendations. After working in this position for a day, I noticed pain when I looked down at home. Initially, I thought it was just muscle...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
This symptom does not resemble nerve compression due to a herniated disc. Typically, if X-rays show no issues, it is recommended to wear a soft cervical collar, take anti-inflammatory and pain relief medications, and rest for one to two weeks. If there is no improvement, a consul...[Read More] Understanding Cervical Disc Issues: Symptoms and When to Seek Help
Understanding Lumbar Disc Herniation: Treatment Options and Recovery Insights
Herniated disc Hello, doctor. My family member is 58 years old and has been diagnosed with herniated discs at the fourth and fifth lumbar vertebrae, along with nerve compression. I have attached MRI images: (I apologize for uploading multiple images as I wasn't sure which on...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello, 1. Your family member has significant nerve compression, with the most severe being at the L4-5 level, where there is already a herniation and rupture. Medically, surgery has been recommended. However, if symptoms have improved, continuing conservative rehabilitation is ...[Read More] Understanding Lumbar Disc Herniation: Treatment Options and Recovery Insights
Understanding Post-Surgery Indentations After Inguinal Hernia Repair
After hernia surgery, the surgical site may appear sunken when sitting? Hello Doctor: I underwent traditional left inguinal hernia surgery (with a self-funded mesh implant) on the 24th of last month. For the first ten days, the wound site was normal, and the stitches were almost ...
Dr. Chen Jiaming Reply:
In traditional hernia surgery, after making an incision in the skin, the subcutaneous fat layer is separated, and the external oblique fascia is opened to reach the location of the common hernia sac. In patients with a thicker subcutaneous fat layer or larger original hernia sacs...[Read More] Understanding Post-Surgery Indentations After Inguinal Hernia Repair
Post-Surgery Concerns After Endoscopic Disc Herniation Treatment
Postoperative Issues Following Endoscopic Discectomy Hello Doctor, I would like to ask about my condition. I underwent decompression surgery for a herniated disc at levels L3, L4, and L5 on September 18. Three weeks have passed, and I have been experiencing a burning sensation ...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: You have already undergone endoscopic discectomy at another hospital and are experiencing the neurological discomfort you described. You should communicate this with your surgeon, as they are the most familiar with the details of the surgical procedure. If you feel that yo...[Read More] Post-Surgery Concerns After Endoscopic Disc Herniation Treatment
Understanding Nerve Issues: Exploring Causes of Leg and Hip Numbness
Numbness in the lower back, hips, and legs, unclear where the issue lies? On August 24, I had a pelvic adjustment, and for the week following, I did not experience any particular sensations and did not engage in any special activities. On September 1, I noticed swelling on the ou...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
It is not possible to diagnose the disease online; it is recommended to consult a neurosurgery outpatient clinic for examination.[Read More] Understanding Nerve Issues: Exploring Causes of Leg and Hip Numbness
Understanding Post-Hernia Surgery: Addressing Pain and Swelling
Post-Hernia Surgery Hello doctor, it has been two months since my hernia surgery, and I still have some swelling and pain. Could this be a seroma? How should it be treated? Thank you.
Dr. Chen Jiaming Reply:
Simply describing a "slightly swollen" state does not allow for confirmation of whether it falls within the reasonable range post-surgery. Generally, after hernia surgery, each layer of subcutaneous tissue that is opened must be repaired and sutured, which often leads t...[Read More] Understanding Post-Hernia Surgery: Addressing Pain and Swelling
Understanding Left Neck Pain: Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Left neck pain? Four years ago, I experienced numbness in my left fingers and pain in my arm. After an MRI examination, it was found that there was a herniated disc at the levels of C3-C4, C4-C5, C5-C6, and C6-C7, with the C5-C6 level being more severe. I did not undergo surgery ...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
X-rays cannot visualize intervertebral discs, let alone nerves. If there is a suspicion of worsening disc herniation with nerve compression, it is best to perform an MRI again.[Read More] Understanding Left Neck Pain: Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Post-Surgery Discomfort: Understanding Groin Pain After Hernia Repair
Postoperative care for hernia surgery? Hello, Dr. Hsu. Four years ago, I underwent surgery on my left inguinal region. Currently, I am experiencing slight internal discomfort just below the surgical site. The pain is very mild and does not increase with pressure. It feels the sam...
Dr. Xu Kaixi Reply:
Based on your description, it seems more like neuropathic pain; if accompanied by symptoms of infection such as redness, swelling, heat, and pain, it is advisable to visit a clinic for examination and treatment.[Read More] Post-Surgery Discomfort: Understanding Groin Pain After Hernia Repair