Could Abdominal Pain Indicate Liver Cirrhosis in Heavy Drinkers?
Abdominal pain My family members drink alcohol almost daily, but they don't get drunk. Recently, however, I've started experiencing abdominal pain and swelling, especially in the lower left abdomen, which feels particularly uncomfortable. I have a decreased appetite, an...
Dr. Yu Mingchang Reply:
Hello; please take a moment to check the Gastroenterology and Hepatology outpatient services at Changhua Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, which cares about you.[Read More] Could Abdominal Pain Indicate Liver Cirrhosis in Heavy Drinkers?
Severe Left Upper Abdominal Pain at Night: Causes and Solutions
Severe pain in the upper left abdomen at night? The elder at home sometimes experiences severe pain in the upper middle abdomen at night, which can be so intense that sitting does not relieve it, requiring pain medication for relief. The pain subsides only after the medication ta...
Dr. Xu Kaixi Reply:
In addition to the stomach and intestinal systems, upper abdominal pain should also consider visceral organs such as the liver, gallbladder, and pancreas, while also ruling out cardiac issues. If gastroscopy and colonoscopy have been performed and found to be normal, it is recomm...[Read More] Severe Left Upper Abdominal Pain at Night: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Floating Oil in Stool: Causes and When to Seek Help
The surface of the stool has a layer of floating oil? Hello, Dr. Ke: Over the past three days, I have noticed that there are floating stains on the surface of my stool that resemble oil. After researching online, I found that others describe their floating stool as yellow or or...
Dr. Ke Fangxu Reply:
The presence of fat in stool is generally related to dietary content; certain types of fish fat may not be fully digested and absorbed by the body, leading to its appearance in the stool after excessive consumption. Additionally, some weight loss medications can block fat absorpt...[Read More] Understanding Floating Oil in Stool: Causes and When to Seek Help
Uneven Belly Appearance: Is Weight Gain Causing Asymmetry?
The appearance of the abdomen is asymmetrical? Hello Doctor, I lost about 35 kilograms a year ago, but I have slowly regained about 5 kilograms this year. Recently, during acupuncture sessions, the traditional Chinese medicine practitioner noticed that when I lie down, the fat on...
Dr. Ke Fangxu Reply:
Rapid weight loss often leads to uneven fat distribution, which is a common phenomenon. Restoring firmness may require assistance from a plastic surgeon. It is a positive sign that liver function indices have returned to normal, indicating potential improvement in fatty liver. A ...[Read More] Uneven Belly Appearance: Is Weight Gain Causing Asymmetry?
Post-Surgery Medication Concerns for Cervical Disc Patients
Postoperative medication issues after cervical spine surgery? Hello, I was diagnosed with a cervical disc rupture in mid-September and underwent minimally invasive surgery to have two fully mobile implants placed. After being discharged, I subsequently developed bronchitis, and a...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: a. There is a slight heaviness in the right eyelid: it may be necessary to consult a neurologist for evaluation. b. For the treatment of depression: please discuss with a psychiatrist. Additionally, regarding whether hepatitis B patients are suitable for taking Cymbalta (d...[Read More] Post-Surgery Medication Concerns for Cervical Disc Patients
Understanding Asymptomatic Rectal Cancer: Diagnosis and Treatment Options
Asymptomatic colorectal cancer? Hello, I would like to ask about my father. A few weeks ago, he underwent a colonoscopy and a CT scan. This week, we received the report and found out that he has stage IV rectal cancer, which has already metastasized to the liver. However, he has ...
Dr. Xu Kaixi Reply:
If a colonoscopy (which should include biopsy) and a computed tomography scan have been performed and a diagnosis of stage IV rectal cancer has been established, it indicates that the diagnosis is confirmed. The next step is to undergo treatment according to professional recommen...[Read More] Understanding Asymptomatic Rectal Cancer: Diagnosis and Treatment Options
Post-Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: Recovery and Exercise Guidelines
Post-laparoscopic cholecystectomy How long after laparoscopic cholecystectomy can I start strength training? It has been three months since the surgery, but I feel some discomfort in the right side where the stitches are when I sleep on my left side. Is this normal? Can mild fatt...
Dr. Xu Kaixi Reply:
Three months after laparoscopic cholecystectomy, the incision should be fully healed, and you can begin to exert yourself, including resistance training. It is recommended to gradually increase the frequency and intensity. Some mild pain after wound healing is normal and may be d...[Read More] Post-Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: Recovery and Exercise Guidelines
Minimally Invasive Surgery for Left Lobe Liver Resection: Insights and Considerations
Minimally invasive surgery for the resection of the left lobe of the liver? Hello Doctor: I have a benign 10 cm focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH) located in the left lobe of my liver, which almost occupies the entire left lobe. It has been monitored for 10 years without any changes...
Dr. Chen Jiaming Reply:
Currently, major medical centers in Taiwan have specialized hepatobiliary surgeons dedicated to the development of laparoscopic liver resection techniques. Laparoscopic left lobectomy is not considered a particularly difficult procedure. As for the surgical incision, it varies ba...[Read More] Minimally Invasive Surgery for Left Lobe Liver Resection: Insights and Considerations
Bleeding During Bowel Movements: Is It Just Hemorrhoids or Something More?
Blood dripping while having a bowel movement? Hello doctor, I am a mother who has given birth naturally to two children. Last year, after delivering my second child, I experienced rectal prolapse. At that time, I couldn't push it back in, but it gradually improved, and I hav...
Dr. Ke Fangxu Reply:
Based on your description, it seems more likely that the prolapsed hemorrhoids are caused by constipation and should not be related to colorectal cancer. I recommend that you first address the constipation issue and try to shorten the time spent on the toilet. Increasing your int...[Read More] Bleeding During Bowel Movements: Is It Just Hemorrhoids or Something More?
Understanding Groin Pain: Is It Hernia or Something Else?
Pubic symphysis in the groin region? Hello Doctor: I have experienced intermittent tenderness at the pubic symphysis in the groin area for many years. Sometimes it hurts when pressed, and sometimes it doesn't. After giving birth last year, I noticed that carrying my baby for...
Dr. Ke Fangxu Reply:
During pregnancy, women experience changes in connective tissue relaxation to prepare for childbirth through the birth canal. The pubic symphysis is also affected, and some women may experience pain in this area after delivery. Most of the time, this pain will gradually resolve o...[Read More] Understanding Groin Pain: Is It Hernia or Something Else?
Post-Surgery Diet for Colorectal Cancer: Is Chicken Soup Safe?
Diet After Colorectal Cancer Surgery My grandfather is 84 years old and had a tumor removed 30 centimeters from the anus. Today marks the fifteenth day post-surgery, but the drainage tube has not yet been removed. He is currently eating softer porridge and some fish soup, but my ...
Dr. Ke Fangxu Reply:
Elderly individuals without severe liver disease should consume a protein-rich diet after surgery to aid in the repair of damaged tissues. Chicken soup and fish soup are acceptable options, but it is advisable to avoid overly greasy foods. Steamed eggs or pudding are also high-ca...[Read More] Post-Surgery Diet for Colorectal Cancer: Is Chicken Soup Safe?
Understanding Unilateral Breast Milk Production After Weaning
Sudden unilateral breast discharge? Hello, Doctor. I gave birth to my first baby last August and started breastfeeding immediately after delivery, but the process was not smooth, especially with severe milk stasis in my right breast, which developed a significant hard lump. Event...
Dr. Li Zhonghuai Reply:
Hello! It is advisable to consult a breast surgeon for safety, and to undergo an ultrasound and mammography. Take care! Changhua Hospital cares about you![Read More] Understanding Unilateral Breast Milk Production After Weaning
Postpartum Fecal Incontinence: Understanding Causes and Treatment Options
Postpartum anal incontinence? Hello, doctor! After giving birth in August, I noticed a week later that I had some fecal leakage, and the doctor who assisted with the delivery promptly performed an episiotomy repair. It has now been a month and a half. The leakage improved a few d...
Dr. Ke Fangxu Reply:
Severe obstetric injuries can lead to rectovaginal fistulas. If there is still fecal incontinence after repair, a contrast agent can be administered rectally for imaging. If the contrast agent enters the vagina, it indicates the presence of a rectovaginal fistula. If healing is p...[Read More] Postpartum Fecal Incontinence: Understanding Causes and Treatment Options
Understanding Liver Tumor Treatment Options: Surgery vs. Embolization
Liver tumor treatment Hello Dr. Chen, a friend of mine was diagnosed with liver cancer last year. After a year post-surgery for resection, a follow-up CT scan this year revealed a recurrence of liver cancer approximately 3 cm in the caudate lobe. I consulted several surgeons; one...
Dr. Chen Jiaming Reply:
Regarding the treatment and surgical indications for liver tumors, even among hepatobiliary surgeons, there can be differing opinions. Some surgeons believe that if a liver tumor recurs and there is still a chance for resection (considering the expected functional status of the r...[Read More] Understanding Liver Tumor Treatment Options: Surgery vs. Embolization
Managing Hemorrhoids After Childbirth: Treatment Options and Safety During Breastfeeding
Hemorrhoid treatment, breastfeeding, and medication issues? Hello, I have two questions. After giving birth in March, I developed severe internal and external hemorrhoids (3 to 4 swollen areas, with the largest one the size of a ping pong ball, which pops back out immediately aft...
Dr. Ke Fangxu Reply:
1. In this situation, I also recommend undergoing traditional hemorrhoidectomy, as conservative treatments such as ligation are not effective for large hemorrhoids that prolapse. The occurrence of anal stenosis typically happens only under special circumstances, such as acute epi...[Read More] Managing Hemorrhoids After Childbirth: Treatment Options and Safety During Breastfeeding
Understanding Abnormal Health Check Results: When to Seek Medical Attention
Abnormal health check results Hello Dr. Yu, Regarding the recent health check report from the company, the abnormalities are as follows: Total bilirubin: 2.27, Direct bilirubin: 0.26, Total cholesterol: 261. Abdominal ultrasound shows a suspected liver cyst measuring 0.943 cm, m...
Dr. Yu Mingchang Reply:
Hello, please visit the gastroenterology outpatient clinic for abdominal follow-up. The Ministry of Health and Welfare Changhua Hospital is concerned about your health.[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Health Check Results: When to Seek Medical Attention
Understanding Treatment Options for Liver and Bile Duct Cancer
The treatment methods for liver cancer and cholangiocarcinoma? Dear Dr. Yu, I would like to ask you about my condition. In June, I went to Tzu Chi Hospital in Taichung due to bloating. Initially, I underwent an endoscopy, which revealed ulcers. After medication, my bloating did ...
Dr. Yu Mingchang Reply:
Hello: Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, if it can be surgically resected, has a good treatment outcome. Similarly, if hepatocellular carcinoma can be resected, the treatment results are also favorable. The outpatient surgical team at Changhua Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welf...[Read More] Understanding Treatment Options for Liver and Bile Duct Cancer
Understanding Post-Surgery Nerve Pain After Da Vinci Surgery: Is It Normal?
Nerve pain after Da Vinci surgery? Hello Doctor, my father underwent a Da Vinci surgery to remove a liver tumor in December 2015. It has been about a year and a half since then, but he experiences nerve pain in the area where the abdominal incision was made. On good weather days,...
Dr. Xu Kaixi Reply:
It is normal to experience varying degrees of neuropathic pain at the surgical site after surgery; however, if the pain exceeds what is tolerable or is abnormal, a follow-up appointment may be necessary to investigate any other issues.[Read More] Understanding Post-Surgery Nerve Pain After Da Vinci Surgery: Is It Normal?
Postpartum Anal Issues: Understanding Tears and Healing Solutions
Anal issues I would like to ask the doctor, ever since I gave birth to my first child vaginally, I'm not sure what degree of tearing I had, but I believe the tear was close to the anus. Now, a year postpartum, sometimes when I have a bowel movement, I feel a sensation of tea...
Dr. Ke Fangxu Reply:
Generally, injuries sustained during childbirth do not typically cause significant damage to the sphincter muscles. However, if such symptoms arise after delivery, it is indeed possible that they are related to postpartum suturing. It is advisable for you to consult a colorectal ...[Read More] Postpartum Anal Issues: Understanding Tears and Healing Solutions
Abdominal Impact: Should You Worry About Internal Bleeding?
Abdominal trauma I accidentally bumped into the edge of a table while operating a chair yesterday, and now I have a persistent feeling of bloating and pain in my abdomen (similar to the sensation of drinking too much water). However, I do not have any symptoms such as blood in ur...
Dr. Chen Jiaming Reply:
Abdominal contusion can commonly lead to intra-abdominal bleeding. Aside from high-speed, high-energy impacts (such as in car accidents), everyday household items typically require sharper or pointed impacts to have a higher chance of causing such injuries (like hitting a corner ...[Read More] Abdominal Impact: Should You Worry About Internal Bleeding?