Understanding Dark Brown Stool: When to Worry About Your Digestive Health
The stool color is dark brown? Hello, I have some gastroesophageal reflux and irritable bowel syndrome. I have undergone an endoscopy, and it should not be very serious. When I have symptoms, I take the medication prescribed by my doctor. I would like to ask, the color of my stoo...
Dr. Huang Zhihui Reply:
The color of stool is mostly related to food, while a smaller portion can be caused by bleeding or liver, gallbladder, and gastrointestinal diseases. Based on your description, it seems more likely to be influenced by food. However, if you have any concerns, it is best to consult...[Read More] Understanding Dark Brown Stool: When to Worry About Your Digestive Health
Can Pregnant Women Get Rubber Band Ligation for Severe Hemorrhoids?
At 27 weeks pregnant, if you have hemorrhoids that resemble grapes, is it possible to schedule an appointment with a colorectal specialist to have them treated with rubber band ligation at this stage? As the weeks of pregnancy progress, the symptoms of hemorrhoids have become inc...
Dr. Ke Fangxu Reply:
Due to the potential for mild bacteremia following hemorrhoid ligation, it is generally not a significant concern for the average person. However, most physicians adopt a more conservative approach for pregnant women, as pregnancy increases pelvic blood flow, which can elevate th...[Read More] Can Pregnant Women Get Rubber Band Ligation for Severe Hemorrhoids?
Managing Hemorrhoids During Pregnancy: Effective Relief Strategies
Hemorrhoids during pregnancy Hello, doctor. I am currently five months pregnant and have noticed a protrusion near my anus. I consulted a surgeon who diagnosed it as hemorrhoids and pushed it back in, advising me to take warm sitz baths and apply ointment. However, despite this, ...
Dr. Ke Fangxu Reply:
This condition is likely a thrombosed hemorrhoid, which can also occur during pregnancy due to poor blood circulation leading to swelling of the hemorrhoids. Surgical treatment is not recommended at this stage, so the use of topical medications and warm sitz baths are advised. It...[Read More] Managing Hemorrhoids During Pregnancy: Effective Relief Strategies
Managing Severe Hemorrhoids During Pregnancy: Tips and Insights
Pregnant at 28 weeks... experiencing severe hemorrhoids? Hello, I am currently 28 weeks pregnant. Last Friday night, I started experiencing severe swelling and pain from my hemorrhoids, and when I tried to push them back in, there was bleeding (but there is no bleeding during bow...
Dr. Ke Fangxu Reply:
1. In the late stages of pregnancy, hemorrhoidectomy is generally not recommended to avoid potential risks to the fetus from anesthesia or postoperative infections. 2. No. 3. Whether or not to push it back in is a matter of personal judgment. If it is not likely to fall out quick...[Read More] Managing Severe Hemorrhoids During Pregnancy: Tips and Insights
Do You Need Bile Salt Supplements After Gallbladder Removal?
Supplementation of bile salts 1. I am a postoperative patient of rectal cancer and had my gallbladder removed due to gallstones two years ago. Should I supplement with bile salts since I no longer have a gallbladder and bile flows directly into the intestines? 2. Without a gall...
Dr. Xu Kaixi Reply:
After cholecystectomy, the bile produced by the liver is not affected, and the physiological system automatically adjusts to digest food without the need for special supplementation of bile salts or related enzymes. Additional supplementation is not beneficial.[Read More] Do You Need Bile Salt Supplements After Gallbladder Removal?
Is It Really a Herniated Disc? Understanding Your Back Pain
Is it really a herniated disc? Doctor, I would like to ask you about something. In April, when I woke up, I sneezed and ended up with such severe lower back pain that I couldn't stand up straight. At the beginning of May, I went to the hospital to see an orthopedic specialis...
Dr. Ding Xianwei Reply:
Due to the inability to conduct a personal examination, I can only provide advice based on past experiences and existing information. Generally, simple lower back pain should not last more than a month; therefore, if the pain persists beyond this period, other organic issues must...[Read More] Is It Really a Herniated Disc? Understanding Your Back Pain
Managing Complications After Liver Cyst Surgery: A Caregiver's Guide
Liver cyst surgery Hello, doctor. My mother is 72 years old. Two years ago, she underwent surgery for a liver cyst and had her gallbladder removed. A month ago, she had a fever and underwent surgery to remove the liver cyst again, which was ineffective. She has since undergone tw...
Dr. Huang Zhihui Reply:
Liver cysts are a condition caused by congenital factors or unknown reasons. Generally, they rarely lead to life-threatening complications, so most cases do not require treatment. However, a small number of individuals may experience complications such as infections or biliary ob...[Read More] Managing Complications After Liver Cyst Surgery: A Caregiver's Guide
Understanding Breast Cysts: Are They Harmful and What to Watch For?
Breast issues Hello, doctor. The report from my breast ultrasound examination has come out, and the doctor said it is a benign cyst in my breast and that it’s nothing to worry about, but didn’t elaborate further. I would like to ask why there are cysts? Do they need to be removed...
Dr. Niu Zhenyuan Reply:
Breast cysts are generally benign and can also occur in the liver, kidneys, and ovaries. If they are large enough, they can be localized using ultrasound for fine needle aspiration. Otherwise, regular monitoring is sufficient. If a lump is detected through self-examination, a bio...[Read More] Understanding Breast Cysts: Are They Harmful and What to Watch For?
Understanding Male Nipple Color and Size: Health Implications Explained
The color of the nipple? I would like to ask if the color and size of a man's nipples are related to health. My nipples look different from those of other men; they are very pink (similar to a child's) and the areola is quite large, similar to that of a woman. Why is th...
Dr. Lu Daokuan Reply:
Nipple color is determined by individual physiology and should not affect the size of the areola. If both the nipple and areola are enlarged, it may indicate gynecomastia in males, which requires evaluation of liver function, hormonal levels, and dietary fat intake.[Read More] Understanding Male Nipple Color and Size: Health Implications Explained
Managing Hemorrhoids During Pregnancy: Relief Options and Recovery
Is there no choice but to endure hemorrhoids during pregnancy? You mentioned last time that increased abdominal pressure during pregnancy makes it easier to develop hemorrhoids. Does this mean that it is more difficult for pregnant patients to reduce swelling compared to non-preg...
Dr. Ke Fangxu Reply:
It is not always necessary to endure. Textbooks mention that pregnant women can lie on their side for surgery instead of the usual prone position; however, there are associated surgical risks and postoperative care complications. In Taiwan's challenging medical environment, ...[Read More] Managing Hemorrhoids During Pregnancy: Relief Options and Recovery
Severe Nighttime Abdominal Pain: Causes and Concerns After Surgery
Severe abdominal pain in the middle of the night? Every night, I experience severe pain on the right side of my abdomen, which feels similar to intestinal pain. Sometimes, I also have a fever. What could this condition be? I have previously undergone surgery for a hernia. If I ne...
Dr. Ke Fangxu Reply:
If there is pain in the right upper abdomen, it is commonly associated with liver or gallbladder diseases, and peptic ulcers are also a possibility. It is important to consult a physician to determine the underlying issue and assess the need for a colonoscopy. However, generally ...[Read More] Severe Nighttime Abdominal Pain: Causes and Concerns After Surgery
Understanding Anal Fissures: Symptoms, Treatments, and Concerns
Regarding anal fissures? Hello Dr. Ke, Three months ago, after a natural delivery, I experienced intermittent diarrhea for a period of time, which led me to delay seeking medical attention. After the diarrhea, I noticed some discharge from my anus that was greenish in color. I f...
Dr. Ke Fangxu Reply:
Based on your description, it seems more like an anal fissure; however, the diarrhea after childbirth could also lead to an infection of the perineal wound. The Pingzhi Long ointment can be applied internally into the anus, but it is generally recommended to use suppositories for...[Read More] Understanding Anal Fissures: Symptoms, Treatments, and Concerns
Do You Need Surgery for a Hernia? Understanding Your Options
Does a hernia always require surgery? I am 35 years old and went to see a doctor for hemorrhoids, during which I discovered that I have a hernia. Doctor, do I definitely need surgery? If I do not have surgery, will it affect my fertility or childbirth? Please advise me on how to ...
Dr. Xie Wenhuai Reply:
Hernia: It is the protrusion of tissues or organs within the peritoneal cavity, and occasionally only the subcutaneous fat may protrude. This usually occurs at a defect where the peritoneum should be closed, with the most common types being inguinal hernias and umbilical hernias....[Read More] Do You Need Surgery for a Hernia? Understanding Your Options
Understanding Recurrence of Gallstones: Causes and Dietary Restrictions
The issue of recurrent liver stones? Hello, doctor. My mother underwent surgery for liver stones ten years ago, but they recurred a few years later, requiring another operation. She has just recently recovered, and it’s always difficult for me to see her suffer during these episo...
Dr. Xie Wenhuai Reply:
Intrahepatic stones, usually composed of calcium bilirubinate, are difficult to dissolve with medication. They often present with chronic inflammation, and their quantity can vary from few to many. Diagnostic methods include ultrasound, computed tomography (CT), and cholangiograp...[Read More] Understanding Recurrence of Gallstones: Causes and Dietary Restrictions
Understanding Abdominal Pain After Appendectomy: Causes and Concerns
Appendicitis pain in the location of the appendix? Hello doctor, my boyfriend and I are currently living abroad. My boyfriend started experiencing abdominal pain and diarrhea on Thursday, October 28, 2010. Initially, he felt discomfort and had to go to the bathroom five times in ...
Dr. Lai Jihong Reply:
Hello Ms. Amy: How is your boyfriend doing? I wish him a speedy recovery. Generally speaking, acute abdominal pain can have many causes, including: 1. Infectious causes (such as food poisoning, gastrointestinal upset, upper respiratory infections, and colds), 2. Infections of int...[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Pain After Appendectomy: Causes and Concerns
Understanding the Significance of Endotracheal Tube Insertion and Removal
Issues with Endotracheal Tubes What is the significance of intubation and extubation of the endotracheal tube?
Dr. Xu Kaixi Reply:
Dear Dr. Hsu Kai-Hsi of the Department of Surgery at Tainan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare: Endotracheal intubation, commonly referred to as intubation, involves the placement of a flexible plastic tube into the trachea to facilitate the delivery of respiratory gases o...[Read More] Understanding the Significance of Endotracheal Tube Insertion and Removal
Chronic Back Pain Radiating to Chest: Causes and Treatment Options
Back pain with accompanying chest pain? Hello, I have been experiencing back pain for over six months, specifically in the area near the right scapula. The pain is persistent and radiates to my right chest, sometimes to the point where it makes me feel nauseous. I have consulted ...
Dr. Zheng Zhong Reply:
You may experience pain from your back to the left anterior chest, which is similar to thoracic nerve root pathology. You should first consult a neurosurgeon and undergo a thoracic MRI for further diagnosis and treatment. Dr. Zheng's clinic hours are Monday afternoons and We...[Read More] Chronic Back Pain Radiating to Chest: Causes and Treatment Options
Post-Surgery Complications: Managing Fever and Albumin Levels
Post-operative deterioration after gastric surgery with recurrent fever? -3 Hello, doctor. It has been a month since I last asked a question, and I appreciate your response. My mother has been in the ICU for 2.5 months and has been intubated for the same duration. She has been ex...
Dr. Ke Fangxu Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, whey protein is a complete protein that contains all essential amino acids required by the body and is easily absorbed. However, it is generally taken orally and is not suitable for injection. Albumin, on the other hand, can be administered vi...[Read More] Post-Surgery Complications: Managing Fever and Albumin Levels
Understanding Colorectal Cancer: Lymph Node and Liver Metastasis Insights
What is colorectal cancer? If a patient has colon cancer with lymphatic metastasis and the liver already has metastases, is it possible that cancer cells will be found in biopsy samples from other parts of the colon?
Dr. Ke Fangxu Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, if colorectal cancer has already metastasized to the lymph nodes and liver, it is classified as stage IV colorectal cancer, indicating that cancer cells have spread beyond the colon. Whether cancer cells are present in the colon itself is a se...[Read More] Understanding Colorectal Cancer: Lymph Node and Liver Metastasis Insights
Understanding Post-Surgery Outcomes in Colon Cancer Patients
What are the issues related to colorectal cancer? Dear Doctor, if the patient had colon cancer that was surgically removed last year, and this year a segment of the colon was resected due to inflammation, considering that there was already liver metastasis and the doctor determin...
Dr. Ke Fangxu Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, if last year's colitis has already metastasized to the liver, it should be classified as stage IV rather than stage III, as stage III only involves lymphatic metastasis. If it is merely colitis, why is a segment of the colon being resecte...[Read More] Understanding Post-Surgery Outcomes in Colon Cancer Patients