Understanding Intra-Abdominal Abscess and Cholangitis: Key Insights
I would like to ask the doctor~ 1. What is an intra-abdominal abscess? 2. What is cholangitis? I couldn't find relevant information online, so I would like to ask the doctor to help clarify my doubts. Thank you, doctor! ^^
Dr. Wang Zhitang Reply:
Hello, Xiao Hui: An intra-abdominal abscess, as the name suggests, refers to pus formation within the abdominal cavity. There are many causes of intra-abdominal abscesses. Infections can occur when bacteria reach the abdominal organs through the bloodstream, or when bacteria dire...[Read More] Understanding Intra-Abdominal Abscess and Cholangitis: Key Insights
Understanding Breast Pain and Swelling in Young Men: When to Seek Help
Chest issues? I am an 18-year-old male and have recently noticed pain and slight swelling in my right nipple when pressed, which has been ongoing for the past 4-5 months. The left nipple does not have any issues. I visited Taipei Mackay Memorial Hospital, and the doctor said ther...
Dr. Lin Kecheng Reply:
Dear Mr. Anonymous, In young males, sudden chest swelling and pain can often be attributed to unintentional exposure to female hormones or liver dysfunction. As stated by the physician at Mackay Memorial Hospital, there should not be any significant issues. However, since the co...[Read More] Understanding Breast Pain and Swelling in Young Men: When to Seek Help
Understanding Floating Stool After Gallbladder Removal: Causes and Concerns
Floating stools with oil? Hello, Doctor: It has been over two months since my cholecystectomy (July 20, 1998). During this time, regardless of whether my meals were oily or not, my stools did not float and I rarely experienced diarrhea. However, in the past couple of days (Octobe...
Dr. Huang Zhihui Reply:
According to physiological studies, the gallbladder has functions of "storage," "concentration," and "excretion" of bile, primarily to assist in the digestion and absorption of fatty foods. Under normal circumstances, liver cells continuously secrete...[Read More] Understanding Floating Stool After Gallbladder Removal: Causes and Concerns
Exploring Alternative Treatments for Brain Cell Degeneration After Hemorrhage
Cerebral cell pathology Hello, Doctor. I would like to ask about my boyfriend who had a brain hemorrhage due to an accident ten years ago. At that time, surgery was deemed too risky, so he did not undergo a procedure to clear it. Now, he is experiencing issues with brain cell deg...
Dr. Ding Xianwei Reply:
Hello, ma'am: Regarding your boyfriend's brain lesions, I am unable to answer your questions as your information is not very clear. Could you please provide his detailed medical history and pathology slide data? If it is a malignant brain tumor, the currently available ...[Read More] Exploring Alternative Treatments for Brain Cell Degeneration After Hemorrhage
Risks of Peritoneal Infection and Splenectomy in Cirrhosis Patients
The risks of performing peritonitis and splenectomy in patients with liver cirrhosis? My mother is suffering from liver cirrhosis and lymphoma, for which she is undergoing chemotherapy and taking liver support medications. Recently, she was hospitalized due to hematuria. During h...
Dr. Huang Zhihui Reply:
Peritonitis is classified into primary and secondary types. Primary peritonitis is mostly caused by decreased immunity due to liver cirrhosis, has a low incidence rate, and requires the exclusion of secondary peritonitis as a possibility for diagnosis. However, this exclusion pro...[Read More] Risks of Peritoneal Infection and Splenectomy in Cirrhosis Patients
Surgical Risks and Alternatives for Peritonitis in Cirrhosis Patients
Surgical intervention for peritonitis in patients with liver cirrhosis? My mother is 62 years old and has been undergoing chemotherapy for lymphoma. However, she also has liver cirrhosis, which has led to her hospitalization for treatment. Currently, the hospital has diagnosed he...
Dr. He Zhenming Reply:
Hello, netizen: There are many causes of peritonitis, and the type of surgery performed can also affect the surgical risks. Additionally, your mother has cirrhosis and has undergone chemotherapy, which significantly increases the surgical risks. However, it is important to clarif...[Read More] Surgical Risks and Alternatives for Peritonitis in Cirrhosis Patients
Post-Cholecystectomy Diet: Essential Tips for Recovery and Nutrition
Post-cholecystectomy Hello Doctor: I recently underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy and have some questions I would like to ask you: 1. The doctors have advised me to maintain a normal and light diet. However, can I eat high-cholesterol foods such as shrimp and eggs? 2. Is it co...
Dr. Huang Zhihui Reply:
1. The primary function of the gallbladder is to store and concentrate bile, which is essential for the digestion of fats. When fatty foods enter the stomach, the stomach secretes cholecystokinin, stimulating the gallbladder to contract and release bile into the duodenum. After g...[Read More] Post-Cholecystectomy Diet: Essential Tips for Recovery and Nutrition
Advanced Treatment Options for Hepatic Duct Stones in Taiwan
Hepatic duct stones Hello, I have a friend in mainland China who is being treated for liver and gallbladder stones in the hospital. Currently, the stones in the bile duct have been removed, but the doctor said that the stones in the hepatic duct cannot be surgically removed and m...
Dr. He Zhenming Reply:
If intrahepatic stones are localized only in the left lobe of the liver, partial hepatectomy may be considered. However, if there are multiple intrahepatic stones in both the left and right lobes, surgical intervention may be of limited benefit.[Read More] Advanced Treatment Options for Hepatic Duct Stones in Taiwan
Neck Injury from Car Accident: Surgery Risks for 63-Year-Old Patient
Cervical vertebrae C3 and C4 injured in a car accident? In a car accident, the cervical vertebrae C3 and C4 have been damaged, causing nerve compression (Taichung). I am unsure which physician to consult. The patient is 63 years old, has diabetes, and fatty liver. Is surgery an o...
Dr. Zhang Yuanyi Reply:
Dear James, 1. You can consult any neurosurgeon. 2. Whether surgery is necessary depends on the severity of the compression and the presence of related symptoms. 3. There are always risks associated with surgery. Wishing you safety and health. Sincerely, Dr. Zhang Yuan-yi ...[Read More] Neck Injury from Car Accident: Surgery Risks for 63-Year-Old Patient
Understanding Splenic Cysts: Monitoring, Risks, and Treatment Options
Spleen cyst Doctor He, two years ago during a health check-up at a renowned facility in Harvard, an abdominal ultrasound revealed a 1 cm cyst on my spleen. The examining physician mentioned that it was nothing to worry about and attributed it to my constitution, advising regular ...
Dr. He Zhenming Reply:
Spleen cysts are mostly benign and should be monitored regularly.[Read More] Understanding Splenic Cysts: Monitoring, Risks, and Treatment Options
Laparoscopic Surgery for Rectal Tumors: What You Need to Know
Laparoscopic Surgery for Sigmoid Colon Tumor Hello Dr. Hou, my mother is 54 years old and has been experiencing bloody stools for many years. She underwent a colonoscopy at a clinic, and a non-regular tumor was found approximately 15 cm from the anus in the sigmoid colon, measuri...
Dr. Hou Yongji Reply:
1. Currently, the staging of colorectal cancer is based on the depth of tumor invasion into the bowel wall, the involvement of surrounding lymph nodes, and whether there is distant metastasis (to the liver or lungs). Therefore, if staging is determined solely by endoscopic diagno...[Read More] Laparoscopic Surgery for Rectal Tumors: What You Need to Know
Understanding Blisters Between the Stomach and Pancreas: Causes and Concerns
Blisters can form between the stomach and pancreas? I would like to ask the doctor why there are blisters forming between my stomach and pancreas! Why are they not forming on the organs themselves?
Dr. He Zhenming Reply:
Cysts in the stomach and pancreas may be pseudocysts produced by the pancreas, which may require a CT scan for evaluation. The pancreas itself rarely produces cysts; most cases are complications of pancreatitis leading to pseudocyst formation. The liver and kidneys are the organs...[Read More] Understanding Blisters Between the Stomach and Pancreas: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Blood in Stool: When to Seek Medical Attention
Blood in the stool? Blood in the stool can be concerning, especially if it occurs intermittently. It's important to note that the presence of blood does not always correlate with the overall appearance of one's health, such as facial color. A person can appear healthy w...
Dr. Hou Yongji Reply:
1. The human body has the ability to produce blood. If the amount of bleeding is less than or equal to the amount of blood produced, there will be no change in complexion. Additionally, the body's blood circulation has compensatory mechanisms, so significant anemia is requir...[Read More] Understanding Blood in Stool: When to Seek Medical Attention
Understanding Malignant Liver and Bile Duct Tumors: Treatment Options and Prognosis
Liver and biliary tumors? Your friend's mother has a malignant liver and biliary tumor. What steps should the family take next? The tumor is currently located at the junction between the liver and bile ducts. Is it possible to surgically remove it? She is currently undergoin...
Dr. He Zhenming Reply:
Currently, surgical resection remains the primary treatment for malignant liver tumors, unless the patient is unable to undergo surgery, in which case alternative treatments such as chemotherapy or embolization may be considered. If there are only liver tumors present without liv...[Read More] Understanding Malignant Liver and Bile Duct Tumors: Treatment Options and Prognosis
Improving Liver Fibrosis and Jaundice in Adults: Treatment Options Explained
Adult jaundice with liver fibrosis? My mother is nearly sixty years old and had her gallbladder removed via laparoscopic surgery about five years ago due to growths in the gallbladder. She is a carrier of hepatitis B and has experienced a significant decline in her health over th...
Dr. He Zhenming Reply:
1. The cause of jaundice may be due to stones in the common bile duct or issues with the liver. 2. Hematuria is most likely caused by urinary tract stones or problems such as bladder inflammation or tumors. 3. The gastroenterology and urology departments should be able to ide...[Read More] Improving Liver Fibrosis and Jaundice in Adults: Treatment Options Explained
Understanding Hemorrhoids: Treatment Options and Concerns Explained
Please provide the content you would like me to translate? Hello, Doctor. A few days ago, I experienced sudden rectal bleeding while having a bowel movement. Whenever I exert myself, bright red blood flows out. For two consecutive days, oral and topical medications, as well as su...
Dr. Hou Yongji Reply:
Dear Patient, 1. The diagnosis and treatment of diseases typically require not only a medical history and symptom description but also physical examination, palpation, and even colonoscopy. Based on your description, a definitive diagnosis cannot be made. Please ensure that you ...[Read More] Understanding Hemorrhoids: Treatment Options and Concerns Explained
Understanding Parlodel Side Effects and Alternatives for Pituitary Tumors
Parlodel medication Taking one tablet of Parlodel daily to treat a 0.2 cm pituitary tumor can cause side effects such as dizziness, nausea, nasal congestion, and rapid heartbeat. These are considered common side effects. There are alternative medications available, and it may be ...
Dr. Zhang Yuanyi Reply:
Parlodel may have side effects such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dizziness, facial flushing, orthostatic hypotension, insomnia, headache, nasal congestion, tinnitus, and abnormal liver function. The usual dosage of Parlodel is 2.5 mg, with a recommended daily dose of 2.5 ...[Read More] Understanding Parlodel Side Effects and Alternatives for Pituitary Tumors
Managing Subdural Hematoma in Patients with Liver Disease: A Complex Case
Subdural hematoma Hello Dr. Ding, The patient is diagnosed with liver cancer, cirrhosis, thrombocytopenia, splenomegaly, and a subdural hematoma. Last year, the patient was found to have a subdural hematoma due to altered mental status and underwent a splenectomy, which was uns...
Dr. Ding Xianwei Reply:
Dear You: This situation can be divided into two parts. The first is the issue of headaches. If the subdural hematoma has been present for a long time and the CT scan shows that the hematoma is no longer visible, then this is a matter of sequelae, and only symptomatic treatment c...[Read More] Managing Subdural Hematoma in Patients with Liver Disease: A Complex Case
Understanding CA 19-9 Levels: What Mild Abnormalities Mean for Your Health
Health check-up The CA 19-9 test shows a slight abnormality in your health check. What does this mean? Given my age, what could be the reasons for the elevated levels? Thank you.
Dr. Huang Zhihui Reply:
CA 19-9 is a tumor marker that is primarily elevated in cancers of the liver, bile ducts, and pancreas. The normal value is < 37 U/mL. However, a level above 120 U/mL is typically required to have diagnostic significance (indicating a high suspicion of cancer). Conditions such...[Read More] Understanding CA 19-9 Levels: What Mild Abnormalities Mean for Your Health
Understanding Gallbladder Surgery: Recovery, Risks, and Costs
Could you please clarify your question regarding gallbladder surgery? How many days do I need to stay in the hospital after gallbladder removal surgery? Is there still a chance of developing stones in the bile ducts after the gallbladder is removed? Will removing the gallbladder ...
Dr. Xu Kaixi Reply:
Dear Janny, This is Dr. Hsu Kai-Hsi from the Department of Surgery at Tainan Hospital, Department of Health. 1. A laparoscopic cholecystectomy requires a hospital stay of 3-4 days. 2. After gallbladder removal, there is still a possibility of stones in the intrahepatic bile duc...[Read More] Understanding Gallbladder Surgery: Recovery, Risks, and Costs