Chronic Abdominal Pain and Constipation: Seeking Solutions
Frequent abdominal cramps and constipation? Hello Doctor: Since April 2009, I have been experiencing intermittent pain in my left abdomen (around the area near the navel), occasionally close to the lower left abdomen; I also often have unexplained cramping in my abdomen, followed...
Dr. Ke Fangxu Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, abdominal pain in young people is often caused by two main reasons. One is Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), where the pain is usually not localized, and bowel habits may alternate between constipation and diarrhea. The stool often lacks form an...[Read More] Chronic Abdominal Pain and Constipation: Seeking Solutions
Post-Acute Appendicitis Surgery: Occasional Abdominal Bloating and Pain Concerns
It has been almost a month since the surgery for acute appendicitis, and I occasionally experience abdominal bloating and pain? I underwent surgery for acute appendicitis complicated by peritonitis on October 13 and should be recovering well (discharged after 4 days). My wound is...
Dr. Xu Kaixi Reply:
Dear Dr. Hsu Kai-Hsi of the Tainan Hospital, Department of Surgery, Executive Yuan Health Department, The discomfort and bloating in the upper abdomen may not necessarily be related to acute appendicitis; it could be gastrointestinal issues. It is recommended to undergo further ...[Read More] Post-Acute Appendicitis Surgery: Occasional Abdominal Bloating and Pain Concerns
Understanding Chronic Abdominal Pain and Changes in Bowel Habits
Frequent abdominal pain and changes in bowel habits? Hello Dr. Hou: Since April 2009, I have been experiencing intermittent dull pain in my left abdomen, occasionally near the lower left abdomen, and sometimes I have inexplicable cramping pain in my abdomen, which I can still tol...
Dr. Hou Yongji Reply:
Based on your description, I am unable to provide accurate advice. Please consult a colorectal surgeon for further evaluation. Thank you.[Read More] Understanding Chronic Abdominal Pain and Changes in Bowel Habits
Understanding Umbilical Bleeding: Causes and Concerns
Umbilical bleeding Hello doctor, I noticed that after a meal on a certain day, I experienced pain just above my navel when bending over. I initially thought it might be muscle soreness, but after a few days, it hasn't improved. In fact, my navel has started to bleed, and I h...
Dr. Xu Kaixi Reply:
Dear Dr. Hsu Kai-Hsi of the Tainan Hospital, Department of Surgery, Executive Yuan Health Department, Hello. There are many possible causes for bleeding from the navel, including trauma and infection. However, due to the limited information and details you have provided, I recom...[Read More] Understanding Umbilical Bleeding: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Painful Lumps Above the Genitals: Causes and Solutions
Small bumps above the genital area, below the navel? Hello Dr. Lai: As a male, this area is indeed quite embarrassing. It's not on the genitalia, but rather on the skin just above the genital area, below the navel. Two days ago, I discovered soft and hard lumps about the siz...
Dr. Lai Jihong Reply:
Hello Mr. Wang: The issue you mentioned is likely a follicular cyst located on the pubic area, which is commonly known as an epidermoid cyst or sebaceous cyst. If it becomes infected, it is referred to as an abscess. If it is indeed an epidermoid cyst, it is advisable to undergo ...[Read More] Understanding Painful Lumps Above the Genitals: Causes and Solutions
Managing Post-Operative Infections After Laparoscopic Gallbladder Surgery
Pus discharge from the incision site after endoscopic gallstone removal? Dear Director He, My mother is 72 years old and underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy for gallstones ten years ago, with a good recovery afterward. However, a month ago, a small white pus-filled bump appea...
Dr. He Zhenming Reply:
Please take your mother to the hospital for a general surgery consultation. The physician needs to examine the wound to determine the cause of the condition.[Read More] Managing Post-Operative Infections After Laparoscopic Gallbladder Surgery
Do Tumors Hurt? Understanding Symptoms and When to See a Doctor
The doctor would like to ask you a question? Doctors often inquire whether tumors can be painful. I have a round mass in the right side of my abdomen near the navel, which hurts when pressed. I don't feel it when lying down, but I do when sitting. Is the kidney located in th...
Dr. Hou Yongji Reply:
Based on your description, a proper diagnosis cannot be made. Please seek consultation with a nearby gastroenterology specialist as soon as possible. Thank you.[Read More] Do Tumors Hurt? Understanding Symptoms and When to See a Doctor
Understanding Painful and Non-Painful Groin Swellings: Causes and Solutions
A lump has formed in the groin area? Dear Dr. Fan, In the past two years, I have experienced about 3 to 4 episodes where a lump suddenly appears on my body (all located below the navel). Two times it was on the sides of my abdomen, and the other two times it was in the groin ar...
Dr. Fan Zhilian Reply:
A lump in the groin area is mostly either a boil or an abscess, typically caused by infection and inflammation, though a bruise could also be a possibility. Please refrain from using a needle to puncture it, as your needle is not sterilized. It is advisable to visit a hospital fo...[Read More] Understanding Painful and Non-Painful Groin Swellings: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Inferior Vena Cava Obstruction and Its Symptoms
Inferior vena cava concerns? Hello Dr. Hou, About five years ago, I started experiencing a strange aching and numbness in my left leg, extending from the left side of my lower back down to my heel. When I stand still for a long time (about 5-10 minutes), my entire left leg feel...
Dr. Hou Shouxian Reply:
1. Pure inferior vena cava (IVC) obstruction does not necessarily present with pain; however, it should be individually assessed based on the underlying cause of the IVC obstruction. 2. The interpretation of MRI results primarily relies on the professional judgment of the radiolo...[Read More] Understanding Inferior Vena Cava Obstruction and Its Symptoms
Understanding Persistent Left Leg Pain: Possible Causes and Solutions
Left foot numbness? Hello Dr. Chiu, I have been experiencing frequent numbness and tingling in my left leg, extending from my buttocks to my heel, particularly in the heel area. The symptoms worsen when I stand still for a few minutes or squat down to use the toilet, but I have n...
Dr. Qiu Yushu Reply:
Hello: 1. Inferior vena cava obstruction may cause the reported symptoms. 2. MRI is very accurate for intervertebral disc diseases and spinal cord disorders, and there should be no blind spots. 3. Please consult a psychiatrist regarding whether antidepressants can cause periphera...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Left Leg Pain: Possible Causes and Solutions
Understanding Long-Term Constipation and Unusual Stool Symptoms: A Surgical Perspective
Consultation I have been suffering from chronic constipation for 24 years. I am 163 cm tall and weigh 50 kg. Because I used to endure it when I was younger, I often strained during bowel movements (of course, I controlled my diet and tried other methods). 1: However, there is s...
Dr. Ke Fangxu Reply:
Hello: In response to your questions. 1. Some plant seed coats or fruit skins are not easily digested, which is why they may appear in the stool. In addition to chili peppers, tomatoes, sweet peppers, and corn are commonly seen during colonoscopy. Sometimes, these food residues m...[Read More] Understanding Long-Term Constipation and Unusual Stool Symptoms: A Surgical Perspective
Understanding Abdominal Pain: What Could Be Causing My Father's Symptoms?
Could you please consult Dr. Ko? Hello Dr. Ke: I apologize for bothering you again, but I have another question to ask. My father has a small, swollen area on the right side of his abdomen, near the navel, and he reports that this swollen area is particularly painful. I am unsure...
Dr. Ke Fangxu Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, if the lump disappears or becomes softer when your father is lying flat, it may be a postoperative abdominal wall hernia. An abdominal wall hernia is caused by poor healing of the fascial layer after abdominal surgery. If it is not very painfu...[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Pain: What Could Be Causing My Father's Symptoms?
Understanding Ventral Hernia: Symptoms, Surgery, and Recovery Time
Ventral Hernia Hello Doctor, I am currently abroad and have been experiencing upper abdominal pain for the past two months. Initially, the doctor diagnosed it as gastritis, but the pain has worsened day by day, accompanied by loss of appetite and severe constipation (having a bow...
Dr. Xu Kaixi Reply:
Dear Selina, Dr. Hsu Kai-Hsi from the Tainan Hospital, Department of Surgery, would like to inform you that the surgical approach for a ventral hernia is determined by its size. Larger ventral hernias typically require the use of a prosthetic mesh for repair, which can be perfor...[Read More] Understanding Ventral Hernia: Symptoms, Surgery, and Recovery Time
Differentiating Between Umbilical Fistula and Umbilical Granuloma in Children
Umbilical cord How can we differentiate between an umbilical fistula and an umbilical granuloma? A four-year-old girl recently developed redness and swelling around her navel, accompanied by itching, but without any discharge or odor. What diagnostic techniques, aside from clinic...
Dr. Huang Yuanhui Reply:
Hello: In addition to clinical symptoms, the patency of the urachus can be confirmed using a rectal-umbilical fistulography to check if it connects to the bladder. A urachal remnant will protrude outside the umbilicus and will not connect to the bladder. Redness and swelling arou...[Read More] Differentiating Between Umbilical Fistula and Umbilical Granuloma in Children
Understanding Belly Button Allergies: Symptoms and When to Seek Help
Umbilicus Hello Doctor: Recently, it seems like I have an allergy in my belly button area, as small bumps have appeared, along with peeling skin and some discharge. The area around my belly button is itchy. Could you please tell me what this condition might be? Do I need to go to...
Dr. Li Junde Reply:
Hello Miss Teresa: There are pimple-like lesions around the navel, accompanied by itching and a watery discharge. This may indicate acute eczema, an infection, or congenital abnormalities such as a urachal remnant. Please visit a surgical or dermatological department at a hospita...[Read More] Understanding Belly Button Allergies: Symptoms and When to Seek Help
Abdominal Pain When Pressing: Possible Causes and Concerns
Pressing on the abdomen causes pain? I have pain when pressing on my abdomen (about 2-3 centimeters above the navel on the right side). It feels like there is something there, but it also feels like there isn't. Could this be a lipoma, gallstones, or another condition? Thank...
Dr. He Zhenming Reply:
Hello: Based on your symptoms, it doesn't seem like gallstones. Please visit the outpatient clinic for an ultrasound examination, which should help determine if there is anything abnormal. Wishing you good health.[Read More] Abdominal Pain When Pressing: Possible Causes and Concerns
Understanding Foul Odors and Moisture in the Abdomen: Possible Causes
Foul-smelling stool? The presence of moisture and a foul odor in your abdomen could indicate several potential issues, such as an infection, gastrointestinal problems, or other underlying medical conditions. It is important to consult a healthcare professional for an accurate dia...
Dr. Ke Fangxu Reply:
Hello: In response to your question... Is it inside the abdomen? Is it the navel? If it is the navel, a bacterial infection caused by poor hygiene can be managed by maintaining local cleanliness. Keelung Hospital, Department of Health, Executive Yuan. Ke Fang-Hsu.[Read More] Understanding Foul Odors and Moisture in the Abdomen: Possible Causes
Managing Surgical Wound Complications After Teratoma Surgery
Surgical wound issues Hello: A month ago, I had surgery for a teratoma, and the surgical incision is about 12 centimeters long, extending from below the navel to the abdomen. The wound has been healing well, but in the past two days, I noticed slight bleeding from the area below ...
Dr. Li Junde Reply:
Ms. MM: Generally, surgical wounds should heal within one month post-operation, unless there is an infection, wound dehiscence, poor wound healing, or complications from the original surgery. Please return to the original hospital for a follow-up consultation, where the physician...[Read More] Managing Surgical Wound Complications After Teratoma Surgery
Is Sleeping Position Causing Numbness in My Pinky Fingers?
Numbness in the little finger? Doctor, I have recently been experiencing numbness in my little fingers while sleeping. If I lie flat on a carpet for a nap with my hands positioned under my abdomen (below the navel), could this be compressing the nerves in my hands?
Dr. Shao Guoning Reply:
Hello: In response to your inquiry, numbness in the little finger may be due to nerve compression or circulatory issues. Compression of the cervical nerves, ulnar nerve at the elbow, or median nerve at the wrist can all lead to finger numbness. A consultation with a neurologist o...[Read More] Is Sleeping Position Causing Numbness in My Pinky Fingers?
Understanding Unwanted Hair Growth Around Breasts: Causes and Solutions
Annoying chest issues? I have a close friend who recently told me that she has hair growing around her breast areolas and her navel, which is causing her a lot of distress because there are many hairs. She doesn't know what to do. May I ask: 1. Is it normal for women to have...
Dr. Zhang Zhenxiang Reply:
Excessive hair growth on the chest should be monitored for any hormonal changes in the body, particularly an increase in androgens. These conditions can be triggered by medications or dietary factors. It is unclear how old this individual is, but some women with certain genetic p...[Read More] Understanding Unwanted Hair Growth Around Breasts: Causes and Solutions