Confusion Between Anal Fistula and Skin Tumor: Seeking Clarity for Proper Treatment
It is difficult to differentiate between an anal fistula and a skin tumor, making it challenging to provide the appropriate treatment? Hello Doctor, my husband has had a hard lump near his anus since April, which has changed color, is painful when pressed, and even affects his wa...
Dr. Zhang Shuhao Reply:
Based on your description of wounds around the anus that are bleeding, discharging pus, and prone to recurrence, there is a high suspicion of an anal fistula. The difference between an anal fistula and a skin tumor is that the fistula is connected to the anal glands, so both the ...[Read More] Confusion Between Anal Fistula and Skin Tumor: Seeking Clarity for Proper Treatment
Understanding Bowel and Gas Issues After Colorectal Surgery
Bowel and flatulence issues? Hello Dr. Chang, I would like to consult you regarding my mother. She underwent surgery for stage 2B colon cancer in August of last year, specifically in the area of the transverse colon near the descending colon, using laparoscopic minimally invasiv...
Dr. Zhang Shuhao Reply:
Post-operative follow-up with gastroscopy and colonoscopy showed no issues, and both the CT scan and blood tests were normal, indicating a low likelihood of tumor metastasis. The surgery on the left half of the colon should not affect the sciatic nerve; therefore, it is likely du...[Read More] Understanding Bowel and Gas Issues After Colorectal Surgery
Post-Surgical Complications: Managing Rectal Abscess and Sepsis
Postoperative issues related to rectal abscess leading to sepsis? Hello, doctor. My mother underwent Da Vinci surgery for low rectal cancer about two years ago. After a temporary colostomy, it was reversed, but she has been experiencing fecal incontinence since the surgery. Recen...
Dr. Zhang Shuhao Reply:
Postoperative rectal abscess in low rectal cancer requires exclusion of anastomotic leakage or local recurrence. Emergency management includes the current colostomy along with abscess drainage, and arranging for a computed tomography scan and colonoscopy to check for recurrence. ...[Read More] Post-Surgical Complications: Managing Rectal Abscess and Sepsis
Understanding Ankle Injuries: Healing, Symptoms, and Care Tips
Ankle injury After a collision with another person, I sustained a bruise on the protruding bone of my left ankle. It has been one month since the incident. I went to the emergency room on the day of the injury and underwent debridement. I returned for a follow-up appointment thre...
Dr. Peng Xianwen Reply:
Hello, Ms. Chiao: Based on the situation you described, it is recommended that you return to the surgical outpatient clinic for a follow-up to address the issue. Director Peng Hsien-Wen of the General Surgery Department at Nantou Hospital.[Read More] Understanding Ankle Injuries: Healing, Symptoms, and Care Tips
Managing a Persistent Lump After a Car Accident: What You Need to Know
There is a small lump on the superficial muscles of the upper posterior calf following a car accident. What should I do? Hello Dr. Chen, I have a small lump under the skin in the upper back area of my calf, approximately 1 cm in diameter. This lump is likely a result of a minor c...
Dr. Chen Bingze Reply:
Hello, I actually recommend that you see a surgeon directly. It seems there may be a blood clot, but it should be quite superficial. Even if surgery is needed, it would be a very minor outpatient procedure, so you can rest assured. Your platelet count is also still within a good ...[Read More] Managing a Persistent Lump After a Car Accident: What You Need to Know
Understanding Rectal Discomfort: Causes and Solutions for Relief
Anal issues Recently, I have been feeling a sense of fullness in my anus, but my bowel function is normal. Last month, I visited the hospital, and the doctor performed a digital examination and felt a small mass. However, the doctor mentioned that both sides had this condition, w...
Dr. Zhang Shuhao Reply:
If a small lump is felt during a digital rectal examination on both sides but later disappears, it is most likely caused by hemorrhoids. However, hemorrhoids do not cause a sensation of abdominal bloating. It is advisable to first use medications that relieve bloating and promote...[Read More] Understanding Rectal Discomfort: Causes and Solutions for Relief
Is There a Link Between Herniated Discs and Muscle Twitching?
Is there a relationship between herniated discs and muscle twitching issues? Hello, Director Lai. I have been experiencing abnormal twitching in the muscles of my calves since mid-year, which led me to seek medical attention. I underwent nerve conduction studies (NCS) and electro...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: 1. The relationship should not be significant. 2. The calf muscles are still twitching intermittently, which may indicate other issues, such as electrolyte imbalance, blood circulation, muscle strain, posture, or temperature. Soaking your feet in warm water can help. Discu...[Read More] Is There a Link Between Herniated Discs and Muscle Twitching?
Understanding Cervical and Lumbar Disc Compression Symptoms
Cervical and lumbar spine compression? About 8-9 years ago, I underwent an MRI examination which revealed herniated discs at the C3-4-5-6 levels causing compression. At that time, my main symptoms included numbness and pain in my left arm and fingers, along with occasional tingli...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
Herniated discs can occur on both sides, and the symptoms may be intermittent.[Read More] Understanding Cervical and Lumbar Disc Compression Symptoms
Post-Appendectomy Pain: Understanding Symptoms Three Months Later
It is not uncommon to experience pain three months after an appendectomy. Some patients may have lingering discomfort due to factors such as scar tissue formation, nerve irritation, or other complications. If the pain persists or worsens, it is advisable to consult a Hello, docto...
Dr. Chen Jiaming Reply:
It has been three months post-surgery, and based on your symptoms, it seems highly likely that you are experiencing intestinal bloating. After appendicitis treatment with antibiotics, the gut microbiota is often altered, and an increase in gas-producing bacteria can lead to bloat...[Read More] Post-Appendectomy Pain: Understanding Symptoms Three Months Later
Understanding Numbness in the Second Toe: Causes and Treatment Options
Numbness in the second toe? About two months ago, I noticed decreased sensation in the second toe of my right foot. I initially thought it was due to diabetes, but blood tests came back normal. After a month, the sensation in the second toe of my left foot suddenly decreased and ...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
Symptoms are mild; an MRI can be performed for confirmation. A consultation with a neurosurgery outpatient clinic is recommended.[Read More] Understanding Numbness in the Second Toe: Causes and Treatment Options
Addressing Cosmetic Concerns: Options for External Hemorrhoid Removal
Aesthetic concerns regarding hemorrhoids..? Hello, doctor. I have an external hemorrhoid that isn't serious and doesn't significantly affect my daily life, but I am concerned about its appearance and feel it's quite "ugly." 😅 I visited a large hospital ye...
Dr. Ke Fangxu Reply:
If the desire to address external hemorrhoids is purely for aesthetic reasons, the only option is surgical excision. Physicians may be reluctant to perform this procedure because, firstly, it is not medically necessary, and secondly, there may still be residual skin tags post-sur...[Read More] Addressing Cosmetic Concerns: Options for External Hemorrhoid Removal
Understanding Recovery After Anal Fistula Surgery: What to Expect
Post-anal fistula surgery Hello, Doctor. I underwent anal fistula surgery in June, and it has been four months since then. I have been monitoring the healing progress of the wound, but currently, there is still a small opening visible when my anus is relaxed, although it is not v...
Dr. Ke Fangxu Reply:
If the surgery was performed four months ago, the wound should be fully healed by now. The small hole you described may just be a remnant of the surgical scar. However, if you still see an unhealed wound, it is best to consult the surgeon again to rule out the possibility of recu...[Read More] Understanding Recovery After Anal Fistula Surgery: What to Expect
Post-Surgery Concerns: Managing Long-Term Drainage After Anal Abscess
Postoperative care for anal abscess? Hello, doctor. I underwent drainage surgery for an anal abscess around mid-September and had a drainage tube placed. My attending physician informed me that due to the depth of my wound, the drainage tube might need to remain in place for 2-3 ...
Dr. Zhang Shuhao Reply:
If a drainage tube is needed, it indicates a higher-level abscess, possibly located behind the rectum, where an open wound alone cannot adequately drain the area. Therefore, the doctor's statement is valid. However, it is generally difficult for the drainage tube to remain i...[Read More] Post-Surgery Concerns: Managing Long-Term Drainage After Anal Abscess
Post-Anal Intercourse Bleeding: Pain, Mucus, and Possible Causes
Bleeding after anal intercourse, followed by pain and white mucus a few days later? Hello Doctor, Medical History: After engaging in anal intercourse with a male partner without using lubricant, I experienced bleeding. A few days later, I developed pain at the anal opening, fre...
Dr. Zhang Shuhao Reply:
If anal intercourse is performed without lubrication, it can easily lead to anal fissures, resulting in bleeding, pain during bowel movements, localized sensory abnormalities, and discharge. It is recommended to take warm sitz baths, increase fluid intake, and consume dietary fib...[Read More] Post-Anal Intercourse Bleeding: Pain, Mucus, and Possible Causes
Understanding Head Injuries: When to Seek Medical Attention After a Fall
Head injury, with pain at the site of impact? Hello, doctor. On August 26, while playing on a water slide, I may have slid down incorrectly and hit the back of my head against the slide. At that moment, I felt pain, but there were no other obvious discomforts. Later, the impact p...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
The primary concern with head trauma is intracranial hemorrhage. If there are accompanying symptoms of nausea and vomiting, it is advisable to seek treatment at a neurosurgery outpatient clinic.[Read More] Understanding Head Injuries: When to Seek Medical Attention After a Fall
Understanding Blood in Stool: Hemorrhoids, Anal Fissures, or Cancer?
Rectal bleeding Hello, I would like to ask about a recent issue. For about a week now, I've noticed light red blood when wiping after a bowel movement. The amount of blood is not significant, but I experience pain at the beginning of the bowel movement, which subsides after ...
Dr. Zhang Shuhao Reply:
Based on your description, it is most likely caused by an anal fissure. It is recommended to increase fluid intake to prevent constipation, perform warm sitz baths, and use topical ointments and anti-inflammatory medications. If there is no significant family history or other abd...[Read More] Understanding Blood in Stool: Hemorrhoids, Anal Fissures, or Cancer?
Understanding Black Stool After Surgery: Causes and Concerns
Postoperative black stools? Hello Doctor, I underwent traditional hemorrhoid surgery on September 28, and it has been 12 days since then. I have been taking a laxative called Lacto for constipation, 20ml once a day, but my stools have been consistently dark. On October 4, I had a...
Dr. Zhang Shuhao Reply:
1. If there is black stool without obvious bright red blood, it is likely caused by upper gastrointestinal bleeding, with the most common reason being bleeding from a gastric ulcer due to the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). In this case, taking magnesium oxi...[Read More] Understanding Black Stool After Surgery: Causes and Concerns
Understanding S2 Bilateral Cysts: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Bilateral S2 cysts Hello Dr. Lai: The MRI examination revealed cysts on both sides of S2, and I am experiencing symptoms such as perineal pain, which worsens when sitting (around the labia and urethral opening), lower back pain, pain in the buttocks on both sides of the groin, an...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: 1. Cysts of the sacrum, predominantly affect females (85%). Most cases do not require surgery. Symptoms include pain in the corresponding lumbar, sacral, gluteal, and perineal regions, weakness, numbness, restlessness, and relief when lying flat or on the side. There may...[Read More] Understanding S2 Bilateral Cysts: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Understanding Rectal Bleeding: When to Worry and What to Do
Bowel movement issues Hello Doctor, last week I noticed small spots of blood on the toilet paper after having a bowel movement, but the amount was very minimal and the stool color was normal, a yellow-brown. I immediately went to see a colorectal surgeon (once last week and once ...
Dr. Chen Bingze Reply:
Hello, if you have seen both an obstetrician-gynecologist and a colorectal surgeon, you can generally feel reassured. Just keep monitoring for any relief of symptoms.[Read More] Understanding Rectal Bleeding: When to Worry and What to Do
Chronic Constipation and Dependence on Laxatives: Seeking Surgical Solutions
Difficulty in bowel movements, long-term use of laxatives? Hello, doctor. I have been experiencing recurrent anal fissures for the past five years, approximately once a month. The pain usually subsides after about a week, but I have been consistently applying ointment (because my...
Dr. Zhang Shuhao Reply:
1. The use of topical ointments containing steroids for an extended period can make the mucous membranes more susceptible to injury and wounds may heal more slowly; it is recommended to use them in a phased manner. 2. Traditional Chinese medicine prescribed by a licensed practiti...[Read More] Chronic Constipation and Dependence on Laxatives: Seeking Surgical Solutions