Understanding Disc Herniation: Surgery Risks and Recovery Insights
Herniated disc Hello Dr. Chiu, In 2002, I experienced lower back pain and pain in my right thigh. I underwent an MRI, which revealed a herniated disc at the L4-L5 level that was compressing a nerve. After undergoing rehabilitation (including heat therapy, electrical stimulation,...
Dr. Qiu Yushu Reply:
Hello: If there is a clear diagnosis of a herniated intervertebral disc confirmed by MRI, surgical treatment is usually the best option. Generally, a microsurgical approach is used, with an incision of about 3-4 centimeters and only one incision. Patients can typically be dischar...[Read More] Understanding Disc Herniation: Surgery Risks and Recovery Insights
Understanding Blood in Stool: When to Seek Medical Attention
Occasional blood in the stool? Hello: 1. I previously had hemorrhoids, but they improved, so I did not undergo surgical treatment. However, two days ago, I experienced rectal bleeding during a bowel movement, but it resolved the next day (the day before the bleeding, I had eate...
Dr. Ke Fangxu Reply:
1. Sudden rectal bleeding is usually not a major concern unless the volume of blood is significant or the frequency is high, in which case medical attention is warranted. For frequent diarrhea, it is advisable to consult a gastroenterologist. 2. Hernias are generally recommende...[Read More] Understanding Blood in Stool: When to Seek Medical Attention
Understanding Post-Surgery Discomfort After Kidney Removal
Discomfort after kidney surgery? The right kidney was surgically removed one month ago due to a tumor. The incision has already healed, but recently there has been an unusual discomfort in the area of the incision, which feels like a pain but is not quite painful. Is this normal,...
Dr. Li Junde Reply:
Hello A-Guang: One month after the right kidney tumor removal, if you are experiencing discomfort at the incision site, it may simply be a normal postoperative phenomenon (skin sensation). However, if there is increasing discomfort in the deeper tissue, it could indicate that the...[Read More] Understanding Post-Surgery Discomfort After Kidney Removal
Understanding the Risks and Recovery of Colonoscopy Procedures
Colonoscopy Hello, doctor. I have noticed blood stains after wiping following a bowel movement. I visited the hospital outpatient department, and the doctor arranged for a colonoscopy. The information mentioned that if there are any conditions that require it, I should consent to...
Dr. Hou Yongji Reply:
1. The general risk of a colonoscopy is 1 in 1,700. Post-examination precautions should be discussed with your examining physician. 2. A colonoscopy performed with sedation, often referred to as a "pain-free" colonoscopy, requires additional out-of-pocket expenses due...[Read More] Understanding the Risks and Recovery of Colonoscopy Procedures
Cost of Breast Tissue Removal: Surgery vs. Liposuction Explained
What is the cost of excising accessory breast tissue? Dear Doctor: I have been hesitant to wear sleeveless clothing due to my accessory breast tissue. I recently visited the surgical department at Chi Mei Medical Center, and the doctor mentioned that I could undergo a surgical ex...
Dr. Lu Daokuan Reply:
If accessory breast tissue is large enough to affect daily life, health insurance may cover the procedure. Smaller accessory breasts that do not impact daily life may be classified under cosmetic procedures. Ultrasound-assisted liposuction is also an option, which may cost betwee...[Read More] Cost of Breast Tissue Removal: Surgery vs. Liposuction Explained
Urgent Help Needed: Post-Surgery Complications in Liver Cancer Patient
Help my mother, issues arising after liver cancer surgery? My mother is 53 years old and has hepatitis C, cirrhosis, and a malignant tumor. She underwent liver resection surgery on November 24, where approximately four centimeters were removed. After the surgery, her liver is not...
Dr. Huang Zhihui Reply:
Based on your description, your mother may be experiencing postoperative complications due to liver dysfunction and liver failure, leading to multiple organ failure and coagulopathy. Although clinicians thoroughly assess a patient's condition before surgery to determine whet...[Read More] Urgent Help Needed: Post-Surgery Complications in Liver Cancer Patient
Understanding Ganglion Cyst Surgery: Recovery, Complications, and Prevention
Ganglion cyst surgery Hello Doctor: About ten days ago, my wife noticed a round protrusion on her left wrist when bending it, approximately the size of two peanuts. It feels somewhat hard but not very hard. The doctor at the nearby hospital said it was a ganglion cyst that needed...
Dr. Huang Junxiong Reply:
Hello: It is not uncommon for a ganglion cyst to rupture during surgery, and this does not increase the risk of complications. A protruding wound may be a normal postoperative phenomenon, and you can consult your surgeon about it. Generally, hand soreness is not typical; it is ad...[Read More] Understanding Ganglion Cyst Surgery: Recovery, Complications, and Prevention
Understanding Nevi: Impact on Constipation and Surgical Options
Troublesome acne? Can moles cause long-term constipation and lead to fecal impaction? Does metabolism slow down? I recently visited a hospital, and the doctor said I'm still young and just need to take good care of myself. Previously, I went to another clinic where the docto...
Dr. Hou Yongji Reply:
Hello: 1. Typically, hemorrhoids are exacerbated by constipation, but hemorrhoids do not cause constipation. Therefore, your metabolic issues should be attributed to constipation rather than hemorrhoids. 2. The indications for hemorrhoid surgery vary from person to person; genera...[Read More] Understanding Nevi: Impact on Constipation and Surgical Options
Post-Surgery Concerns: Understanding Hemorrhoid Removal Recovery Issues
Postoperative issues after hemorrhoid surgery? I underwent hemorrhoidectomy on July 24 for grade III hemorrhoids, which the doctor said were quite large. It has been nearly four weeks since the surgery, and the wound has not fully healed. I have been experiencing a small amount o...
Dr. Ke Fangxu Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, it typically takes about one month for the wound from hemorrhoid surgery to heal, and the pain may take approximately 4 to 6 weeks to completely subside. During this period, a small amount of discharge or blood-tinged fluid is considered norma...[Read More] Post-Surgery Concerns: Understanding Hemorrhoid Removal Recovery Issues
Post-Surgery Care for Necrotizing Fasciitis: Risks and Recovery Tips
Will a debridement and drainage surgery for necrotizing fasciitis lead to recovery? Hello Doctor: My father recently underwent debridement and drainage surgery for necrotizing fasciitis. The attending physician mentioned that it was discovered early, and if it had been later, it ...
Dr. Huang Junxiong Reply:
Hello: The most important aspects of medical care are adequate debridement and appropriate use of antibiotics. As for whether there is a risk of severe sepsis, further observation may be necessary. It is advisable to remain cautious and not to relax too early or be overly optimis...[Read More] Post-Surgery Care for Necrotizing Fasciitis: Risks and Recovery Tips
Post-Appendicitis Pain: Understanding Complications and Recovery
Right lower abdominal pain after appendicitis? In mid-December last year, I experienced severe pain in my lower right abdomen and went to the emergency department at National Taiwan University Hospital. Since I am a leukemia patient (three years post-transplant), the doctors were...
Dr. Xie Wenhuai Reply:
After an appendectomy, there may be several complications, including wound infection, abdominal wall hernia, intra-abdominal abscess, and intestinal obstruction. Additionally, there may be a lump near the incision site, which is a scar from the wound closure and typically stabili...[Read More] Post-Appendicitis Pain: Understanding Complications and Recovery
Post-Thyroid Surgery Voice Issues: Understanding Causes and Recovery
Postoperative Issues After Thyroid Surgery Hello Dr. Hsieh, My mother-in-law (63 years old) underwent a bilateral thyroid tumor resection three months ago; this was her second surgery. The first surgery was 30 years ago (at age 33), after which she experienced hoarseness, but he...
Dr. Xie Wenhuai Reply:
Thyroid surgery typically requires general anesthesia and the insertion of an endotracheal tube, which passes through the vocal cords. As a result, postoperative symptoms often include sore throat and hoarseness, but these usually do not last longer than 10 days and are reversibl...[Read More] Post-Thyroid Surgery Voice Issues: Understanding Causes and Recovery
New Breast Lump After Fibroadenoma Surgery: What You Need to Know
Breast lump Hello Doctor: Two years ago, I had a 4 cm fibroadenoma removed from my right breast, but recently I discovered a hard lump in a different area of the right breast. Does this situation count as a recurrence? Is it related to my daily lifestyle and diet? I am very afrai...
Dr. Wang Zhitang Reply:
Hello Angela: Based on your description, a fibroadenoma in your right breast was excised two years ago, and a new tumor has recently developed in a different location on the same side. Since fibroadenomas are benign tumors and the previous surgery was successful in removing it, t...[Read More] New Breast Lump After Fibroadenoma Surgery: What You Need to Know
Understanding Recurring Hemorrhoids: Surgical Concerns and Pain Management
Hemorrhoid surgery issues? I have been troubled by hemorrhoids for many years, and I have the following questions regarding hemorrhoid surgery that I hope the doctor can answer in detail: 1. I underwent a circular hemorrhoid resection (PPH) surgery last December, and now, six m...
Dr. Hou Yongji Reply:
Hello: 1. Circular excision surgery is only applicable for internal hemorrhoids; it is ineffective for external hemorrhoids. 2. After hemorrhoid surgery, proper care is essential to prevent recurrence. 3. Based on your description, it may be a complication from the circular excis...[Read More] Understanding Recurring Hemorrhoids: Surgical Concerns and Pain Management
Understanding Soft Tissue Sarcoma: Recurrence, Recovery, and Post-Surgery Care
What is soft tissue sarcoma? What is a soft tissue sarcoma? Is there a chance of recurrence after resection? What is the likelihood of recovery after resection for stage I? How should one take care of themselves post-surgery? Thank you.
Dr. Lin Kecheng Reply:
Mr. Chen, I apologize for not being able to understand the content of your message. Is the term "soft tissue sarcoma" translated from "liposarcoma"? Where is the tumor located? What is the size of the tumor? Is there any local lymph node metastasis? These fact...[Read More] Understanding Soft Tissue Sarcoma: Recurrence, Recovery, and Post-Surgery Care
Is Laser Treatment for Hemorrhoids Effective and Safe?
Laser treatment for hemorrhoids? Hello, doctor! I recently saw on a clinic's website that they offer laser treatment for hemorrhoids, claiming it can be done without hospitalization, allows for normal work afterward, requires no anesthesia, and results in no bleeding. They s...
Dr. Lin Hongmao Reply:
Dear friend, I have no experience with laser treatment for hemorrhoids, so I searched online and found comprehensive information provided by a physician on this issue. I am quoting it for your reference: "Laser Surgery for Hemorrhoids? It's Already Outdated! Hsinchu H...[Read More] Is Laser Treatment for Hemorrhoids Effective and Safe?
Understanding Post-Surgery Symptoms: Hydrocephalus in Elderly Patients
Hydrocephalus Hello: My father is 68 years old (he has diabetes) and recently underwent a CT scan which revealed hydrocephalus. He had surgery on March 4, and his condition was stable post-operation, although he experienced some dizziness. However, on March 14, the dizziness wors...
Dr. Ding Xianwei Reply:
Hello: For hydrocephalus, we utilize drainage surgery to alleviate symptoms. There are many reasons for postoperative dizziness. It is recommended that you return for a follow-up consultation with your father's attending physician. Sincerely, Dr. Ding Hsien-Wei, Neurosurgery...[Read More] Understanding Post-Surgery Symptoms: Hydrocephalus in Elderly Patients
Understanding Hernia Repair with Synthetic Mesh: Key Questions Answered
Hernia - Artificial Peritoneum 1. "Artificial peritoneum," often referred to as a synthetic mesh, is typically made from biocompatible materials such as polypropylene or polyester. These materials are chemically synthesized and designed to be safe for use in the human b...
Dr. Lin Hongmao Reply:
Dear friend, The composition of the artificial peritoneum is polypropylene. Although it is a synthetic material, its mesh structure integrates with the body's tissues (tissue cells grow into the mesh structure, effectively encapsulating it) to achieve the purpose of repair....[Read More] Understanding Hernia Repair with Synthetic Mesh: Key Questions Answered
Effective Surgical Options for Severe Hemorrhoids: A Guide for Patients in Taipei
Hemorrhoids Hello, I have severe rectal prolapse. Three years ago, I underwent a hemorrhoid ligation procedure at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, which was quite effective, but it only removed the internal hemorrhoids. The doctor mentioned that this procedure cannot address externa...
Dr. Ke Fangxu Reply:
Hello: In response to your question... Hemorrhoids are a common condition in modern society, and their severity can be classified into different grades. The treatment approach is determined based on the severity of the condition. For mild cases with simple bleeding or discomfort,...[Read More] Effective Surgical Options for Severe Hemorrhoids: A Guide for Patients in Taipei
Understanding Hemorrhoids: Symptoms, Treatment Options, and Recovery
Hemorrhoid issues I have been dealing with hemorrhoids for a long time, and according to the information I found online, it has reached stage four. However, I have been too embarrassed to seek medical attention. Sometimes I just endure the pain, but recently, due to my frequent d...
Dr. Wang Qichao Reply:
Hello: Based on your description, it may still be difficult to determine the cause of your condition. It is best to have an outpatient examination to identify the cause for further management. Regarding hemorrhoid surgery, the anesthesia options can be local, regional, or general...[Read More] Understanding Hemorrhoids: Symptoms, Treatment Options, and Recovery