2. Index
Numbers Title Page No.
1 Abdominoplasty surgery 2
2 Awareness About Anal Fissure 3
3 Anterior perineal resection 5
4 Breast Biopsy – The Docturs’ Guide 6
5 Breast Cancer 8
6 Cysto-Diathermy – Cystoscopy in Urethra 9
7 Cystoscopy 10
8 Electrocardiogram ECG 12
9 Otoscopy and the external ear treatment 13
10 Sigmoidoscopy 15
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3. 1. Abdominoplasty surgery, online medical
videos
Who would like to have a shapeless body which is overweight with excess fat
sagging from the sides? Docturs talks about the medical aid in achieving the
perfect, shapely body which is everyone’s dream.
Abdominoplasty surgery is the medical aid for people who want to remove
excess fat off their body. It may not necessarily be a cosmetic surgery for
aesthetic purposes but may also be used to restore weakened or separated
muscles by creating a smoother and firmer abdominal profile.
Abdominoplasty surgery, or ‘tummy tuck’ as it is better known, may also be
employed even when protruded abdomen is sagging and loose due to aging,
heredity, pregnancy, prior surgery or major weight fluctuations.
Everybody strives for a well-toned, flat abdomen which may not be achieved
by exercise, diet and weight control. But tummy tuck is not the solution or a
substitute foe exercise or weight loss program. It should also not be
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4. employed to fit in any ideal image as it is highly individualized procedure.
People with no smoking habits or realistic expectations and who maintain a
stable weight are good candidates for this surgery. This operation would be
of no use if one is planning for pregnancy or substantial weight loss in the
near future. Also it should be known that abdominoplasty cannot remove
stretch marks; however, it may be improved id the marks are located on the
skin that is excised.
Pamela Siddons at Docturs has mentioned that abdominoplasty (tummy
tuck) can be utilized when sagging skin alone is the issue or after massive
weight loss when the combination of large amounts of skin and shrunken fat
cause significant skin droop. She has even mentioned that laws in Florida
prevent practitioners combining liposuction of the upper abdomen and
simultaneous abdominoplasty because of higher risks.
Abdominoplasty surgery can either be partial or fully done. A complete
abdominoplasty involves making an incision from hip to pubic area and near
the navel to free it from the skin. The excess fat is then removed and
remaining fat and skin are tightened and old bellybutton in sutured into the
new place. Partial abdominoplasty, on the other hand, includes smaller
incision and the surgery is carried out in a relatively limited fashion. There
can also be other options like extended and circumferential abdominoplasty
and combination procedures.
A detailed procedure of abdominoplasty surgery can viewed with online
medical videos given on Docturs.com/dd posted with various images and
albums by Anita Sprott, for better understanding of the subject. Docturs
proves to be the one-stop destination for all medical knowledge, news and
updates and medical equipments and journals. It intends to be your wellness
guide.
2. Awareness about Anal Fissure
The recent top medical news have anal fissure – either as a cause or a result.
Gastroenterologists state that insufficient fiber intake causes constipation
which may also result in further symptoms like anal fissures. Other news
states that sodomy, which is on rise, causes serious health problems like anal
fissures and many more as muscle tearing, cancer and rectal prolapse. With
new technologies, many companies are developing late-stage drugs intended
to treat conditions like anal fissure.
Anal fissure is basically a tear in the lining of the anus from where the body
waste is discharged. If the fissure is present for more than six weeks, it is
said to be chronic. As the internal anal sphincter goes into a spasm, it causes
further tearing and causes pain and weakens the healing process. Also due to
excretion of feces, the healing process is slowed down.
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5. The anal fissure patients may encounter symptoms like bleeding and tearing
or ripping sensation and burning sensation while bowel movement. With the
development of fissure, the symptoms can be felt frequently and the rectal
pain can last for a long time. Bleeding may result into discoloration and upon
being chronic; bleeding may stop but itching or irritation of the skin around
the anus and pain may persist.
The causes of anal fissures may be traumatic bowel movements or explosive
diarrhea. It may also happen due to anal intercourse or insertion of foreign
objects. It can occur in patients suffering from medical conditions like
Crohn's disease.
Anal fissure diagnosis includes rectal examination or anoscopy but they can
be avoided during initial diagnosis. A sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy is usually
recommended, especially if there has been rectal bleeding after healing.
The treatment for anal fissure aims for relief from pain and spasm and heal
the fissure. The first round of treatment is aimed at softening stools,
eliminating constipation, and reducing anal sphincter spasm. If these
approaches are not successful, a surgery may be required. There are many
options like natural high fiber diet obtained from fruits and vegetables,
should be taken for soft and bulk stools. Fiber supplements are also available
and very safe but these laxatives have side effects which may include gas
and bloating, especially when initiated. Laxatives - Variety of drugs and
natural products are available for treating constipation and it is a myth that
the bowel movement will be stopped when the laxative is stopped. Sitz bath
is also another alternative wherein, the rectal area is immersed in warm
water for 10 to 15 minutes. Sitz baths help improve the blood flow and
relaxing the internal anal sphincter. Medical aid like topical nitroglycerin may
also be used which helps reduce pain and smoothens the healing process by
decreasing the pressure in the internal anal sphincter. It also works to dilate
blood vessels, increasing blood flow to injured tissues. There are also many
other treatment alternatives which may be read in detail online.
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6. 3. Anterior perineal resection
Abdominal or anterior perineal resection? How would you choose?
Docturs.com provides the basis for making this important decision. The what,
why and how of perineal resection is elaborated for better medical
understanding.
Whenever the medical ailment in question is carcinoma of the rectum, better
put as rectal cancer, simpler still – bowel cancer, one can choose between
the option of anterior perineal resection or abdomino-perineal resection.
While the former is used for tumors located in the upper part of rectum, the
latter is used for tumors at the lower end of the rectum. The former
operation gives a wound similar to colectomy, and abdomino-perineal
resection results in permanent colostomy as the rectum and anus are
completely removed and it gives an abdominal wound and another wound at
the place from where anus has been removed.
The abdomino-perineal resection surgery is such a complicated name
because it involves creating a new bowel opening from the wall of the
abdomen. This part of the process is known as colostomy. The procedure
includes administering anesthesia continuously and making an incision
through the skin to the center of the lower abdominal wall. A new opening is
created from there to relieve the wastes.
Alvin Shapira at Docturs says that rectal cancer neoadjuvant is given before
surgery in patients with tumors that extend outside the rectum or have
spread to regional lymph nodes to decrease the risk of recurrence following
surgery or to allow for less invasive surgical approaches (such as a low
anterior resection instead of an abdominoperineal resection).
This surgery does not have much scope of alternatives as the patients have
very diseased bowels with the presence of pain, bleeding and discharge.
Some may have life threatening complications due to blockage in the lower
bowel. If only the bowel is removed, one would lose control of their bowels.
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7. There may be possible complications like nerve damage during surgery to the
extent of sexual nerves causing erection problems. There may also be
problems due to anesthesia or infection. Smokers with weak immune system
are more prone to infections. The period of bed rest following the surgery can
also cause blood clots. Other complications may be tissue death surrounding
the bowel, skin rash or abscess near colostomy site. The recovery may not
be easier physically and also emotionally.
Docturs.com is the best website to know more about each medical ailment.
Michael Barry at Docturs writes on abdominoplasty and explains the minute
details in simple language for a better understanding and better health care.
It is made livelier with images and videos and makes an interesting read.
4. Breast Biopsy – The Docturs’ Guide
Do you know that breast cancer is the third most common disease in women
worldwide? Are you one of the victims? Do not panic! Docturs tells you how,
what, when and why of breast biopsy which is necessary to know about any
abnormalities.
Elton Taylor at Docturs talks bout the basic definition of biopsy. A biopsy is
a medical examination wherein the cells or tissues are sampled and checked
microscopically to determine the presence of any disease or abnormality and
its growth and spread in the body.
A breast biopsy is done for screening of breast cancer and to check for
lumps or a suspicious area found while examining the breast or on
ultrasound, MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) or mammogram. The sample
of the breast tissue will be tested microscopically to see if a breast lump is
cancerous (malignant) or non-cancerous (benign).
Eckhard Slater at Docturs talks about male breast cancer and its signs like
swollen lymph nodes. There are 3 tests for diagnosing male breast cancer
and they are biopsy, mammogram and ultrasound.
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8. The many ways of doing a breast biopsy procedure is through breast needle
biopsy, vacuum-assisted core biopsy, stereotactic or open biopsy, fine-needle
aspiration biopsy or core needle biopsy. Elton Taylor at Docturs talks about
the fine needle aspiration explaining the procedure. It includes inserting a
needle into the lump in the skin to collect the sample of the cells. Needle
aspiration is done to check whether the lump is filled by fluid like a cyst or a
lump. If it is a cyst, it would go away after fluid removal, and if not, further
biopsy is done.
The core needle biopsy is done to collect the tissue which is the size of
almost a pencil lead. This requires a special large needle fitted with a special
tip. The stereotactic biopsy is combined with a core needle biopsy to make an
incision in the skin. A special type of x-ray is taken to guide the incision. This
technique can check a lump which can only be seen by a mammogram and
not by breast examination. However, this technique is not apt for all kinds of
lumps. Vacuum-assisted core biopsies include vacuum to remove the sample
of a breast tissue with a hollow probe. This technique can remove more
tissues than the standard method and the incision does not need stitches. An
open biopsy includes removing a part or the whole lump by making a cut in
the skin.
There are also other facts about breast biopsy which online doctors give out
in detail in simple terms. Kenneth Haines posts albums and videos about
breast biopsy on Docturs.com/dd and also writes about breast biopsy in
detail to make it an interesting read. Login to Docturs and make yourself
aware and knowledgeable about healthcare.
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9. 5. Breast Cancer
Wondering what could sound more dangerous than breast cancer? Well,
breast-wide excision and axillary sample surgery is not as big and dangerous
as it sounds. It is also called lumpectomy, which is a breast conserving
surgery, or quandrantectomy, wherein quarter of the breast is removed. In
cases where the whole breast has to be removed, breast implants is the
available option.
This is a procedure wherein a cancerous tumor or lump is surgically removed
alongwith some surrounding tissues. Only the diseased part is to be removed
while the healthy tissues remain. Simultaneously, the glands from the armpit
(axilla) are also taken. When all the glands are removed from the axilla, it is
called an axillary clearance. The tissues are examined microscopically to
check if the lesions in the breast are cancerous and whether cancer has
spread to other parts. Based on this information, the future treatment is
determined.
The procedure of wide local excision includes the removal of the breast lump
with some of the healthy surrounding tissues. These are analyzed and a
dearth of tissues may lead to further operation if the disease has extended
beyond the tissues already removed. The doctors may also advice the
removal of some or all of the lymph glands from the armpit. This whole
procedure will be done with one incision in the breast and the other one
under the arm. One can watch the detailed video of the services on the
internet alongwith its explanation given by the online healthcare services.
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10. 6. Cysto-Diathermy – Cystoscopy in Urethra
Cysto-diathermy is a medical jargon which can be simply put as taking
samples from the urethra. The cystodiathermy is arrived upon when the need
to check the inner working of the urinary system arises. The kidneys produce
urine which is drained through the ureter in the bladder.
It then drains through a fine tube which has an opening into the penis or the
vagina. When the initial tests point towards a problem in the urinary system,
a special telescope called cystoscope is used to observe, take images or
remove samples and the process is known as cystoscopy. The narrow parts
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11. can be widened, stones taken out, pieces of the lining taken out, and
diseased parts burnt out as needed.
This process includes the examination of the patient’s urinary system using
different methods like x-rays, biopsies and cystoscopes. Local or general
anesthesia may be used but anesthetic jelly applied to the urethra minimizes
the discomfort.
The patient is in the stirrups and a flexible or rigid cystoscope is passed
through the urethra to the bladder to observe the lining, take x-rays and
remove some samples. In the end, a catheter is passed in the bladder to
drain it. The patient is hospitalized with a catheter in place if there is major
blood loss or the problem of uncontrollable urination arises. Generally, extra
water intake is done to flush out the bladder after the procedure. Not only
the videos of this procedure can be seen, but also the medicines and the
surgical equipments and other online healthcare products are available on
the internet.
7. Cystoscopy – The Procedure Information
Cystoscopy is done to checks for cysts inside the bladder and urethra using
an instrument called cystoscope. It is a thin, lighted instrument which assists
in the cystoscopy procedure. Cystoscopy is the endoscopy of the bladder and
the urethra.
The cystoscopy procedure includes insertion of the instrument in the
urethra slowly advancing into the bladder. The cystoscope helps to view such
parts of bladder and urethra which cannot be easily visualized by x-rays. The
cystoscope also has facilities to handle other surgical instruments which may
help in removing samples of tissue or urine. These tiny surgical instruments
help in the biopsy of the bladder and urethra. Sometimes, the cystoscopy
procedure avoids the need of extensive surgery by removing small growths
and small bladder stones during this procedure itself. With the advent of
internet revolution, top medical videos are just a click away and one can
learn more about this procedure by watching the detailed cystoscopy video
online.
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12. The reason behind carrying out a cystoscopy may be the presence of
symptoms like painful urination, painful or inability to pass urine, blood in
urine, frequent urination, sudden urgency or hesitancy top urinate or urinary
incontinence. Cystoscopy procedure may also be done to find the reasons
behind the problems of the urinary tract like infections and their non-
response to treatment, blockage in the urethra due to kidney stones, tumors
or enlarged prostates. There are some abnormalities which cannot be seen in
an x-ray but can be picked up by an ultrasound or intravenous pyelography.
It can also be done remove foreign objects or tissue or cell samples for
biopsy. One can also place stents or ureteral catheters to help the urine flow
from the kidney to the bladder with the help of this procedure.
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13. A urologist performs the cystoscopy procedure by firstly administering
anesthesia to the patient. An IV needle may be inserted in the skin to supply
other fluids and medicines directly into the vein. In case of a local anesthetic,
the solution or the jelly will be inserted in the urethra. The general anesthetic
may be given medically or intravenously or by inhaling gases through a
mask. A spinal anesthetic may be injected in the spinal canal. Then a well-
lubricated cystoscope is inserted in the bladder through urethra. Other tiny
surgical instruments may be used to enlarge the opening in case it is very
narrow. Sterile water or saline is injected to create a clear view and
medicines may be given to reduce chances of infection. The samples are then
collected and sent for lab testing.
The risks and complications in a cystoscopy procedure are generally
negligible and mostly normal cystoscopy results indicate a healthy bladder.
8. Electrocardiogram ECG - the Heart and its
electrical signals
The human heart is like a machine which functions because of electrical
signals. It beats and pumps blood into the various parts of the body due to
rhythmic contractions and expansions. This pumping activity is stimulated by
electrical signals generated by the natural pacemaker, SA node, of the heart.
But sometimes, there may be problems in the functioning. The
Electrocardiogram (ECG) is the cardiac diagnostic test that helps
understand such irregularities in the heart.
The procedure is simple and inexpensive. The patient is made to lie down on
the examination table and about 10 to 12 electrodes are connected to his
limbs – the arms and legs, and the skin on the chest area. The process takes
only around 10 minutes and does not cause any pain or harm.
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14. Now, in a normal condition, the Sinoatrial Node will send out electrical
impulses for the contraction of the upper part of the heart which is divided
into two auricles. This signal is then passed on to the lower end with two
ventricles, which will contract following the auricles. When Electrocardiogram
(ECG) machine is connected to the different parts of the body through metal
rods, it will record these electrical signals that are generated. The
information is recorded in the form of ECG readings called the
electrocardiograph. The doctor will examine the “PQRST” curves which is
nothing but the wave-like representation of the results. Abnormalities in the
crests and troughs of the wave-graph will confirm ailments. The study of the
cardiac rhythm is useful to study the anatomy as well as the physiology of
the heart. It hence becomes easy to carry out further investigations incase of
complications.
The ECG readings are useful to understand various aspects such as:
- Check rate and rhythm of heart-beats
- Understand risk of heart attack and probability
- Investigate breathing problems and frequent fatigue
- Chest ache
- Blood supply to various parts of the body
We have only discussed few of the many aspects which can be examined.
Palpitations, stress, syncope and other cardiac diseases can also be studied.
However, irregular abnormalities can go unnoticed by this technique. In such
cases the negatively confirmed test, which indicates no abnormality, can be
14
15. wrong and the patient can be a sufferer of coronary artery disease and other
chronic cardiac sickness.
Nevertheless, in case of any discomfort or concerns about health one must
not hesitate to get diagnostic tests done. There is ample amount of
information, medical news, forums, aids etc available to the common man.
Living a healthier and more aware life is much easier today and one must
make the most of such facilities.
9. Otoscopy and the external ear treatment
The Human ear can be divided into three sections: the outer ear, the middle
ear and the inner ear. The auditory canal connects the external pinna to the
eardrum in the interior part. This is the region where the listening and body-
balance mechanisms are located.
Now, at times people may face discomfort, giddiness or ear pain for unknown
reasons. Such ailments are examined by the method of Outoscopy. The test
can be performed in case of infection, blockage due to ear-wax, tympanic
membrane rupture, or any other form of temporary or permanent hearing
imparity. The first check is done for redness or swelling.
Outoscopy is the procedure in which the examiner will look into the external
ear with the help of an aurioscope, also know as otoscope, and identify the
reasons for the pain or discomfort faced by the patient. During the
examination, the patient will be asked to position himself in such a way that
the ear to be examined is titled upwards. The speculum, which is a slender
instrument attached to the anterior end of the aurioscope, is inserted into the
ear canal to enable viewing of the affected area. The otoscope has a small air
vent which allows the doctor to blow air into the channel and check for
balance and pressure. One after the other both the ears are checked.
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16. The examination is usually painless and takes only about 4 to 6 minutes to
perform. The ear may be pulled upward or backwards to straighten the canal
but besides that there no other change performed here. However, it is also
important to push the device in slowly to avoid disrupting the inner lining of
the auditory canal. It becomes extremely important to take precaution in
case of infections so as to avoid further damage and pain. Forcing the
instrument inside can also cause tearing of the tympanum; however it
doesn’t happen often with specialized doctors. Moreover, most wounds are
curable.
Outoscopy is mainly a diagnostic test but can be used for treatment such as
clearance of ear wax, applying medication and other primary treatments.
Further more, the latest development in this industry is Video Outoscopy
(VO). The instrumentation includes a fiber-optic rod, illumination technique
as well as a high definition color camera which can help in the documentation
of the observations. New medical products and technology have simplified
diagnosis and treatment for patients and this is certainly a medical boon.
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17. 10. Sigmoidoscopy
The latest medical news in the field of Sigmoidoscopy is that of flexible sig
being risky, as it is more likely to miss the colorectal tumors than
colonoscopy in the elderly people. The risk was substantially higher as was
researched at the Digestive Disease Week 2011 in Chicago. Docturs.com
researches about sigmoidoscopy and provides information in simpler terms.
Sigmoid colon is a part of the large intestine nearer to the anus and rectum
and it is also called the pelvic colon. Hence, sigmoidoscopy is the surgical
procedure to visualize the inside of the sigmoid colon and the rectum. The
term sigmoidoscopy has its root from the Greek words sigma + eidos +
skopein meaning to look inside the s-like object. It is also known as
proctosigmoidoscopy or proctoscopy.
Sigmoidoscopy is of two types, rigid and flexible and the latter uses a
flexible endoscope for examination. Though sigmoidoscopy is similar to
colonoscopy, it differs in its area of examination, as it examines only the
most distal part of the colon. Flexible sigmoidoscopy may be usually
preferred, but according to the latest research, colonoscopy is more
beneficial for older adults.
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18. Sigmoidoscopy is generally performed to diagnose changes in bowel habits,
in case of constipation, diarrhea, abdominal pain, weight loss or mucus,
blood or pus in the stool. Stephen Valverde at Docturs has also written that
polyps can be removed during a sigmoidoscopy, which may be cancerous
colorectal polyps. It may also be used for confirming the results of other
tests or for screening for colorectal cancer or a taking a biopsy of abnormal
growth. Elton Taylor at Docturs also suggests that sigmoidoscopy is
sufficient to support the diagnosis of ulcerative colitis.
The sigmoidoscopy procedure involves an instrument called sigmoidoscope
which has a small camera attached to it. It is a flexible tube which is inserted
through the anus and carbon dioxide is filled in the area for a better view.
The air pressure may cause an urge for bowel movements and suction may
be used to remove the fluid or stool. Sigmoidoscopy risk is minimal with
bleeding at the biopsy site or bowel perforation.
The result of this examination shows the normalcy of sigmoid colon, rectum
and anus while abnormal results may imply colorectal polyps, anorectal
abscess, bowel obstruction or inflammation, anal fissure, cancer,
hemorrhoids or diverticulosis.
Docturs poses as a platform to share experiences and information on
various medical topics. Gunter Bernstein posts albums and images which
may help in better understanding of the subject. Docturs intends to
empower people to take responsibility of their own health by awareness and
knowledge.
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19. Reference:
For More information visit www.docturs.com
1. Abdominoplasty surgery, online medical videos
Ref: http://docturs.com/dd/pg/groups/11183/abdominoplasty/
2. Awareness about Anal Fissure
Ref: http://docturs.com/dd/pg/groups/11174/anal-fissure/
3. Anterior perineal resection
Ref: http://docturs.com/dd/pg/groups/11173/abdominoperineal-resection-of-rectum/
4.Breast Biopsy – The Docturs’ Guide
Ref: http://docturs.com/dd/pg/groups/11280/breast-biopsy/
5. Breast Cancer
Ref: http://docturs.com/dd/pg/groups/11280/breast-biopsy/
6. Cysto-Diathermy – Cystoscopy in Urethra
Ref: http://docturs.com/dd/pg/groups/2452/cystoscopy/
7. Cystoscopy – The Procedure Information
Ref: http://docturs.com/dd/pg/groups/2452/cystoscopy/
8. Electrocardiogram ECG - the Heart and its electrical signals
Ref: http://docturs.com/dd/pg/groups/2469/ecg-electrocardiogram/
9. Otoscopy and the external ear treatment
Ref: http://docturs.com/dd/pg/groups/2512/otoscopy/
10. Sigmoidoscopy
Ref: http://docturs.com/dd/pg/groups/2376/sigmoidoscopy/
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