Flint, Richard

Definitions

The colon (or large bowel/large intestine) starts at the end of the small intestine and ends at the rectum and anus. In a colonoscopy a long flexible tube (a colonoscope) is threaded up through therectum and transmits an image to a viewing screen. The lining of the colon and rectum can be inspected for such things as inflamed tissue, abnormal growths, and ulcers. Colonoscopy is most often used to look for early signs of cancer in the colon and rectum, and for causes of unexplained changes in bowel habits. If an abnormal growth, such as a polyp (a stalk-shaped growth or lump), is found, a small piece may be taken for examination (biopsy) or it may be removed. Thorough cleansing of the bowel is necessary before a colonoscopy. You will be given pain medication and a moderate sedative to keep you comfortable during the examination.moreEndoscopy involves examining the inside of the body with an endoscope, a lighted, flexible instrument that has a small camera on the tip. There are many types of endoscopes, and endoscopy, namedaccording to the organs or areas they are used to examine (e.g. arthroscopy examines joints; bronchoscopy examines the lungs; cystoscopy examines the bladder and urethra; laparoscopy may examine the ovaries, appendix or other abdominal organs; colonoscopy examines the bowel). An endoscope is passed through a natural body opening (e.g. mouth) or a small incision. Small instruments can be inserted through an endoscope and used to take samples of tissues for analysis (biopsy), to remove material (e.g. removing polyps during a colonoscopy), or to carry out a surgical procedure.moreGastroscopy is an examination of the inside of the oesophagus (throat), stomach and duodenum (the first section of small intestine). It is performed by using a thin, flexible fibre-optic instrument(gastroscope) that is passed through the mouth to check for any damage to the lining of the oesophagus or stomach, and for any ulcers in the stomach or duodenum. The procedure is painless and is usually done under a sedative.moreHaemorrhoid surgery is the removal of haemorrhoids, swollen veins that occur around the anus, either inside or outside of the skin around the rectum. Removal (haemorrhoidectomy) may be done with astandard scalpel or with an ultrasonic scalpel to cut away haemorrhoids. In another method tissue from further in the anus is used to close the wound with surgical staples after the haemorrhoids are removed. The procedure may be done with a sedative and local or spinal anaesthetic, or under general anaesthetic. An anal fissure is a small split or tear in the moist tissue (mucosa) lining the anus. In sever cases, if the fissures do not go away with home care methods, treatment may involve Botox injections into muscle in the anus (the anal sphincter) and minor surgery to relax the anal muscle.moreObesity describes body weight and body fat that is much greater than what is healthy or desirable. Weight-loss surgery may be done for those who have not been able to lose weight with diet andexercise. The main aim is to reduce the size of the stomach to help achieve long-term weight loss. Three key procedures are: reducing the size of the stomach with an implanted band (gastric banding); removing part of the stomach (sleeve gastrectomy or biliopancreatic diversion); or by redirecting the small intestines to a small stomach pouch (gastric bypass). These procedures may be carried out in a minimally invasive way with the aid of a camera inserted into the abdomen. A small incision is made in the abdominal wall through which a laparoscope, a flexible lighted tube with a camera attached, is inserted to view the stomach and intestines. The surgery is carried out with instruments inserted in other small cuts in the abdomen. Laparoscopic obesity surgery permits a shorter hospital stay and shorter recovery time with less pain. It is usually done under general anaesthesia.moreLaparoscopy is a group of operations carried out with the aid of a camera inserted into the abdomen or pelvis. A small incision is made in the abdominal wall through which a laparoscope, a shortflexible lighted tube with a camera attached, is inserted so that structures within the abdomen and pelvis can be examined. The abdominal cavity is made more visible by distending it with an absorbable gas, usually carbon dioxide. Laparoscopy may be done to diagnose a condition (called diagnostic laparoscopy). A number of major and minor surgeries may also be carried out. A variety of tubes and instruments can be inserted through the same incision in the skin, or other small incisions, facilitating a number of procedures without the need for a large surgical incision. This technique is known as laparoscopic-assisted surgery or laparoscopic surgery. Most patients receive general anaesthetic during the procedure.moreUpper gastrointestinal (GI) surgery involves surgery to the oesophagus, stomach, duodenum, or small intestine, all parts of the gastrointestinal (digestive) tract. This is the tube in which themovement of muscles and the release of hormones and enzymes carry out the digestion of food. moreA hernia is a sac or pouch of tissue formed by the peritoneum, the lining of the abdominal cavity. The sac protrudes through a hole or weak area in the fascia, the strong layer of the abdominal wallthat surrounds the muscle. Hernias occur in different places: femoral hernia (upper thigh); hiatial hernia (upper part of stomach); incisional hernia (can occur through a scar if you have had abdominal surgery); inguinal hernia (groin); umbilical hernia (around the navel). Surgery under general anaesthetic is used to permanently fix a hernia. The weakened abdominal wall tissue (fascia) is secured and any holes are closed. An umbilical hernia that fails to heal on its own by the time a child is five years old may be repaired. Emergency surgery for hernias is sometimes needed. In addition to open surgery, some hernias can be repaired using a laparoscope (flexible lighted tube tipped with a camera), which is less invasive.more