What is the colon? Laparoscopic colectomy is used to treat and prevent diseases and conditions that affect the colon, such as bleeding that can't be controlled. The colon (called the large intestine or large bowel) is a part of the digestive system. The colon sits is situated in the abdominal cavity and travels down to...
What is pancreas? Although patients can leave the hospital after a few days or weeks, a full recovery from pancreas surgery can take two months or longer. The pancreas is a six to eight inches long organ situated in the abdomen, behind the stomach. The two main functions of the pancreas are regulating the blood...
What is a colon resection? Colon resection surgery (colectomy) removes a length of intestine that is diseased or dead, and then re-connects the severed ends to each other or to an ostomy in the abdomen attached to a colostomy bag to catch feces.. Colon resection (colectomy) is the surgical removal of part or all of...
What is pediatric appendectomy? Most children will be able to go home within a day after an appendectomy if the appendix is not ruptured. After appendectomies involving rupture and severe contamination, the child will require IV administration of antibiotics with hospital stay extended from five to seven days. Pediatric appendectomy is the surgical removal of...
What are hemorrhoids? If you have hemorrhoids, you should see your doctor if you experience bleeding from the rectum, which may be a sign of a more serious medical condition, or severe or recurrent pain from the hemorrhoids. If you’re dealing with painful or bleeding hemorrhoids, you’re not alone. About one in 20 Americans have...
Facts you should know about primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) Readers Comments 2 Share Your Story Primary sclerosing cholangitis describes a disease process in which the bile ducts in the liver become inflamed, narrow and prevent bile from flowing properly. The liver produces bile to help digest food in the intestine. Bile from liver cells is...
What is Dexilant (dexlansoprazole), and how does it work? Dexilant is a prescription medicine called a proton pump inhibitor (PPI). Dexilant reduces the amount of acid in your stomach. Dexilant capsules are used in people 12 years of age and older: for up to 8 weeks to heal acid-related damage to the lining of the...
What is hereditary hemochromatosis? Iron accumulation in the liver causes scarring of the liver (cirrhosis) and an increased risk of developing liver cancer. Hereditary hemochromatosis is an inherited (genetic) disorder in which there is excessive accumulation of iron in the body (iron overload). It is a common genetic disorder among Caucasians in the United States,...
What is an ampullectomy? Ampullectomy can be performed as open surgery and laparoscopic surgery. An ampullectomy is the surgical removal of the entire ampulla of Vater. The ampulla of Vater or ampulla is the small projection into the duodenum through which bile and pancreatic secretions flow to mix with food for digestion. Ampullectomy can be...
What are hemorrhoids? Hemorrhoidectomy surgery may be painful, but different procedures to remove less serious hemorrhoids may be painless. Hemorrhoids, commonly known as piles, are engorged veins located around the anus or in the lower rectum. Hemorrhoids occur as a result of excessive straining, usually during defecation. Hemorrhoids are either internal or external, depending on...