Gaster-related ailments, also known as stomach diseases, cover a range of conditions that affect the stomach and the duodenum. These conditions can range from inflammation of the stomach lining (gastritis) to the development of ulcers or even cancer.
Gastroenterology is the study of the normal function and diseases of the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, colon and rectum, pancreas, gallbladder, bile ducts and liver.
Many of the surgeries conducted for stomach related ailments are done using the procedure of laproscopy, as this is a minimally invasive type of surgery.
There are common types of abdominal surgery that include hernia removal, appendectomy, abdominal exploration and surgery for inflammatory bowel disease. It may be performed for a variety of reasons, including infection, pain, obstruction or tumors.
Other ailments that affect the digestive tract and/or are done for cosmetic and weight loss related reasons from a health perspective.
Gastric Banding
Gastric banding is also known as laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) or Lap-Band surgery. This is a weight loss procedure where a silicone band is placed around the upper part of the stomach, creating a smaller pouch that can hold less food and produces a feeling of fullness, reducing overall food intake. The band can be adjusted by injecting or removing fluid, allowing for fine-tuning of the restriction. | Bariatric surgery
This is also known as weight loss surgery, and is a surgical procedure designed to manage obesity and related health conditions. It involves modifying the digestive system to help individuals lose weight and improve their overall health. The procedures work by limiting food intake, changing the way the body absorbs nutrients, or altering gut hormones.
Certain medical guidelines are needed to qualify for bariatric weight-loss surgery. Most types of bariatric surgery are performed laparoscopically, helping faster and shorter recovery, but it’s not the best option for everyone. |
A hernia occurs when a part of an organ or tissue pushes through a weakened area in the surrounding muscle or tissue, creating a bulge or lump.
Common Types of Hernias:
Gallstones are the most common reason for laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Some people can live with gallstones and never have any problems. But those who have problems can tend to have them repeatedly.
A gallstone can get stuck anywhere in your biliary tract and end up blocking the flow of bile, causing pain and illness. It might block the opening to your gallbladder, the common bile duct or the pancreatic duct.
How do I know if I need to have my gallbladder removed?
The most recognisable symptom of gallbladder disease is biliary colic. The pain can start off as a simple pain in the upper right abdomen, the biliary tract, and then gradually occur in episodes, often with nausea. Biliary colic is usually an early sign of biliary disease, often likely to get worse with time. When the bile flow stalls completely, intense gallbladder pain can be felt and medical care should be sought.
Once the surgery is performed, bile flows directly to the small intestine from the liver, where it’s made, without being stored first.
There is a temporary adjustment period in the digestive system after the gallbladder removal, and gradually improves over time. Very few people develop longer-term digestive difficulties, for unclear reasons.
Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy is the only treatment that can reliably prevent gall bladder from reoccurring.
While generally safe, complications can occur, including:
The appendix, is a finger-shaped pouch that projects from the colon on the lower right side of the abdomen. When this gets inflamed the condition is called Appendicitis.
Appendicitis causes pain in the lower right abdomen. It starts from around the naval and then moves as the inflammation worsens. Untreated appendicitis can lead to serious complications like a ruptured appendix, peritonitis (infection of the abdominal lining), or an abscess.
Sometimes, appendicitis begins with an infection, and sometimes, the infection is secondary. Appendectomy is one of the most common surgical procedures performed worldwide. Surgeons can often perform it using minimally invasive methods, such as laparoscopic surgery
Both terms refer to the digestive tract.
The term “intestinal” covers the entire length of the intestines, that are part of the digestive system. The intestines aid in the breaking down of food, absorbing the nutrients, and eliminating the waste.
The term “Colonic” specifically refers to the large intestine, the final section of the digestive tract. The colon is divided into several sections, including the cecum, ascending colon, transverse colon, descending colon, and sigmoid colon. Each of these sections play a specific role in the digestive process.
Many disorders affect the colon’s ability to work properly. Some of these include: