Gastric Related Ailments

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.

What is Gastroenterology?

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. 

Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy (Gallbladder Removal)

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.

What is a hernia?

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:

  • Inguinal Hernia: This is more common in men appearing as a bulge in the groin area. This occurs when a portion of the intestine or other tissue pushes through a weak spot in the abdominal wall.
  • Umbilical Hernia: This affects children more and can occur in adults too. This occurs when a bulge appears around the belly button in infants due to incomplete closure of the abdominal muscle after birth. In adults it can occur due to various factors like obesity or pregnancy.
  • Femoral Hernia: This is more common in woman and occurs as a bulge in the upper thigh, just below the groin.
  • Hiatal Hernia: This can occur to all and is a condition when the upper part of the stomach pushes through the diaphragm into the chest cavity.
  • Incisional Hernia: Usually occurs after abdominal surgery at the site of the incision appearing like a bulge in the scar tissue.
  • Spigelian Hernia: Occurs usually below the belly button in the side of the abdominal muscle.

What is Gall Bladder Removal?

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:

  • Colorectal cancer – Colorectal cancer is cancer that develops in the tissues of the colon or rectum.
  • Colonic polyps – extra tissue growing in the colon that can become cancerous
  • Ulcerative colitis – ulcers of the colon and rectum
  • Diverticulitis – inflammation or infection of pouches in the colon
  • Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) – an uncomfortable condition causing abdominal cramping and other symptoms
  • Hydatid cysts : a parasitic infection caused by the larval stage of the Echinococcus granulosus tapeworm. Hydatid cysts can develop in any organ, but are most common in the liver and lungs. 
  • Hydatid cysts : a parasitic infection caused by the larval stage of the Echinococcus granulosus tapeworm. Hydatid cysts can develop in any organ, but are most common in the liver and lungs.