Unlike a rubber band ligation that can be done in an office setting, a hemorrhoidectomy is a surgery that is done in a hospital. As a general surgeon, knowing how to prepare patients for a hemorrhoidectomy is critical to their care and wellbeing before, during, and after the procedure. [Read more…]
Living with Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Irritable bowel syndrome is a very common intestinal disorder that causes excess gas, stomach pain, diarrhea, and constipation. For patients suffering from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), symptoms can disrupt their everyday lives at inconvenient times. If left untreated, IBS can promote other problems like the formation of hemorrhoids.
For many patients, IBS is merely an annoyance from time to time but for others, disabling. Here is how you can help patients learn how to live with IBS, including ways they can manage the condition: [Read more…]
Who Do Hemorrhoids Affect More: Men or Women?
It’s a timeless question asked by patients and the source of internet myths: Is one gender is more prone to developing hemorrhoids than the other?
While there are a variety of reasons a woman may get more hemorrhoids than a man or vice versa, to say that one gender is more prone to develop hemorrhoids is both misleading and gives the impression that hemorrhoids are a gender-specific issue. This impression can cause embarrassment in patients and prevent them from seeking treatment. [Read more…]
Hemorrhoids During Pregnancy
Hemorrhoids are a very common side effect of pregnancy, which can a whole new layer of daily discomfort to a pregnant patient’s life. When a pregnant patient comes to you with hemorrhoids, you need to be prepared to discuss with them why hemorrhoids are more prevalent during pregnancy and their treatment options should the hemorrhoids be severe enough. [Read more…]
Choosing A Doctor To Treat Your Hemorrhoids
If you suffer from hemorrhoids, the good news is that lower grade hemorrhoids can resolve on their own with at-home treatments. But what if they get to the point where you need to see a doctor to treat them? How do you choose where to go and what doctor is right for you?
Here’s what you should know about finding the right doctor for you: [Read more…]
Know The Difference: Anal Fissures Vs. Hemorrhoids
Blood in the stool, painful bowel movements, anal itching…patients that experience these symptoms may be worried what these symptoms mean and if they’re evidence of hemorrhoids or anal fissures.
These two conditions may seem similar with their symptoms and causes, but they are two separate conditions. Here’s what you should know about anal fissures vs. hemorrhoids: [Read more…]
Blood In The Stool… Hemorrhoids Or Something Else?
Finding blood in the stool is always alarming, as it typically suggests bleeding somewhere in the digestive tract. While blood in the stool is a common, painless symptom of hemorrhoids at what point does it indicate another problem? [Read more…]
Know The Difference: Crohn’s Disease Vs. Ulcerative Colitis
Your patient is experiencing intense abdominal cramps, weight loss, fatigue, and frequent intense bouts of diarrhea. You determine that they are suffering from an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) but without further testing it could be a toss-up between Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
While both of these conditions are inflammatory bowel diseases (not irritable bowel syndrome) and have very similar symptoms, they are not the same. This Crohn’s and Colitis Awareness Week, be aware of the symptoms of Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis so your patients can get a correct diagnosis and treatment. [Read more…]
Anal Fistulas vs Hemorrhoids
When it comes to anal disorders there may be some confusion among your patients about what each disorder means. For example, they may wonder if they are suffering from hemorrhoids or an anal fistula.
As a colorectal specialist, you can help patients understand the difference between these two conditions and their treatment options. [Read more…]
Diagnosing Gastritis In Patients
Gastritis, or the inflammation of the stomach lining, is a condition that can be acute (occurs suddenly and lasts for a short time) or chronic (develops slowly and is long lasting). This condition occurs when the protective layer of mucus in the stomach breaks down, and gastritis can be erosive (the stomach lining wears away, causing ulcers) or non-erosive (inflammation without erosion). [Read more…]
