Tuesday, October 10, 2023

What are the Early Signs of Breast Cancer?


It’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time to come together, educate ourselves, and take proactive steps towards a healthier future.

At #MASSH, we’re dedicated to spreading awareness by answering all your queries. So, make sure you drop your queries in the comments below.


Follow @massh.hospital for more such videos!

Contact Us: 


011-35021666

B-18, Chirag Enclave, New Delhi - 110048

https://massh.in/


 

What are Horseshoe Kidneys?


Want to know what Horseshoe kidneys are? Watch this video to learn more.

If you suspect you have horseshoe kidney or have a family history, get a proper diagnosis and let us guide you with the treatment.

For more preventive tips, stay tuned at @massh.hospital

Contact Us: 


011-35021666

B-18, Chirag Enclave, New Delhi - 110048

https://massh.in/



 

Understanding Different Types of Hernias: Causes, Symptoms, and Diagnosis

 


Hernia is a condition that occurs when an organ pushes through the muscle or tissues that are present to keep it in place. For example, the intestines pushing through your abdominal wall is a form of hernia. In general, there are four major hernia types that can occur anywhere from your chest to your thighs and groin area.

Hernias are not necessarily life-threatening from the get-go, but they require treatment. So, to help you understand hernias better, here is a detailed look at hernia causes, hernia symptoms, and its treatment options in the form of hernia surgery. If you have any of the symptoms or risk factors discussed in this blog, we’ll also be sharing with you the best place to go for laparoscopic hernia surgery in Delhi, so let’s begin.

Types of Hernia

As mentioned above, there are four types of hernia that are common among both men and women. While it is true that men are more likely to get certain types of hernia (eight times more likely), there are types of hernia that are common among women too. With that being said, let’s take a look at the most common types of hernia.

  • Hiatal Hernia

Hiatal Hernia is a condition when a part of the stomach comes up and protrudes out of the chest cavity through the diaphragm. This condition is very common among men over the age of 50. The diaphragm separates the organs in the chest from those in your abdomen. In the case of a hiatal hernia, parts of the stomach can breach the diaphragm. In the case of a hiatal hernia, it almost always also leads to another condition known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). GERD causes the stomach contents to leak back into the oesophagus, which leads to burning sensations and discomfort. Often patients with symptoms of GERD go for medical diagnosis to find out they have hiatal hernia. Early diagnosis is necessary to ensure the best health outcome.

  • Inguinal Hernia

Inguinal hernias are the most common type of hernia. They are caused when the intestines break through any weak section of the lower abdominal wall. The inguinal hernia occurs mainly in the inguinal canal, which is located close to the groyne. This type of hernia is more common in men than in women because the spermatic cord passes through the inguinal canal, which connects to the testicles in men. In women the inguinal canal holds a round ligament, which helps keep the uterus in place. The inguinal canal is supposed to close after the testicles have descended in men. Sometimes, it doesn’t fully close, which creates a weak spot in the abdominal wall for hernia in the future.

  • Ventral Hernia

Ventral hernia is also known as incisional hernia as it can commonly occur on a surgery site where the incision was made. Commonly, ventral hernias are caused when a tissue bulges through an opening in your abdominal muscles. This type of hernia is common among both men and women and can occur in women post-pregnancy. For men ventral hernias can be caused due to obesity and strenuous activity, although these causes are common for women too. One of the easiest ways to identify ventral hernias is that they reduce in size when you are lying down. It is important to note that ventral hernias can be a congenital condition too. However, in most cases, they are acquired in the course of life for most people.

  • Umbilical Hernia

An umbilical hernia is common among children, especially ones between the ages of 1 and 2 years. This is the only type of hernia that goes away on its own as the child grows up. In most cases, these hernias go away by themselves by the time the children turn 5 as the abdominal muscles grow stronger. However, if the hernia doesn’t disappear by itself, treatment may be required. Umbilical hernias are most commonly noticed when a child is crying as a bulge near the belly button of the child. Adults can get umbilical hernia too, this is caused due to strenuous physical activity, obesity, fluid in the stomach, or pregnancy. An umbilical hernia doesn’t go away by itself in adults and requires medical treatment.

Hernia Causes & Risk Factors

All types of hernias are caused due to muscle strain and weakness and can either develop suddenly or over a very long time. Some of the common causes and risk factors that can lead to hernia are:

  • Strenuous physical activity such as heavy weight-lifting exercise
  • Chronic cough or other respiratory conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD)
  • Untreated obesity
  • Surgical procedures performed in the abdomen or physical injury
  • Going through multiple pregnancies throughout life
  • Constipation, which causes strain on the abdominal muscles at the time of bowel movements
  • Fluid buildup in the stomach also known as ascites

Apart from the reasons listed, a hernia can also be caused due to ageing because it leads to muscle weakness. Hernias can also be caused as a congenital condition, which develops when you are in the womb and presents itself right from your birth.

Hernia Symptoms

Commonly, most types of hernia don’t show any disruptive symptoms for the patient. They are often only discovered during routine physical checkups. Hernias are discovered through touch in most cases when you are standing, bending down, or coughing. If the hernia is large in size, it can have disruptive symptoms like pain and discomfort in the area where the bulge is present.

For inguinal hernia, the bulge can present itself in any side of the public bone, where your thigh and groyne meet. For hiatal hernia, the symptoms can be a bit more serious such as regular heartburn, chest pain, and trouble swallowing. If you are experiencing these symptoms along with a bulge in your upper abdomen that disappears when you are lying down, it can indicate a hiatal hernia.

For other types of hernia such as ventral hernia and umbilical hernia, they don’t present symptoms in most cases and are diagnosed visually through the bulge in your abdomen. All types of hernia require medical diagnosis regardless if they are exhibiting symptoms or not. Based on a doctor’s diagnosis, you can opt for watchful waiting or they may recommend you to get surgery for the hernia. With that being said, let’s review the different methods used by doctors to diagnose a hernia.

Diagnosis of Hernia

Hernias are diagnosed at first by a physical examination. Based on the doctor’s findings they can recommend you to go for different imaging diagnostic tests to understand the position and any complications that can arise from the hernia better. Here are some of the tests most commonly used to diagnose a hernia.

  • Abdominal ultrasound
  • Abdominal computerised tomography scan
  • Abdominal magnetic resonance imaging tests

For hiatal hernia, doctors may use a different set of diagnostic tests including endoscopy, and x-rays of the digestive tract. These diagnostic tests offer doctors a better view of the hernia, which they use to decide if you need treatment for it or not.

If the hernia doesn’t necessarily have the potential to cause complications in the future, and they are not cause any disruptive symptoms, doctors may recommend no treatment for your hernia.

If they have the potential to cause complications in the future, doctors may recommend you to get a surgery. With that basic understanding, let’s review the different treatments for hernia.

Treatments For Hernia

Treatment for hernia differs based on the type of hernia you have. However, in most cases, if treatment is recommended by doctors, it relates to surgical procedures. Thanks to the advancements of modern medicine, today you can get minimally invasive hernia surgery that has a quick recovery and doesn’t have as many risks compared to open surgeries.

In most cases, unless the symptoms are very severe, doctors will opt to monitor the hernia for some time to understand any complications that may arise from it in the future. This waiting period is known as watchful waiting and it may result in doctors recommending no requirement for treatment for the hernia.

For hiatal hernia symptoms like heartburn and chest pain, medications can help manage the symptoms until doctors decide whether you need surgery for your hernia or not. Both Over The Counter (OTC) and prescription medication can be used to treat excess stomach acid, which would help with the symptoms. Medications like antacids, proton pump inhibitors, and H2 receptor blockers are commonly used to deal with the symptoms.

For inguinal hernia, doctors often recommend wearing a truss to relieve any pain or discomfort associated with the bulge. A truss is a supportive undergarment that holds the hernia in place. Doctors will monitor that the truss fits you properly before recommending you to wear it regularly. This undergarment ensures that you can deal with the chronic pain that’s associated with inguinal hernia.

Conclusion

There you have it. This is a detailed look into the different types of hernias, their causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment. If you or your loved ones have a bulge in your abdomen that you are concerned about, feel free to book a consultation with our experts at MASSH. Our team of highly specialised and experienced doctors can help you understand the type and underlying cause of your hernia. Based on their diagnosis, they can offer the best modern medical treatments best suited for your condition. To learn more about hernia treatment at MASSH, check out our website today!

Source: https://massh.in/ 

Monday, October 9, 2023

Symptoms of Inguinal Hernia



Symptoms that are often overlooked cause problems that are often complex. Here’s a video by Dr. sachinambekar where he explains the symptoms of inguinal hernia.

For more details, reach us at,

📲 011-35021666

📍 B-18, Chirag Enclave, New Delhi - 110048

🌐 https://massh.in/ 




 

Exploring Alternatives to Hysterectomy: Non-Surgical Options

 


To understand the alternatives of Total Laparoscopic Hysterectomy (TLH), it is crucial to understand the underlying condition. Based on the condition, its progression, and symptoms doctors can offer alternative treatment options. It is important to understand that often surgical intervention is one of the best ways to avoid further progression and complications caused due to the underlying condition. 

However, given hysterectomy is an aggressive surgical procedure, it is important to take a look at other treatment options before going through TLH surgery. So, let’s take a closer look at the possible alternative non-surgical treatment options to hysterectomy. And based on your options, you can discuss with your doctors, if you should opt for laparoscopic surgery for fibroids or not.

Non-Surgical Alternatives to Hysterectomy You Should Know About

1. Watchful Waiting

Watchful waiting is done under the supervision of medical care in cases where patients are not experiencing serious symptoms of their underlying condition. Getting diagnosed with a condition doesn’t automatically make it mandatory for the patient to go through surgery. 

In some cases, if the condition is not acting up with disruptive symptoms, doctors will just keep the patient under observation. If your conditions are not showing any symptoms and don’t show signs of progression, watchful waiting can be an alternative to TLH surgery for you. 

However, you should know doctors often pair watchful waiting with physical therapy and lifestyle/dietary changes to ensure your condition can be kept in check.

2. Physical Therapy & Pain Management

Pelvic pain is a common symptom of conditions that can be treated using a TLH surgery. So, to help patients deal with the pain, doctors will often suggest they go through physical therapy and pain management first. This is done while doctors assess the condition, its stage, and severity.

Physical therapy for pelvic pain will often include physical exercises like kegel exercises to strengthen your pelvic floor. Similarly, pain management using pain medication can be another effective way of managing pelvic pain temporarily.

Based on the diagnosis, doctors can offer other medical management options to you or they might recommend going for other non-surgical treatment options.

3. Lifestyle & Dietary Changes

Lifestyle and dietary changes work hand in hand with pain management as certain food items or lifestyle habits can help with pelvic pain while others can exaggerate it. Having a healthier diet, maintaining a healthy body weight, and managing your stress levels can help you manage and control some gynaecological symptoms.

Doctors may suggest that you avoid having processed food as much as possible. This might help with your pelvic pain and other symptoms. Similarly, doctors will recommend you to exercise and cut down on smoking and alcohol intake to help with your symptoms.

4. Focused Ultrasound

High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) is another commonly used non-invasive treatment used alternative to hysterectomy in some cases. This treatment method uses high-powered ultrasound frequencies to destroy abnormal tissues and uterine fibroids. The ultrasound frequencies generate heat, which is used to melt and destroy the abnormal tissues, without the need for invasive procedures.

This type of procedure has very few risks involved as it is a completely non-invasive procedure. Even in cases where the abnormal tissue growth is extensive, doctors can recommend you to go for this procedure multiple times. You can get advanced procedures like this easily at MASSH. Feel free to ask your doctors about possible treatment options after diagnosis, and they will guide you through the options.

5. Hormone Therapy

Hormone therapy is effective in managing several gynaecological problems that could lead to patients having to get a hysterectomy. Based on your diagnosis and if your conditions have been diagnosed at early stages, hormone therapy can be very effective in completely treating your condition.

Hormone therapy uses medicines and medical devices such as IUDs, hormonal birth control pills, and GnRH agonists to help with conditions like heavy menstrual bleeding, endometriosis, and uterine fibroids. If you want to avail hormone therapy treatment options, it is best for you to go for screening tests regularly. This will help you ensure any underlying problems are diagnosed at an early stage.

6. Myomectomy

Myomectomy is a great treatment option for patients who want to preserve their fertility. Contrary to hysterectomy, myomectomy doesn’t remove the uterus entirely from the body. It only removes the abnormal tissue growth or the uterine fibroids. The procedure can be performed both as an invasive surgery or as a non-invasive procedure.

If you opt for the non-invasive treatment, the surgery is performed by entering your body through the vagina. The abnormal growth is removed surgically using laparoscopic surgical tools. This type of surgery requires extreme precision and an experienced surgeon to perform perfectly. If you are interested in Myomectomy, visit MASSH for the best non-invasive procedure performed by the most experienced surgeons.

7. Endometrial Ablation

Endometrial ablation is another non-invasive treatment option alternative to hysterectomy. This non-invasive procedure can be performed in different ways with the goal of destroying the uterine lining. This procedure is especially useful for patients going through heavy menstrual bleeding. Lasers, radio frequencies, and other methods like thermal ablation are used to remove the endometrial lining without using any invasive procedure.

This procedure is relatively safe and can even be performed multiple times if required. To learn more about endometrial ablation, ask your doctor if this treatment is suited for your underlying conditions or not.

8. Laparoscopic Procedures

Laparoscopic procedures are invasive, but they are safer and have a much quicker recovery compared to open surgery. Plus, these surgeries have lower risks of post-surgical complications. Laparoscopic procedures can also preserve your fertility as only the abnormal growths are removed in such procedures.

Specialised surgical tools are used for these surgeries, which are inserted into the surgery site using small incisions no larger than a few centimetres. MASSH specialises in laparoscopic surgeries and offers specialised minimally invasive surgeries for conditions like ovarian cysts and endometriosis.

Conclusion

These are some of the best alternatives to hysterectomy. Feel free to talk to your doctors about these alternatives as they can help you preserve your fertility while also easing the recovery process significantly. If you want to avail the best laparoscopic and non-invasive treatment options discussed in this article, feel free to visit us at MASSH. Our expert care services can help you get the best diagnosis and treatment to treat any underlying condition and its corresponding symptoms.

Thursday, October 5, 2023

Life After Knee Replacement Surgery - What to Expect?

 

Recovering from a surgery may sound difficult and cumbersome, but with modern minimally invasive surgeries, it is a much easier process than you would imagine. So, life after knee replacement will put you through different recovery stages. However, you will be able to get back to your life and start doing all the activities you once enjoyed without the dull pain. It is important to take the steps of recovery seriously as they can define how successful your surgery will be once you are back home. So, with that being said, let’s take a deep dive into knee replacement surgery recovery and its different stages to understand how you can enjoy your best life after knee replacement surgery.

Different Stages of Recovery Post Total Knee Replacement Surgery

Recovery for your knee replacement starts right after you wake up from your anesthesia after the surgery. From there it takes up to 12 weeks to be completely back to your life and all the activities you once used to enjoy. It is important to gradually go through all the recovery stages and not rush the process to ensure the best possible outcome from the surgery. So, let’s take a look at the different recovery stages.

Post Surgery

Once you are awake from the anesthesia, physical therapists and doctors will assess your surgical site to ensure you are recovering properly. Following that, physical therapists will help you try to walk using assistive aids like crutches and canes. Since the procedure can be performed on an outpatient basis, you are free to leave, once the doctors approve that you are able to walk after the procedure. They may also ask you to go through some more general exercises like walking around unassisted using walking aids, using a toilet, and sitting on the side of your bed.

Once you can successfully do all this, and doctors decide you are fit to leave after some medical tests, you are free to go back home. The key is to also arrange your home accordingly to ensure you are not forced to move around in ways that stress your knees too much. You would also be recommended to start physical therapy from the next day itself.

Week 1

During the first week, you will slowly be able to improve the range of motion in your knee and regain its strength. This is possible only when you get your physical therapy session every day during the week, which will help you adjust your new knee to your body.

If you feel up for it, you can go back to strength training exercises in the first week given your doctors are okay with it. The key is to understand your physical limits and not push yourself. If you start too soon or go for heavy training too early, it will cause swelling and pain in your legs.

While you are focusing on physical therapy, you also need to be diligent with your medication and rest. Using an ice pack regularly is also crucial to your recovery. And if you follow these steps diligently for a week, you should be able to move on to the next stage of recovery.

Weeks 2 to 3

By the start of the 3rd week, there is a good chance that you may be able to walk unassisted without any walking aid. If you still need to use a cane, it is advisable that you hold it in the opposite hand of your new knee. This will help you ensure that you are putting enough pressure on your knee and slowly making it accustomed to your body weight. During this period, you should continue whatever you did in the last phase, but also add movement throughout your day. Staying stationary for a long period can make your knee feel stiff, so make sure you are moving around adequately throughout the day.

Also, dressing yourself and showering should get easier by this stage and you should be able to walk or stand for as long as 10 minutes after the surgery. And if you require prescription medicine to manage the pain, you should not need it further. If you are still having pain, it is best to inform your doctors.

Weeks 4 to 6

By the end of a month after your surgery, the swelling and any pain you might have had should have gone down by now. You will also notice a gradual but significant change in the range of motion and strength of your new knee. You will be able to walk for longer periods unassisted and finally without any walking aids.

To expedite your recovery, you would be recommended to add some new exercises to your regular routine. This includes toe and heel raises and hip abductions. Your physical therapist will explain to you how to perform these exercises and will even supervise you during the first few times. Once you are comfortable doing these exercises, you should be able to drive and go back to work.

For driving especially, it is important to clear it with your doctors before you sit behind the wheel. Similarly, for going back to work, it only applies, if you have a desk job. If your job is outdoors and physical in nature, it is best to sit out for at least 3 months before you go back to work.

Weeks 7 to 11

When you start week 7, you will be able to start swimming again. It is a great way to improve your knee strength and get your regular exercise started. Your physical exercise coach will also recommend that you try new exercises that will mobilize your knee further and improve your range of motion.

This includes cycling, balancing on your leg, and performing step-ups. You would also be recommended to try squatting and holding your squats to assess the strength in your knees. It is important that you do these exercises because they are crucial to your recovery. You should also continue your physical therapy till the 12th week at least, to ensure your body has properly adjusted to your new knee.

Week 12

You are at the end of your recovery journey and thanks to your valiant efforts, you should now have complete independence and be able to perform all the tasks you used to do just like before. If your work involves physical activity, doctors would clear you to be back to work by now. You should also be able to get rid of the pain in your knee that led to you getting the knee replacement.

Even though this is the time when your physical therapy sessions will stop, you should still continue the exercises they suggested to maintain optimum health. Similarly, it is in your best interest to also go for regular checkups with your doctor to ensure you are recovering safely. And lastly, you may be asked to keep your body weight and diet in check so as to not put too much pressure on your legs as you age.

Conclusion

This is a complete guide to knee replacement recovery when you get your surgery done from a top knee replacement hospital like MASSH. We are there with you at every step of the way during these 12 weeks and will guide you through this journey to make it as easy and seamless for you as possible. We also offer hospital stay facilities for patients who want our care facilities for an extended period during their recovery. To learn more about knee replacement at MASSH, check out our website or visit us today.

Source: https://massh.in/ 

Breast Cancer Awareness Month - MASSH

 



It’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time to come together, educate ourselves, and take proactive steps towards a healthier future. At #MASSH, we’re dedicated to spreading awareness by answering all your queries. So, make sure you drop your queries in the comments below.

Follow on Instagram @massh.hospital for more such videos!

011-35021666

B-18, Chirag Enclave, New Delhi - 110048

https://massh.in/


Risk Factors for Kidney Cancer: Know Your Vulnerabilities

Kidney cancer is not as common as some other types of cancers in India, which leads to a lack of awareness regarding the condition. One of t...