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Colon Polyps

Colon Polyps are clearly delimited growths (protrusions), developed at the level of the colon mucosa. These lesions are very important, because they are regarded as pre-cancerous growths, responsible for most colorectal cancer forms. The identification and endoscopic resection of these lesions, as well as the patients’ follow-up, decrease or even remove the individual colorectal cancer risk. Colon polyps vary in shape, size and location.
They can be sessile, with a wide implantation basis or pedunculated, with a pedicle (foot) that links the polyp head to the colon wall. Depending on their size, they can be small (below 5mm), average (5-15mm) and large (above 15mm), the latter featuring a high malignant transformation risk. Polyps can occur anywhere at the level of the colon, but there is, however, a predisposition for the left (descendent, sigmoid) colon in 70% of the cases. Hence, flexible rectosigmoidoscopy is an excellent and cost-efficient method to detect these lesions.

Harmonic Scalpel In The Treatment of The Hemorrhoidal Disease

Harmonic Scalpel uses the ultrasound technology, the only form of energy that simultaneously cuts and

Atomizing – A New Haemorrhoid Removal Technique

A new haemorrhoid removal technique is called atomizing. The atomizer is a medical device especially designed to atomize the tissue. The term “atomizing haemorrhoids” was coined because haemorrhoids are actually reduced to minute particles into a fine spray, which is immediately vacuumed away. With a special device, haemorrhoids are simply excised or vaporized one or more cell layers at a time.
Haemorrhoids are disintegrated into an aerosol of carbon and water molecules. Using the Atomizer, the tissue is sculpted into a desired shape and smoothness. As a result, the surgeon operates with minimal bleeding, and gets better homeostasis than with traditional electrosurgical techniques. With the Atomizer, the patient gets better postoperative results, and fewer anal tags than with traditional operative techniques.
In the United States, the Ferguson haemorrhoidectomy is considered the gold standard by which most other surgical haemorrhoidectomy techniques are compared.

Complications of Haemorrhoid Surgery

Haemorrhoid surgery complications are quite frequent.
Early complications include:

severe postoperative pain lasting 2-3 weeks. This is mainly due to incisions of the anus, and ligation of the vascular pedicles;
wound infections aare uncommon after haemorrhoid surgery. Abscess occurs in less than 1% of cases. Severe necrotizing infections are rare;
postoperative bleeding;
local swelling;
major short-term incontinence;
difficult urination.

Possibly secondary to occult urinary retention, urinary tract infection develops in approximately 5% of patients after anorectal surgery. Limiting postoperative fluids may reduce the need for catheterization (from 15 to less than 4 percent in one study).

Symptoms and Diagnosis of Haemorrhoids

Several anal rectal conditions, including fissures, anal fistula, abscesses or irritation and itching (anal pruritus), have similar symptoms and are mistaken for haemorrhoids. Although many people have haemorrhoids, not all experience symptoms. The most common symptom of internal haemorrhoids is bright red blood covering the stool, on toilet paper, or in the toilet bowl. However, an internal haemorrhoid may protrude through the anus outside the body, becoming irritated and painful.
External haemorrhoid symptoms may include painful tumefaction around the anus, resulting pursuant to the formation of a blood clot. This type of haemorrhoid is known as thrombosed external haemorrhoid. Moreover, excessive straining, friction or cleaning around the anus can cause irritation accompanied by bleeding and/or itching, which can lead to a vicious symptom cycle. Mucus drainage can also cause pruritus.
How Frequent Are Haemorrhoids?
Haemorrhoids are frequently encountered in both women and men. Almost half of the population suffers from haemorrhoids around the age of 50. Haemorrhoids are also common among pregnant women. The pressure of the foetus in the abdomen, as well as hormonal changes, cause the haemorrhoidal vessels to enlarge. These vessels are subjected to additional pressure during childbirth. For most women, however, haemorrhoids caused by pregnancy are a temporary problem.
How Are Haemorrhoids Diagnosed?
A thorough evaluation and proper diagnosis by the doctor is important any time bleeding from the rectum or blood in the stool occurs. Bleeding may also be a symptom of other digestive diseases, including colorectal cancer. The doctor will examine the anus and rectum to look for swollen blood vessels that indicate haemorrhoids and will also perform a digital rectal exam with a gloved, lubricated finger to feel for abnormalities.
Closer evaluation of the rectum for haemorrhoids requires an exam with an anoscope, a hollow, lighted tube useful for viewing internal haemorrhoids, or a proctoscope, useful for more completely examining the entire rectum. To rule out other causes of gastrointestinal bleeding, the doctor may examine the rectum and lower colon (sigmoid) with sigmoidoscopy or the entire colon with colonoscopy. Sigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy are diagnostic procedures that also involve the use of lighted, flexible tubes inserted through the rectum.