Gallstones are pieces of solid material that form in the gallbladder. An imbalance in the substances that make up bile can cause gallstones to form. The most common type of gallstones is cholesterol gallstones, caused by too much cholesterol in the bile. Another type is pigment gallstones, which is more common in people with certain medical conditions. Diet, body weight, decreased movement of the gallbladder or genetics are all factors that can cause gallstones. Surgery to remove the gallbladder is the usual treatment of gallstones. Open cholecystectomy is the traditional procedure, but laparoscopic cholecystectomy is now used in most cases.
Hernia occurs when tissues break through a weakened area of the abdominal wall, and is usually noticed as a lump. Different types of hernia are distinguishes depending on the location of the hernia. The most common type is inguinal hernia, which is located in the groin area. Other hernia locations include: umbilical hernia, ventrical/epigastric hernia, hiatus (digestions) hernia, and spigelian hernia. As the hernia enlarges it can cause discomfort and sometimes more dangerously strangulation. This happens when a piece of intestine is trapped inside a hernia. Hernia repair surgery is the only way to treat hernia and is one of the most commonly performed surgical procedures. There are two types of hernia repair surgeries:
• Open hernia repair surgery: The traditional approach where the hernia is repaired via an incision in the groin.
• Laparoscopic hernia repair: A newer approach where a thin scope is inserted through a small incision in the abdomen.
A hysterectomy is a surgical procedure to remove a woman’s uterus (womb). The ovaries, fallopian tubes and cervix are sometimes also removed to cure different gynecological problems. A hysterectomy is one of the most common procedures among women and is usually performed on women aged 40 to 50. A hysterectomy is used to treat fibroids, endometriosis, uterine prolapse, cancer, persistent vaginal bleeding, and chronic pelvic pain. Following a hysterectomy you will no longer have periods, you will not be fertile and you will not be able to have any more children.
If a couple does not wish to have more children or any children at all sterilization is a common solution to prevent pregnancy. A vasectomy is a minor surgical procedure that will make a man sterile. The tubes that carry sperm called vas deferens are blocked. A vasectomy is a safe and effective procedure and is recognized as one of the most effective ways to prevent pregnancy. Your sex life will not be affected by a vasectomy and your ability to have an erection, orgasm and ejaculation will remain the same. A vasectomy should be regarded as permanent. However, in some cases a vasectomy can be reversed. A vasectomy reversal is more likely to be successful if a short period of time has elapsed since between the vasectomy and the vasectomy reversal.
Kidney-stones are hardened mineral deposits in the Kidney. Changes in the balance of water, salt and minerals in the urine can cause kidney-stones to form. Kidney-stones may stay in the kidney or travel out through the ureter (the tube that connects the kidney to the bladder). Kidney-stones vary in size and may cause little discomfort or more serious pain as they pass out of the body depending on the size of the kidney stones. Large kidney-stones, however, may not be able to pass through on their own, and the patient will need surgery. The most common procedures to break up or remove the kidney-stones are:
• Ureteroscopy: This procedure is used for kidney stones located in the lower part of the ureter. A very thin telescope (ureteroscope) is passed up the urinary tract to the kidney stone. The kidney stone is then either removed or broken into smaller peaces to allow for easier removal.
• Lithotripsy: This procedure is mostly used to treat kidney stones in the kidney or upper part of the ureter. The most commonly used method is Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL), where shock waves are used to crush the kidney stone. Other methods are Ultrasonic Lithotripsy and Electro-Hydraulic Lithotripsy (EHL).
The prostate is a gland of the male reproductive system that produces the fluid that carries sperm. It is located between the outlet of the bladder and the penis. Prostate problems are common in men over the age of 50 as the prostate may increase in size with age. This is called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and is very common. As the prostate becomes larger it may press against the urethra making urinating difficult. If benign prostatic hyperplasia is not treated, it can prevent the patient from emptying the bladder properly which can cause kidney problems. Surgery involves removing the enlarged tissue pressing against the urethra. The most common treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia is Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP). For very large prostate a prostatectomy may also be performed.
Varicose veins are enlarged veins. Spider veins are basically the same except they are smaller and are often closer to the skin surface. Varicose veins appear when the valves that prevent the blood from flowing backwards as it flows from the body back to the heart do not work. Most often varicose veins and spider veins appear on the legs. Varicose veins and spider veins are very common and can be caused by aging, hormone changes, pregnancy, obesity, or sun exposure. Health problems such as blood clots due to severe pooling of blood in the veins, sores or skin ulcers and irritation can be the result of varicose veins or spider veins.
Orthopedic surgery is an area that covers procedures aimed to correct problems in the bones and joints. Bone and joints disorders can cause pain and lack of mobility, which can necessitate orthopedic surgery. There can be many reasons for the need of orthopedic surgery for example sports injuries, accidents or bone and joint disease such as osteoarthritis and osteoporosis.
Below you will find information about available orthopedic treatments. We can help you with most orthopedic procedures so if you don’t find the procedure you are looking for please contact us.