Inflammation is referred to a process, which takes place in the human body as a result of invasion by harmful stimuli such as pathogens, damaged cells, or irritants. It is the body?s response to protect itself from these harmful stimuli. When harmful stimuli affect a part of human body, a complex biological immune response occurs and tries to remove those stimuli and repair and heal the body, and inflammation occurs as this response. Inflammation is different from infection and even infection can cause inflammation. The characteristic signs of inflammation are redness, warmth or heat, swelling, pain and in some cases loss of function of the affected area. The process following inflammation is referred to as suppuration or discharge of pus, which is followed by the granulation stage, which is characterized by the formation of tiny, round masses of tissue as part of the healing process. Infections and wound would not have healed without inflammation.

Laparoscopic Inguinal Hernia Repair

Hernias that occur in the groin are known as inguinal hernias. These are characterized by small balloon-like pouches protruding from the groin region. These form at a natural point of weakness at the intersection of abdominal muscles. The protrusions occurs when a loop of intestine or fat passes through this weak point and either enters the inguinal canal or pushes out just medial (more in the middle) to the inguinal canal. Men usually suffer from inguinal hernias developing in the groin, and may notice an ambiguous discomfort or even a bulge in the scrotum. Infants and children also suffer from inguinal hernias when a part of the lining of the abdominal cavity called the peritoneum does not close properly. This leads to a bulge in the groin because the intestine or other abdominal contents may push into the opening when the pressures inside the abdomen rise.

Hernia

A hernia is a condition in which a part of an organ pushes through the opening of the organ wall made up of muscle tissue or membranous material. The most common site for hernias to develop is the abdomen. Hernias may or may not display any outward symptoms. Hernias are usually treated surgically. If the blood supply at the herniated portion is cut off then it becomes a medical emergency. Muscle weakness and straining too hard at an activity can cause hernias. A person born with weak abdominal muscles is more likely to acquire the condition, particularly if he leads a sedentary lifestyle without any form of exercise.

Surgical Concerns

The following instructions are essential to a safe experience and good outcome. If you are unable to comply with these instructions, you must notify our office as soon as possible. As a result, your surgery may have to be postponed or delayed, at the judgment of Dr. Belsley. This is essential to your health and safety. Stress and anxiety over life’s daily events and even your planned surgery can affect you. While some anxiety is common, any serious stress or distress over the thought of surgery is something you must discuss with our office. We are here to support you and answer all of your questions. We want your decision to be one made with confidence.

Recovery

DAY OF SURGERY POST-SURGERY INSTRUCTIONS

Your recovery must continue at home. Just because you are sent home after your operation does not mean that you have completed your recovery. Please take time out of your busy schedule to allow enough time to take care of yourself.

When to Call

Surgery is stressful not only psychologically but also physiologically. There are a number of normal, well-defined stress responses that occur after surgery. These stress responses cause alterations in your metabolic and physiological processes and induce changes in your inflammatory and hormonal responses.

Benefits of Minimally Invasive Surgery

The Benefits of Laparoscopic Surgery

There is no doubt that surgery has changed humankind. Surgical treatments allow us to live longer, healthier lives. However, surgery is also a trauma to the body. It causes an inflammatory immune reaction as the body reacts to this trauma. Small immune reactions are fine, even healthy.

Protein

Protein Supplementation and Bariatric Surgery

Studies show that there is an inverse relationship between diets that contain adequate protein and abdominal adiposity which is chiefly responsible for obesity-related issues. It is interesting to note that most weight-loss diets recommend a high intake of protein.

Minimally Invasive Esophagectomy

The esophagus is a relatively simple organ but it does have several locations where problems are more likely. The most problematic area is at the bottom (technically, in the lower thoracic section) where the esophagus connects with the stomach – the gastroesophageal junction. At the junction is the lower gastroesophageal sphincter, a hole into the stomach controlled by a set of muscles that opens to allow food to enter the stomach, and closes to prevent stomach acid from entering the esophagus. When this sphincter is not functioning properly, especially as a chronic long-term condition, there are many potential problems, some of which may lead to cancer.

Esophagus transversing diaphragmatic hiatus

Gut Bacteria

The microbial population of the gut, or gut microbiota is extremely dense, predominantly comprising bacteria. Whilst a core community of gut microbes—approximately one third—is common to most healthy adults, the composition of each gut microbiota varies according to factors including genetics, diet, age, state of health and geographical location. Microbes are considered important—but probably not essential—to digestion. This is primarily because the gut microbiota breaks down substances that the gut alone is unable to digest and is also involved in synthesis of vitamins.

Pancreas

The pancreas is a gland about the size of a hand, tucked between a bend in the upper part of the intestines (the duodenum) and the stomach. One function of the pancreas produces enzymes for the digestive system in the exocrine tissue. The other function of the pancreas creates hormones as part of the endocrine system. Within the pancreas the tissues of both systems intertwine, which makes it difficult to treat the pancreas because things that work on one system very easily damage the other.