Fight Against GI Cancer: Why A Surgical Gastroenterologist is Necessary for GI Surgeries?

Although several cancers are one of the main reasons for deaths globally, GI cancers are the most common cause of death. GI cancer is the collective term of different types of cancerous diseases that affect the digestive tract. So, if you have a cancerous tumor in the esophagus, stomach, liver, colon, or other parts of the digestive system, the doctors will categorize it as GI cancer.

Gastrointestinal cancers begin in the lining of the cells of one or more organs of the GI tract. Cancer may metastasize to the digestive organs and spread to lymph nodes and other surrounding tissues.

A Surgical Gastroenterologist is Important for the treatment of GI Cancers

Whenever we think of a GI surgeon, we think of problems with the stomach and intestine. However, a surgical gastroenterologist does much more than tackle heartburn, indigestion, and acidity issues.

Surgical gastroenterology is a sub-specialty field of medicine dealing with diseases related to the entire human gastrointestinal tract. It means that a GI surgeon has received formal training in treating disorders related to several GI tract organs such as the esophagus, stomach, pancreas, liver, gall bladder, and biliary tract, small and large intestine, rectum, and anus.

As diseases of the gastrointestinal system are far common in India today, surgical gastroenterology is a well-recognized field, especially by the National Board of Examinations. A surgical gastroenterologist or a GI surgeon has received training to provide tertiary care for patients. They have experience in complicated GI surgeries, including the treatment of different types of gastrointestinal cancers.

With the advancement in medical technology, the profession of a GI surgeon has evolved from a pure diagnostician to an essential member of the oncology team. They hold a crucial place towards ensuring optimum patient care. As a GI cancer surgeon, the medical professional is equipped in:

a. Accurate risk assessment and early detection of GI cancers.

b. Interpretation of laboratory tests and investigations to arrive at a logical diagnosis.

c. Emergency GI surgeries such as gastrointestinal bleeding, trauma, etc.

d. Carrying out endoscopic procedures, laparoscopy, and other minimally-invasive surgical procedures.

e. Proficient pre-operative and post-operative care.

f. Pain management techniques and palliative surgeries.

Whether caused by a lifestyle issue or congenital anomalies, surgical gastroenterologists advise regular medical screenings and immediate medical attention to treat cancer. So, do not miss out on routine medical checkups at the GI surgeon’s clinic.

How are GI Cancer Surgeries different than Other Surgeries?

The digestive system is one of the most crucial systems of our body. It does the function of breaking down food into nutrients that the body can assimilate for energy, cell growth, and repair. Without the efficient working of the digestive system, it becomes difficult for the patient to survive. Let’s understand how GI cancer surgeries are more complicated:

1. Esophageal Cancer Surgery

With the help of an esophagectomy, the GI surgeon will remove the cancerous tumor and the affected part of the esophagus. The procedure also includes a resection to connect the healthy section of the esophagus to the stomach so that the patient can swallow food easily.

2. Stomach Cancer Surgery

If a patient has stomach cancer and a total gastrectomy is necessary, the GI surgeon will remove the stomach and connect the esophagus to the small intestine. This way, the doctor can ensure the passage of food and absorption of nutrients.

3. Colon Cancer Surgery

If the GI surgeon is undertaking a colectomy, the doctor will remove a part of the colon affected by cancer. The surgical procedure also involves attaching the remaining of the colon to the digestive tract to ensure efficient functioning. For example, during the right hemicolectomy, the doctor will remove the ascending colon and attach the end of the small intestine to the transverse colon.

4. Liver and Biliary Tract Cancer Surgery

If the patient is suffering from liver and biliary tract cancer, the GI surgeon has to undertake a complicated biliary tract surgery to remove the tumor. The surgery will depend on the size and location of the tumor. For example, in cases of Intrahepatic bile duct cancers, the surgeon may have to cut out a piece of the liver as well. It is essential to work with an experienced surgical gastroenterologist because, after the resection of tumor, the doctor will have to undertake a reconstruction of the biliary tract for the optimum digestive function of the body.

5. Whipple’s Procedure for Pancreatic Cancer

The procedure to remove the cancerous tumors from the head of the pancreas, duodenum, gall bladder and bile duct is called Whipple’s procedure or Pancreaticoduodenectomy. Usually, the surgery involves removing tumors. It is a proven surgical procedure to treat pancreatic cancer in the head of the organ. After the surgery, the GI surgeon will reconstruct/reconnect the remaining organs for effective digestion. The medical professional may undertake: 1) Pancreatojejunostomy for pancreatic juices 2) Hepaticojejunostomy for biliary juices 3) Gastrojejunostomy for food and gastric juices.

And, so when it comes to GI cancer surgeries, surgical gastroenterologists take special care in removing the tumor & the affected tissues and ensure accurate reconstruction of the remaining of the GI tract.

So, whether you undergo surgery for diagnosing cancer, staging cancer, removing the cancerous tumor and surrounding tissues to prevent the spread of the disease, or as a preventative measure, choose a reputed and experienced GI surgeon as a part of your oncology team.

Things that Influence your Decision while Choosing the Best Dentist

Have you switched jobs or moved to a new home? Are you in search of the best dentist in your area due to the pandemic? Regardless of the reason, the following are a few tips to help you find a dentist to take care of your dental health.

Safety precautions

The ongoing Covid pandemic has altered the scenario of the dental offices. Now they need to follow guidelines to ensure the safety of patients. Therefore, before you schedule a dental appointment, check if the dental offices follow safety procedures. Does the staff wear protective gear such as gloves, shoe covers, facial masks, and shields? Do they disinfect treatment rooms, waiting rooms, and equipment frequently? Safety is essential, particularly during these tiring times.

Dental office hours and location

Before you zero in on the best dentist in Springfield, VA, check their office hours. It is also wise to pick a dental office that is close to your home or work. You can also schedule an appointment while you are on your way to work or home. Picking a dentist close to your home is also advantageous when there is a dental emergency.

Experience and credentials of the dentist

You can always expect better results with an experienced dentist. Ask the dentist about specializations such as endodontics, orthodontics, and so forth. Before you schedule an appointment, ask the dentist whether he has treated similar dental issues and anxieties. You can also enquire about the risk of complications if there are any. It is also essential to ensure that the board certifies the dentist. That means the dentist has the necessary experience, skills, and training to offer dental care. Also, make sure that the dentist has not committed any malpractices in the past.

Patient reviews

One of the best ways to gain insight on dental practitioners is to check patient reviews and testimonials. These reviews reflect experiences, the behavioral attitude of the staff and dentist, and even wait time in case of emergencies. Get referrals from friends, co-workers, and family before you pick the best dentist in your area. Patient reviews give a clear glimpse of the type of dental treatments provided by specific dental healthcare professionals.

Make a list of top choices while scouring the internet for the best dentist in Springfield, VA. Pay a quick visit to each of these dental offices and check around. Is the dental office neat and organized with a friendly staff? Do they make you feel comfortable? If possible, meet the dentist and discuss your dental issues. The dentist you pick must be a partner in your oral healthcare, not someone you dread to visit every six months or so!

How to Get Best Home Theatre Systems

Why do we need good home theatre systems? The answer lies in the basic need of people seeking better quality output from everything they own and it is true for sound systems as well. Some among us are obsessed about sound and we have to get our hands on the best option available around them just for the sake of it. But the average consumer is not an audiophile! The need is that of a well adjusted home theatre system that enthrals, delivers an outstanding sound and a little magic with the multimedia.

Enter the new generation of sound equipments that has what it takes to satisfy the common listener as well as those who have an ear for their music. But among all the brands and configurations, how is a person supposed to find best home theatre systems that will be a fit for the money and their auditory requirements? We are here to help.

Assessing Your Needs

You must have observed professional musicians sweat over their stage and the perfect placement of the sound output device, but have you ever wondered why the fuss behind the correct angle and the distance? Sound is a wave of energy that has its own whims when it comes to travelling from the source to the destination. Obstructions, room size, loudness, shape of the room and a lot of factors will affect your listening experience.

Although, no one ever speaks about it, a home theatre system is incomplete without a viewing device. People sit in relation to the display rather than the speakers which messes up the measurements a bit. So here is what you do.

Visiting a Home Theatre Vendor

Visit a good home theatre system brand in your locality, preferably LG because they pay special attention towards these things, and have a chat. Tell them where you intend to place the components and what is the shape and configuration of your entertainment room. If possible carry a photograph of the room where you intend to place it.

It is wise not to stop at one vendor unless you find all the right things at once. You always have your options wide open so take your chances and keep looking. We prefer LG because it makes great audio products and places a good price on them.

Look For the Best

Now when you speak to any of the several brand vendors selling home theatre systems in the Indian market, you will be given a host of different options to choose from. However, do not just settle for the basics.

Nowadays, the best sound systems out there have a host of special features that the rest do not. For instance, LG HB900SA is a 5.1 home theatre system, but what sets it apart is that it has more beneath the surface. It comes with HDMI-CEC (which is also known as Simlink), you get an RJ-45 Ethernet port to connect to the internet, three different Dolby settings for an audiophile-level sound and this home theatre system can play every media format. For those who want to listen to free wavelengths, LG HB900SA has an FM radio receiver too! Literally, what more can you ask for?

How to detect a Drainage Problem in your Home?

Today, thousands of home owners face drainage problems. Water-backup, drain clogging and basement flooding are the obvious signs of a faulty or a damaged drainage system. But, there are many other subtle indicators of a drainage problem which are listed below. If you address them today, you will be able to save money.

1. Overflowing Gutter

Gutter or eavestrough is used for carrying off rainwater. It protects the foundation by directing water away from the foundation. It is also useful in preventing leaks in basement. The most common cause of an overflowing gutter is accumulation of dirt or debris. But, overflowing of gutter can also be caused by improper installation. If you do not address the problem, you will end up with damaged siding, peeling paint and weak foundation of your home.

2. Downspout Dumping

Downspouts carry rain water from gutter and dispose it away from the foundation. If the downspout of your home is dumping water near the foundation, it will cause flooding in the basement. So, make sure that the downspout is at least five feet away from the foundation of your home.

3. Water Staining

Water stains are a good indicator of a drainage problem. If they are high on the foundation wall, they are caused by an overflowing gutter. If the stains are all over the basement wall, they can be a result of fluctuating water table. In such a situation, it is important to install a sump pump and a weeping tile to seep water out of your basement.

4. Foundation Cracks

Foundation cracks are often neglected because they are caused by a plethora of reasons such as faulty concrete mix, inaccurate foundation structure, general wear and tear, etc. But, if you find a crack that is constantly increasing, do not ignore it. It can be a sign of a drainage problem.

5. Deposits on Walls

If there is white or grey crust on the basement walls, it is a sign of a drainage problem. The crust is called efflorescence and it is a mineral deposit that is left behind by evaporating water.

6. Spalling

If the paint is peeling off in big patches, it is called spalling. Spalling occurs because the water is seeping in the masonry work of the walls. If you notice spalling, it is important to address the problem quickly.

7. Mildew Problem

Dampness can cause mildew in any part of your home. If you see mildew in basement or in attic, it indicates water leakage or moisture problem. So, search for any sign of mildew or mold development in your home.

Whenever you see subtle signs of a drainage problem in your home, do not hesitate to call a plumbing expert. He/she will ascertain the real problem and help you solve it.

Pour Concrete is Toronto’s licensed plumbing contractor. Its services are not limited to plumbing. But, it also provides excellent basement waterproofing in Toronto. Call on 647-847-4009 or inquire online now.