Hernia can recur after surgery. The reported recurrence rates range from 1% to 20%. As in all surgical procedures, it would be best to consult an experienced surgeon to perform the surgery. The common type of surgery performed nowadays is Laparoscopic Hernia Repair. This is the key-hole method where a few small incisions are made and a hernia mesh is used to repair the hernia. It is also important that the patient has adequate rest and restrain from carrying heavy weights and strenuous physical exercise for a few weeks after surgery to allow the wound to heal and for the repair to be strong. This can also help to reduce the recurrence.
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At 68 years old with recent bowel symptoms, it is important to get an accurate diagnosis and ensure that there are no serious conditions causing her symptoms. I would suggest that you bring her to consult a gastroenterologist or colorectal surgeon for assessment. She may require tests like blood tests, stool tests and a colonoscopy.
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At 32 years old, it is unlike that you have a serious disease. Chronic constipation is a relatively common condition. It usually arises out of poor habits. It is important to drink adequate water, have a healthy diet with adequate fibre, exercise regularly. It is also important not to hold your stool for too long as the stools will harden and it makes it more difficult to defecate after that. It is also best not to consume laxative medication. If your symptoms are recent, it would be better to see a gastroenterologist or colorectal surgeon to ensure that there are no other serious causes.
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* Keen to tele-consult with Dr Teoh Tiong Ann? Leave your details at https://patients.smarterhealth.sg/specialist-doctor/teoh-tiong-ann/ and we’ll help arrange an appointment.
Chronic constipation is a relatively common condition. It usually arises out of poor habits. It is important to drink adequate water, have a healthy diet with adequate fibre, and exercise regularly. It is also important not to hold your stool for too long as the stools will harden and it makes it more difficult to defecate after that. It is also best not to consume laxative medication. If your symptoms are recent, it would be better to see a gastroenterologist or colorectal surgeon to ensure that there are no other serious causes.
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The symptoms that you describe suggest a prolapse of the hemorrhoids. This is when the hemorrhoids ‘pop out’ or ‘prolapse of the anus. Hemorrhoids do not affect the size of stools as hemorrhoids are usually soft and do not obstruct the anal canal. It would be best to consult a colorectal surgeon to examine your anus properly to find any causes of the change in calibre of the stools. You may require a colonoscopy to ensure that there are no other serious causes.
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From the combination of symptoms as well as the one month history without any improvement, I strongly suggest that you consult a specialist like a gastroenterologist or colorectal surgeon for proper assessment and more tests. You may require blood tests, stool tests and a colonoscopy. Many conditions do not require surgery and can be treated with medication.
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Good afternoon, Doctor. My anal canal is red and swollen, and there is a lump inside it. What is the cause? It hurts and it is uncomfortable.
In this instance, it would be best to rely on a clinical examination by the doctor. Ultrasound to look for hernia will also pick up ‘clinically insignificant’ hernia. There is no need to rush to operate on clinically insignificant hernia. However, sometimes, the hernia are not seen during the physical examination by the doctor as they are small. You should look for some of the signs so that you can report this to your doctor.
Some signs that would be very suggestive of a hernia include:
1. Lump is more obvious on standing up
2. Lump disappears or gets smaller on lying down
3. Ability to feel the lump and push the lump back in
4. Usually, when the lump is pushed back in, you can feel a ‘gurgle’
Hernia and the symptoms of discomfort are usually more pronounced on standing up, not sitting. Hernia also do not affect the appetite.
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