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Hemorrhoid Artery Embolization

Overview

Hemorrhoids are a common anorectal disease, defined as the enlargement and symptomatic prolapse of the hemorrhoidal cushions. It affects millions of people around the world and is a major medical and socioeconomic problem.

Hemorrhoidal disease is a common problem. There are a variety of options, surgical and nonsurgical, for the treatment of hemorrhoids. Most hemorrhoidal problems can be managed without surgery.

As a first step, hygienic and dietary measures are recommended to reverse the pathophysiological mechanism of hemorrhoidal disease and to reduce symptoms. Patients should also be counseled on changing their lifestyle.

Causes

Hemorrhoids  are caused by vascular congestion and the swelling of veins in the lower rectum and anus, often triggered by chronic straining, constipation, and pregnancy. 

• Chronic, Untreated Bleeding.

• Failed Conservative Management.

• Internal and External Hemorrhoids.

• Refusal or Inability to Undergo Surgery.

• Rectal Arteriovenous Malformations (AVMs).

Symptoms

• Mild to Moderate Pain/Tenderness.

• Rectal Bleeding/Discharge.

• “Post-Embolisation Syndrome”.

• Sensation of Pressure.

•Persistent.

Risk Factor

• Contrast Dye Sensitivity.

• Renal Impairment.

• Previous Pelvic Radiation.

• Non-Target Embolization.

• Infection.

Diagnosis

  • Physical Examination: Includes a digital rectal exam (DRE) and inspection during straining to assess the grade of prolapse.
  • Symptom Scoring: Physicians use the French Bleeding Score (FBS) to quantify bleeding severity (on a scale of 0 to 9) and the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) to measure pain levels.
  • Goligher Classification: This is the standard for grading internal hemorrhoids from I (no prolapse) to IV (irreducible prolapse). HAE is most effective for Grades I to III. 
  • Colonoscopy or Anoscopy: An up-to-date colonoscopy is essential to rule out other pathologies like anorectal cancer, polyps, or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
  • CT Angiography (CTA): While not always systematic, CTA of the abdomen and pelvis is often performed to map the vascular anatomy, identify potential atherosclerosis, and detect anatomical variations like a hypertrophic middle rectal artery (MRA).
  • Laboratory Work: Blood tests are used to check for anemia and ensure adequate kidney function for the contrast dye used during the procedure.
Benefits vs. Traditional Surgery (e.g., Hemorrhoidectomy):
  • Reduced Pain: Because it avoids rectal trauma, it is considered much less painful.
  • Fast Recovery: Minimal downtime compared to the weeks needed for surgical recovery.
  • Lower Risk: Reduced risk of bleeding and complications.
Benefits of Hemorrhoid Artery Embolization
Performed by an interventional radiologist via a small catheter, usually through the radial artery (wrist) or femoral artery (groin). It typically lasts 45 minutes to 2 hours.
 High success rates  in reducing or eliminating bleeding, often within 2–4 weeks.
No surgery, no incisions, no General Anesthesia, and minimal post-procedure pain.
Patients usually return home the same day and can return to normal activities very quickly.
Primarily designed for symptomatic internal hemorrhoids (often grades II-IV), particularly for patients who failed banding or want to avoid traditional surgery.
It does not treat external hemorrhoids and may not be effective for all, with a potential need for a second procedure for some patients. 
Above article is for information purpose only
If you’d like, I can help you:
  • Find a specialist abroad.
  • Compare HAE to other surgical options
  • Prepare for your first consultation.

please feel free to email us on query@gtsmeditour.com

Diastasis recti

Overview

The rectus abdominis is a pair of muscles that run vertically along the front of your stomach. It’s frequently referred to as “six-pack abs.” The rectus abdominis is divided into left and right sides by a band of tissue called the linea alba.

As your uterus expands during pregnancy, your linea alba thins and pulls apart. Once you deliver your baby, your linea alba can heal and come back together. It’s elastic and retracts back (like a rubber band). But, just like a rubber band, your linea alba can lose its elasticity from stretching. When this happens, the gap in your abdominals won’t close as much as it should. The left and right sides of your abdominals stay separated and appear pushed outward. This is diastasis recti, and it can range from mild to severe.

Diastasis recti is a common and treatable condition. If you have more than a two-finger gap between your abdominals or are experiencing pain, contact your healthcare provider for a diagnosis. They may want you to see a physical therapist or pelvic floor specialist to help strengthen your abdominal muscles.

Symptoms

  • A visible bulge or “pooch” that protrudes just above or below your belly button (even after losing any weight you may have gained during pregnancy)
  • Softness or jelly-like feeling around your belly button
  • Coning or doming when you contract your ab muscles or lean back in a chair
  • Difficulty lifting objects, walking or performing everyday tasks
  • Low back pain
  • Poor posture

Causes and Risk Factors

  • Pregnancy: The most common cause, where the uterus stretches the muscles to accommodate the baby, thinning the linea alba.
  • Chronic Intra-abdominal Pressure: Heavy lifting, chronic coughing, or improper abdominal exercise technique can cause this in both men and women.

Diagnosis and tests

  • Self-Assessment: Lie on your back, knees bent, feet flat. Place fingers on the belly button, lift the head slightly, and check how many finger widths fit into the gap between muscles.
  • Professional Diagnosis: A separation greater than 2 finger widths or 2 cm is typically considered diastasis recti.

Treatment and Management

  • Physical Therapy: Specialized exercises, such as deep transverse abdominal bracing (e.g., heel slides, marches), can help strengthen the core and close the gap.
  • Lifestyle Adjustments: Avoiding activities that increase abdominal pressure and, in severe, rare cases, surgery.
  • Time: The condition often resolves on its own within 3 to 12 months post-pregnancy
Exercises to Avoid
  • Abdominal Crunches and Sit-ups: These can increase the separation and increase the midline bulge.
  • Planks and Push-ups: Often too intense and can worsen the pressure if the core is not yet ready.
  • Heavy Lifting or Twisting:  Movements that overstretch the abdominal wall. 

Diastasis recti is a treatable condition that primarily requires patience and targeted core stabilization exercises to resolve, with recovery usually progressing over several months.

Conclusion:

Above Article is for information purpose only, and not medical advise or treatment if you have any such enquiries you can reach us via email - query@gtsmeditour.com and get free medical opinion from our expert doctors accross India or abroad. we shall guide and assist you best possible information available.

 

 

Waterhouse–Friderichsen syndrome (WFS)

Overview

Waterhouse-Friderichsen syndrome is a rare condition in which blood vessels in your adrenal glands rupture. Waterhouse-Friderichsen syndrome (WFS) is a life-threatening condition in which one or both of your adrenal glands stop working because of bleeding into the glands (adrenal hemorrhage), usually from an infection. Without treatment, this causes your adrenal glands to stop producing the hormone cortisol (adrenal crisis). With prompt, proper treatment and rehabilitation, many people who have WFS recover. However, you may require intensive medical care, and WFS effects may last months or even years.

Causes

  • Bacteria: The most common cause is Neisseria meningitidis (meningococcus), followed by Pseudomonas aeruginosaStreptococcus pneumoniaeHaemophilus influenzae, and Staphylococcus aureus.
  • Sepsis:
     It is a complication of overwhelming sepsis where bacterial toxins cause bleeding into the adrenal glands, resulting in acute adrenal insufficiency.

Symptoms

If a virus or bacteria cause WFS, you may suddenly develop infection symptoms. These include:

  • Fever.
  • Chills.
  • Headache.
  • Nausea and vomiting.
  • Muscle pain, usually in your lower back, abdomen or legs.
  • Joint pain.
  • Loss of consciousness (syncope).

As bleeding affects your adrenal glands and other parts of your body, other symptoms may include:

  • Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC).
  • Skin rash.
  • Septic shock.

Diagnosis

A healthcare provider can diagnose Waterhouse-Friderichsen syndrome. They’ll ask about your symptoms, review your medical history and perform a physical examination.

WFS can be challenging to diagnose because it resembles septic shock. To help confirm a WFS diagnosis, your provider will order tests.

Imaging tests

An ultrasound or CT (computed tomography) scan can show pools of blood in your adrenal glands.

Blood tests

Blood tests can confirm a bacterial infection. During a blood test, a provider will use a thin needle (about the size of a standard earring post) to withdraw a small amount of blood, usually from a vein in your arm. They’ll look at your blood under a microscope to see if you have any signs of an infection.

Meningococcus bacteria tests

If your provider thinks that meningococcus bacteria are responsible for your WFS, they may recommend:

  • Spinal tap (lumbar puncture). Your provider will insert a thin needle (about the size of a standard earring post or smaller) between two bones (vertebrae) in your lower back to withdraw and test a small amount of spinal fluid.
  • Skin biopsy. If you have a rash, your provider will remove and test a small layer of skin.
  • Gram stain. Your provider may collect other samples from a site of suspected infection to test for bacteria.
  • Urinalysis. You’ll urinate (pee) into a special container. Your provider will then examine the sample for signs of infection.
Acute adrenal crisis tests

The following tests can help your provider properly diagnose an adrenal crisis:

  • Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) stimulation test. Your provider will give you a shot of ACTH and take blood samples 30 to 60 minutes after the shot to see how well your adrenal glands respond to the ACTH.
  • Blood sugar tests. Your provider will use a thin needle to withdraw a small amount of blood. They’ll then measure the amount of sugar (glucose) in your blood sample.
  • Cortisol test. Your provider will take a blood, pee or saliva (spit) sample — or a combination of two to three — to determine how much cortisol your adrenal glands release.
  • pH blood test. Your provider may use a thin needle to withdraw blood and conduct an arterial blood gas (ABG) test or electrolyte panel to measure your blood pH. The pH scale is the levels of acids and bases in your blood. It ranges from 0 (very acidic) to 14 (very basic or alkaline). A normal pH range in your blood is between 7.35 and 7.45.
  • Potassium blood test. Your provider will use a thin needle to withdraw blood and measure the amount of potassium. Potassium is a nutrient in foods that helps your nerves and muscles work properly.
  • Sodium blood test. Your provider will use a thin needle to withdraw blood and measure the amount of sodium. Sodium is a nutrient in many foods that helps your nerves and muscles work properly.

Treatment

If you have WFS, you’ll present with sepsis. Your healthcare provider will give you antibiotics right away as they order tests to determine the exact cause of your WFS. They’ll also monitor your electrolyte and water levels.

Once your provider manages your sepsis symptoms, they’ll treat you with glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid medications. Glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids are steroid hormones. Glucocorticoids help reduce inflammation. Mineralocorticoids help regulate your salt and water levels.

You may also need a blood transfusion or an angioembolization. An angioembolization combines an angiogram and embolization (closing off your blood vessels) to see and block off the arteries that supply blood to your adrenal glands.

Most people must take supplementary hormones for the rest of their lives after WFS.

How do I take care of myself?

You and your healthcare provider will work together to develop the safest and most effective rehabilitation plan for you as you recover. Your plan may include:

  • Resting.
  • Following a balanced diet that’ll help you regain your strength. It’s a good idea to talk to a nutritionist.
  • Setting small goals, such as sitting up, standing, dressing yourself, taking a shower, walking short distances or climbing stairs.
  • Talking about your feelings to your family, friends or therapist.
  • Exercising as you regain strength and energy.

Above article is for information purpose only, further if you have any enquiries, please share the reports via, email – query@gtsmeditour.com and get second opinion  and treatment plan from the best hospitals abroad.