What is cleft lip and cleft palate?

Cleft lip and palate are facial birth deformities. A cleft lip is a gap or discontinuity in the upper lip. A cleft palate is an opening in the roof of the mouth, which divides the mouth and nose. Clefts result from incomplete development of the lip and/or palate in the early weeks of pregnancy. It is during this time that the face is being formed. Separate plates of bone and tissue gradually move towards each other and join to form the lip and palate. When these parts do not join completely, it results in a cleft.

Occurrence and causes of cleft lip and palate

On an average, one in every 700 children worldwide is born with a cleft. It is the fourth most common birth defect, and the first most common facial birth defect.
Causes

Genetic factors: Sometimes a cleft can be genetic. The risk may be higher for children whose sibling(s) or parents have a cleft or who have a history of cleft in their families. Consanguineous marriage (marriage between close relatives or cousins) can also be a cause.

Environmental factors: Not all birth deformities are hereditary. Even in the absence of any genetic factors, there are some external factors that may result in cleft formation.

1. Maternal exposure to smoking, use of tobacco, illicit drugs or alcohol consumption during pregnancy is extremely harmful for the developing baby.

2. Certain medications like steroids and others as those prescribed for Seizures, Cancer, Arthritis, Tuberculosis etc have been linked to the development of a cleft. Harmful medications and erratic dosages taken without consulting a doctor may have detrimental effects on the foetus. Women taking oral contraceptive pills unaware of their pregnancy may also contribute to clefting.

3. Studies have shown cleft is also related to advanced maternal age and also to some hormone deficiencies and dietary deficiencies namely that of folic acid, iron, iodine and zinc.

4. Cleft lip and cleft palate may also occur as a result of exposure to viruses or infectious diseases like measles while the fetus is developing in the womb.

5. Exposure to certain harmful chemicals, vapours, pesticides, gun powder fumes, nuclear radiation, X-rays, gamma rays or dangerous reagents like in industrial workplaces have dangerous effects on the genetic composition and growth of the developing baby.

Classification of Cleft Lip and Palate

1. Cleft can occur either in the lip, palate or both. The cleft of both the lip and palate mostly involves the upper alveolar (teeth bearing portion of the jaw) bone.

2. A cleft lip can be either unilateral (one-side only) or bilateral (both sides).

3. Cleft lip can either be incomplete (mild notching of the lip) or complete (large gap from lip to nose).

4. Cleft palate can either be Cleft of the Hard Palate- cleft in bony portion of roof of the mouth, Cleft of the Soft Palate- in the soft, muscular part of the palate, behind the hard palate or Cleft of both the Hard and Soft palates including the Uvula (soft tissue projection from middle of soft palate).

Submucous Cleft Palate – This cleft occurs in the tissues beneath the mucous membrane that covers the palate. Hence it is often called the “invisible cleft”. This cleft is detected only when the child has a difficulty in speaking.
Treatment for cleft lip and cleft palate:

Primary lip repair

The main concern is creating a lip seal to enable the child to suck milk. But before the child is healthy enough to undergo the surgery, a feeding plate may be given to prevent aspiration of milk from the mouth to the nose, through the gap in the palate (roof of the mouth). Specially designed feeding bottles may also be used to help in feeding

Article By
Balaji Dental & Craniofacial Hospital, Chennai.

Specialised Trauma Care Center

Whether the result of an accident or sports-related injury of the face or mouth, trauma can significantly change your appearance and can make breathing and eating difficult. Dr. Balaji is an expert in treating facial fractures and can repair most of these injuries through the mouth, eliminating visible scars.

Injuries to the face, by their very nature, impart a high degree of emotional, as well as physical trauma to patients. The science and art of treating these injuries require special training involving a “hands on” experience and an understanding of how the treatment provided will influence the patient’s long term function and appearance.

Facial trauma can range between minor injury to disfigurement that lasts a lifetime. The face is critical in communicating with others, so it is important to get the best treatment possible. In some cases, immediate surgery is needed to realign fractures before they heal incorrectly. Other injuries will have better outcomes if repairs are done after cuts and swellings have improved.

Pediatric facial trauma differs from adult injury because the face is not fully formed and future growth will be a factor in how the child heals and recovers. Certain types of trauma may cause a delay in the growth or further complicate recovery. Difficult cases require surgeons with great skill to make a repair that will grow with your child.

New technology, such as CT scans and 3D CBCT scans have improved surgeons’ ability to evaluate and manage facial trauma. Balaji Dental and Craniofacial hospital uses the 3D Cone Beam CT (3D CBCT) scan- the latest technology in Maxillofacial Imaging. This enables accurate and detailed imaging of facial fractures and that too with a much reduced radiation exposure than conventional CTs. With these modalities under a single roof here, we provide immediate diagnosis and efficient treatment.

Our twin operation theatres are equipped with ultra-modern equipments for the safety of our patients. We have an infection free zone in our operation theatres to cater to dental and facial surgery needs. We follow strict infection control measures and microbiological monitoring protocols.

We have the latest and safest machines including advanced fiberoptic endoscope – a sophisticated anesthesia administration method. Some patients have very limited mouth opening either due to Craniofacial defects, very small jaws or retruded chins. Such patients cannot be subjected to general anesthesia in the traditional way. The flexible Fiberoptic Intubation Endoscope (FFI) is a boon in such instances.

FFI is a most powerful technique for efficient easy intubation of “difficult laryngoscopy” patients otherwise impossible to intubate during general anesthesia.

Zygoma Implant (Graftless Dental Treatment)

What are zygoma implants?

People wear dentures (artificial teeth) when they lose their natural teeth. The most common dentures are called `removable dentures’ because they are placed and removed by the patient on a regular basis. However, dentures can also be ‘fixed’ to the upper jawbone using titanium implants, thereby resembling the natural jaw-teeth relationship. Such ‘implant dentures’ increase the comfort and confidence of the patient

However, many a time there is not enough bone in the upper jawbone to anchor the implants. In this case a ‘bone graft’ surgery is required – that is, some bone is taken from the hip region, grafted to the jaw bone and after about six months of healing, the patient is ready for the implant denture treatment.

A new technology was developed in Europe to do the upper jaw dental implant treatment without using the hipbone graft. This ‘graft-less technique’, also called the ‘Zygoma technique’ (developed by Prof. Branemark& Nobel Biocare, Sweden) uses the cheekbone (Zygoma bone) to anchor the longer zygoma implants. This has the following advantages over conventional implant techniques:

Fixed row of teethwithin 72 hours as opposed to up to 6 months
No need for hip or any bone graft (graft-less technique)
Significantly less discomfort for patient
Immediate ability to bite and chew crunchy and hard food stuff
Immediate confidence boost with great looking teeth!

Who can benefit from (requires) Zygoma implants?

Zygoma implants are appropriate for any person with missing or shaky teeth in their upper jaw as well as those who are wearing a complete denture in the same. They are appropriate for all age groups except children. In fact, a majority of our Zygoma implant patients have been young people between the ages of 25 and 40. The new artificial set of permanent teeth are fixed almost immediately (2-3 days) allowing them to eat normal food and smile confidently. The functional, aesthetic and psychological benefits of this procedure are tremendous.

Article by
Vasan Dental care

Why would I need endodontic surgery?

Surgery can help save your tooth in a variety of situations.

Surgery may be used in diagnosis. If you have persistent symptoms but no problems appear on your x-ray, your tooth may have a tiny fracture or canal that could not be detected during nonsurgical treatment. In such a case, surgery allows your endodontist to examine the entire root of your tooth, find the problem, and provide treatment.

Sometimes calcium deposits make a canal too narrow for the instruments used in nonsurgical root canal treatment to reach the end of the root. If your tooth has this “calcification,” your endodontist may perform endodontic surgery to clean and seal the remainder of the canal.

Usually, a tooth that has undergone a root canal can last the rest of your life and never need further endodontic treatment. However, in a few cases, a tooth may not heal or become infected. A tooth may become painful or diseased months or even years after successful treatment. If this is true for you, surgery may help save your tooth.

Surgery may also be performed to treat damaged root surfaces or surrounding bone.

Although there are many surgical procedures that can be performed to save a tooth, the most common is called apicoectomy or root-end resection. When inflammation or infection persists in the bony area around the end of your tooth after a root canal procedure, your endodontist may have to perform an apicoectomy.

Prosthetic Dentistry:

Prosthetic dentistry is that branch of dentistry that deals with replacing lost teeth. Teeth can be replaced by means which are fixed, e.g. crowns, bridges, implant, or removable e.g. complete dentures, partial dentures etc. Each case is different, and at beyond smiles after thorough consideration we advise on various possibilities on each case differently. Depending on individual needs, financial consideration, we advise an array of options to replace missing teeth; all explained in great detail including the advantages and disadvantages of each option and leave the ultimate decision to the patient.

Dentures

Dentures are a means to replace missing teeth in the mouth. Incase where all the teeth are missing, we make COMPLETE DENTURES and when only a few teeth are missing we make PARTIAL DENTURES. These are not fixed in the mouth and can be removed. However against popular belief, at beyond smiles, with the latest impression materials and a specialist prostho-dentist working on the patient, we can achieve good results with patient comfort even with removable dentures. Also today with the advent of implants, we can also offer implant supported dentures for superior stability and better functions not the mention superior esthetics with imported porcelain teeth incorporated into the denture.

Metal Free Crowns and Bridges:

Traditional crowns and bridges consist of a metal core on which the porcelain is built up to make them strong. These are known as PORCELAIN FUSED TO METAL (PFM) Crowns. These crowns are strong, but however are very unaesthetic, opaque and look very artificial. The porcelain around the edges tends to wear off, chip off with time to expose the underlying metal. This metal then tends to stain the gums around the cap, and hence the gums around these caps tend to look black and tend to recede.

Nowadays with the latest is porcelain research and superior materials, we are able to achieve the same amount of strength and superior aesthetics with a more natural looking crown with metal free crowns. Here the core is made of a stronger porcelain (ZIRCONIA) which is as strong as a metal core and then built up with more natural looking. Also the gums around this crown more readily accept this crown and also remain healthy. These crowns come with international warranty and will be replaces free of cost by us incase of breakage, any porcelain chip etc. Every patient gets a warranty card directly from company with a personal name in association with beyond smiles.

Crowns:

Crowns traditionally known as caps are made in a special dental laboratory. In a tooth that is badly decayed, or after root canal treatment, after permanently filling the tooth, the size of the tooth is reduced, and after taking your impression, these caps are fabricated in the laboratory. These crowns are the same, size, shape and shade of color as your natural tooth, and no one can tell the difference. These crowns can be with a metal core with porcelain built up on it. These crowns are known as PORCELAIN FUSED TO METAL CROWNS. Also at beyond smiles we offer FULL CERAMIC or METAL FREE CROWNS that are more esthetic and safe.

Bridges:

When a tooth is lost dude to decay, and is removed, the tooth can be replaced by means of a fixed bridge. In this process, we take support of the neighboring teeth to the empty space, and make a bridge in the laboratory and cement it onto the neighboring teeth hence replacing the missing tooth. This is fixed, strong, and can serve you a lifetime if done correctly. At beyond smiles we offer a warranty on all our crowns and bridges and replace / re-cement them at no extra cost incase of breakage, loosening etc.

Cosmetic Dental Treatment:

Aesthetic Dentistry is fast becoming one of the most popular forms of dentistry available today. More individuals than ever before are looking to their dentist to improve their appearance. They realize that embarrassing dental imperfections and ugly stains can be corrected by their dentist.

Cosmetic Dentistry covers a broad range of dental services. It typically involves Appearance Related Dentistry. We offer comprehensive treatment to improve your smile. We work together with specialists and provide all services in our clinic to give you a perfect smile!

COSMETIC CORRECTION PROCEDURES:
Tooth Colored Restorations

Tooth colored fillings are known as Composite Resin Dental Fillings. Composite Fillings are made of a plastic dental resin which are tooth coloured, strong, durable, that would perfectly match the shade of your tooth and thereby provide a very natural smile!

The tooth coloured composite fillings are also done.

Chips/rough spots/cavities/cracks: These can be filled with a tooth-coloured material called composite. The colour of the composite can be chosen so that it matches the color of your teeth.

Uneven teeth: It’s not uncommon for a tooth to be slightly longer or have a different shape than its neighbours. With a procedure called recontouring, your dentist can reshape the tooth so that it’s a better match.

Gaps between the teeth: Small gaps can be closed by applying composite material between the teeth.

Broken or crooked teeth: Mild chips of enamel or mild alignment corrections can be done with composite fillings.

The full conservative cosmetic dental procedures have greatly enhanced a dentist’s ability to give their patients a better smile.
Bleaching

Tooth whitening is a procedure that lightens teeth and helps to remove stains and discoloration. Whitening is among the most popular cosmetic dental procedures because it can significantly improve the appearance of your teeth at much less cost and inconvenience than other techniques.

Bleaching has become enormously popular and successful. With bleaching, you can have whiter teeth in just one sitting.
Porcelain Veneers / Laminates

Veneers are a thin layer of porcelain, which are cemented to the tooth, act and appear like normal, natural tooth structure. The laminates are then cemented to the teeth and highly aesthetically pleasing.
Gum Contouring

Gum Contouring may be required for a ‘gummy smile’- excess gum exposure during smile, where the gums cover the top third of the teeth due some erratic eruption of the teeth. In which case the gum contouring is a conservative procedure done by the dentist that would significantly enhance your smile!
Tooth Jewellery

A jewel is fixed on the tooth surface. The jewel does not damage tooth tissues and has no side effects except for the increased charm of your smile! Call it an oral fashion statement to stand out among ordinary mortals or simply an effort to blend in with the bold and the beautiful. it can be easily removed without any side effects as the procedure is non-invasive.
Article by
Apollo Hospitals

Anyone with maligned and irregular teeth, buck teeth, crowded teeth, overlapping teeth or ones with with gap in between may require orthodontic treatment.

Why is Orthodontic treatment Improtant?

Orthodontic treatment can improve your dental health and change your facial appearance for the better, and it can boost your self esteem. Crowded teeth are difficult to clean and may contribute to tooth decay and gum diseases.

When should the treatment begin?

There is no single answer for this question because each orthodontic problem determines its own best starting time. For this reason it is recommended that every child first visit an orthodontist at the age of seven years. In many patients early treatment achieves better results that are unattainable once the face and jaws have finished growing. Another plus point is that early intervention frequently makes the completion of treatments at a later age easier and less time consuming.

What about adult treatment?

Orthodontic treatment can be successful at any age. The health of an individual’s gums and supporting bone is what’s most important in determining the prospects of improving an adult’s smile. Because an adult’s facial bones are no longer growing, certain corrections cannot be accomplished with braces alone and may require surgical intervention.

What does treatment involve?

This is commonly done by fixing braces to teeth and straightening them out. In some cases a patient may need to get some teeth removed in order to fix the braces. However, if the patient is seen at a young age and if the problem is not severe then entire treatment may be carried out without removal. It is critical therefore to visit an orthodontist at the earliest sign of irregular teeth.

Is the treatment very painful?

The treatment is certainly not painless, but the pain is mild and lasts for 2-3 days after initial visit to orthodontist. Recent advances in orthodontics have made treatment far more comfortable.

Does this treatment affect my performance at school/ work/ sports?

Not at all. You will only need to take reasonable care of your braces during contact sports like boxing, football, hockey, cricket etc . to prevent damage to the braces and injury to the teeth and lips. Treatment timeActive treatment with orthodontic appliance ranges from one to two years. The actual time depends on the growth, the co-operation of the patient and the severity of problem.

Lingual Orthodontics

Lingual orthodontics technique involves use of very small braces from behind the teeth,making them perfectly invisible!The best part is that the patients can appreciate the corrections of their tooth alignment as and when they happen.We use the S.T.B. line of lingual brackets, which are, arguably, the most advanced and smallest brackets in the world. Due to small size, speech is not at all disturbed and comfort is even more than with the conventional braces. Dr.Gandhi is specially trained to treat patients with this latest technique. Apart from lingual orthodontics, we also offer CLEAR ALIGNERS to treat moderate irregularities without using any wires or braces!

Foot infections are a serious complication of diabetes associated with substantial morbidity and occasional mortality. Antibiotic therapy for mild infections in patients who have not recently received antibiotic therapy can often be directed at just staphylococci and streptococci. Empiric therapy for infections that are chronic, moderate or severe, or that occur in patients who have failed previous antibiotic treatment, should usually be more broad spectrum. Bone infection also complicates a substantial percentage of diabetic foot wounds and increases the likelihood of treatment failure, requiring lower extremity amputation. An increasing body of evidence supports the effectiveness of nonsurgical treatment of diabetic foot osteomyelitis in selected patients, although the optimal choice of agent, route of administration and duration of therapy have yet to be defined. This article examines the potential role of standard and newer antibiotics that may be appropriate for treating diabetic foot infections, including ertapenem, vancomycin, moxifloxacin, daptomycin, telavancin and tigecycline, as well as several investigational agents, such as dalbavancin, ceftobiprole and nemonoxacin.
Introduction

People with diabetes are at high risk for developing infections of the foot. It is estimated that in the USA, 15% of diabetic patients will develop a foot ulcer in their lifetime[1] and diabetics have at least a tenfold greater risk of hospitalization for foot infections compared with individuals without diabetes.[2] More than 60% of non-traumatic lower-limb amputations occur in people with diabetes, the majority of which are preceded by an infected foot wound.[3–5] The likelihood of adverse outcomes is even higher in developing countries where access to medical care, especially advanced treatment modalities, is often limited. Morbidity and mortality associated with diabetic foot infections (DFIs) can be expected to increase in light of the fact that the number of people with diabetes worldwide is projected to double, reaching approximately 366 million by 2030.[6]

Diabetic foot infections result from a complex interplay among three main complications of long-term diabetes: immunopathy, neuropathy and arterial disease. In vitro evidence suggests that in the diabetic patient neutrophil function is compromised, with impaired chemotaxis and phagocytosis.[7–9] Diabetic neuropathy leads to foot deformity, which results in high pressure areas, leading to calluses and eventually breaks in the protective skin envelope. Sensory neuropathy leads to a decreased awareness on the part of the patient of potential risks to the foot, or failure to recognize that a foot wound, especially if infected, requires urgent treatment. Peripheral arterial disease jeopardizes the viability of soft tissue and bone, and facilitates the spread of infection by compromising the penetration of leukocytes and antibiotics to the infected site.

Bacteria most commonly gain entry to subcutaneous tissues by a disruption of the normal cutaneous barrier. This may occur through small fissures between the toes, acute traumatic wounds, burns or chronic pressure-related ulcers. Infection may remain mild and localized, or spread rapidly along tendon sheaths and fascial planes. An infection that begins under a metatarsal head, for example, may quickly progress to an abscess in the plantar space, which requires urgent surgical intervention.

Properly treating DFIs requires knowledge in several fields and often special surgical skills. Thus, a multidisciplinary approach, including specialists in infectious diseases, foot surgeons (orthopedic or podiatric), endocrinologists, vascular surgeons and wound care experts, can optimize treatment outcomes. Assembling such a team, ensuring that it follows evidence-based guidelines and regularly audits its results are processes that are likely to provide the best outcomes for patients with DFI.

Specific Antibiotic Agents:

Ertapenem
Vancomycin
Linezolid
Daptomycin
Tigecycline
Moxifloxacin
Telavancin

Anti-infective Therapy:

Empiric therapy of DFIs should ideally be guided by the severity of the infection and the likely microbiology of the wound. Acute, relatively mild infections in patients who have not recently received antibiotic therapy can often be solely directed at aerobic Gram-positive cocci. Infections that are chronic, moderate or severe, or that occur in patients who have failed previous antibiotic treatment should usually be more broad spectrum. The need to cover MRSA (or ESBL) isolates depends on the likelihood of these pathogens in any given patient. Definitive therapy, to complete the appropriate course, should be based on both the clinical response to empiric therapy and the results of the culture and sensitivity report. In polymicrobial infections, some organisms may represent contaminants or colonizers, and may therefore not need to be specifically covered by the antibiotic regimen.

What are Symptoms of Pancreatic Cancer?

Pancreatic Cancer Surgery India, Low Cost Pancreatic Cancer Treatment India, Pancreatic Cancer Surgery Benefits India. The most common early symptoms can include:

Pain in the stomach area that may spread to your back
Jaundice
Unexplained weight loss

Other and later symptoms

Bowel disturbances
Nausea
Fever and shivering
Diabetes

What are the Types of Pancreatic Cancer?
There are two types of pancreatic cancer, that of the exocrine gland and that of the endocrine gland. About 95 percent of pancreatic cancers begin in the exocrine cells of the pancreas.

Exocrine tumors: Most tumors affecting the exocrine gland are called adenocarcinomas. This type of cancer forms in the pancreas ducts. Treatment for these tumors is based on stage of growth.
Ductal Adenocarcinoma – Adenocarcinomas account for over 75% of all pancreatic cancers, and develop from cells that line the ducts which carry the digestive juices into the main pancreatic duct and then into the duodenum. They can develop anywhere within the pancreas. Most commonly, they are found in the head of the pancreas.
Acinar Cell Carcinoma – This is a very rare cancer (about 1% of pancreatic cancers) and develops in the acinar cells that produce and secrete the digestive enzymes. These tumours may produce excessive amounts of the digestive enzymes and so cause distinct symptoms, including unusual skin rashes and joint pain.
Adenosquamous Carcinoma – These tumours are similar to adenocarcinomas in that they form in glands, but the cells flatten as they grow.
Intraductal Papillary Mucinous Neoplasm/Tumours – Also known as IPMNs (or IPMTs), they form in the main pancreatic duct or in its side branches. They form finger like projections known as papillae into the duct and secrete a large amount of mucous which often causes the duct to expand or dilate. They account for about 3% of cases. They may be benign when first diagnosed, but if left unchecked, may change into a more aggressive and invasive form of cancer.
Mucinous Cystadenocarcinoma – A rare malignant cyst filled with mucin – a thick gel like fluid – predominantly affecting the tail of the pancreas and not the ductal system. They account for 1 – 2% of exocrine tumours and almost exclusively are found in women (middle-aged). If the cyst (which can grow very large -up to 20 cm) presses on the bile duct it will cause obstructive jaundice.
Pancreatoblastoma – A very rare childhood tumor (predominantly found in children under 10). It is even more rarely seen in adults. Mainly made up of acinar cells, some show ductal elements and even endocrine cells. Its features overlap those of acinar cell carcinoma.
Serous Cystadenocarcinoma – A cyst filled with thin, watery fluid. These are almost always benign tumors, which although can grow quite large, do not spread to other parts of the body. Cystic tumors represent about 2% of all pancreatic cancers. Most are benign, but their growth will impact on other structures and cause symptoms such as jaundice if they press on the bile duct.
Solid and Pseudopapillary Tumors – These are rare, benign or low grade malignant tumours more commonly seen in girls and young women. They can occur anywhere, but most frequently they are found in the tail and consist of both solid and cystic parts. They have a good prognosis if they can be completely removed since they can spread.
Endocrine Tumors: These tumors are less common and are most often benign. Though rare, cancer stemming from an endocrine tumor (cystadenocarcinoma) affects the hormone-producing cells. There are different types of Endocrine tumors.
Gastrinomas (Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome) – These produce too much gastrin, causing peptic ulcers in the stomach or duodenum. This leads to severe pain, bleeding causing black tarry stools (faeces), and diarrhoea. They occur in the pancreas and in the duodenum. These tumors are mostly malignant, meaning cancerous. The majority of cases appear to develop for unknown reasons, but about 25% of cases are associated with the MEN-1 syndrome, and as such are inherited as part of a genetic syndrome. Improved early screening in at risk groups may lead to earlier diagnosis when the tumors are still benign.
Glucagonomas – These produce too much of a hormone called glucagon. This causes a very specific type of skin rash (redness, ulceration and scabbing), anaemia, mouth ulcers and diarrhoea. These tumors are mostly malignant, meaning cancerous.
Insulinomas – These produce too much insulin, causing weakness, loss of energy, dizziness and drowsiness. These tumors are nearly always benign, meaning non-malignant and non-cancerous. Insulinoma is the most common and well-known islet cell tumor of the pancreas, accounting for more than 75-80% of sporadic functioning pancreatic islet cell tumors.
PPomas – These are also usually malignant, meaning cancerous.
Somatostatinomas – Produces too much of a hormone called somatostatin. This causes gall stones, diabetes and diarrhoea with bulky fatty and smelly stools (steatorrhoea). These tumors are mostly malignant, meaning cancerous.
VIPomas – Produces too much of a hormone called VIP. This causes a great deal of watery diarrhoea, flushing of the face, and high blood pressure. These tumors are mostly malignant, meaning cancerous.

What is haemorrhoidectomy?

It is a surgery to remove haemorrhoids (Piles). You will be given general anaesthesia or spinal anaesthesia so that you will not feel pain.

What is the stapled haemorrhoidectomy procedure?

Stapled hemorrhoidectomy, also known as stapled hemorrhoidopexy, is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of abnormally enlarged hemorrhoidal tissue, followed by the repositioning of the remaining hemorrhoidal tissue back to its normal anatomic position. Severe cases of hemorrhoidal prolapse will normally require surgery. Newer surgical procedures include stapled transanal rectal resection (STARR) and procedure for prolapse and hemorrhoids (PPH).

Why is it done?

It is appropriate when you have:

Very large internal haemorrhoids (Piles)
Internal haemorrhoids that still cause symptoms after nonsurgical treatment
Bleeding during or after the defecation
Large external haemorrhoids that cause significant discomfort and make it difficult to keep the anal area clean
Both internal and external haemorrhoids

How long does the procedure take?

Stapled haemorrhoidectomy employs a unique circular stapler which reduces the degree of prolapse by excising a circumferential strip of mucosa from the proximal anal canal. This has the effect of pulling the haemorrhoidal cushions back up into their normal anatomical position. Usually the patient will be under general anaesthetic, but only for around 30 minutes.

How long does it take to recover from Piles operation?

Due to the low level of post-operative pain and reduced analgesic use, patients will usually be discharged either the same day or on the day following surgery. Most patients can resume normal activities after a few days when they should be fit for work. The first bowel motion is usually on day two and should not cause any great discomfort. Staples may be passed from time to time during defecation. This is normal and should not be a cause for concern.