Department of General Surgery

Scope of Services:

• Trauma Surgeries
• Endocrine Surgeries
• Gastrointestinal Surgeries
• Minimal Access Surgeries Including Laparoscopic Appendisectomy, Gall Bladder Removal
• Minimally Invasive Procedure For Piles And Hernia Repair
• Single Incision Laparoscopic Surgeries (For Better Cosmetic Outcome)
• Colorectal Surgeries
• Breast Surgery
• Vascular Surgery
• Pediatric Surgery
• Dermatological Surgery
• All Day Care Procedures

Pre-operative Check-up (PAC):

Consultants of Internal Medicine Services are involved in preoperative checks in addition to anesthetists assessment to manage & pick up existing medical problem prior to surgical procedures as well as to take appropriate measures prior to surgeries. In some cases, consultants are required to manage co-morbid medical problems with surgical conditions. Preoperatively, post operatively & during intra operative period super-specialists are also called in whenever required.

Condition – Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

This is typically a condition in which the stomach contents (food or liquid) move backwards from the stomach into the esophagus (the tube from the mouth to the stomach). This movement can irritate the esophagus resulting into heartburn and other symptoms.

Signs and Symptoms

More common symptom are:

• Heartburn or burning pain in the chest
• Nausea after eating
• Cough or wheezing
• Sore throat
• Hiccups
• Feeling that food is stuck behind the breastbone

Causes

The possible causes of acid reflux are:

• Alcohol (possibly)
• Obesity
• Pregnancy
• Smoking
• Scleroderma
• Hiatal Hernia

Treatment

The best way to treat acid reflux is to make certain lifestyle changes. Avoid foods that cause problems for you. Your doctor may suggest antacids after meals and at bedtime.

When medicines seem to show no positive outcomes, GERD surgery may be needed. The Department of General and Minimally Invasive Surgery has renowned surgeons who are expert in performing this type of surgery. The main surgery performed for consistent heartburn is called fundoplication. In laparoscopic fundoplication, the surgeon operates from outside the body using tools inserted into the abdomen. During open fundoplication, he or she operates directly using his or her hands.

This laparoscopy surgery requires a shorter recovery time with less pain compared to open surgery.

Condition – Hemorrhoid

Hemorrhoids are typically vascular structures in the anal canal which help with stool control. They became pathological or piles, when swollen or inflamed. They become swollen due to increased pressure within them, usually due to straining at stools and during pregnancy because of the pressure of the enlarged uterus.

Signs and Symptoms

• Painless bleeding
• Bright red blood on the outside of the stools
• Dripping into the toilet

Causes

Hemorrhoids are associated with constipation and straining at bowel movements. The exact cause of symptomatic hemorrhoids is not known. Some common causes are:

• Lack of exercise
• Constipation
• Pregnancy
• Genetics
• Chronic cough
• Prolonged sitting
• Obesity

Treatment

Most of the hemorrhoids can be treated at home.

• Sitting in few inches of warm water thrice a day for 15-20 minutes may help decrease the inflammation of the hemorrhoids. It is important to dry off the anal area completely after each Sitting and bath to minimize irritation of the skin surrounding the anus.
• Dietary changes – It is advised to include fibre-rich food in diet and it reduces the pressure on the rectum and anus during a bowel movement, minimize further swelling, discomfort, and bleeding.
• Many creams, ointments, and suppositories are available for symptom relief and may be used for comfort.
• A number of office based procedures may be done such as rubber band ligation, sclerotherapy, etc.

Condition – Hernia

A hernia is generally a sac formed by the lining of the abdominal cavity (peritoneum). There are different types of hernia, each requiring a specific treatment or management. The most common type of hernia develops in abdomen due to weak abdominal walls.

• Femoral Hernia – This type of hernia is more common in women than men and appears as a bulge in the upper thigh.
• Hiatal Hernia – It appears in the upper part of the stomach.
• Inguinal Hernia – This type of hernia appears as a bulge in the groin and is more common in men than women.
• Umbilical Hernia – It appears as a bulge around the belly button and occurs when the muscle around the navel doesn’t close completely.

Signs and Symptoms

Most often there are no symptoms. The most common symptom is abdominal discomfort and pain. The intensity of discomfort increases when you stand, strain, or lift heavy objects. The best way to detect hernia is to visit a health care professional who can easily diagnose it through a physical inspection.

Causes of Hernia

Generally, there is no apparent cause of a hernia. Sometimes hernias occur due to heavy lifting, straining while using the toilet, or any activity that increases the pressure inside the abdomen. Hernias may be present at birth, but the bulge may not be identifiable until later in life.

Any activity or medical problem that increases pressure on the abdominal wall tissue and muscles may lead to a hernia, including:

• Chronic constipation
• Chronic cough
• Cystic fibrosis
• Extra weight
• Heavy lifting
• Poor nutrition
• Smoking
• Overexertion
• Fluid in the abdomen
• Undescended testicles

Treatment

According to experts, surgery is the only treatment available that can ensure permanent relief from hernia. One important thing to remember is that hernia surgery may be more risky for patients with severe medical problems.

Surgical option is considered only in following conditions:

• Hernias are getting larger
• Painful
• Cannot be treated without surgery
• May involve a trapped piece of bowel