CONDITIONS
Emergency disorders

Appendicitis

The appendix is a small sac that consists of lymphatic tissue. The lymphatic tissue found in the appendix strengthens immunity. Acute appendicitis is an inflammation of the appendix. Appendicitis is a severe condition that can cause the appendix to rupture. When the appendix bursts, harmful bacteria seep into the abdomen. As soon as the bacteria migrate into the abdominal cavity, the condition becomes life-threatening.

Symptoms of appendicitis
Sharp abdominal pain is a common sign of appendicitis. Other signs of the condition include:
  • Lack of appetite
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Diarrhoea or constipation
  • Bloating
  • Slight fever
Reasons for appendicitis
Inflammation of the appendix occurs when faeces or mucous blocks the entrance of the appendix that runs to the cecum (the start of the large intestine). The bacteria accumulate in the confined space and eventually infect the appendix lining. If left untreated, the infection can be so severe that the appendix can rupture.
Appendicitis treatment
Surgery that’s performed to treat appendicitis is an emergency procedure. An appendectomy is a surgical procedure that’s performed to remove the infected appendix. Once the appendix ruptures, the surgeon will have to clean the abdomen. A less invasive laparoscopic appendectomy is another viable technique that’s used to remove the appendix.

Abscesses

Bacterial infections give rise to abscesses. Abscesses are an accumulation of pus. Skin and internal abscess are two types of abscesses. While a skin abscess forms beneath the surface of the skin, an internal abscess forms within or between organs.

Symptoms of abscesses
Skin abscesses are noticeable lumps within the skin. If the abscess is infected, the patient will experience fever and chills. Pain and fever are signs of an internal abscess. Other symptoms of internal abscesses include:
  • Sweating
  • Weight loss
  • Lack of appetite
  • Abdominal bloating
Reasons for abscesses
Abscesses form due to bacterial infections. As bacteria move into the body, the immune system triggers white blood cells to destroy the infection. The infected area starts to swell and forms a cavity that's filled with pus. The pus consists of white blood cells, tissue and bacteria. If left untreated, the abscess continues to grow and becomes more painful. The body produces more and more pus as the infection progresses. Sometimes abscesses could be a result of a fungal or viral infection.
Abscess treatment
Heat compression may be used to treat skin abscesses. A round of antibiotics helps treat an infection that causes skin abscesses to grow and recur. Most of the time, skin abscesses require drainage. For this particular treatment, the surgeon makes an incision to drain the pus from the abscess, and she sends a sample for biopsy. As soon as the pus is drained, Dr Singh uses a sterile solution to clean the residual cavity and applies an antiseptic dressing to the wound.

Gastrointestinal bleeding

Gastrointestinal bleeding is a life-threatening condition that occurs when there’s bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract (oesophagus, stomach, intestines, rectum or anus). Bleeding could range from mild to severe haemorrhage. Sometimes, the bleeding can be mild and is only detected when found in the patient’s stool.

Symptoms of gastrointestinal bleeding
A variation in the colour of stool is a sign of a gastrointestinal condition. Signs of gastrointestinal bleeding include:
  • Sticky, dark and tar-like stool (upper GI bleeding)
  • Traces of blood found on tissue paper after a bowel movement
  • Vomit that resembles coffee grounds
  • Vomiting blood
Reasons for gastrointestinal bleeding
Peptic ulcers, oesophageal Varices, colitis, Haemorrhoids and cancers are few of the causes of gastrointestinal bleeding.
Gastrointestinal bleeding treatment
The surgeon performs an emergency endoscopy to stop gastrointestinal bleeding. Clips are applied to blood vessels to reduce bleeding. If haemorrhoids are the cause of gastrointestinal bleeding, the surgeon performs a haemorrhoidectomy or rubber band ligation to remove or shrink large haemorrhoids.

Bowel obstruction

Usually, food particles travel through the intestine, a blockage, however, can put a stop to the natural flow of digested waste. When a region of the intestine is blocked, gastric acids, waste and gas accumulate and put pressure on the intestine. If the bowel obstruction isn't treated, the intestine will rupture, and as a result, harmful bacteria will be released into the abdomen.

Symptoms of bowel obstruction
Abdominal pain and nausea are a few common signs of bowel obstruction. Other signs of the condition include:
  • Lack of appetite
  • Vomiting
  • Constipation or diarrhoea
  • Stomach cramps
Reasons for bowel obstruction
Adhesions from previous surgery, tumours and Volvulus are some causes of bowel obstruction. A Volvulus occurs when a part of the intestine twists. Blood supply to the bowel is cut off. Volvulus is a severe condition that can be life-threatening if left untreated. Other possible reasons for bowel obstruction include:
  • Intussusception: Intussusception is common in children who are under three years. Intussusception occurs when a part of the intestine moves into an adjacent area. The intestine folds over itself and resembles a part of a telescope. Because of the distorted anatomy of the intestine, waste cannot pass through the body properly. A lack of blood supply results in tears, infection and dead tissue.
  • Hernias: A portion of the small intestine breaks through a hole in the abdominal wall. Nearby muscle engulfs tissue and cuts off blood supply to the small intestine.
  • Foreign bodies: Foreign bodies are commonly found in the small bowel. These objects can get stuck in the stomach or intestine and lead to perforation.
  • Strictures: When the intestinal passageway starts to narrow, food can get stuck in the intestine.
Bowel obstruction treatment
An intravenous drip compensates for the loss of fluid. A nasogastric tube is guided through the nose into the stomach to relieve pressure and abdominal swelling. Dr Singh performs surgery to treat the cause of the bowel obstruction.
 
 
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