Day: December 14, 2023

What is a sterilisation? A sterilisation is a permanent method of female contraception. It involves blocking or removing both fallopian tubes (tubes that carry the egg from your ovary to your womb and sperm to the egg). So this operation will prevent you from becoming pregnant. What are the benefits of surgery? The womb and surrounding structures. You or your partner should not need to use another method of contraception. Are there any alternatives to sterilisation? There are non-permanent (reversible) methods of female contraception. hormone implants a coil or intrauterine contraceptive device (IUD) oral contraceptive pill A vasectomy is a permanent method of male

What is prostate cancer? Prostate cancer is a harmful growth that starts in your prostate gland. Radical prostatectomy involves removing your prostate gland and the section of urethra that runs through it. The operation is effective only for localised prostate cancer. What are the benefits of surgery? Radical prostatectomy gives the best chance of you being free of prostate cancer and is the most effective treatment in younger men. The tissue and lymph nodes that your surgeon removes will be examined under a microscope to help decide on any further treatment. The position of the prostate gland. Are there any alternatives

What is an oophorectomy? An oophorectomy is an operation to remove one of or both your ovaries. The fallopian tube connected to your ovary is usually removed at the same time. What are the benefits of surgery? Needing to remove an ovarian cyst is the most common reason for having an oophorectomy. A cyst can cause symptoms such as pain, bloating, pressure on your bowel or bladder, and sometimes tiredness. An oophorectomy should improve your symptoms. A laparoscopic oophorectomy. Some women have a family history of ovarian cancer so removing their ovaries will remove the risk of developing ovarian cancer.

What is a Nissen fundoplication? A Nissen fundoplication is an operation to prevent acid reflux, where acid from your stomach travels up into your oesophagus (gullet). It involves wrapping the top part of your stomach around your oesophagus. For this reason, the operation is sometimes known as a ‘wrap’. It is normal for a small amount of acid to travel into your oesophagus. If this happens too often it can cause symptoms of a burning sensation in your chest (‘heartburn’) or acid (acid reflux) in the back of your mouth. The acid can cause the lining of your oesophagus to

What is an inguinal hernia? Your abdominal cavity contains your intestines and other structures. These are protected by your abdominal wall, which is made up of four layers. Weak spots can develop in the layer of muscle, resulting in the contents of your abdomen, along with the inner layer, pushing through your abdominal wall. This produces a lump called a hernia. An inguinal hernia happens at the inguinal canal. This is a narrow passage through your abdominal wall. An inguinal hernia. What are the benefits of surgery? You should no longer have the hernia. Surgery should prevent the serious complications that a hernia

What is an inguinal hernia? Your abdominal cavity contains your intestines and other structures. These are protected by your abdominal wall, which is made up of four layers. Weak spots can develop in the layer of muscle, resulting in the contents of your abdomen, along with the inner layer, pushing through your abdominal wall. This produces a lump called a hernia. An inguinal hernia happens at the inguinal canal. This is a narrow passage through your abdominal wall. What are the benefits of surgery? You should no longer have the hernia. Surgery should prevent the serious complications that a hernia can cause and

What is an incisional hernia? Any operation on your abdomen needs a cut that is closed with stitches. Sometimes your wound does not heal properly and a weakness happens in the muscle layer. This results in the contents of your abdomen, along with the inner layer, pushing through your abdominal muscles. This produces a lump under your skin called a hernia. What are the benefits of surgery? You should no longer have the hernia. Surgery should prevent serious complications and allow you to return to normal activities. Are there any alternatives to surgery? You can sometimes control the hernia with supportive

What is a hysterectomy? A hysterectomy is an operation to remove your uterus (womb). Your cervix (neck of your womb) is usually also removed. Your ovaries may need to be removed at the same time. What are the benefits of surgery? There are common reasons for having a hysterectomy: The womb and surrounding structures. Heavy or painful periods not controlled by other treatments. Fibroids, where the muscle of your womb becomes overgrown. A hysterectomy may cure or improve your symptoms. You will no longer have periods. Are there any alternatives to a hysterectomy? Heavy periods can be treated using a variety of non-hormonal

What is achalasia? Achalasia is a condition that causes problems with swallowing. It can also cause regurgitation (bringing food back into your mouth), chest pain and weight loss. The lower oesophageal sphincter is the valve that controls how food passes into your stomach. Achalasia is where the valve does not relax properly. A Heller’s cardiomyotomy. What are the benefits of surgery? The aim is to make it easier for you to swallow. The benefits will often last for a lifetime. Are there any alternatives to surgery? The alternatives to surgery will usually give only temporary relief from your symptoms. changing

What are gallstones? Gallstones are ‘stones’ that form in your gallbladder. They are common and can run in families. The risk of developing gallstones increases as you get older and if you eat a diet rich in fat. For some people gallstones can cause severe symptoms, with repeated attacks of abdominal pain being the most common. The position of the gallbladder. What are the benefits of surgery? You should be free of pain and able to eat a normal diet. Surgery should also prevent the serious complications that gallstones can cause. Are there any alternatives to surgery? The gallstones can be left alone

What is a laminectomy? A laminectomy is an operation to treat symptoms caused by pressure on your spinal cord (spinal stenosis) or nerves. This might happen in your neck (cervical spine) or lower back (lumbar spine). The surgeon increases the space in your spinal canal by removing bone and tissue pressing on your nerves. This reduces the irritation and inflammation. When may a laminectomy be needed? You may need a laminectomy if your spinal cord or the nerves of your spine are compressed. Sometimes this happens with ageing due to problems with your: bones joints discs in your spine The