Ovarian Cancer

What is ovarian cancer?

Ovarian cancer is a type of cancerous growth that develops in the ovary. This disease is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths in women around the world. Early-stage ovarian cancer rarely presents any symptoms, but they become more apparent as the disease progresses. Some symptoms are:

• Pressure or pain in the pelvis
• Pain in the abdomen or back
• Bloating or a feeling of fullness
• Changes in urination patterns and bowel habits
• Weight loss

While there is no known cause of ovarian cancer, but there are certain risk factors that can increase one’s chance of developing the disease, such as:

• Age
• Reproductive history
• Being overweight or obese
• Hormone replacement therapy
• Family history
• BRCA-1 and BRCA-2 gene mutation
• Lynch syndrome
• Endometriosis
• Smoking
• Diabetes mellitus

How is ovarian cancer treated?

Early-stage ovarian cancer can be effectively treated with surgery followed by chemotherapy. But in more advanced cases, doctors recommend chemotherapy before surgery to downstage the disease. The type of surgery depends on how far the ovarian cancer has progressed and the extent of its metastasis. Following surgery, they will again receive adjuvant chemotherapy. Most women undergo surgeries to remove their uterus, cervix, fallopian tubes, ovaries and omentum to ensure that all cancerous tissue has been excised from their body. These procedures are known as debulking surgery which involves bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (removal of both ovaries and fallopian tubes) and omentectomy. Talk to your oncologist today for more details on ovarian cancer and its treatment.

Colorectal Cancer

What is Colorectal cancer?

Colorectal cancer is a type of cancer that affects the colon and/or rectum. It is a common form of cancer that affects both men and women, especially in their older ages. Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death worldwide and is the third most common type of cancer seen globally. Early detection and treatment is necessary to cure this cancer. Colorectal cancer is characterised by an uncontrolled growth of cells in the lining of the colon or rectum. This affects the body through various symptoms, including:

• Change in bowel habits
• Constipation or diarrhoea
• Blood in stools
• Mucous discharge
• A feeling that the bowels are not properly empty following a bowel movement
• Bloating, pain and a feeling of fullness in the abdomen
• Sudden weight loss
• Fatigue
• Unexplained anaemia

How is Colorectal cancer treated?

Treatment of colorectal cancer depends on various factors, such as the stage, location and size of the cancer and the age and overall health of the patient. Treatment options general include surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy are given before surgery in advanced cancers to downstage the disease. If the disease is not advanced, surgery is the main option followed by adjuvant chemotherapy. The doctor will recommend surgery if the colorectal cancer is in its early stages. Before undergoing surgery, the patient will be placed on a special diet and also given enemas and laxatives to clear out the colon and rectum. There are a few techniques are used in colorectal cancer surgery. Polypectomy and local excision: Polypectomy is used in early-stage colorectal cancer where a polyp has turned cancerous in a small area without affecting the adjacent areas. A long flexible tube fitted with specialised surgical tools is inserted into the patient’s colon. It is used to cut polyps off the colon wall. Colectomy: This procedure involves removing a part of or the entire colon along with its surrounding lymph nodes. This is performed through open procedure where an incision is made in the patient’s abdomen or through a minimally-invasive procedure where a laparoscope is used. Anterior resection: This involves the removal of part of the rectum and proximal colon after which the remaining colon is joined with the remaining rectum. This is usually performed for rectal cancers and can be performed either through open procedure or laparoscopy. Abdominoperineal resection: This involves removal of the entire rectum up to the anal canal and some length of the proximal colon. This is usually done in cases of lower rectal cancers when sphincters cannot be saved. Abdominoperineal resection can be performed either through open procedure or laparoscopic techniques.

Treat Breast Cancer

Understanding breast cancer

Breast cancer is a common type of cancer that develops in the breasts and is one of the leading causes of death in women around the world. It affects both sexes, but it is more commonly seen in women. There are several types of breast cancers, with some being more common than others. In some cases, breast cancer can arise as part of a combination with another type of cancer. Breast cancer displays a variety of symptoms, such as:

• Presence of a hard lump in the breast
• Redness around the nipple
• Bloody nipple discharge
• Inverted nipples
• Swelling of part of the breast
• Changes in the skin of the breast - PeauD’Orange
• Swelling of the lymph nodes in the axilla

There is no known cause of breast cancer, but there are some factors that can increase your chances of developing this disease. These include:

• Age
• Gender
• Family history
• Genetics - BRCA-1 and BRCA-2 gene mutations
• Excessive alcohol consumption
• Exposure to radiation
• Being overweight or obese
• Certain oral contraceptives
• Reproductive history
• Nulliparous women
• Late child-bearing age

Treating breast cancer with surgery

The right treatment for breast cancer varies from person to person as it depends on various factors such as type and stage of cancer and patient health. Your doctor will suggest surgery to treat breast cancer if it is in the early stage. There are two surgical methods used to tackle breast cancer. Breast-conserving surgery: Also known as partial mastectomy or lumpectomy, this procedure involves removing only part of the breast that has been affected by cancer. The goal is to remove the cancer and retain as much breast tissue as possible. How much tissue should be removed depends on the size and location of the cancer. Post-operative radiotherapy is required in cases with or without chemotherapy. Axillary lymph nodes will be removed if they are also involved. Modified radical mastectomy: This surgery involves the removal of the entire breast and some neighbouring axillary lymph nodes. It is performed to ensure that all remnants of the cancer are removed and eliminate any chances of it returning. Chemotherapy, radiotherapy and hormonal therapy are required and will be suggested based on the stage of the disease following surgery. Pre-operative chemotherapy may be necessary in advanced stages to downstage the cancer before surgery. Breast cancer is a serious disease and should not be ignored. Early detection can help increase your chances of recovery as well as cure.

Hormone Therapy

What is hormone therapy and how does it work?

Hormone therapy is a form of cancer treatment that stops or slows down the growth of cancer cells that rely on hormones. These medicines reduce the amount of or block certain hormones within the body which in turn affects the growth of cancer cells. Hormones are natural secretions produced by the body’s endocrine glands and are transported through the bloodstream. They act as messengers between different parts of our body and are responsible for various functions. Certain cancer cells are hormone dependent and need these substances to grow. Hormone therapy lowers or blocks these hormones in the body so that the growth of these cancer cells is affected, eventually causing them to die.

How does hormone therapy affect cancer?

Hormone therapy works well with prostate, breast, uterine and ovarian cancers, but it can be used in the treatments of other cancers as well. It is sometimes used to shrink the size of tumours before radiation therapy or surgery. It also helps reduce the chances of the return of some cancers. It is effective in destroying cancer cells that have returned or spread to other areas.

What to expect with hormone therapy

Hormone therapy can be administered orally or intravenously and the course depends on the patient’s condition and type and stage of cancer. In some cases, the organs that produce specific hormones may be surgically removed to aid in the treatment. Similar to chemotherapy, hormone therapy can present some side effects as it affects your body’s hormone production. Different people will have different side effects and they may depend on the type of hormone therapy being received. The most common side effects are:

• Hot flashes
• Nausea
• Diarrhoea
• Inability to have sex or reduced sex drive
• Fatigue
• Changes in menstrual cycles
• Mood changes

Speak to your local oncologist for more information on hormone therapy and its uses.

Chemotherapy

One of the most effective forms of treatment for cancer is chemotherapy. The use of chemotherapy to treat various types of cancers has increased over the past couple of decades. This treatment has shown undeniable results in curing cancer and preventing it from returning. Chemotherapy is now included in part of complete treatment plans to combat cancers, which may include radiation therapy and surgery. It is no secret that chemotherapy can sometimes have adverse effects on patients. But it must be understood that doctors only recommend chemotherapy when they believe that the benefits will outweigh side effects.

What is Chemotherapy and what does it do?

Chemotherapy is a single medicine or a combination of medication that is given to cancer patients to kill cancer cells and prevent them from coming back. These drugs focus on cancer cells and affect their abilities to divide and multiply. Chemotherapy also targets the cancer cells’ source of nutrition and triggers the death of these cells. Chemotherapy drugs are also used to shrink the size of tumours before surgery. Chemotherapy is also given to cancer patients following remission or surgery as it helps prevent a recurrence. It slows down the progress of diseases and reduces their symptoms during later stages where a cure is not viable.

What to expect from Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is an invasive type of treatment that can have severe adverse effects on the patient. This is due to the fact that chemotherapy drugs target both healthy and cancerous cells. The treatment course depends on the patient’s condition and the type and stage of cancer. Chemotherapy medication can be administered orally, intravenously or topically. The most common side effects associated with chemotherapy treatment are:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Hair loss
• Flaky and brittle nails
• Fatigue
• Infections due to weakened immune system
• Anaemia
• Loss of appetite
• Mental health problems such as depression and mood swings

Consult your local oncologist for more details on chemotherapy and its benefits.

Understand Orthopaedic Trauma

Understanding orthopaedic trauma

Orthopaedic trauma is an umbrella term which describes all sorts of injuries that affect your bones, muscles, joints, ligaments and tendons resulting from trauma. The wide-ranging term is used to refer to minor fractures or severely broken bones that can directly threaten your life. Orthopaedic trauma focuses on treating broken or fractured bones and bringing the injured part of your body to its original form with maximum function. It is a sub-speciality of orthopaedic surgery.

What are the causes of orthopaedic trauma?

The most common causes of orthopaedic traumatic injuries are falls, sports accidents, vehicular accidents, severe coughing, twisting the ankle and violence. Some people are at higher risk of developing orthopaedic trauma if they suffer from bone conditions such as osteoporosis. This condition causes your bones to become weak and fragile, so they can break easily even from a minor slip or fall. People with conditions that affect their balance or eyesight are more prone to falling and injuring their bones. There are different types of orthopaedic trauma and they are classified based on the area that is affected.

• Upper extremity injuries include broken ribs, collarbone, arm or wrist
• Lower extremity injuries include broken legs, hip or ankle
• Soft tissue injuries include affected tendons, ligaments and muscles

What are the symptoms of orthopaedic trauma?

Some of the most common symptoms associated with orthopaedic trauma include:

• Swelling
• Tenderness
• Bruising
• Inability to move the affected part
• Bleeding due to damaged skin
• Numbness
• Pins and needles sensation

Most symptoms are based on the affected area, such as difficulty breathing or coughing due to broken ribs. It is important that you seek medical attention immediately after a fall or accident if you are showing any of the above symptoms.

Total Knee Replacement

What is total knee replacement?

Total knee replacement or knee arthroplasty is a surgical procedure which involves replacing a knee that has been damaged by injury or arthritis with prostheses artticulating ends of the femur(thigh bone) ,tibia (leg bone) and patella (knee cap) are resurfaced and is conducted on patients who have suffered a severe knee injury or have severe osteoarthritis. Knee injury or arthritis can make simple activities like climbing stairs or walking very painful. Arthritis can also cause pain when you are resting, lying down or sitting. Total knee replacement is suggested for patients who have had poor results with using walking supports or medication. This goal of this procedure is to relieve severe pain and disability caused by arthritis or injury and to enable the patient to walk normally.

What happens during a total knee replacement?

A total knee replacement involves the resurfacing and replacement of surface of the knee bones. The procedure is performed under general or regional anaesthesia, so the patient will be asleep throughout the surgery. An incision is made along the kneecap area so the surgeon can access the affected underlying cartilage and bone. This procedure involves four steps:

• The affected cartilage at the ends of the tibia and femur and some underlying bone are removed
• These parts are replaced with metal prostheses which are used to recreate the joint’s surface
• The underside of the kneecap is resurfaced with plastic prostheses
• A smooth gliding surface is created by inserting a plastic (polyethylene) spacer between the metal components

Who is eligible for total knee replacement?

There are many reasons why a total knee replacement procedure is recommended. People who have any of the following conditions are prime candidates for total knee replacement surgery:

• Stiffness or severe knee pain that limits daily activities such as climbing stairs, getting
• in and out of chairs or walking
• Chronic swelling and inflammation of the knee area that does not respond to medication or rest
• Moderate to severe discomfort or knee pain while resting
• Bowing of the knees or other deformities
• Inadequate or negative response to other treatments like physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medication or lubricating injections

There are no weight or age restrictions to be eligible for total knee replacement surgery. If you are experiencing any discomfort or pain in your knees, book an appointment with our experienced orthopaedic doctors today.

Sports Injury and Rehab

Getting injured is a common part of playing sports. It can happen no matter how careful you are, and some injuries can be rather severe. You are at higher risk of becoming injured if you fail to stretch or warm up before the game or if you are someone who is not regularly active. Contact sports like football and hockey have the highest risk of sports injuries compared to the others.

What are the types of sports injuries?

There are several types of sports injuries such as:

• Strains - Caused by the overstretching or tearing of tendons or muscles
• Sprains - Caused by the overstretching or tearing of ligaments
• Swollen muscles - Characterized by tender and inflamed muscles
• Knee injuries - Includes overstretched or torn tissues or muscles in or around the knee
• Dislocations - Occurs when a bone in your body becomes dislocated, leading to weakness, swelling and pain
• Fractures - Occurs when there is a break in your bones
• Rotator cuff injury - Occurs when there is a tear in the muscles in the rotator cuff, affecting the movement of the shoulder
• Achilles tendon rupture - Occurs when the Achilles tendon in your ankle is ruptured or broken

How are sports injuries treated?

Mild sports injuries are often treated using the RICE method - rest, ice, compression and elevation. This method helps reduce the swelling in the affected area and prevent the onset of additional bruising and pain. More serious sports injuries such as broken bones may require surgical intervention followed by rehabilitation. Sports injury rehabilitation involves the restoration of the affected area to its optimal form with maximum function. The goal of rehab is to limit the extent of the injury along with reducing or reversing functional loss and impairment. With rehab, you will be able to correct or entirely eliminate the chances of a disability. Your doctor will determine the best rehabilitation plan depending on your health, medical history and if you are keen on returning to the same sport later.

Shoulder Arthroscopy Surgery

What is shoulder arthroscopy and why is it performed?

Shoulder arthroscopy is a surgical procedure where a thin tube with a camera called an arthroscope is inserted into the shoulder joint to examine, diagnose and repair any damage or injury one of the area of focus is your rotator cuff which is a group of tendons and muscles located around the shoulder joint. These muscles and tendons are responsible for the placement of the shoulder joint and its movement. When injured or overused, the rotator cuff can tear or become damaged. Shoulder arthroscopy procedure is recommended to people who have a painful shoulder injury or condition that has not responded to nonsurgical treatment like rest, medication or physical therapy. The most common shoulder problems are age-related degeneration, overuse and injury. Shoulder arthroscopy is performed to relieve pain and discomfort caused by problems of labrum, articular cartilage, rotator cuff and other tissues surrounding the shoulder joint. Some common shoulder arthroscopy procedures are:

• Repair of the rotator cuff and surrounding tissue
• Repair of the labrum
• Surgery for shoulder dislocation
• Fracture fixation
• Removal of loose cartilage or inflamed tissue

How is shoulder arthroscopy performed?

Before the procedure, the patient is sedated so that they are comfortable. The type of anaesthesia is decided by the doctor depending on the patient’s case. Sterile fluid is injected into the shoulder to inflate the joint and allow the surgeon to clearly view the area through the arthroscope. A small incision is made in the shoulder through which the arthroscope is inserted into the joint. The scope has a camera attached to its end which captures images and projects them onto a video screen for the surgeon to view. Small specialised surgical instruments are inserted through separate incisions to repair and treat any damage present. Following the procedure, the patient’s arm is placed in a shoulder immobilising sling. After recovery, the patient is advised to undergo physical therapy to regain optimum motion of their shoulder.

What are the benefits of shoulder arthroscopy?

Compared to other open shoulder surgical techniques, arthroscopy is known to have several benefits, such as:

• Minimal scarring
• Improved motion
• Fewer complications and risks
• Decreased swelling and pain during recovery
• Faster functional recovery and short downtime
• Shorter hospital stay

Talk to one of our orthopaedic specialists today for more information on rotator cuff repair and benefits.