Hernia
Hernias are caused when there is a weakness or hole in the abdominal wall. They can be painful and cause discomfort, often preventing people from taking part in physical activities they love. Ignoring symptoms may lead to complications that can be life-threatening.
- Umbilical hernia: Forms near the navel
- Inguinal and femoral hernias: Forms in the groin
- Hiatal hernia: Forms on the diaphragm and allows the esophagus and stomach to move up into the chest cavity
- Incisional or Ventral hernia: Forms at the site of past surgical incisions
- Epigastric hernia: Forms between your chest and navel
Symptoms of a hernia can include:
- Visible lump or bulge that appears during certain activities or positions
- Pressure, dull ache, or pinching sensation
- Visible bulge where you shouldn't have one
Hernia treatment options include non-surgical and surgical options. When surgery is needed, minimally invasive approaches can result in reduced recovery times and minimal scarring.
Gallbladder Disease
Gallstones are formed when substances in bile, like cholesterol, harden. If gallstones become stuck in a duct, you may experience what is called a gallbladder attack.
- Tenderness in your abdomen when touched
- Abdominal bloating
- Yellow-ish color to your skin or white of your eyes
- Nausea, belching, or vomiting
- Fever or chills
Treatment options include dietary changes and surgery. Minimally invasive surgery is common for the removal of the gallbladder, allowing you to go home the same day.
GERD
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is often referred to as heartburn. The burning or squeezing sensation in the chest is due to acid entering the esophagus from the stomach.
- Heartburn or burning chest pain
- Food reflux
- Sore throat
- Acid reflux or bile in the mouth
- Difficulty swallowing
GERD treatment options include medications, lifestyle changes, and in severe cases, surgery using minimally invasive techniques.
Appendicitis
Appendicitis is an inflamed appendix that causes acute pain in the lower abdomen. The appendix can become infected and swollen, which can result in it bursting.
- Abdominal pain
- Nausea
- Loss of appetite
- Fever
- Urinary symptoms
Treatment for appendicitis usually involves surgery. Minimally invasive surgery allows for reduced recovery times.
Colon Cancer
Colon cancer is a growth of cells that begins in the colon. It usually affects older adults and often starts as small polyps that turn cancerous over time.
- A change in bowel habits
- Rectal bleeding or blood in the stool
- Cramps or gas pain
- Weakness or tiredness
- Unintended weight loss
Treatment for colon cancer usually involves surgery to remove the cancerous tissue. Additional options may include chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
IBD is a chronic inflammation of the digestive tract that includes ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease.
- Diarrhea
- Fatigue
- Abdominal pain
- Blood in the stool
- Reduced appetite
Treatment for IBD includes medications to reduce inflammation and surgical options for severe cases.
Diverticulitis
Diverticulitis is when small, bulging pouches in the digestive tract become inflamed or infected, causing pain and other symptoms.
- Pain in the lower left side of the abdomen
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fever
- Abdominal tenderness
- Constipation or diarrhea
Treatment may include dietary changes, antibiotics, or surgery in severe cases.
Cholecystitis
Cholecystitis is inflammation of the gallbladder, often caused by gallstones blocking the bile duct.
- Severe pain in the upper right abdomen
- Pain that spreads to the right shoulder or back
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fever
Treatment usually involves hospitalization and possibly surgery to remove the gallbladder.
Endocrine Disorders
Endocrine disorders occur when the glands in the endocrine system produce too much or too little of a hormone. These imbalances can affect metabolism, growth, reproduction, and mood, often requiring careful diagnosis and management to restore hormonal balance.
- Fatigue
- Weight changes (gain or loss, unexplained)
- Mood swings or depression
- Changes in appetite or thirst
- Heat or cold intolerance
- Frequent urination
- Slow or rapid heart rate
- Hair thinning or hair loss
- Changes in menstrual cycles
- Decreased libido
- Muscle weakness
- Sweating or dry skin
- Growth abnormalities (e.g., unusual short stature or rapid growth)
- Digestive issues such as nausea or constipation
Treatment for endocrine disorders often includes managing hormone imbalances and addressing underlying conditions through medication, lifestyle changes, and specialized care. In some cases, surgery is necessary to remove adrenal gland tumors, overactive parathyroid glands, thyroid nodules, or thyroid cancer. Surgical options are also available for hereditary endocrine conditions involving tumors to prevent or treat complications.