ABDOMINAL AORTIC ANEURYSM: An aortic aneurysm is a weak spot in the wall of the aorta, the primary artery that carries blood from the heart to the head and extremities, most commonly in its abdominal part. The weakened area enlarges and is known as an aneurysm. In the majority of cases there are no warning […]
WHAT IS COLORECTAL CANCER? Colorectal cancer is a cancer that starts in the colon (the main part of the large intestine) or the rectum (the passageway connecting the colon to the anus). Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer diagnosed in both men and women. Most colorectal cancers begin as a growth on the […]
WHAT IS THE STOMACH CANCER? The Stomach is located in our upper abdomen and is part of our digestive system. It connects the esophagus (gullet) with the small intestine. It acts as a food reservoir, mixes the food ingested and secretes liquid substances that aid digestion. Stomach cancer usually occurs when cells in the inner […]
Pilonidal Disease What is pilonidal disease and what causes it? Pilonidal disease is a chronic infection of the skin in the region of the buttock crease (Figure 1). The condition results from a reaction to hairs embedded in the skin, commonly occurring in the cleft between the buttocks. The disease is more common in men […]
Ostomy WHAT IS AN OSTOMY? An ostomy is a surgically created opening connecting an internal organ to the surface of the body. Different kinds of ostomies are named for the organ involved. The most common types of ostomies in intestinal surgery are an “ileostomy” (connecting the ileal part of the small intestine to the abdominal […]
WHAT IS CAROTID ENDARTERECTOMY? Carotid endarterectomy is an operation during which your vascular surgeon removes the inner lining of your carotid artery if it has become thickened or damaged. This procedure eliminates a substance called plaque from your artery and can restore blood flow. As you age, plaque can build up in the walls of […]
WHAT IS CLAUDICATION? Claudication is pain, tired or weak feeling that occurs in your legs, usually during activity such as walking. The symptoms typically begin when you start to exercise, and go away a short time after you rest. Your arteries carry blood rich with oxygen and nutrients from your heart to the rest of your […]
WHAT IS CAROTID ARTERY DISEASE? Carotid artery disease occurs when the major arteries in your neck become narrowed or blocked. These arteries, called the carotid arteries, supply your brain with blood. Your carotid arteries extend from your aorta in your chest to the brain inside your skull. You are more likely to develop carotid artery […]
WHAT IS AN ABDOMINAL AORTIC ANEURYSM (AAA)? The aorta is the largest artery in your body, and it carries oxygen-rich blood pumped out of, or away from, your heart. Your aorta runs through your chest, where it is called the thoracic aorta. When it reaches your abdomen, it is called the abdominal aorta. The abdominal […]
WHAT IS VASCULAR DISEASE? In our ageing population, vascular disease is a common cause of disability and mortality. Vascular disease or disease of the blood vessels can be categorised as those affecting the arteries (blood vessels carrying blood away from the heart) and those affecting the veins (blood vessels carrying blood to the heart). Diseases […]
Appendicitis WHAT IS THE APPENDIX? The appendix is a small closed-ended, narrow tube up to several centimetres in length that attaches to the cæcum. It is located in the lower right side of the abdomen, at the junction where the small intestine meets the large intestine. The appendix has no known function in the body […]
Colorectal resection WHAT IS THE LARGE INTESTINE? The large intestine (or large bowel) is the lower part of the digestive system where waste products from the food you eat are collected and processed into faeces. The large intestine is about 1.5 m long and consists of the caecum, appendix, colon and rectum – which are […]
