Author Archives: Patrick Hercules

Bilateral Hernia Robot-Assisted Surgery

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A bilateral hernia is a type of inguinal or groin hernia that occurs on both sides of the abdomen. An inguinal hernia happens when part of the membrane lining the abdominal cavity or intestine protrudes through a weak spot in the abdomen, often along the inguinal canal, which carries the spermatic cord in men.

Some signs and symptoms of a bilateral inguinal hernia include:

  • A bulge in the area on both sides of your pubic bone, which becomes more obvious when you’re upright, especially if you cough or strain
  • A burning or aching sensation at the bulge
  • Pain or discomfort in your groin, especially when bending over, coughing, or lifting
  • A heavy or dragging sensation in your groin
  • Weakness or pressure in your groin
  • Occasionally, pain, and swelling around the testicles when the protruding intestine descends into the scrotum

Some inguinal hernias have no apparent cause. Other causes of hernias can include:

  • Increased pressure within the abdomen
  • A preexisting weak spot in the abdominal wall
  • Straining during bowel movements or urination
  • Strenuous activity
  • Pregnancy
  • Chronic coughing or sneezing

Some risk factors that contribute to developing an inguinal hernia include:

  • Being male
  • Being older
  • Family history
  • Premature birth and low birth weight
  • Previous inguinal hernia or hernia repair

A physical exam is usually all that is needed to diagnose an inguinal hernia. Your doctor will check for a bulge in the groin area. They can also ask you to stand and cough or strain because standing and coughing can make a hernia more prominent.

Healthcare providers recommend surgery for most inguinal hernias. The types of surgeries used to repair inguinal hernias include:

  • Open surgery
  • Laparoscopic surgery
  • Robotic-assisted surgery

Robot-assisted surgery can repair smaller hernias or rebuild your entire abdominal wall. There are many potential advantages of robotic-assisted surgery over other types of surgery including:

  • Robot-assisted surgery provides the surgeon with 3D images of inside your abdomen that create a clearer picture for them to reference as they operate compared to the 2D images used during laparoscopic surgery
  • Under the surgeon’s direction, the robot can move more freely and with more versatility than a human hand
  • You’ll have a few tiny scars rather than one large incision scar (as with open surgery)
  • You’re more likely to experience less pain and less bleeding after surgery compared to open surgery
  • You’re more likely to have a quicker recovery time than with open surgery

For more information about robotic surgery or procedures performed by our surgeons, you can call Flushing Hospital’s Department of Surgery at 718-670-3135.

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

Cellulitis

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Cellulitis is a common, potentially serious bacterial infection of the skin and tissue beneath the skin. The affected area is typically swollen, inflamed, painful, and warm to the touch.

Cellulitis commonly affects the lower part of your body, including your legs, feet, and toes. However, it can occur in any part of your body like your face, arms, hands, and fingers.

Some symptoms of cellulitis include:

  • An irritated area of skin that tends to expand
  • Swelling
  • Tenderness
  • Pain
  • Warmth
  • Fever
  • Chills
  • Spots
  • Blisters
  • Skin dimpling
  • Headache
  • Weakness
  • Red streaks from the original site of the cellulitis

When you first get cellulitis, your skin looks slightly discolored. It may feel slightly warm to the touch. As the infection spreads, the discoloration gets darker and your skin swells and becomes tender.

Some severe symptoms that will need immediate emergency care include:

  • If you have a large area of red inflamed skin
  • Fever
  • If the affected area is causing numbness, tingling, or other changes in a hand, arm, leg, or foot
  • If the skin appears black
  • If the area that is red and swollen is around your eyes or behind the ears
  • If you have diabetes or a weakened immune system

Cellulitis is caused when bacteria, most commonly streptococcus and staphylococcus enter through a crack or break in the skin. Bacteria are more likely to enter broken, dry, flaky, or swollen skin such as a recent surgical site, cuts, puncture wounds, ulcers, athlete’s foot, or dermatitis. If the wound isn’t treated properly, there is potential to encounter a more severe staphylococcus infection called methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).

Another cause of cellulitis occurs due to poor hygiene. Ways to maintain good hygiene include:

  • Washing your hands regularly with soap and warm water
  • Cleaning and trimming your fingernails and toenails
  • Regularly showering and thoroughly drying your skin afterward
  • Wearing clean clothes
  • Keeping small wounds clean

To diagnose cellulitis, your healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms and examine the affected area. If you have a severe case of cellulitis, your physician may recommend tests to ensure the infection hasn’t spread to other parts of your body. These tests include:

  • Blood test
  • Skin test
  • Bacterial culture

Cellulitis is usually treated with oral antibiotics. However, severe cases of cellulitis may not respond to oral antibiotics. You may require hospitalization and intravenous antibiotics.

The fastest way to get rid of cellulitis is to take the full course of antibiotics. Some home treatments that can help the healing process include:

  • A warm compress
  • Elevation
  • Compression wraps or stockings

Some ways you can reduce your risk of cellulitis include:

  • Cleaning your wounds or sores with antibacterial soap and water
  • Applying an antibiotic ointment on your wounds or sores
  • Covering your wounds or sores with bandages to prevent dirt or bacteria from entering the area
  • Refraining from touching or rubbing your affected areas
  • Getting medical attention right away for any deep cuts or puncture wounds

If you are experiencing symptoms of cellulitis, you can make an appointment with a qualified physician at Flushing Hospital Medical Center by calling 718-670-5486.

 

 

 

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

West Nile Virus

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West Nile Virus is a virus that spreads through mosquito bites. Named after the West Nile district of Uganda where it was first identified, the virus can be found in many parts of the world, including North America, Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia.

West Nile Virus is the most common mosquito-transmitted virus in the U.S., with cases reported in 49 states. There have been over 51,000 symptomatic cases in the U.S. since the first cases in the country were discovered by the late Dr. Deborah Asnis here at Flushing Hospital Medical Center in 1999.

The symptoms of West Nile virus include:

  • Fever
  • Headache
  • Muscle aches
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • A rash that is concentrated around the chest and back
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Sore throat
  • Pain behind the eyes

West Nile virus can cause serious infections like encephalitis and meningitis. Their symptoms include:

  • An intense, painful headache
  • A high fever above 103 degrees
  • A stiff neck
  • Confusion
  • Muscle weakness
  • Uncontrollable muscle movements such as tremors and convulsions
  • Seizures
  • Paralysis
  • Coma

West Nile virus can be diagnosed by testing your blood or cerebrospinal fluid to look for antibodies or other signs of infection. These tests are only performed if you’re seriously ill.

If you have signs of brain inflammation, you will need your brain scanned using a CT scan or MRI.

There are no specific medicines available to treat West Nile virus. Please note that antibiotics do not treat viruses.

Rest, fluids, and over-the-counter medications may relieve some symptoms. In severe cases, patients often need to be hospitalized to receive supportive treatment, such as intravenous fluids, pain medication, and nursing care.

If you become sick with severe symptoms, particularly after potential exposure to West Nile virus, you must receive treatment from a doctor as soon as possible. You can schedule an appointment at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center by calling (718) 670-5486.

 

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month

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August is Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month. With children going back to school, it is important to get their eyes checked.

Vision is a vital part of a child’s development. It is how they learn, play, and interact with the world around them.

Unfortunately, many eye problems in children go undetected, which can lead to long-term issues. Regular eye exams are critical in identifying problems early which ensures your child has the best chance for healthy vision. Good vision is essential for their performance in school, in sports, and their overall well-being.

Children are vulnerable to many eye problems, including:

  • Injuries
  • Infections
  • Nearsightedness

There are many things to be aware of that may indicate a problem with your child’s eyes. They include:

  • Their eyes do not line up or appear crossed
  • Their eyelids are red-rimmed, crusted, or swollen
  • Their eyes are watery or inflamed
  • They rub their eyes a lot
  • They close or cover one eye
  • They tilt their head forward
  • They have trouble reading or doing other close-up work
  • They hold objects close to their eyes to see
  • They blink more than usual or seem cranky when doing close-up work
  • Things are blurry or hard to see for them

There are many ways to protect your child’s eye health, including:

  • Getting regular eye exams
  • Wearing protective eyewear during sports and other activities
  • Limiting screen time
  • Practicing healthy nutrition

If you would like to schedule an eye exam for your child, you can visit an ophthalmologist at Flushing Hospital Medical Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 670-5486.

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

National Immunization Awareness Month

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August is National Immunization Awareness Month or NIAM. It is an annual observance highlighting the importance of getting routine vaccinations for people of all ages. 

Vaccines work by stimulating the immune system to protect our bodies against viruses or bacteria that cause infection. After vaccination, the immune system is better prepared to respond quickly when the body encounters disease-causing organisms.

Vaccinations are important at every stage of life. They are one of the safest preventative care measures available and help play a vital role in keeping you healthy. When you skip vaccines, you leave yourself vulnerable to illnesses such as shingles, influenza (flu), and both HPV and hepatitis B which are leading causes of cancer. 

Getting vaccinated also helps keep your family and community healthy, as vaccinations can help lessen the severity of illness and keep diseases from spreading. Additionally, vaccinations help protect those most vulnerable to illness, such as infants, elders, and people with weakened immune systems. 

If you or a loved one would like to get vaccinated, schedule an appointment with a physician at Flushing Hospital’s Department of Internal Medicine or your primary care physician as soon as possible.

To schedule an appointment for you or a loved one to get up to date on vaccinations, you can call Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center at (718) 670-5486.

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

Diverticulitis

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Diverticulitis is caused when the diverticula- irregular bulging pouches in the colon wall develop over time and become inflamed, tear, swell, and become infected. Diverticula can form due to spasms or straining.

Pain in the lower abdomen is a common symptom of diverticulitis. Other symptoms include:

  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Fever
  • Tenderness in the abdomen when touched
  • Changes in stool which include constipation or diarrhea
  • Rectal bleeding
  • A distended abdomen

Diverticulitis is more common in people over 50. Other factors that put you at risk of diverticulitis include:

  • Obesity
  • Smoking
  • A low-fiber diet
  • A high-red meat diet
  • Heavy alcohol use
  • Lack of exercise.
  • Low vitamin D levels
  • Certain medicines such as steroids, opioids, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen and naproxen sodium.

Many conditions can cause pain and other symptoms related to diverticulitis. A healthcare provider will perform a physical exam where they gently touch different parts of the abdomen to learn where the pain and tenderness are.

They may also order laboratory tests to determine what is causing your symptoms and use them to rule out other conditions and make a diagnosis. These tests include:

  • Blood tests for signs of infection and immune system activity.
  • Urine test
  • Stool test
  • Pregnancy test
  • Liver enzyme test to rule out liver disease.

A CT scan can show inflamed diverticula, abscesses, fistulas, or other complications.

There are many ways to help prevent diverticulitis including:

  • Exercising regularly.
  • Eating a high-fiber diet.
  • Maintaining a healthy weight.
  • Drinking plenty of fluids.
  • Limiting alcohol use and quitting smoking.

Treatment for diverticulitis depends on the severity of the condition. Uncomplicated diverticulitis is when there are mild symptoms and no complications, and you can be treated at home. A healthcare provider will recommend a liquid diet and then a gradual increase to low-fiber solid foods. You may also be prescribed antibiotics.

Complicated diverticulitis is when the symptoms are serious and there are signs of complications. You will need to be in the hospital for treatment.

Surgery on the colon may be performed if complicated diverticulitis is diagnosed. Other reasons surgery may be needed include:

  • Complications include ruptures in the colon wall, fistulas, or other serious tissue damage.
  • There were multiple episodes of uncomplicated diverticulitis.
  • You have a weakened immune system.

Surgery is usually performed laparoscopically. Two procedures used for treating diverticulitis include:

  • The diseased section of the colon is removed. The remaining healthy tissues are connected to recreate a complete colon.
  • The healthy section and the diseased section are separated. The healthy section is directed to an opening in the abdomen wall. Waste is collected using a colostomy bag giving the diseased section time to heal. When it is healed, the two sections are reconnected, and the opening in the abdomen wall is closed.

If you are experiencing signs and symptoms of diverticulitis and would like to schedule an appointment with a physician at Flushing Hospital, please call 718-670-5486.

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

Robot-Assisted Sacrocolpopexy for Pelvic Organ Prolapse

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Pelvic organ prolapse is when one or more pelvic organs slip down into the vagina after the muscles and tissues that support them become weak or damaged.

There are many types of prolapse depending on what organs are involved. They include:

  • Uterine prolapse
  • Vaginal prolapse
  • Cystocele
  • Rectocele
  • Enterocele

There are many causes of pelvic organ prolapse. The most common causes include:

  • Vaginal childbirth.
  • Surgery on your pelvic organs.
  • Getting older.
  • Extreme physical activity or lifting heavy objects.
  • Increased abdominal pressure from straining during bowel movements or a chronic cough.
  • Genetics, like being born with weaker pelvic muscles.

There can be many symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse. The most common symptoms include:

  • Seeing a bulge or lump coming from the vagina.
  • Feeling like there is a ball stuck inside of the vagina.
  • A feeling of pressure or heaviness in the pelvis or lower back.
  • Leaking urine or problems with bowel movements.
  • Issues inserting tampons or pain during intercourse.

Surgeons can perform a sacrocolpopexy to help relieve these symptoms. A sacrocolpopexy can be done in two ways.

One way is with a thin telescope-like tube with a camera called a laparoscope put through incisions as the surgeon performs the surgery.

The other way, a robotic-assisted sacrocolpopexy, uses special tools like a surgical robot. This procedure uses similar steps but passes robotic controllers through small incisions as the surgeon guides them.

Robotic-assisted sacrocolpopexy has some benefits over other methods as it may lower the risk of complications for some people. Other benefits include:

  • A shorter hospital stay.
  • A faster recovery time.

Speak to your healthcare provider to learn which robotic surgery is best for you.

For more information about robotic surgery or procedures performed by our surgeons, please get in touch with Flushing Hospital’s Department of Surgery at 718-670-3135.

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

Senior Summer Health Tips

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Rising summer temperatures can be unbearable for everyone. They can be even worse for senior citizens because they can be severely affected by heat-related illnesses. Some heat-related illnesses include:

  • Heat exhaustion
  • Heatstroke
  • Heat syncope
  • Dehydration
  • Heat cramps
  • Heat edema
  • Heat rash
  • Sunburn

Older adults are at higher risk for heat-related illnesses and death. Factors that put older adults at greater risk include:

  • Health problems such as heart, lung, or kidney disease.
  • Skin changes that are caused by normal aging.
  • Any illness that causes weakness or results in a fever.
  • Drugs such as diuretics, sedatives, tranquilizers, and some heart and high blood pressure medications can make it harder for the body to cool itself off.
  • Being on several prescription drugs at the same time.
  • Being obese, overweight, or underweight.
  • Drinking alcoholic beverages.
  • Living in places without air conditioning or fans.
  • Dehydration.

Hot summer days can make it difficult for the body to regulate its temperature. Especially for older adults. Here are some tips to keep them safe and prevent heat-related illnesses:

  • Stay away from direct sun exposure as much as possible.
  • Spend as much time in air-conditioned spaces as possible.
  • Stay hydrated.
  • Wear loose and light-colored clothing and a wide-brimmed hat.
  • Take cool showers and baths.
  • Avoid exercising outdoors and other physical activity when it’s hot.
  • Wear broad-spectrum sunscreen that is SPF 15 or higher and reapply throughout the day.
  • Find out if certain medications can contribute to heat-related illnesses.

If you are experiencing any heat-related symptoms, you can schedule an appointment at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Cardiology Department by calling (718) 206-7100. If you are experiencing an emergency, please dial 911 right away.

 

 

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

Anaerobic Exercise

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Anaerobic exercise is any short, fast high-intensity exercise that uses stored energy to supply working muscles instead of oxygen.

Some types of anaerobic exercises include:

  • High-intensity interval training (HIIT)
  • Heavy weightlifting
  • Sprinting
  • Plyometrics: jumping, hopping, skipping, jumping squats, and jumping lunges
  • Calisthenics: bodyweight exercises like push-ups, pull-ups, and dips

Anaerobic exercise benefits the cardiovascular system, muscles, and joints. These benefits include:

  • An increase in muscle strength and power.
  • An increase in fat loss and muscle mass.
  • An improvement in bone mineral density.
  • A decrease in joint stiffness.
  • Corrected muscle imbalances and improved posture.
  • An improvement in circulation and heart and lung function.
  • A decrease in high blood pressure.
  • A decrease in inflammation throughout the body.
  • An improvement in mood and energy.
  • A decreased risk of developing conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.
  • Lowered blood sugar, high cholesterol, and triglycerides.

Anaerobic exercise isn’t easy, it may be helpful to find a certified fitness trainer to help you create a program based on your medical history.

If you want to create a program on your own, here are some basic weightlifting tips to consider:

  • Warm up for at least five minutes.
  • Start with large muscle groups first.
  • Do one to three sets of eight to 15 reps.
  • Complete eight to 10 exercises following the proper technique.

Please note that when beginning or increasing the amount of anaerobic exercise, get cleared to do so by your healthcare provider. Start slowly and gradually increase your physical activity level over time.

If you experience medical problems while exercising, you can schedule an appointment with a doctor at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 670-5486.

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

Juvenile Arthritis Awareness Month

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July is Juvenile Arthritis Awareness Month. Arthritis isn’t just an older person’s disease. Children can suffer from it as well.

Juvenile arthritis or pediatric rheumatic disease is an umbrella term that describes the inflammatory and rheumatic diseases that develop in children 16 years and under.

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is an autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks the joints instead of fighting viruses and germs. It is the most common type of arthritis in children.

Other types of juvenile arthritis include:

  1. Juvenile myositis- is an inflammatory disease that causes muscle weakness. There are two types:
  • Juvenile polymyositis
  • Juvenile dermatomyositis
  1. Juvenile lupus- is an autoimmune disease that affects the joints, skin, internal organs, and other areas. The most common form is systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
  2. Juvenile scleroderma- describes a group of conditions that cause the skin to tighten and harden.
  3. Vasculitis- is a disease that causes inflammation of the blood vessels that can lead to heart complications. According to the Arthritis Foundation, Kawasaki disease and Henoch-Schonlein purpura (HCP) are the most common vasculitis in kids and teens.
  4. Fibromyalgia- is a chronic pain syndrome that causes widespread muscle pain and stiffness. It also causes fatigue, disrupted sleep, and other symptoms. It is more common in girls and rarely diagnosed before puberty.

The symptoms of juvenile arthritis can vary depending on the type. The most common symptoms include:

  • Joint pain
  • Joint swelling
  • Joint stiffness
  • Fever, swollen lymph nodes, and rash

It can be difficult to diagnose juvenile arthritis in children because joint pain can be caused by many different problems. Here are some ways it is diagnosed:

  • Physical exams
  • Blood tests
  • Imaging scans

There is no cure for arthritis. However, it can be treated. Treatments include:

  • Medications
  • Physical or occupational therapies
  • Surgery
  • Self-care

If you believe your child is experiencing arthritis symptoms, visiting a pediatrician as soon as possible is important. You can schedule an appointment at Forest Hills Pediatric Specialists by calling (718) 704-5020

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.