Category: Surgery Blog Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, Answers

5 Tips to help prevent indigestion

5 Tips to help prevent indigestionThere are many things you can do to help prevent indigestion and improve your overall digestive health. Here are five of them:

1. Eat Lots of Fiber

Fiber is not only key to keeping indigestion at bay, but it is essential for your overall health. In addition to helping digestion, it can also help decrease cholesterol, improve constipation, prevent hemorrhoidal irritation, and keep the bowel habits regular.

Increasing your daily fiber intake is usually synonymous with eating healthier, but making the transition does not have to be painful. Small changes like eating high-fiber cereal for breakfast and replacing white bread with whole-wheat bread is a great start.

2. Take Digestive Enzyme Supplements

Digestive enzymes can help promote good digestion and even enhance nutrient absorption.  They may not be essential for everyone, but speak with your physician to see if you are a good candidate.  They can reduce the symptoms of indigestion and upset stomach in selected individuals.

3. Chew Your Food

Chewing is something we do without thinking about it, but it is actually one of the most important parts of digestion. Chewing not only helps break down food, it also signals the salivary glands, stomach and the small intestine to start releasing digestive enzymes.

4. Don’t Overuse Antacids

Acids in the stomach help the body digest food. But in some cases, these acids can come back up (reflux) into the esophagus, causing that burning sensation of indigestion many people are so familiar with. When this happens, the standard response seems to be to reach for antacids. While it does neutralize stomach acids, overuse may leave the stomach vulnerable to bacterial infections. Use it in moderation.

5. Exercise More & Stress Less

According to a recent study, there is a link between obesity, lack of exercise, stomach pain, diarrhea, and symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. The same study showed that daily physical activity can actually help reduce many digestive problems and aid with digestion.

Stress, on the other hand, can have a negative effect on your digestion. This is because the “fight or flight” response that results from stress reduces blood flow to the abdomen and the production of digestive enzymes. This slows the digestive process, which results in heartburn, and constipation.

In addition to eating healthy food and chewing it well, strongly consider finding a good balance that works in the long run, with a focus on physical activity and eliminating stress.

If you have frequent episodes of indigestion, please schedule a consultation with one of our Beverly Hills gastroenterologists by calling 855.360.9119.

Male Birth Control Pill on the Horizon?

 

Male Birth Control Pill on the Horizon?For women, there are several birth control options available. For men it’s a different story, but perhaps not for long.

Researchers at the University of Edinburgh recently discovered a gene that is essential for the development of sperm. The gene, known as Katnal 1, caused temporary infertility in male mice when blocked. The team behind the study indentified that Katnal 1 was used to regulate a structure known as microtubules – parts of sperms that are needed for support and the acquisition of nutrients. Breaking down these microtubules inhibits sperms’ ability to move throughout the testes during their maturation.

The gene’s discovery not only paves the way for a male contraceptive pill, but could also aid in better understanding and potentially treating cases of male infertility.

Currently, there are not many pharmaceutical contraception options for men. Recent options have included testosterone injections, which are used to trick the brain in order to shut sperm production down. However, these options rely on hormones, while the new findings could help create a hormone-free alternative that bypasses common side-effects like mood swings and acne.

Much more research is needed before the drug becomes available, but researchers are confident we could see its development within the next decade.

If you are currently considering pharmaceutical contraception or other options, please schedule a consultation with one ofour expert Beverly Hills urologists by calling 855.360.9119.

Obesity linked to more advanced and aggressive thyroid cancer

Normal ThyroidObese patients are more likely than normal-weight patients to have advanced, aggressive forms of papillary thyroid cancer, according to a new study.

The researchers found that high body-mass index (BMI) was associated with more advanced cancer at the time of diagnosis. Obese and morbidly obese patients were more likely to have stage 3 or stage 4 cancer, and more likely to have the aggressive forms of the disease.

For the study, the researchers reviewed the medical records of 443 patients who underwent total thyroidectomy as an initial treatment for papillary thyroid cancer or its variations. The patients were divided into four groups based on their BMI; normal weight, overweight, obese, and morbidly obese.

Obese and morbidly obese patients were significantly more likely than thinner patients to have stage 3 or 4 disease at diagnosis. The same patients were also more likely to have laryngeal nerve dysfunction after thyroidectomy.

While the cause of the increase in papillary thyroid cancer in the overweight and obese population could be multifactorial, the findings certainly provide one more reason to be concerned about the current obesity epidemic.

The reasons for these adverse findings are not yet certain, but the findings are enough to warrant more careful screening for thyroid cancer among obese patients. If you are an obese or morbidly obese patient and would like a screening, give us a call at (855) 360-9119.

Treating hemorrhoids before pregnancy is key

As you may or may not know, hemorrhoids can be itchy and mildly uncomfortable – or downright painful. Pregnancy can be uncomfortable and painful as well, which is why it is important to remove hemorrhoids before the pregnancy in order to minimize discomfort.

Hemorrhoids occur in up to 50% of the adult population. They are often misunderstood by patients and physicians alike, and most often treated incorrectly.

There are a number of different treatment options available, and it depends on the location and severity of the hemorrhoids. For internal hemorrhoids, La Peer gastroenterologist, Dr. Nowain, uses an internal hemorrhoid treatment technique called hemorrhoid banding ligation. (Our Colorectal and General Surgery Department also offer a hemorrhoidectomy, which is a surgical procedure that removes both types of hemorrhoids.)

Banding ligation is a brief, painless, and surgery-free procedure with little to no recovery time. Because of its low risk of complication and high success rate, it is a very popular procedure among women who are planning on getting pregnant.

Dr. Nowain uses a gentle suction to hold the hemorrhoid in place and then places a small rubber band around the tissue just above the hemorrhoid.. This is a painless procedure as it is above the nerve line (the dentate line). The procedure simply cuts off the blood supply to the hemorrhoid, which will fall off after a day or two. You will not feel it when it falls off, and will pass it when you use the restroom. Once the hemorrhoid has fallen off, the wound will heal in a few days.

Because women cannot have this procedure during pregnancy, Dr. Nowain strongly suggests you take necessary preventative measures and receive treatment before becoming pregnant.

This procedure can also be performed for men and women of all ages who suffer from hemorrhoids. There is no reason you should have to live with recurring flare-ups and increasing pain of hemorrhoids when there is a simple and painless way to get rid of them. Instead, contact Beverly Hills hemorrhoid expert Dr. Nowain today by calling (855) 360-9119, and end your discomfort for good.

Non Cosmetic Uses for Botox

Botulinum toxin, popularly known as Botox, is used for various cosmetic and medical procedures.

Most people know about Botox because of its ability to create more youthful faces, but few people realize that there is much more to it. The use of Botox has been studied and documented for over 20 years, and its unique ability to treat a variety of medical problems is now being recognized.

Muscle Spasms

One of the most frequent non-cosmetic uses of Botox is to treat muscle spasticity. Muscle spasms may be the result of damage from a stroke, traumatic injury, cerebral palsy, or disk disease. In each of these scenarios, the tightness of a muscle group limits mobility or causes pain. Botox helps relax the muscle, often with dramatic improvements.

Migraine

As people who have experienced it will tell you, migraines are a serious and painful problem. Luckily, Botox prevents many of these persistent headaches and decreases the overall frequency of them.

Lazy Eye

This is a condition in which there is a lack of simultaneous coordination between the extraocular muscles of the eyes, causing an outward gaze abnormality and problems with binocular vision including depth perception.

Botox is one of the options for medical treatment. It is injected into the more dominant extraocular muscle causing muscular paralysis, evening out the muscle balance on the affected eye.

Bell´s Palsy

Botox helps reduce spasms and make the facial muscle movements as optimal as possible. With these injections, the patient is likely to see a reduction in facial drooping and an improvement in control functions. Typically, the injections must be repeated every three to six months depending on the severity of the Bell´s palsy.

Sweating

For some people, the human response that provides cooling for the body is abnormally active. This can have significant social and professional implications. Because dealing with heavy sweating can cost a lot of time and money, Botox makes a good option. Transmission to the sweat glands can be efficiently interrupted by Botox, and the results may last as long as six months. For many, this is a life-altering treatment.

If you would like to know more about the benefits of Botox, give us a call at (855) 360-9119.

New FDA Approved Erectile Dysfunction Tablet

There is new hope for the 30 million men in the United States, who suffer from erectile dysfunction (ED).  On April 27, 2012 VIVUS, Inc. announced that the FDA has approved Stendra (avanfill) tablets for the treatment of erectile dysfunction.  The FDA approval marks the first new prescription drug to treat ED in nearly ten years.

Over 1,200 men with ED participated in the clinical studies of Stendra.  The men were given Stendra doses of 50mg, 100mg and 200mg, which all showed signs of significant improvement in erectile function compared to those men given a placebo.  77% of men with general ED were able to get erections with Stendra, compared to 54% of men taking a placebo.  63% of men with diabetes related ED were able to get erections after taking Stendra compared to 42% of men taking a placebo pill.

VIVUS recommends that Stendra should be taken roughly 30 minutes before sexual activity and should not be taken more than once a day.  Some of the participants in the clinical trials noticed the drug took effect within 15 minutes.  Other men reported improved erections more than six hours after consuming Stendra.

ED can be cause by physical conditions including: heart disease, high cholesterol, diabetes, obesity, metabolic syndrome, tobacco use, alcohol use, treatments for prostate cancer or enlarged prostate, surgeries, and age.  There are an estimated 52% of men between 40 and 70 years old who are suffering from ED.  50% of those men complain about the available ED drugs available and are dissatisfied with their treatment.  The potential market for ED treatment is endless as sales of PDE5 inhibitors surpassed $5 billion dollars in worldwide sale in 2011.

Stendra is a PDE5 inhibitor, which is in the same drug class as Viagra, Cialis, Levitra and Staxyn.  Side effects of Stendra are similar to the drugs in its drug class including; headache, increase in body temperature, flushing, back pain, and stuffy nose.  Do not take Stendra if you take nitrates, often prescribed for chest pain.

If you’d like to learn more about Stendra and the important safety information please visit Stendra.com.

Dr. Parks Helps Patients in Guam

La Peer Health Systems ophthalmologist, Dr. David Parks, often travels to Guam and Micronesia to help patients who would otherwise be unable to see a retinal specialist. Since 1999, Dr. Parks has practiced in Guam, making an average of 3 trips per year to the territory.

Holistic Gastroenterology

Traditionally, medicine is problem-focused.  Doctors tend to focus on a specific problem and will try to find a cure for it.

Under an integrative holistic approach, La Peer gastroenterologist Dr. Farshid Sam Rahbar, will take the entire person and their environment into consideration when diagnosing and treating gastrointestinal problems.  He looks at multiple aspects of one’s health to determine a comprehensive solution.

For example, Dr. Rahbar examines many factors when it comes to evaluating a patient with a digestive problem, including:

  • Nutritional status and habits
  • Energy production
  • Mind and body connection
  • Immune system
  • Structural abnormalities
  • Status of the gut

By examining the “whole-person,” Dr. Rahbar aims to bring the patient’s body functions to optimal performance.

Dr. Rahbar finds that if something in the body is out of balance, it may provoke an inflammatory response. Inflammation in the digestive system can often be associated with skin problems, joint problems, mental fogginess, sleep problems or hormonal imbalances to name a few.

For this reason, Dr. Rahbar’s holistic approach to digestive care offers patients a comprehensive diagnosis of their overall health and well-being.

Benefits of Going to a Surgery Center Rather Than a Hospital

 

Surgery is difficult, however, choosing the proper facility shouldn’t be.  The benefits of having your surgery done at a surgery center are far greater than that of a hospital.

A surgery center is specifically designed for one thing – surgery.  From the design of the building, to the comfort of the chairs in the waiting room, all things are considered in order to make the patient’s experience as comfortable, efficient and enjoyable as possible.

At La Peer Health Systems scheduling is more efficient. Surgeons have more time in their schedule for surgeries and don’t have to worry about their surgery being pushed because of an emergency that might take place at a hospital.  Surgeon’s are able to schedule surgeries at the time allotment of their choice, and do not have to worry about being rushed to make room for another surgery scheduled back-to-back.

Additionally, our surgeons work with their La Peer surgical team daily. They know one another well and are therefore able to perform more efficiently.

Dr. Robert Sacks, MD of LaPeer Surgery Center, reinforces the importance of having an experienced team:

“As a surgeon, I wanted to work at a place where we had the same staff, the same nurses, the same technicians, the same anesthesiologist.  So it will be one less thing that I had to think about. So when I come here, I don’t have to worry about who’s going to be in my room that day.  I can focus on one thing – the patient.”

With the focus only on the patient, surgeons are able to perform more efficiently,significantly decreasing the amount of time needed for surgery. Thisresults in less anesthesia and fewer operating expenses. Many insurance companies have noticed the decrease surgical cost and have partnered with Surgical Centers around the country.

Top surgeons have also noticed the many benefits a surgery center has to offer.  This is one more reason La Peer is more desirable than a hospital – patients have top surgeons performing their surgery.

If you would like to know more about the benefits of La Peer call us at (855) 360-9119.

Why Can’t I Eat Before Receiving Anesthesia?

Many of La Peer’s patients wonder why they can’t eat or drink anything hours before receiving anesthesia and going into surgery. The reason your doctor tells you not to eat or drink anything before surgery is to prevent aspiration.

Aspiration occurs when food or stomach acids enter the lungs while you under anesthesia, which can be fatal in some cases.

When under anesthesia your involuntary reflexes to cough or gag are inhibited.  All of your muscles are so relaxed that you do not have control over them.  If you have food or fluids in your stomach you could potentially regurgitate the contents into your airway and it will consequently enter your lungs.  This can lead to a blockage in your airway, a severe cough, or cause a lung infection.

To decrease your risk of aspiration it is important that you follow your doctor’s pre-surgery guidelines about eating and drinking.

The Department of Anesthesiology at La Peer is solely focused on your health, preparation for surgery, and a successful surgery.

To learn more about the anesthesia please call La Peer Health Systems at (855) 360-9119 or send an e-mail to [email protected]

Diabetes and the Eyes

Diabetes is a disease that affects many parts of the body, including the eyes. Diabetes is one of the leading causes of blindness in American adults. Those who are diabetic need to see an ophthalmologist if experiencing any changes in vision. Three major eye conditions that diabetics face are:

  • Cataracts
  • Glaucoma
  • Diabetic Retinopathy

Cataracts are a condition where the lens in the eye becomes damaged and cloudy. When normal blood sugar levels are not maintained, the lens of the eye actually swells causing blurry or cloudy vision. If this condition is not controlled, the lens will have to be surgically replaced to regain eyesight.

Glaucoma is a condition where the eye’s internal drainage system is not functioning properly leading to an increase in pressure in the eye that can cause loss of vision. Many people don’t actually have symptoms with this condition until they have reached the advanced stages of the disease. Therefore, it is necessary to have regular screenings with an ophthalmologist.

The final condition is a very serious condition called diabetic retinopathy. This condition is brought on by damage to the retinal blood vessels from unregulated blood sugar. There are two different types of retinopathy found in diabetics:

  • Non-proliferative retinopathy: This is when there is some damage to the blood vessels from high blood sugar levels. Some patients with this form of retinopathy may not have symptoms.
  • Proliferative retinopathy: The condition where new blood vessels form on the retina. This indicates that there is a lack of oxygen to the eye and abnormal new blood vessels form to compensate. Unfortunately, these new blood vessels are not helpful and development of them can cause severe vision loss.

It is very important to see an ophthalmologist if you have diabetes. These three conditions can lead to serious complications and vision loss. The good news is that these conditions can be prevented or controlled with medication and surgery. Early detection gives the best chance of maintaining vision.

La Peer Health Systems has a fantastic team of ophthalmologists with experience treating conditions related to diabetes. Please contact us at 855-360-9119 to set up an appointment.

“Lift and Fill Lower Blepharoplasty” – A new innovation in cosmetic lower lid surgery by Dr. Guy Massry, MD, Beverly Hills Ophthalmic Plastic Surgeon.

 

The “Lift and Fill Lower Blepharoplasty” – A new innovation in cosmetic lower lid surgery now in press by Dr. Guy Massry, MD, Beverly Hills Ophthalmic Plastic Surgeon.

Cosmetic lower lid surgery (lower blepharoplasty) is a constantly evolving procedure aimed at attaining the most natural, youthful and aesthetically pleasing results. To accomplish this, lower lid “bags” must be removed, excess skin excised, and hollows or depressions around the eyes filled. Many procedures have been described to attain any one of these goals, but few procedures address all these deficits in one setting.

Dr. Guy Massry MD, Beverly Hills ophthalmic plastic surgeon, with his associate Morris Hartstein, MD, recently reported their results on the “Lift and Fill Lower Blepharoplasty at the 2011 fall meeting of the American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic andReconstructive surgery in Orlando Florida. The data was then submitted for publication in the peer reviewed scientific journal (Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery – OPRS) of the same society. The manuscript has been peer reviewed, accepted for publication, and is currently in press, to be released within the calendar year.

The technique combines the time honored procedures of lower lid muscle tightening (orbicularis suspension) with lower lid fat translocation (from areas of prominence to areas of depression), also called fat repositioning, to reduce fat prominence and fill depressions. The combined procedures have not been studied together and published before.

Why is this important? We now know that fat is precious in the face and especially in the eyelids. The goal is not to remove fat, but to preserve it and move it to areas of fat loss (depressions). The “Lift and Fill Lower Blepharoplasty” not only preserves fat, while filling hollows, it also tightens, supports and improves the natural contour of the lower lid.

This recent innovation is born out of a continuing effort by DrMassry to improve the field of Ophthalmic Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery. Dr. Massry is also active making comprehensive information available to anyone considering ophthalmic plastic surgery through his website and social network pages. Please visit www.drmassry.com.