Re: Gallbladder and Pancreatitis

[Guest guest]

Sandy,

I have had my gallbladder removed. A lot of us here have. I think it

is the number 1 call. You do not need that anymore. HA, I want mine

back. That starts the mandatory lowfat diet. I was promised no more

pain on that one 11 years ago. I wish you no more pain and attacks.

Hang on to your gallbladder until you get a second opinion. I pasted

some websites and some information on gallbladers, ulcers, and

laparoscopy surgery. Even the laparoscopy is not a sure thing. They

still may have to do the real surgery. I got to do both getting mine

out. To many veins, hidden they said. I also came out with

pancreatitis after the gallblader operation. They said my gallbladder

was in rough shape, but no stones. This did nothing to stop my acute

attacks. I have been rather lucky ulcerwise, just a few ulcers. They

only thing they could control. Hope this helps.

I hope my prayer list is working,

______________________________________________________________________

http://www.mercksource.com/pp/us/cns/cns_health_library_frame.jsp?

cd=3d&pg=/pp/us/cns/cns_hl_adam.jsp?

pg=/pp/us/cns/content/adam/ency/article/001138.htm&t=MSLNKOVT0902_001

Duodenal ulcer

Alternative names:

Peptic ulcer; Ulcer - peptic; Ulcer - duodenal

Definition:

An erosion in the lining of the duodenum (first part of the small

intestine, connecting to the stomach). See also gastric ulcer;

benign.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

A duodenal ulcer is a type of peptic disease that is caused by an

imbalance between acid and pepsin (an enzyme) secretion and the

defenses of the mucosal lining. The inflammation may be precipitated

by aspirin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs).

Duodenal ulcers are commonly associated with the presence of the

bacteria Helicobacter pylori in the stomach. Risk factors are

aspirin and NSAID use, cigarette smoking, and older age. Duodenal

ulcer has historically occurred more frequently in men, but more

recent data suggest similar rates in both men and women. The lifetime

prevalence of a peptic ulcer 5 to 10% and approaches 10 to 20% in

patients who are Helicobacter pylori positive.

Symptoms:

abdominal pain

may wake the person at night

may be relieved by antacids or milk

may occur 2 to 3 hours after a meal

worse by not eating

nausea

vomiting

weight loss

fatigue

dark tarry stools

Note: There may be no symptoms.

Additional symptoms that may be associated with this disease:

vomiting blood

stools, bloody

heartburn

chest pain

belching

abdominal indigestion

Signs and tests:

An esophagogastroduodenoscopy shows duodenal ulcer. An upper GI

series shows duodenal ulcer.

This disease may also alter the results of the following tests:

stool guaiac

hemoglobin

Treatment:

This version of the Encyclopedia has no treatment information. Please

discuss any and all treatment options for your condition with your

healthcare professional.

Expectations (prognosis):

Duodenal ulcers tend to recur if untreated. The recurrence rate is

reduced if patients are treated and eradicate Helicobacter pylori.

Symptoms also improve if dietary modifications occur and if patients

stop smoking.

Complications:

hemorrhage

perforation of the intestine and peritonitis

bowel obstruction

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider if ulcer symptoms worsen, do not

improve with treatment, or new symptoms develop.

Prevention:

Avoiding use of aspirin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

(NSAIDs) may be helpful for people with a history of ulcers.

Antibiotics may be effective treatment and prevention for ulcers

caused by Helicobacter pylori.

______________________________________________________________________

http://www.mercksource.com/pp/us/cns/cns_health_library_frame.jsp?

cd=3d&pg=/pp/us/cns/cns_hl_adam.jsp?

pg=/pp/us/cns/content/adam/ency/article/001138.htm&t=MSLNKOVT0902_001

Gallbladder disease

Alternative names:

Biliary disease; Gallbladder attack

Definition:

Inflammation, infection, stones, or obstruction of the gallbladder.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

The gallbladder is a sac located under the liver. It stores and

concentrates the bile produced in the liver. Bile is released from

the gallbladder in response to food, especially fats, in the upper

small intestine (duodenum). Conditions which slow or obstruct the

flow of bile out of the gall bladder result in gallbladder disease.

Types of gallbladder disease include:

cholecystitis (inflammation of the gallbladder)

cholelithiasis (gall stones)

Symptoms:

abdominal fullness, gaseous

abdominal pain

severe

located on the right side (right upper quadrant) or in the upper

middle of the abdomen (epigastric)

may subside over 12 to 18 hours in uncomplicated cases

recurrent or with similar pain in past

occurs following meals

worsens during deep inspiration

radiating to back or below the right shoulder blade (right scapular

area)

worsens after eating or drinking greasy (high fat) foods or fluids

fever

nausea

vomiting

heartburn

chills and shaking

chest pain under the breastbone

Signs and tests:

Examination of the abdomen by touch (palpation) may reveal tenderness.

Tests that detect the presence of gallstones or inflammation include:

abdominal ultrasound

abdominal CT scan

abdominal X-ray

gall bladder radionuclide scan

A CBC shows infection by an elevated white blood cell count

This disease may also alter the results of the following tests:

lipase

amylase

amylase, urine

chemistry panel (chem-20)

Treatment:

This version of the Encyclopedia has no treatment information. Please

discuss any and all treatment options for your condition with your

healthcare professional.

Expectations (prognosis):

See the specific type of gallbladder disease.

Complications:

See the specific type of gallbladder disease.

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider if you develop symptoms of gallbladder

disease.

Prevention:

In most cases, prevention is not possible. Reducing intake of fatty

foods and weight reduction may reduce symptoms in people with

gallbladder disease.

______________________________________________________________________

A FEW TINY INCISIONS:

Sometimes known as " keyhole " or " pinhole " surgery, laparoscopy

typically entails four incisions of 5 to 10 ml 'llimeters - just

large enough to admit the passage of the Surgeons light, a tiny video

camera, and precision-crafted surgical instruments. Without the

trauma of a long incision, both pain and healing time are greatly

reduced.

Related benefits include less need for post-operative pain

medication, plus an earlier return to physical activity and a normal

diet. Less time in bed means fewer p?st-operative pulmonary and

gastrointestinal complications and stronger blood circulation. Most

patients can rebuild strength and return to normal life in days

rather than weeks.

NEW TECHNOLOGIES:

Laparoscopy was approved for gallbladder surgery six years ago. Since

that time the field has advanced quickly through the development of

new technologies. Three-dimensional imaging and intraoperative

ultrasound, available only recently, allow surgeons a better view of

internal structures, making laparoscopy a safe option for a growing

list of more complex surgical procedures.

The Center for Advanced Laparoscopic Surgery at St. Luke's-Roosevelt

Hospital Center was created by internationally respected surgeons who

have led the way in extending laparoscopy to these new applications.

As a beta test site for the newest laparoscopic instrumentation, the

Center is the only one in New York that is optimally equipped to

perform the most sophisticated procedures.

CANDIDATES FOR LAPAROSCOPIC SURGERY:

Any adult who is a good candidate for elective surgery can benefit

from laparoscopy. Those who are especially well suited include:

ACTIVE ADULTS:

The laparoscopy option is particularly appealing to young and middle-

aged adults with pressing career and family responsibilities. These

patients are often attracted by the " high tecch " aspect of

laparoscopy, as well as by the rapid recovery it offers.

ELDERLY PATIENTS:

Laparoscopys advantages for patients over 65 were demonstrated in a

study comparing the outcomes of laparoscopic and traditionally

performed bowel resections in elderly colon cancer patients. The

laparoscopy patients had better post-operative heart and pulmonary

function, less pain, fewer complications of surgery, and less post-

operative time spent in bed. Two years later, cancer recurrence in

the two groups was equivalent (two-year outcomes normally are strong

predictors of future bowel cancer recurrence).

INGUINAL HERNIA PATIENTS:

Laparoscopy is in demand among patients with inguinal hernia based on

superior patient comfort and quick recovery. The outcomes of hernia

correction by experienced laparoscopic surgeons are equivalent those

performed traditionally.

PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC HEARTBURN:

Gastroesophageal reflux disease -a condition in which stomach acids

move upward from the stomac into the esophagus - can now be treated

by laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication as an alternative to major

invasive surgery. The Center is one of the few facilities in the U.S.

with surgeons practiced in this laparoscopic application.

PATIENTS REQUIRING COLORECTAL SURGERY:

Improvements in laparoscopic surgical instruments and imaging now

extend the laparoscopy option to bowel resection for the treatment of

colorectal canc colorectal polyps, diverticular disease, Crohn's dise

chronic ulcerative colitis, and rectal prolapse.

> Can an ulcer cause diahhrea and pancreatitis? My surgeon told me

> diarrhea is not a symptom of gallstones

> and now I'm not sure if my ulcer or

> my gallbladder caused my acute pancreatitis which resulted in a 9

day

> hospital stay.

>

> Also, my surgeon said gallbladder removal involves risks and seeing

as I

> may not have another pancratitis attack, he says I can have the

> gallbladder removed or not. I don't know what to do

> now. :-(

>

> Sandy

> Long Beach, California

[Guest guest]

Sandy,

I have had my gallbladder removed. A lot of us here have. I think it

is the number 1 call. You do not need that anymore. HA, I want mine

back. That starts the mandatory lowfat diet. I was promised no more

pain on that one 11 years ago. I wish you no more pain and attacks.

Hang on to your gallbladder until you get a second opinion. I pasted

some websites and some information on gallbladers, ulcers, and

laparoscopy surgery. Even the laparoscopy is not a sure thing. They

still may have to do the real surgery. I got to do both getting mine

out. To many veins, hidden they said. I also came out with

pancreatitis after the gallblader operation. They said my gallbladder

was in rough shape, but no stones. This did nothing to stop my acute

attacks. I have been rather lucky ulcerwise, just a few ulcers. They

only thing they could control. Hope this helps.

I hope my prayer list is working,

______________________________________________________________________

http://www.mercksource.com/pp/us/cns/cns_health_library_frame.jsp?

cd=3d&pg=/pp/us/cns/cns_hl_adam.jsp?

pg=/pp/us/cns/content/adam/ency/article/001138.htm&t=MSLNKOVT0902_001

Duodenal ulcer

Alternative names:

Peptic ulcer; Ulcer - peptic; Ulcer - duodenal

Definition:

An erosion in the lining of the duodenum (first part of the small

intestine, connecting to the stomach). See also gastric ulcer;

benign.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

A duodenal ulcer is a type of peptic disease that is caused by an

imbalance between acid and pepsin (an enzyme) secretion and the

defenses of the mucosal lining. The inflammation may be precipitated

by aspirin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs).

Duodenal ulcers are commonly associated with the presence of the

bacteria Helicobacter pylori in the stomach. Risk factors are

aspirin and NSAID use, cigarette smoking, and older age. Duodenal

ulcer has historically occurred more frequently in men, but more

recent data suggest similar rates in both men and women. The lifetime

prevalence of a peptic ulcer 5 to 10% and approaches 10 to 20% in

patients who are Helicobacter pylori positive.

Symptoms:

abdominal pain

may wake the person at night

may be relieved by antacids or milk

may occur 2 to 3 hours after a meal

worse by not eating

nausea

vomiting

weight loss

fatigue

dark tarry stools

Note: There may be no symptoms.

Additional symptoms that may be associated with this disease:

vomiting blood

stools, bloody

heartburn

chest pain

belching

abdominal indigestion

Signs and tests:

An esophagogastroduodenoscopy shows duodenal ulcer. An upper GI

series shows duodenal ulcer.

This disease may also alter the results of the following tests:

stool guaiac

hemoglobin

Treatment:

This version of the Encyclopedia has no treatment information. Please

discuss any and all treatment options for your condition with your

healthcare professional.

Expectations (prognosis):

Duodenal ulcers tend to recur if untreated. The recurrence rate is

reduced if patients are treated and eradicate Helicobacter pylori.

Symptoms also improve if dietary modifications occur and if patients

stop smoking.

Complications:

hemorrhage

perforation of the intestine and peritonitis

bowel obstruction

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider if ulcer symptoms worsen, do not

improve with treatment, or new symptoms develop.

Prevention:

Avoiding use of aspirin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

(NSAIDs) may be helpful for people with a history of ulcers.

Antibiotics may be effective treatment and prevention for ulcers

caused by Helicobacter pylori.

______________________________________________________________________

http://www.mercksource.com/pp/us/cns/cns_health_library_frame.jsp?

cd=3d&pg=/pp/us/cns/cns_hl_adam.jsp?

pg=/pp/us/cns/content/adam/ency/article/001138.htm&t=MSLNKOVT0902_001

Gallbladder disease

Alternative names:

Biliary disease; Gallbladder attack

Definition:

Inflammation, infection, stones, or obstruction of the gallbladder.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

The gallbladder is a sac located under the liver. It stores and

concentrates the bile produced in the liver. Bile is released from

the gallbladder in response to food, especially fats, in the upper

small intestine (duodenum). Conditions which slow or obstruct the

flow of bile out of the gall bladder result in gallbladder disease.

Types of gallbladder disease include:

cholecystitis (inflammation of the gallbladder)

cholelithiasis (gall stones)

Symptoms:

abdominal fullness, gaseous

abdominal pain

severe

located on the right side (right upper quadrant) or in the upper

middle of the abdomen (epigastric)

may subside over 12 to 18 hours in uncomplicated cases

recurrent or with similar pain in past

occurs following meals

worsens during deep inspiration

radiating to back or below the right shoulder blade (right scapular

area)

worsens after eating or drinking greasy (high fat) foods or fluids

fever

nausea

vomiting

heartburn

chills and shaking

chest pain under the breastbone

Signs and tests:

Examination of the abdomen by touch (palpation) may reveal tenderness.

Tests that detect the presence of gallstones or inflammation include:

abdominal ultrasound

abdominal CT scan

abdominal X-ray

gall bladder radionuclide scan

A CBC shows infection by an elevated white blood cell count

This disease may also alter the results of the following tests:

lipase

amylase

amylase, urine

chemistry panel (chem-20)

Treatment:

This version of the Encyclopedia has no treatment information. Please

discuss any and all treatment options for your condition with your

healthcare professional.

Expectations (prognosis):

See the specific type of gallbladder disease.

Complications:

See the specific type of gallbladder disease.

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider if you develop symptoms of gallbladder

disease.

Prevention:

In most cases, prevention is not possible. Reducing intake of fatty

foods and weight reduction may reduce symptoms in people with

gallbladder disease.

______________________________________________________________________

A FEW TINY INCISIONS:

Sometimes known as " keyhole " or " pinhole " surgery, laparoscopy

typically entails four incisions of 5 to 10 ml 'llimeters - just

large enough to admit the passage of the Surgeons light, a tiny video

camera, and precision-crafted surgical instruments. Without the

trauma of a long incision, both pain and healing time are greatly

reduced.

Related benefits include less need for post-operative pain

medication, plus an earlier return to physical activity and a normal

diet. Less time in bed means fewer p?st-operative pulmonary and

gastrointestinal complications and stronger blood circulation. Most

patients can rebuild strength and return to normal life in days

rather than weeks.

NEW TECHNOLOGIES:

Laparoscopy was approved for gallbladder surgery six years ago. Since

that time the field has advanced quickly through the development of

new technologies. Three-dimensional imaging and intraoperative

ultrasound, available only recently, allow surgeons a better view of

internal structures, making laparoscopy a safe option for a growing

list of more complex surgical procedures.

The Center for Advanced Laparoscopic Surgery at St. Luke's-Roosevelt

Hospital Center was created by internationally respected surgeons who

have led the way in extending laparoscopy to these new applications.

As a beta test site for the newest laparoscopic instrumentation, the

Center is the only one in New York that is optimally equipped to

perform the most sophisticated procedures.

CANDIDATES FOR LAPAROSCOPIC SURGERY:

Any adult who is a good candidate for elective surgery can benefit

from laparoscopy. Those who are especially well suited include:

ACTIVE ADULTS:

The laparoscopy option is particularly appealing to young and middle-

aged adults with pressing career and family responsibilities. These

patients are often attracted by the " high tecch " aspect of

laparoscopy, as well as by the rapid recovery it offers.

ELDERLY PATIENTS:

Laparoscopys advantages for patients over 65 were demonstrated in a

study comparing the outcomes of laparoscopic and traditionally

performed bowel resections in elderly colon cancer patients. The

laparoscopy patients had better post-operative heart and pulmonary

function, less pain, fewer complications of surgery, and less post-

operative time spent in bed. Two years later, cancer recurrence in

the two groups was equivalent (two-year outcomes normally are strong

predictors of future bowel cancer recurrence).

INGUINAL HERNIA PATIENTS:

Laparoscopy is in demand among patients with inguinal hernia based on

superior patient comfort and quick recovery. The outcomes of hernia

correction by experienced laparoscopic surgeons are equivalent those

performed traditionally.

PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC HEARTBURN:

Gastroesophageal reflux disease -a condition in which stomach acids

move upward from the stomac into the esophagus - can now be treated

by laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication as an alternative to major

invasive surgery. The Center is one of the few facilities in the U.S.

with surgeons practiced in this laparoscopic application.

PATIENTS REQUIRING COLORECTAL SURGERY:

Improvements in laparoscopic surgical instruments and imaging now

extend the laparoscopy option to bowel resection for the treatment of

colorectal canc colorectal polyps, diverticular disease, Crohn's dise

chronic ulcerative colitis, and rectal prolapse.

> Can an ulcer cause diahhrea and pancreatitis? My surgeon told me

> diarrhea is not a symptom of gallstones

> and now I'm not sure if my ulcer or

> my gallbladder caused my acute pancreatitis which resulted in a 9

day

> hospital stay.

>

> Also, my surgeon said gallbladder removal involves risks and seeing

as I

> may not have another pancratitis attack, he says I can have the

> gallbladder removed or not. I don't know what to do

> now. :-(

>

> Sandy

> Long Beach, California

[Guest guest]

Sandy,

I have had my gallbladder removed. A lot of us here have. I think it

is the number 1 call. You do not need that anymore. HA, I want mine

back. That starts the mandatory lowfat diet. I was promised no more

pain on that one 11 years ago. I wish you no more pain and attacks.

Hang on to your gallbladder until you get a second opinion. I pasted

some websites and some information on gallbladers, ulcers, and

laparoscopy surgery. Even the laparoscopy is not a sure thing. They

still may have to do the real surgery. I got to do both getting mine

out. To many veins, hidden they said. I also came out with

pancreatitis after the gallblader operation. They said my gallbladder

was in rough shape, but no stones. This did nothing to stop my acute

attacks. I have been rather lucky ulcerwise, just a few ulcers. They

only thing they could control. Hope this helps.

I hope my prayer list is working,

______________________________________________________________________

http://www.mercksource.com/pp/us/cns/cns_health_library_frame.jsp?

cd=3d&pg=/pp/us/cns/cns_hl_adam.jsp?

pg=/pp/us/cns/content/adam/ency/article/001138.htm&t=MSLNKOVT0902_001

Duodenal ulcer

Alternative names:

Peptic ulcer; Ulcer - peptic; Ulcer - duodenal

Definition:

An erosion in the lining of the duodenum (first part of the small

intestine, connecting to the stomach). See also gastric ulcer;

benign.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

A duodenal ulcer is a type of peptic disease that is caused by an

imbalance between acid and pepsin (an enzyme) secretion and the

defenses of the mucosal lining. The inflammation may be precipitated

by aspirin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs).

Duodenal ulcers are commonly associated with the presence of the

bacteria Helicobacter pylori in the stomach. Risk factors are

aspirin and NSAID use, cigarette smoking, and older age. Duodenal

ulcer has historically occurred more frequently in men, but more

recent data suggest similar rates in both men and women. The lifetime

prevalence of a peptic ulcer 5 to 10% and approaches 10 to 20% in

patients who are Helicobacter pylori positive.

Symptoms:

abdominal pain

may wake the person at night

may be relieved by antacids or milk

may occur 2 to 3 hours after a meal

worse by not eating

nausea

vomiting

weight loss

fatigue

dark tarry stools

Note: There may be no symptoms.

Additional symptoms that may be associated with this disease:

vomiting blood

stools, bloody

heartburn

chest pain

belching

abdominal indigestion

Signs and tests:

An esophagogastroduodenoscopy shows duodenal ulcer. An upper GI

series shows duodenal ulcer.

This disease may also alter the results of the following tests:

stool guaiac

hemoglobin

Treatment:

This version of the Encyclopedia has no treatment information. Please

discuss any and all treatment options for your condition with your

healthcare professional.

Expectations (prognosis):

Duodenal ulcers tend to recur if untreated. The recurrence rate is

reduced if patients are treated and eradicate Helicobacter pylori.

Symptoms also improve if dietary modifications occur and if patients

stop smoking.

Complications:

hemorrhage

perforation of the intestine and peritonitis

bowel obstruction

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider if ulcer symptoms worsen, do not

improve with treatment, or new symptoms develop.

Prevention:

Avoiding use of aspirin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

(NSAIDs) may be helpful for people with a history of ulcers.

Antibiotics may be effective treatment and prevention for ulcers

caused by Helicobacter pylori.

______________________________________________________________________

http://www.mercksource.com/pp/us/cns/cns_health_library_frame.jsp?

cd=3d&pg=/pp/us/cns/cns_hl_adam.jsp?

pg=/pp/us/cns/content/adam/ency/article/001138.htm&t=MSLNKOVT0902_001

Gallbladder disease

Alternative names:

Biliary disease; Gallbladder attack

Definition:

Inflammation, infection, stones, or obstruction of the gallbladder.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

The gallbladder is a sac located under the liver. It stores and

concentrates the bile produced in the liver. Bile is released from

the gallbladder in response to food, especially fats, in the upper

small intestine (duodenum). Conditions which slow or obstruct the

flow of bile out of the gall bladder result in gallbladder disease.

Types of gallbladder disease include:

cholecystitis (inflammation of the gallbladder)

cholelithiasis (gall stones)

Symptoms:

abdominal fullness, gaseous

abdominal pain

severe

located on the right side (right upper quadrant) or in the upper

middle of the abdomen (epigastric)

may subside over 12 to 18 hours in uncomplicated cases

recurrent or with similar pain in past

occurs following meals

worsens during deep inspiration

radiating to back or below the right shoulder blade (right scapular

area)

worsens after eating or drinking greasy (high fat) foods or fluids

fever

nausea

vomiting

heartburn

chills and shaking

chest pain under the breastbone

Signs and tests:

Examination of the abdomen by touch (palpation) may reveal tenderness.

Tests that detect the presence of gallstones or inflammation include:

abdominal ultrasound

abdominal CT scan

abdominal X-ray

gall bladder radionuclide scan

A CBC shows infection by an elevated white blood cell count

This disease may also alter the results of the following tests:

lipase

amylase

amylase, urine

chemistry panel (chem-20)

Treatment:

This version of the Encyclopedia has no treatment information. Please

discuss any and all treatment options for your condition with your

healthcare professional.

Expectations (prognosis):

See the specific type of gallbladder disease.

Complications:

See the specific type of gallbladder disease.

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider if you develop symptoms of gallbladder

disease.

Prevention:

In most cases, prevention is not possible. Reducing intake of fatty

foods and weight reduction may reduce symptoms in people with

gallbladder disease.

______________________________________________________________________

A FEW TINY INCISIONS:

Sometimes known as " keyhole " or " pinhole " surgery, laparoscopy

typically entails four incisions of 5 to 10 ml 'llimeters - just

large enough to admit the passage of the Surgeons light, a tiny video

camera, and precision-crafted surgical instruments. Without the

trauma of a long incision, both pain and healing time are greatly

reduced.

Related benefits include less need for post-operative pain

medication, plus an earlier return to physical activity and a normal

diet. Less time in bed means fewer p?st-operative pulmonary and

gastrointestinal complications and stronger blood circulation. Most

patients can rebuild strength and return to normal life in days

rather than weeks.

NEW TECHNOLOGIES:

Laparoscopy was approved for gallbladder surgery six years ago. Since

that time the field has advanced quickly through the development of

new technologies. Three-dimensional imaging and intraoperative

ultrasound, available only recently, allow surgeons a better view of

internal structures, making laparoscopy a safe option for a growing

list of more complex surgical procedures.

The Center for Advanced Laparoscopic Surgery at St. Luke's-Roosevelt

Hospital Center was created by internationally respected surgeons who

have led the way in extending laparoscopy to these new applications.

As a beta test site for the newest laparoscopic instrumentation, the

Center is the only one in New York that is optimally equipped to

perform the most sophisticated procedures.

CANDIDATES FOR LAPAROSCOPIC SURGERY:

Any adult who is a good candidate for elective surgery can benefit

from laparoscopy. Those who are especially well suited include:

ACTIVE ADULTS:

The laparoscopy option is particularly appealing to young and middle-

aged adults with pressing career and family responsibilities. These

patients are often attracted by the " high tecch " aspect of

laparoscopy, as well as by the rapid recovery it offers.

ELDERLY PATIENTS:

Laparoscopys advantages for patients over 65 were demonstrated in a

study comparing the outcomes of laparoscopic and traditionally

performed bowel resections in elderly colon cancer patients. The

laparoscopy patients had better post-operative heart and pulmonary

function, less pain, fewer complications of surgery, and less post-

operative time spent in bed. Two years later, cancer recurrence in

the two groups was equivalent (two-year outcomes normally are strong

predictors of future bowel cancer recurrence).

INGUINAL HERNIA PATIENTS:

Laparoscopy is in demand among patients with inguinal hernia based on

superior patient comfort and quick recovery. The outcomes of hernia

correction by experienced laparoscopic surgeons are equivalent those

performed traditionally.

PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC HEARTBURN:

Gastroesophageal reflux disease -a condition in which stomach acids

move upward from the stomac into the esophagus - can now be treated

by laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication as an alternative to major

invasive surgery. The Center is one of the few facilities in the U.S.

with surgeons practiced in this laparoscopic application.

PATIENTS REQUIRING COLORECTAL SURGERY:

Improvements in laparoscopic surgical instruments and imaging now

extend the laparoscopy option to bowel resection for the treatment of

colorectal canc colorectal polyps, diverticular disease, Crohn's dise

chronic ulcerative colitis, and rectal prolapse.

> Can an ulcer cause diahhrea and pancreatitis? My surgeon told me

> diarrhea is not a symptom of gallstones

> and now I'm not sure if my ulcer or

> my gallbladder caused my acute pancreatitis which resulted in a 9

day

> hospital stay.

>

> Also, my surgeon said gallbladder removal involves risks and seeing

as I

> may not have another pancratitis attack, he says I can have the

> gallbladder removed or not. I don't know what to do

> now. :-(

>

> Sandy

> Long Beach, California

[Guest guest]

In gallstone Pancreatitis, a laparoscopy does not guarantee that you

will not have another attack. It is possible that a stone may already

be in the Duct of Odi and continue to the Pancreas. This happened to a

friend of mine.

When I got Pancreatitis, it was just a few monts following a jpouch

operation that left a ton of scar tissue from the top of my belly to

my groin. Because of that, I had to have the traditional surgery and

receive another impressive scar. The good news is that I have had no

problems with my Pancreatitis since although it isn't normal yet and

may never be so.

Just another point of view.

-stan