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Surgery Group LA
Pros and Cons of each form of Pilonidal Cyst Treatment

Around 70,000 people in the US will need to be treated for Pilonidal Cysts every year. A pilonidal cyst is a liquid-filled bump or sac that forms near the crease of the buttocks. While some are not visible, others look like a small pit or a dimple. These bumps can cause: 

  • Pain and swelling around the infected region

  • Fever and inflammation

  • Pus and blood leaking from openings within the cyst (Sinus Tract)
Pilonidal Cyst

Pilonidal cysts are usually formed when loose hair and dead skin become trapped under the skin. This happens because the skin in the tailbone region is very flexible. Hair and dead skin can break off only to be pushed back under the skin during movement. This hair and dead skin is treated as an infection by your immune system leading to the growth.

If you or a loved one is suffering from a Pilonidal Cyst, use this handy guide to decide which treatment option works best for you.

Nonoperative Treatment

While most Pilonidal cysts will require surgery at some point but there are some options for you if you decide to not go the surgery route.

  • Army Method – Studies show that patients who treat their cyst by shaving a 5cm strip region between the anus and rectum and proper and consistent hygiene, can get back to normal status quickly. Other studies dispute this however and argue that regular shaving increases the chance of cyst reoccurrence.
  • Laser Treatment – Laser epilation has been tried on pilonidal cysts, and while the treatment did lead to less reoccurrence of cysts, can be costly and require multiple treatments.
  • Drugs and New Methods – Phenol (sore throat spray) has been used as a first-line treatment drug since the 1970s. Phenol has been proven to reduce pain, work impairment, and time needed to clean the wound. Some medical specialists have considered treating cysts with platelet-rich plasma to increase recovery time.

Surgical Treatments

The truth is however that the majority of pilonidal cysts are still treated surgically. Surgeries make reoccurrence less likely, and can you get back to work the same day. They are also less likely to need other treatments, and 76% of surgical treatments lead to a cure.

Surgical treatments vary greatly depending on the size and nature of the pilonidal cysts. However, most cyst surgeries result in small incisions and quick cleanup of blood, pus, and other debris. Fortunately, the after-surgery pain is minimal and you should feel better in a few days.

If you or a loved one has questions about treatment options for your pilonidal cyst, speak to a medical professional today!

July 6, 2022
Surgery Group LA
3 Facts you Need to Know about your Parathyroid

Your Parathyroid is a crucial part of your whole body. 100,00 people develop primary Hyperparathyroidism each year! Like its cousin Hyperthyroidism, it tends to occur due to a nutrient or vitamin deficiency that affects your hormonal glands’ ability to do their job. Hyperparathyroidism is very common for people over the age of 40. Symptoms include:

  • Excessive thirst
  • Loss of appetite
  • Depression/Muscle Weakness

However many cases of Hyperparathyroidism do not have symptoms so it is important to see your doctor for your routine checkups. Before your checkup here are some quick facts to know about Parathyroid.

Parathyroid vs Thyroid

The thyroid and parathyroid both live close to the neck and control hormones but they actually do very different jobs. The thyroid is in charge of regulating iodine in the body, while the parathyroid is in charge of regulating calcium and vitamin D. These nutrients are crucial for everything to your mood, your metabolism, and even the strength of your bones

How to keep your Parathyroid STRONG!!!

The key numbers to remember for Parathyroid health is 1200-1500 mg of Calcium a day and 1000 units of Vitamin D. While supplementation could be an option you can get your daily recommended supply of Vitamin D by standing outside at noon for 6-12 minutes!

For your calcium needs try going natural by eating:

  • yogurt
  • milk
  • dark green leafy green vegetables

How your doctor treats your parathyroid

If one of these routine checkups flags you for primary hyperparathyroidism, or other parathyroid illnesses, your doctor may recommend removing the abnormal parathyroid glands. The great news is that your body has four parathyroid glands and removing one can be the best to ensure your other glands work properly. The operation has minimal risk of complications and you should be back to normal in about 1 -3 weeks depending on your situation.

Parathyroid surgery could relieve you of bone and muscle pain, reverse osteoporosis symptoms and improve the quality of your life. If you or a loved one would like to get tested for parathyroid issues speak to a doctor today.

July 6, 2022
Surgery Group LA
What to consider before selecting a hernia surgeon?

Hernias are small gaps in the abdominal wall where intestines and other internal organs have popped through. When these internal organs get trapped in the gap, it can cause a tugging sharp pain and an unseemly bulge around the stomach or groin region. Other symptoms include:

  • Aching and sharp pain
  • Pain that worsens with physical activity
  • A feeling of pressure in the painful region
  • Burning sensation (for women)
  • A bulge at the site of pain (for abdominal hernias)

Hernia requires surgical treatment in order for symptoms to subside. However, in order to make certain that you are making the right decision, it is important to ask these questions before selecting your hernia surgeon.

When do I need to get hernia surgery?

While all Hernias require surgery at some point, there is usually no need to call 911. Most cases of Hernia’s, especially Hernias that are small and stay the same size, won’t require surgery right away. However, if your Hernia becomes strangulated by the muscle around your hernia, it can cause serious complications.

If you develop these symptoms call a doctor right away:

  • A bulge that is worsening in pain and does not reduce in size while resting
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Bloating
  • Racing heart rate
  • Fever

What questions should I ask prior to surgery?

Important questions to ask before any surgical treatment include what type of surgery your surgeon recommends. Important details to ask about include:

  • What are the risk factors associated with my surgery?
  • What are the potential complications with my surgery?
  • How long will my surgery take to heal?

While it might seem embarrassing or even insulting to ask your surgeon about their experience level and how risky the surgery is, but you’re the one getting the surgery. Any good surgeon should handle these questions in a friendly and honest manner to keep your mind at ease that you’re getting the best possible treatment you can. 

How to determine what makes a good Hernia Surgeon?

Nearly all Hernia Specialists will be able to provide you with adequate care for your Hernia. However, perks to look out for in a Hernia Specialist include:

  • Access to weight loss specialists and coaching in the case of obesity-related hernias
  • Experience with minimally invasive surgical techniques
  • Education and Experience

What makes Surgery Group of LA a good choice for Hernia Repair?

Surgeons at the Surgery Group of LA work out of the Cedar Sinai’s West Tower in Los Angeles, one of the most accredited and respected organizations around the world. They have access to the cutting edge in research in a variety of surgical specialties including Hernia Repair and working to develop safer and stronger surgical repairs every day.

If you or a loved one is suffering from symptoms of a hernia, talk to a medical professional today.

June 17, 2022
Surgery Group LA
How to tell if you have a hernia?

You’ve been dealing with a nagging pain in your stomach. It’s been a few days now, and it doesn’t necessarily feel like a gas of indigestion or cramps. You feel a sharp tugging pain, and no matter how much you stretch, drink water, or sleep the pain just won’t go away. This might be a sign that you actually have a hernia.

What is a hernia? What are its symptoms?

Hernias are small gaps in the abdominal wall where intestines and other internal organs have popped through. When these internal organs get trapped in the gap, it can cause a tugging sharp pain and an unseemly bulge around the stomach or groin region. Other symptoms include:

  • Aching and sharp pain
  • Pain that worsens with physical activity
  • A feeling of pressure in the painful region
  • Burning sensation (for women)
  • A bulge at the site of pain (for abdominal hernias)

Differences between Belly (Ventral) or Groin (Inguinal) Hernia?

Generally speaking, Ventral hernias are more common in women, and usually come with an unseemly bulge that starts to form around where is pain is coming from. A type of Ventral hernias common for patients who have had surgery on their abdomen is known as an Incisional Hernia. Nearly 30% of patients who undergo open abdominal surgery will at some point develop an Incisional Hernia. 

Inguinal Hernias are more common in men and do not form a bulge. Inguinal Hernias, however, can actually be underdiagnosed in women due to how different the symptoms of Inguinal Hernias manifest in men vs women.

Do Hernia’s require emergency room visits? 

No, almost all cases of Hernia do not require an emergency room visit. However, in the rare case of the bowels leaking through the hernia and getting trapped, this can cause serious complications that need to be treated immediately. If you have these symptoms it might be time to see a doctor right away:

  • A bulge that is worsening in pain and does not reduce in size while resting
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Bloating
  • Racing heart rate
  • Fever

How do I prevent Hernias?

To prevent hernias, however, medically professionals recommend: 

  • Maintaining a healthy body weight
  • Eating enough fruit, vegetables, and whole-grain to avoid straining at the toilet
  • Use correct form when lifting weights or exercising
  • Speak to a doctor about persistent coughing and sneezing

The good news is that nearly all hernias can be surgically repaired. If you or a loved one have questions about Hernias, speak to a medical professional today.

June 17, 2022
Surgery Group LA
What to do if your hemorrhoids smell

Hemorrhoids are caused when blood vessels around the anus swell up, causing them to inflame or bleed, which in turn can cause:

  • Itchiness, irritation, and pain around the anus
  • Anal bleeding
  • Trouble with bowel movements.

Hemorrhoids do not usually cause a foul odor, but they could be a sign that has them.


A foul odor could also be a sign that you are suffering from:

  • Anal and Fecal leakage – Especially large or inflamed hemorrhoids often secrete mucus into your discharges causing a foul smell. This secretion can even spill out of your anus while passing gas incidentally. If your hemorrhoids stop your anus from closing completely, your anus might also be leaking fecal matter causing the smell.
  • An Infection –  Infected hemorrhoids can develop pus-filled swellings. This occurs often when the hemorrhoid bulge outside of your anus causing it to lose its blood supply and become susceptible to infection. In rare cases these hemorrhoids can become infected with gangrene causing:
    • High fever
    • Rapid heart rate
    • Crackling sound when touching the infection

If your hemorrhoids become prolapsed or start to smell, contact a medical professional as soon as you can.

  • Pain that makes proper cleanup difficult – If your hemorrhoids make it difficult to clean around your anus, the smell may be caused by trace amounts of fecal matter being left after cleaning

How to tell the difference based on smell

While there is no hard and fast rule when it comes to hemorrhoid odors, a good rule of thumb is that odors caused by mucus have a fishy smell, while odors caused by infections have a rotten or foul food smell. And the smell of an unclean anus is just the smell of poop.

Hemorrhoids are common and irritating, but they usually clear up eventually or with at-home remedies such as warm baths after rectal movements and creams such as witch’s hazel, or aloe. However, if you have bleeding or black-colored bowel movement, now might be a good time to speak to a medical professional.

June 7, 2022
Surgery Group LA
How to help your children through a Pilonidal Cyst

A pilonidal cyst is a liquid-filled bump or sac that forms near the crease of the buttocks. While some are not visible, others look like a small pit or a dimple. These bumps can cause: 

  • Pain and swelling around the infected region
  • Fever and inflammation
  • Pus and blood leaking from openings within the cyst (Sinus Tract)
Pilonidal Cyst

Pilonidal cysts are usually formed when loose hair and dead skin become trapped under the skin. This happens because the skin in the tailbone region is very flexible. Hair and dead skin can break off only to be pushed back under the skin during movement. This hair and dead skin is treated as an infection by your immune system leading to the growth.

Why are young kids at such a risk

Pilonidal cysts are common in young people who sit for a long time. These risk factors are exacerbated if the person has an excess of body weight or body hair. Tight clothing that causes irritation or itchiness around the tailbone area is also a risk factor.

How to help your children with Pilonidal cysts

For parents whose children’s hygiene might not be quite as good as they would prefer, pilonidal cysts might become another issue parents must face with their children. Here’s how to help:

  • First, Clean the area. If your doctor recommends it teach your children how to regularly remove hair from the infected area, either by shaving or other hair removal products.
  • Suggest to your child to sleep on their side and stomach which can help ease the pain.
  • Remind your child to take breaks from sitting down for so long.

If your child has gone to have their pilonidal cyst treated remember to:

  • Give a prescribed medication as directed
  • Change or remove bandages as recommended
  • Stop your child from bathing or showering until your doctor give the ok

The most important way to prevent Pilonidal cysts is to keep the area clean and free of hair. For more information on Pilonidal cysts, speak to a medical professional today!

June 7, 2022
Surgery Group LA
New research may reveal the best Breast Cancer Surgery for long term health
32,683 Breast Cancer Stock Photos, Pictures & Royalty-Free Images - iStock
Breast Cancer

5 -22 – 2022 – A recent study published in JAMA Journal has shown that for long-term psychological and sexual well-being, patients with stage 1 and early stage 2 breast cancers who opted for a lumpectomy and radiation were more likely to feel happier about their decision long term compared to those who opted for a mastectomy and reconstruction.

Over a ten-year measuring window and 647 patient pool, both groups of patients had equal satisfaction with their reconstruction surgery and the quality of their breasts. However, by a large statistically significant margin, those who opted for lumpectomy and radiation, felt a better psychological quality of life, and a much healthier sex life.

While there are of course a series of complicating factors, such as race income levels, and medical circumstances, patients who opted for the lumpectomy were happier by a statistically significant margin, further implying that the decision to opt for a lumpectomy was a factor in their psychological well being.

Every decision when it comes to cancer treatment requires context and the research team by no means recommends doing away with mastectomy for early-stage 1 and stage 2 cancer patients. However, they believe this information can be useful in making treatment decisions.

If you or a loved one have questions about breast cancer treatment, medical professionals are ready to speak to you today!

May 22, 2022
Surgery Group LA
3 key terms to understand about your thyroid cancer prognosis
882 Thyroid Cancer Stock Photos, Pictures & Royalty-Free Images - iStock
Thyroid

In the hurry to give you all the facts about your case, your doctor might have inadvertently thrown out some words or concepts during your prognosis discussion that may have gone over your head. 

For those who need a little more clarity, here is what doctors mean when they are explaining these concepts to you in person.

Types of Thyroid Cancers

Papillary – Most common and most likely to respond to treatment even in deeper stages

Follicular and Medullary – Less common than Papillary but responds well to treatment

Anaplastic – The fastest growing of the four and least likely to respond to treatment

Types of Treatment

Surgery – Used to remove a part of all of the thyroid, most thyroid cancer patients will undergo some surgery at some point depending on the size and spread of cancer. These surgeries, while crucial, have a risk of infection, and bleeding, and will need you to avoid strenuous activity for 2 – 4 weeks.

Radiation Therapy – Used for Papillary and Follicular cancers. Radioactive iodine is ingested to kill cancerous thyroid cells, including thyroid cells that remain after surgery. Can cause dry mouth, mouth pain, eye inflammation, and altered taste of sense or smell.

Targeted Therapy Drugs – For aggressive cancers, your doctor will often prescribe targeted drug treatments that work by blocking specific chemicals that the cancer cell needs to survive. Can be ingested orally or through injections. The most common side effects of TKIs, the most common Targeted Therapy drugs are diarrhea, skin rash, and bleeding. Side effects of other drugs may vary.

5-year survival rates

5-year survival rates for cancers are based on the number of patients who have your cancer who survive in 5 years relative to the number of people generally who survive 5 years of your gender and age. Factors such as race, income factor, and genetic health also play a factor.

How your five-year rate is determined is based on the spread of cancer such as:

Localized – Cancer hasn’t grown outside of the thyroid

Regional – Cancer has spread to tissue near the thyroid

Distant – Cancer has spread to other parts of the body, such as the bones

As well as the individual circumstances of your cases. However, for Stage IV cancer the 5-year survival rate of each type of cancer is:

Papillary – Regional 99%, Distant 78%

Follicular – Regional 96%, Distant 63%

Medullary – Regional 90%, Distant 39%

Anaplastic – Regional 12%, Distant 4%

Conclusion

Every patient is different and every situation is unique but hopefully, this information is a decent overview of the how-to decipher your Thyroid Cancer prognosis.

If you or a loved one wants more information on thyroid cancer, speak to a medical professional today.

May 22, 2022
Surgery Group LA
Is returning to the classroom causing your kids cysts?

With students returning to the classroom, a former common ailment has also reared its ugly head: pilonidal sinus and cyst diseases! Over the past year, the amount of pilonidal cyst cases has skyrocketed around the globe!

Any pilonidal infection of cyst is caused near the top of the buttocks. This happens after hair or other infections are forced back into the skin leading to infection. This leads to pain over the tailbone, bloody and pus-filled infections, and a painful swelling over the tailbone.

While most minor cases of pilonidal cysts can be cured with pain management, and proper posture training, moderate cases may require surgery.

The good news is that even moderate cases of pilonidal cysts can be cured with small incisions. These incisions allow the cyst to drain blood and puss and is bandaged up with gauze. It is important that during this process the gauze surrounding the cyst is changed often to avoid reinfection.

If you or a loved one have any questions in regards to pain in the tailbone, contact a medical professional today.

May 9, 2022
Surgery Group LA
New Advancement in Non-Opioid Post Surgery Recovery Programs Show Positive Results for Thyroid Cancer Patients

May 6, 2022 – With over 10 million people last year abusing opioids in the past year alone, patients with major surgery have become more and more aware of the risks of opioid dependency.

However, in a multi-study analysis of double blind studies, patients who participated in a program of pre-op therapy sessions and minor pain medications, resulted in a statistically significant drop in post opioid use.

Perhaps just as importantly these patients didn’t desire new opioid prescriptions after surgery. This suggests that with proper pain management, modern thyroid surgical treatments might not require opioids at all.

While potentially addictive, opioids still can be a crucial option for patients who need them and the representatives of the study reiterated that each patient post operative care needs to be treated as a unique case.

However, with new best medical practices, thyroid cancer patients might have one less thing to worry about during this stressful time in their lives.

If you or a loved one is going through thyroid cancer and needs more information about their case, please speak to a medical professional today.

May 9, 2022
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About Surgery Group LA

Surgery Group LA is a team of professional and board-licensed surgeons, who specialize of their respective fields. The institution’s project to offer sufferers with advanced and complete surgical care.

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Los Angeles, CA 90048
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