甲狀腺亢進（下）

 

甲狀腺亢進治療

要治療甲狀腺亢進，患者初期可服用藥物PTU或Carblmazole，抑制甲狀腺的運作，從而減少荷爾蒙分泌，大約服藥半年至9個月，待外來成因減少，便可降低服藥份量甚至停藥。

若服藥後未有改善病情，醫生可以安排患者飲用帶有輻射性的碘水，當甲狀腺吸收碘水後，輻射性物質會殺死甲狀腺的細胞。醫生會按照患者體重而計算服用的碘水份量，由於碘水進入人體後會被甲狀腺吸收，故此不會對其他器官造成影響。現時仍未有醫學文獻證明服用碘水會增加患上癌症的機會。然而，部分患者在服用碘水5至10年後，甲狀腺可能會提早衰退，需要服用甲狀腺補充劑。

不過，若擔心服用碘水會致癌、眼睛凸出或處於發育年齡不宜飲用碘水，可進行傳統外科手術或微創手術，治療甲狀腺亢進。全甲狀腺切除約需兩個半小時，全身麻醉進行，醫生會在甲狀腺上切開約4至５厘米切口，直接取走甲狀腺，術後可即日進食，住院約3至5天，術後要服用荷爾蒙補充劑。若屬半甲狀腺切除，則不用服食補充劑，惟傳統手術有機會令患處留下礙眼的疤痕，因疤痕組織增生視乎個人而定。

相反，同樣以全身麻醉方式進行的甲狀腺微創切除手術，則不會留下疤痕，醫生會在患者的腋下及乳暈位置共切開四個小孔，直徑分別約1.5厘米及5毫米，然後從小孔將儀器放入體內取走甲狀腺，全甲狀腺微創切除手術約需三個半小時，半甲狀腺切除則約兩個半小時，住院3至5天，即日可進食。由於腋下位置較隱閉，乳暈的傷口癒合亦較快，故此術後不會留有疤痕。

甲狀腺手術治療風險

•流血、發炎

•損害副甲狀腺，日後會康復

•傷害聲帶神經線，有機會引致聲沙，但情況罕見

資料來源:  https://thyro.com.hk/hyperthyroidism.html

以上所提供的資訊僅作為教育及參考用途，如果你有任何醫療問題，

應向醫生查詢，而不應單倚賴以上提供的資料。

「有得坐」為何這麼困難？

工作上的長期站立，對員工健康上有壞影響，這個很多人都知。但現實環境中，願意為員工提供適當的設施及安排，去減少工作上不必要站立的商戶，仍屬少數。


筆者早前在快活谷獅子會的支持下，訪問了千多位飲食、零售及服務業的從業員，發現八成以上每天站立時間多於7小時，而有機會坐下的次數少於3次，只有少於兩成的商舖有作出安排去減少站立。大家到百貨公司、酒樓逛逛，相信也能看到這情況的嚴重性。


很多人會覺得，這只是勞資問題，只要老闆明白事理，寬宏大量，批准員工坐坐，問題便能解決。勞工處及職業安全局，在這方面已經印過小冊子，拍過短片，向員工及僱主們宣傳，但情況仍沒甚麼改善。筆者跟僱主們了解過，發現他們也不一定是無良的，很多老闆不是不想員工坐，而是害怕得失客人；顧客走進商舖、食肆，若發覺員工是坐著的，會覺得招呼不周，紀律散漫，對該公司起壞印象，影響其商譽。愈是高級的商舖食肆，這情況愈是嚴重。


因此問題的持份者，是老闆、員工及顧客三方的，而顧客的取態，才是問題的根源。若有一天，顧客走進商店、食肆，看到員工「有得坐」，會認為這是健康商戶、良心老闆的表現，而留下正面的印象；員工亦因為「有得坐」，工作沒有那麼疲累不適，態度更好更投入，招呼客人也更起勁，顧客自然樂於再次幫襯；生意好的話，老闆也樂於繼續讓員工「有得坐」！這是三贏的局面！


因此首先要改變的，是顧客對員工「有得坐」的看法，這是文化的改變，也是最困難的！筆者因工作關係，處理很多長期站立引起的血液循環問題，發覺要治本，就要改變這文化。


作者為外科專科醫生謝卓華

資料來源: AM730
以上所提供的資訊僅作為教育及參考用途，如果你有任何醫療問題，
應向醫生查詢，而不應單倚賴以上提供的資料。

抗疫期間 也勿耽誤其他病情

過去兩星期，新冠肺炎病例陸續在香港出現，人心惶惶，搶購物資。普羅大眾因擔心受感染，現在對於醫療設施盡量「敬而遠之」；醫院的門診部，無論是公營或私營，現在都是門堪羅雀，冷冷清清。有的私家醫生診所，甚至暫時關門大吉。至於手術室，在公立醫院，非緊急或必須的手術，盡量押後改期，以騰出資源抗疫；在私家醫院，很多病人也主動要求取消或押後手術，或索性暫不求醫。


但試想想，這段時間是否除了肺炎，就沒有其他疾病？


筆者經歷過03年的SARS，現時情況跟當時不遑多讓，市民對醫院都是避之則吉，但後來我及很多同事見到的，是當疫情過後，便出現大量重病個案，有末期癌症；嚴重血管閉塞而出現潰瘍、截肢等情況；有的是血管瘤變大至破裂出血。那個時候，需要接受複雜手術去治療的病人多的是，也有不少是病入膏肓，手術也幫不了！他們不是諱疾忌醫，只是覺得在抗疫時期求醫，是高危活動，怕受感染，寧可「死頂」強忍病情，造成耽誤。


其實這是一大謬誤，即使在這非常時期，公院仍盡量維持拯救生命或肢體的必須要手術，如癌症、血管瘤、通血管等。至於私院，因為有著沙士的經驗，已經有一系列的防疫措施，稍有可疑的病人，如發燒、上呼吸道感染、可疑外遊紀錄等，都會被拒絕入院或轉介至公院。因此受感染的風險極微，而日常手術的安排，跟以往基本上是沒有分別的。


在此奉勸市民，切勿因現時的疫情，而耽誤了其他病情。香港有沙士的慘痛經驗，實在不應手忙腳亂、重蹈覆轍！


作者為外科專科醫生 謝卓華

資料來源:  AM730
以上所提供的資訊僅作為教育及參考用途，如果你有任何醫療問題，
應向醫生查詢，而不應單倚賴以上提供的資料。

新SARS來了

新的冠狀病毒肺炎來了，這次來勢洶洶，執筆之時在內地已有數千人受感染，武漢需要封城，香港亦陸續有確診病例，以香港跟內地的密切人流來往，相信很難獨善其身！


還記得2003年SARS來襲的時候，由於全球對此病毒認知很少，香港被殺個措手不及，結果有三千多人受感染，近三百人死亡，其中8位醫護人員，在照顧患者時染病殉職，長眠浩園。

筆者是外科醫生，SARS時還在政府醫院工作，記得手術時需要戴上高規格的N95口罩以防感染，這些口罩緊緊貼著臉部，若做上數小時的手術，臉也壓得腫腫，留下清楚可見並疼痛的口罩印。這些痛楚，相比起內科部門同事，面對受感染的風險，實在是微不足道。

照顧肺炎病者的重任，一般是由內科部門的醫護同事負責，特別是呼吸系統科、傳染病科、深切治療部等。由於外科主要是負責手術，故並非抗疫的最前線，甚至因為要騰出病床及資源，很多非緊急的預約手術也要取消，故工作量竟是反常地「清閒」。另一邊廂內科及深切治療等同事，隨著病者愈來愈多，開始心力交瘁，不能無限期地作戰，需要找援兵接替上陣。醫院只好破格地安排外科、骨科等醫生，放下手術刀，充當援兵抗疫，可說是非常時期的非常安排！希望今次疫情早點受控，用不著「後備軍」。

抗疫是風險管理課題，由於疫情失控的代價是災難性的，但數據及資訊永遠不足及滯後，故防疫措施應是以「寧多勿少、寧枉莫縱」為原則。希望政府及市民都能吸取SARS的教訓，做好防疫措施，這才對得住當年被SARS奪去性命的港人及殉職醫護。


外科專科醫生謝卓華

資料來源:  https://www.am730.com.hk/column/%E5%81%A5%E5%BA%B7/%E6%96%B0sars%E4%BE%86%E4%BA%86-205584
以上所提供的資訊僅作為教育及參考用途，如果你有任何醫療問題，
應向醫生查詢，而不應單倚賴以上提供的資料。

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) Infographic series (2)

What are the symptoms of AAA?
 
AAA is usually symptom free before it ruptures, which makes it difficult to detect at an early stage. Some patients may feel a pulsatile mass in their tummy. Any symptoms of abdominal or back pain in an AAA patient is suggestive of rupture aneurysm. Urgent medical assessment is necessary.

Who will have AAA?
 
Smoking, aging, diabetes, high cholesterol and hypertension are the major risk factors of developing AAA and males are at greater risk than females.

 
How to diagnose AAA?

 
Despite the difficulty of detecting AAA at an early stage, a simple ultrasound scanning of the abdomen can already accurately diagnose AAA. Further detail imaging with CT scan, MRI, or angiogram are only necessary when surgical intervention of the AAA is necessary. Although the mortality rate of a ruptured AAA is high, it is still preventable. Quitting smoking, controlling high blood pressure, regular exercise and a healthy diet will contribute to reducing the risks of developing AAA.

When & how to treat AAA?
 
Surgical intervention of the AAA is necessary when the size of the aneurysm is > 5cm in diameter. We want to fix the aneurysm before it ruptures.

There are currently 2 treatment options for AAA. Endovascular Aneurysm Repair (EVAR) is a minimally invasive surgery involving only small wounds at the groins. It is associated with less pain, faster recovery, and is safer compared with open surgery.

The traditional open repair of AAA involves large abdominal wound. Although it is more durable, it is more invasive and is currently reserved for cases with anatomy not suitable for EVAR.

Reference information: http://esteemmedical.com.hk/aortic-aneurysms.html
It is not intended as medical advice to any specific person. If you have any need for personal advice or have any questions regarding your health, please consult your doctor for diagnosis and treatment. 

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) Infographic series (1)

What do you need to know about Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm?
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) is becoming more and more common in Hong Kong and is known as a “silent killer” due to its asymptomatic nature. The prevalence of this disease is global. U.S and U.K have seen 15,000 deaths [1] and 6,000 deaths [2] respectively caused by ruptured AAAs. In Hong Kong, more than 1,000 new cases of aortic aneurysm are reported every year. It’s important to increase public awareness and understanding around the disease.


The series will look into:
1: What is Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA)?
2: How common is AAA?
3: How dangerous is AAA?
4: What are the symptoms?
5: Who will have AAA?
6: How to diagnose AAA?
7: When & how to treat AAA?

An abdominal aortic aneurysm is an abnormally dilated area in the lower part of the aorta within the abdomen [3] . The fact that it is asymptomatic means the aneurysm is often left unnoticed and unattended promptly.

 
How common is AAA?

How dangerous is AAA?

When the aorta becomes dilated, it behaves like blowing up a balloon. When the balloon is too excessively blown up, it will rupture. Usually when the size of aneurysm is >5cm, there is significant risk of rupture. Rupture AAA can cause massive bleeding within short period of time.

The overall mortality rate of a ruptured aneurysm can be as high as 100% and the risk of rupture increases as the size of the aneurysm expands. Once internal bleeding is caused by the rupture of aneurysm, it becomes a life-threatening condition.

 .......cont'l




Reference information: http://esteemmedical.com.hk/aortic-aneurysms.html
It is not intended as medical advice to any specific person. If you have any need for personal advice or have any questions regarding your health, please consult your doctor for diagnosis and treatment. 

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) Infographic series (2)

What are the symptoms of AAA?
 
AAA is usually symptom free before it ruptures, which makes it difficult to detect at an early stage. Some patients may feel a pulsatile mass in their tummy. Any symptoms of abdominal or back pain in an AAA patient is suggestive of rupture aneurysm. Urgent medical assessment is necessary.

Who will have AAA?
 
Smoking, aging, diabetes, high cholesterol and hypertension are the major risk factors of developing AAA and males are at greater risk than females.

 
How to diagnose AAA?

 
Despite the difficulty of detecting AAA at an early stage, a simple ultrasound scanning of the abdomen can already accurately diagnose AAA. Further detail imaging with CT scan, MRI, or angiogram are only necessary when surgical intervention of the AAA is necessary. Although the mortality rate of a ruptured AAA is high, it is still preventable. Quitting smoking, controlling high blood pressure, regular exercise and a healthy diet will contribute to reducing the risks of developing AAA.

When & how to treat AAA?
 
Surgical intervention of the AAA is necessary when the size of the aneurysm is > 5cm in diameter. We want to fix the aneurysm before it ruptures.

There are currently 2 treatment options for AAA. Endovascular Aneurysm Repair (EVAR) is a minimally invasive surgery involving only small wounds at the groins. It is associated with less pain, faster recovery, and is safer compared with open surgery.

The traditional open repair of AAA involves large abdominal wound. Although it is more durable, it is more invasive and is currently reserved for cases with anatomy not suitable for EVAR.

Reference information: http://esteemmedical.com.hk/aortic-aneurysms.html
It is not intended as medical advice to any specific person. If you have any need for personal advice or have any questions regarding your health, please consult your doctor for diagnosis and treatment. 

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) Infographic series (1)

What do you need to know about Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm?
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) is becoming more and more common in Hong Kong and is known as a “silent killer” due to its asymptomatic nature. The prevalence of this disease is global. U.S and U.K have seen 15,000 deaths [1] and 6,000 deaths [2] respectively caused by ruptured AAAs. In Hong Kong, more than 1,000 new cases of aortic aneurysm are reported every year. It’s important to increase public awareness and understanding around the disease.


The series will look into:
1: What is Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA)?
2: How common is AAA?
3: How dangerous is AAA?
4: What are the symptoms?
5: Who will have AAA?
6: How to diagnose AAA?
7: When & how to treat AAA?

An abdominal aortic aneurysm is an abnormally dilated area in the lower part of the aorta within the abdomen [3] . The fact that it is asymptomatic means the aneurysm is often left unnoticed and unattended promptly.

 
How common is AAA?

How dangerous is AAA?

When the aorta becomes dilated, it behaves like blowing up a balloon. When the balloon is too excessively blown up, it will rupture. Usually when the size of aneurysm is >5cm, there is significant risk of rupture. Rupture AAA can cause massive bleeding within short period of time.

The overall mortality rate of a ruptured aneurysm can be as high as 100% and the risk of rupture increases as the size of the aneurysm expands. Once internal bleeding is caused by the rupture of aneurysm, it becomes a life-threatening condition.

 .......cont'l




Reference information: http://esteemmedical.com.hk/aortic-aneurysms.html
It is not intended as medical advice to any specific person. If you have any need for personal advice or have any questions regarding your health, please consult your doctor for diagnosis and treatment. 

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) Infographic series (2)

What are the symptoms of AAA?
 
AAA is usually symptom free before it ruptures, which makes it difficult to detect at an early stage. Some patients may feel a pulsatile mass in their tummy. Any symptoms of abdominal or back pain in an AAA patient is suggestive of rupture aneurysm. Urgent medical assessment is necessary.

Who will have AAA?
 
Smoking, aging, diabetes, high cholesterol and hypertension are the major risk factors of developing AAA and males are at greater risk than females.

 
How to diagnose AAA?

 
Despite the difficulty of detecting AAA at an early stage, a simple ultrasound scanning of the abdomen can already accurately diagnose AAA. Further detail imaging with CT scan, MRI, or angiogram are only necessary when surgical intervention of the AAA is necessary. Although the mortality rate of a ruptured AAA is high, it is still preventable. Quitting smoking, controlling high blood pressure, regular exercise and a healthy diet will contribute to reducing the risks of developing AAA.

When & how to treat AAA?
 
Surgical intervention of the AAA is necessary when the size of the aneurysm is > 5cm in diameter. We want to fix the aneurysm before it ruptures.

There are currently 2 treatment options for AAA. Endovascular Aneurysm Repair (EVAR) is a minimally invasive surgery involving only small wounds at the groins. It is associated with less pain, faster recovery, and is safer compared with open surgery.

The traditional open repair of AAA involves large abdominal wound. Although it is more durable, it is more invasive and is currently reserved for cases with anatomy not suitable for EVAR.

Reference information: http://esteemmedical.com.hk/aortic-aneurysms.html
It is not intended as medical advice to any specific person. If you have any need for personal advice or have any questions regarding your health, please consult your doctor for diagnosis and treatment. 

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) Infographic series (1)

What do you need to know about Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm?
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) is becoming more and more common in Hong Kong and is known as a “silent killer” due to its asymptomatic nature. The prevalence of this disease is global. U.S and U.K have seen 15,000 deaths [1] and 6,000 deaths [2] respectively caused by ruptured AAAs. In Hong Kong, more than 1,000 new cases of aortic aneurysm are reported every year. It’s important to increase public awareness and understanding around the disease.


The series will look into:
1: What is Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA)?
2: How common is AAA?
3: How dangerous is AAA?
4: What are the symptoms?
5: Who will have AAA?
6: How to diagnose AAA?
7: When & how to treat AAA?

An abdominal aortic aneurysm is an abnormally dilated area in the lower part of the aorta within the abdomen [3] . The fact that it is asymptomatic means the aneurysm is often left unnoticed and unattended promptly.

 
How common is AAA?

How dangerous is AAA?

When the aorta becomes dilated, it behaves like blowing up a balloon. When the balloon is too excessively blown up, it will rupture. Usually when the size of aneurysm is >5cm, there is significant risk of rupture. Rupture AAA can cause massive bleeding within short period of time.

The overall mortality rate of a ruptured aneurysm can be as high as 100% and the risk of rupture increases as the size of the aneurysm expands. Once internal bleeding is caused by the rupture of aneurysm, it becomes a life-threatening condition.

 .......cont'l




Reference information: http://esteemmedical.com.hk/aortic-aneurysms.html
It is not intended as medical advice to any specific person. If you have any need for personal advice or have any questions regarding your health, please consult your doctor for diagnosis and treatment. 

RadioFrequency Ablation (RFA) (2)

4. How soon after RFA can I return to normal activity?

Walking immediately following the procedure is encouraged and normal daily activity can be resumed immediately. For those into sports and heavy lifting, a delay of 5-7 days is recommended.


5. What are the key benefits of RFA?

RFA can be performed entirely under local anaesthesia in most cases. It is applicable to the majority of patients including those with pre-existing medical conditions or medications preventing the administration of a general anaesthetic. Cosmetic outcomes from RFA are far superior to stripping. Patients report minimal bruising, swelling or pain following the procedure. Many return to normal activities immediately.

6. Is RFA suitable for all varicose veins?

The majority of varicose vein can be treated with RFA. However, the procedure is mainly for large varicose veins. It is not suitable for veins which are too small or too tortuous, or with an atypical anatomy. There are many other alternatives for treating varicose or spider veins. Our specialists can help you choose the best option.





Reference information: http://veno.com.hk/radiofrequency-vein-ablation.html
It is not intended as medical advice to any specific person. If you have any need for personal advice or have any questions regarding your health, please consult your doctor for diagnosis and treatment.

RadioFrequency Ablation (RFA) (1)

1. What is the Radiofrequency Ablation of Varicose Vein?

RFA a minimally invasive treatment alternative to the traditional vein stripping surgery for varicose veins and gives better cosmetic results with less scarring. The principle is that by removing the abnormal vein by applying radiofrequency energy inside the vein (‘endovenous’) to destroy (‘ablate’) it.

2. How is RFA done?

The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis with the patient awake. The entire procedure is done under ultrasound visualisation. After a local anaesthetic is injected into the thigh area, the laser fibre is threaded into the vein through a small puncture hole. Then radiofrequency energy is released which heats up the wall of vein and causes it to collapse. Radiofrequency energy is released continuously as the fibre moves along the whole length of the diseased vein, resulting in the collapse and ablation of the varicose vein. Following the procedure, a bandage is placed over the entry site, and additional compression is applied. Patients are then encouraged to walk and resume all normal activities

3. How is RFA of varicose vein different from conventional surgery?

RFA does not require general anaesthesia and is a less invasive procedure than vein stripping. The recovery period is also shorter than surgery. Patients usually have less post-operative pain, less bruising, faster recovery, fewer overall complications and smaller scars.

..........cont'l



Reference information: http://veno.com.hk/radiofrequency-vein-ablation.html
It is not intended as medical advice to any specific person. If you have any need for personal advice or have any questions regarding your health, please consult your doctor for diagnosis and treatment.

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) Infographic series (2)

What are the symptoms of AAA?
 
AAA is usually symptom free before it ruptures, which makes it difficult to detect at an early stage. Some patients may feel a pulsatile mass in their tummy. Any symptoms of abdominal or back pain in an AAA patient is suggestive of rupture aneurysm. Urgent medical assessment is necessary.

Who will have AAA?
 
Smoking, aging, diabetes, high cholesterol and hypertension are the major risk factors of developing AAA and males are at greater risk than females.

 
How to diagnose AAA?

 
Despite the difficulty of detecting AAA at an early stage, a simple ultrasound scanning of the abdomen can already accurately diagnose AAA. Further detail imaging with CT scan, MRI, or angiogram are only necessary when surgical intervention of the AAA is necessary. Although the mortality rate of a ruptured AAA is high, it is still preventable. Quitting smoking, controlling high blood pressure, regular exercise and a healthy diet will contribute to reducing the risks of developing AAA.

When & how to treat AAA?
 
Surgical intervention of the AAA is necessary when the size of the aneurysm is > 5cm in diameter. We want to fix the aneurysm before it ruptures.

There are currently 2 treatment options for AAA. Endovascular Aneurysm Repair (EVAR) is a minimally invasive surgery involving only small wounds at the groins. It is associated with less pain, faster recovery, and is safer compared with open surgery.

The traditional open repair of AAA involves large abdominal wound. Although it is more durable, it is more invasive and is currently reserved for cases with anatomy not suitable for EVAR.

Reference information: http://esteemmedical.com.hk/aortic-aneurysms.html
It is not intended as medical advice to any specific person. If you have any need for personal advice or have any questions regarding your health, please consult your doctor for diagnosis and treatment. 

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) Infographic series (1)

What do you need to know about Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm?
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) is becoming more and more common in Hong Kong and is known as a “silent killer” due to its asymptomatic nature. The prevalence of this disease is global. U.S and U.K have seen 15,000 deaths [1] and 6,000 deaths [2] respectively caused by ruptured AAAs. In Hong Kong, more than 1,000 new cases of aortic aneurysm are reported every year. It’s important to increase public awareness and understanding around the disease.


The series will look into:
1: What is Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA)?
2: How common is AAA?
3: How dangerous is AAA?
4: What are the symptoms?
5: Who will have AAA?
6: How to diagnose AAA?
7: When & how to treat AAA?

An abdominal aortic aneurysm is an abnormally dilated area in the lower part of the aorta within the abdomen [3] . The fact that it is asymptomatic means the aneurysm is often left unnoticed and unattended promptly.

 
How common is AAA?

How dangerous is AAA?

When the aorta becomes dilated, it behaves like blowing up a balloon. When the balloon is too excessively blown up, it will rupture. Usually when the size of aneurysm is >5cm, there is significant risk of rupture. Rupture AAA can cause massive bleeding within short period of time.

The overall mortality rate of a ruptured aneurysm can be as high as 100% and the risk of rupture increases as the size of the aneurysm expands. Once internal bleeding is caused by the rupture of aneurysm, it becomes a life-threatening condition.

 .......cont'l




Reference information: http://esteemmedical.com.hk/aortic-aneurysms.html
It is not intended as medical advice to any specific person. If you have any need for personal advice or have any questions regarding your health, please consult your doctor for diagnosis and treatment. 

RadioFrequency Ablation (RFA) (2)

4. How soon after RFA can I return to normal activity?

Walking immediately following the procedure is encouraged and normal daily activity can be resumed immediately. For those into sports and heavy lifting, a delay of 5-7 days is recommended.


5. What are the key benefits of RFA?

RFA can be performed entirely under local anaesthesia in most cases. It is applicable to the majority of patients including those with pre-existing medical conditions or medications preventing the administration of a general anaesthetic. Cosmetic outcomes from RFA are far superior to stripping. Patients report minimal bruising, swelling or pain following the procedure. Many return to normal activities immediately.

6. Is RFA suitable for all varicose veins?

The majority of varicose vein can be treated with RFA. However, the procedure is mainly for large varicose veins. It is not suitable for veins which are too small or too tortuous, or with an atypical anatomy. There are many other alternatives for treating varicose or spider veins. Our specialists can help you choose the best option.





Reference information: http://veno.com.hk/radiofrequency-vein-ablation.html
It is not intended as medical advice to any specific person. If you have any need for personal advice or have any questions regarding your health, please consult your doctor for diagnosis and treatment. 

RadioFrequency Ablation (RFA) (1)

1. What is the Radiofrequency Ablation of Varicose Vein?

RFA a minimally invasive treatment alternative to the traditional vein stripping surgery for varicose veins and gives better cosmetic results with less scarring. The principle is that by removing the abnormal vein by applying radiofrequency energy inside the vein (‘endovenous’) to destroy (‘ablate’) it.

2. How is RFA done?

The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis with the patient awake. The entire procedure is done under ultrasound visualisation. After a local anaesthetic is injected into the thigh area, the laser fibre is threaded into the vein through a small puncture hole. Then radiofrequency energy is released which heats up the wall of vein and causes it to collapse. Radiofrequency energy is released continuously as the fibre moves along the whole length of the diseased vein, resulting in the collapse and ablation of the varicose vein. Following the procedure, a bandage is placed over the entry site, and additional compression is applied. Patients are then encouraged to walk and resume all normal activities

3. How is RFA of varicose vein different from conventional surgery?

RFA does not require general anaesthesia and is a less invasive procedure than vein stripping. The recovery period is also shorter than surgery. Patients usually have less post-operative pain, less bruising, faster recovery, fewer overall complications and smaller scars.

..........cont'l



Reference information: http://veno.com.hk/radiofrequency-vein-ablation.html
It is not intended as medical advice to any specific person. If you have any need for personal advice or have any questions regarding your health, please consult your doctor for diagnosis and treatment. 

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) Infographic series (2)

What are the symptoms of AAA?
 
AAA is usually symptom free before it ruptures, which makes it difficult to detect at an early stage. Some patients may feel a pulsatile mass in their tummy. Any symptoms of abdominal or back pain in an AAA patient is suggestive of rupture aneurysm. Urgent medical assessment is necessary.

Who will have AAA?
 
Smoking, aging, diabetes, high cholesterol and hypertension are the major risk factors of developing AAA and males are at greater risk than females.

 
How to diagnose AAA?

 
Despite the difficulty of detecting AAA at an early stage, a simple ultrasound scanning of the abdomen can already accurately diagnose AAA. Further detail imaging with CT scan, MRI, or angiogram are only necessary when surgical intervention of the AAA is necessary. Although the mortality rate of a ruptured AAA is high, it is still preventable. Quitting smoking, controlling high blood pressure, regular exercise and a healthy diet will contribute to reducing the risks of developing AAA.

When & how to treat AAA?
 
Surgical intervention of the AAA is necessary when the size of the aneurysm is > 5cm in diameter. We want to fix the aneurysm before it ruptures.

There are currently 2 treatment options for AAA. Endovascular Aneurysm Repair (EVAR) is a minimally invasive surgery involving only small wounds at the groins. It is associated with less pain, faster recovery, and is safer compared with open surgery.

The traditional open repair of AAA involves large abdominal wound. Although it is more durable, it is more invasive and is currently reserved for cases with anatomy not suitable for EVAR.

Reference information: http://esteemmedical.com.hk/aortic-aneurysms.html
It is not intended as medical advice to any specific person. If you have any need for personal advice or have any questions regarding your health, please consult your doctor for diagnosis and treatment. 

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) Infographic series (1)

What do you need to know about Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm?
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) is becoming more and more common in Hong Kong and is known as a “silent killer” due to its asymptomatic nature. The prevalence of this disease is global. U.S and U.K have seen 15,000 deaths [1] and 6,000 deaths [2] respectively caused by ruptured AAAs. In Hong Kong, more than 1,000 new cases of aortic aneurysm are reported every year. It’s important to increase public awareness and understanding around the disease.


The series will look into:
1: What is Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA)?
2: How common is AAA?
3: How dangerous is AAA?
4: What are the symptoms?
5: Who will have AAA?
6: How to diagnose AAA?
7: When & how to treat AAA?

An abdominal aortic aneurysm is an abnormally dilated area in the lower part of the aorta within the abdomen [3] . The fact that it is asymptomatic means the aneurysm is often left unnoticed and unattended promptly.

 
How common is AAA?

How dangerous is AAA?

When the aorta becomes dilated, it behaves like blowing up a balloon. When the balloon is too excessively blown up, it will rupture. Usually when the size of aneurysm is >5cm, there is significant risk of rupture. Rupture AAA can cause massive bleeding within short period of time.

The overall mortality rate of a ruptured aneurysm can be as high as 100% and the risk of rupture increases as the size of the aneurysm expands. Once internal bleeding is caused by the rupture of aneurysm, it becomes a life-threatening condition.

 .......cont'l




Reference information: http://esteemmedical.com.hk/aortic-aneurysms.html
It is not intended as medical advice to any specific person. If you have any need for personal advice or have any questions regarding your health, please consult your doctor for diagnosis and treatment. 

Varicose veins, varicose veins symptoms

Reference information:  http://veno.com.hk/varicose-vein-media-news-chinese.html
It is not intended as medical advice to any specific person. If you have any need for personal advice or have any questions regarding your health, please consult your physicians for diagnosis and treatment. 

RadioFrequency Ablation (RFA) (2)

4. How soon after RFA can I return to normal activity?

Walking immediately following the procedure is encouraged and normal daily activity can be resumed immediately. For those into sports and heavy lifting, a delay of 5-7 days is recommended.


5. What are the key benefits of RFA?

RFA can be performed entirely under local anaesthesia in most cases. It is applicable to the majority of patients including those with pre-existing medical conditions or medications preventing the administration of a general anaesthetic. Cosmetic outcomes from RFA are far superior to stripping. Patients report minimal bruising, swelling or pain following the procedure. Many return to normal activities immediately.

6. Is RFA suitable for all varicose veins?

The majority of varicose vein can be treated with RFA. However, the procedure is mainly for large varicose veins. It is not suitable for veins which are too small or too tortuous, or with an atypical anatomy. There are many other alternatives for treating varicose or spider veins. Our specialists can help you choose the best option.





Reference information: http://veno.com.hk/radiofrequency-vein-ablation.html
It is not intended as medical advice to any specific person. If you have any need for personal advice or have any questions regarding your health, please consult your doctor for diagnosis and treatment.