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Gallstones
Gallstones are very common in Australian society, and are often found on ultrasound when looking for the cause of abdominal pain or abnormal liver function tests. However, more than 80% of gallstones cause no problem and do not need to be treated. What are they? The liver does many essential things to keep us alive […]
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Reflux and heartburn
10% of people experience heartburn (or acid reflux) at least once per week, but for most people it is mild and temporary. While many report that certain foods (citrus, chocolate, caffeine, spicy foods, garlic, tomatoes) exacerbate the pain, these are not universal. Heartburn is more common in people who are overweight or obese, pregnant or […]
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Anal Fissure
An anal fissure is a small ulcer just inside the anal canal. They usually occur in just one place, but heal and return over many months or years. The continuing irritation nearby causes the skin next to it to become lumpy, leaving a skin tag. That piece of skin is mistaken by many people for […]
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What is an Anal Fissure?
An anal fissure is a small ulcer just inside the anal canal. They usually occur in just one place, but heal and return over many months or years. The continuing irritation nearby causes the skin next to it to become lumpy, leaving a skin tag. That piece of skin is mistaken by many people for […]
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What is a General Surgeon?
To look at it simply, a General Surgeon is a fully trained Surgeon (Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons) who hasn’t taken up a subspecialty. At least, that’s how it worked in the old days… Now, being a General Surgeon means that training was in the discipline of General Surgery. What does this […]
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Surgical Summaries
I’ve been working on some patient information essays recently. They can be found at the Western Surgical website. Hernia Reflux Anal fissure I value your feedback – just use the Comment facility. Don’ fret if it doesn’t look like it has done anything – it gets emailed to me, and I will act on […]