Med Facts Online

A colostomy is a surgical procedure which involves opening of the colon to the exterior for the drainage of faecal matter. A colostomy may be temporary or permanent. When is a Colostomy required ? A colostomy is indicated in the following conditions- Congenital conditions In cases of Hirschsprung’s disease or anorectal anomalies, a temporary colostomy is done. Carcinoma In case of rectal carcinomas where an abdomino-peritoneal resection is performed, a permanent end-sigmoid colostomy is done following the procedure. Colonic fistulae Fistulas of the colon occurring as a consequence of diverticulitis, Crohn’s disease or due to tuberculosis, requie a colostomy during their management. Colonic injuries Trauma to the colon due to stab wounds or injuries during an operative procedure like nephrectomy or a percutaneous nephrolithotomy, leads to colonic injuries which require a period of rest to heal. A colostomy is hence performed during the management. Typ...

Cellulitis is a diffuse inflammation of the dermal and subcutaneous layers of the skin caused by haemolytic streptococcus. Pathology Cellulitis occurs when the dermal and subcutaneous layers of the skin get infected by hemolytic streptococcus. The streptococci infect and colonize the subcutaneous layer of the skin. These streptococci produce lytic enzymes like hyaluronidase and streptokinase which breakdown the connective tissue in the subcutaneous layer of the skin. This leads to quick and diffuse spread of the inflammation over a large area. In case of cellulitis affecting areas of the body with loose skin and subcutaneous tissue like in the face, forearm or scrotum, the inflammation spreads fast. Exudation occurs as a result of this inflammation. This exudate spreads in the subcutaneous and facial layers resulting in gross swelling of the affected part. Etiology Cellulitis occurs when streptococci infect wounds in the skin. This can occur in cases of inj...

A carbuncle is an infective gangrenous condition affecting the subcutaneous tissue. The infective agent is staphylococcus aureus. Etiology A carbuncle commonly occurs in diabetic patients, patients with reduced immunity like those undergoing radiotherapy or on a prolonged course of corticosteroids. The common sites of occurrence of a carbuncle are the nape of the neck, followed by the back and then the shoulders. This is because the skin in these regions is coarse and has poor vascularity. Pathology The pathology of a carbuncle is similar to that of a boil (furuncle). Infection of the hair follicle by staphylococci produces inflammation of the follicle and the surrounding area which is termed as perifolliculitis. Since the patients are mostly diabetics or immunocompromised individuals, the infection spreads locally in the surrounding skin involving a larger area in a short while. As the condition progresses, necrosis of the subcutaneous tissue and fat occur...

Cancer is caused by the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells that may affect almost any tissue of the body. Lungs, colon, rectal and stomach cancer are among the five most common cancer in the world for both men and women. Among men, lung and stomach cancer are the most common cancers worldwide. For women, the most common cancers are breast and cervical cancer. In India, oral and pharyngeal cancers form the most common type of cancers, which are related to tobacco chewing. More than 10 million people are diagnosed with cancer on the world every year. It is estimated that there will be 15 million new cases every year or 12% of the deaths worldwide. The causes of several cancers are known. Thus, the prevention of at least one third of all cancers is possible. Cancer is preventable by stopping smoking, providing healthy food and avoiding exposure to cancer causing agents (carcinogens). Early detection and effective treatment is possible for a further one third of ca...