Irritated Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a syndrome, not a disease, which affects about 1 in 6 people in the United States. While the condition has many possible causes, usually what happens is that the intestinal muscles begin failing to contract properly or become hypersensitive. IBS can occur after an intestinal infection, and often is triggered by stress. Treatment usually involves rest, dietary change, and avoidance of stressful life situations.

The Florida Minimally Invasive CRS Group of doctors, in southern Florida areas of Palm Beach and Boca Raton, can diagnose IBS based on your symptoms, often without further tests. Doctors may also conduct blood tests or a colonoscopy to help rule out other issues like Crohn’s disease.

Crohn’s disease is an example of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), the name given to diseases that involve intestinal swelling. The disease has no known cure, although the symptoms are treatable. The symptoms of Crohn’s disease are quite similar to those of IBS—abdominal pain and diarrhea are most common—which often makes Crohn’s disease difficult to diagnose.

No one is completely sure what causes Crohn’s, but the prevailing theory is that the disease is autoimmune; that is, an illness caused when the body’s immune system begins mistakenly attacking healthy body tissues. Crohn’s disease also may have a hereditary component—about 20% of people diagnosed with Crohn’s have a relative suffering from some type of IBD. Crohn’s disease can be detected by running a variety of tests including blood tests, X-rays, colonoscopy, or endoscopy of the upper intestine.

Treatment for Crohn’s disease generally begins with medication. Although the condition can’t be cured, the symptoms can be controlled. Crohn’s disease can cause intestinal narrowing or blockage; sometimes fistulas (abnormal passages between organs) may develop. In these cases surgery is sometimes recommended.

If you learn that you need surgery for Crohn’s disease, you may be a candidate for minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery using the da Vinci® Surgical System. This system uses the most advanced technology to conduct colon surgery through just a few tiny incisions. Dr. Belizon, and the Minimally Invasive CRS team of Doctors use this state-of-the-art surgical platform to overcome the challenges of traditional open surgery and dramatically reduce the patient’s recovery time. If you’ve been told that you need colon surgery, it is recommended that you consult these Florida medical experts to examine your options. You can contact them today at 877.493.5545 to schedule an appointment.

• Faster recovery time
• Less pain
• Shorter hospital stay (usually same day)

There is however, a chance that you will have to remain in the hospital after surgery. Here are some of the things that you can expect after you have undergone your procedure:

• You may experience pain in your shoulder and/or belly within 1 to 3 days after the surgery
• Loose bowel or irregular bowel
• Aches in your muscles (usually from the anesthesia)
• Nausea and/or loss of appetite
• Possible inflammation near the surgical wounds

It is typical that most people resume normal activity in just over a week after surgery. With that being said, it is also typical that you experience a bit of soreness for the week after undergoing Laparoscopic surgery. The good thing, is that in 2 to 3 weeks, you will experience much less discomfort than those who had open surgery. Also, you won’t have to worry about maintaining any type of special diet after surgery.

It has become widely accepted that laparoscopic surgery is the best method of treatment, assuming there are no complications that would prevent this type of surgery.

Please note, that there are some risks associated with this form of gallbladder surgery. For example, as with any type of surgery, there is a risk of infection of an incision. Also, internal bleeding, injury to the common bile duct and injury to the small intestine are all possibilities. Finally, there are always risks associated with general anesthesia that one should be aware of before getting single incision surgery.
When classifying gallstones, almost eighty prevent are classified as either pigment stones or cholesterol stones. The medical community is still a bit unsure about what causes pigment stones, however those who develop them usually have one of these issues:

• Sickle cell anemia
• Hereditary blood disorders
• Biliary tract infections
• Cirrhosis of the liver

As far as cholesterol stones, the medical community commonly believes that they are the result of bile that is made up of too much bilirubin or cholesterol…and do not contain enough bile salts. Also, failure of the gallbladder to empty out during the digestive process will also cause cholesterol stones to form.
The bottom line, is that if you think that you have a gallstone and need gallbladder surgery, you chould definitely consider laparoscopic surgery. Single incision surgery has many benefits and get you back on your feet quicker than open surgery. Contact Minimally Invasive CRS of South Florida at FloridaColonandRectalDoctors.com to get more information today.

There are many benefits to undergoing Laparoscopic surgery, as opposed to an open procedure. First, while the procedure itself is a bit longer, the hospital stay will be greatly reduced….sometimes being discharged on the same day. The patient will also experience less hemorrhaging, which lowers the need for a blood transfusion.  Another benefit of Laparoscopic surgery is that it utilizes a smaller incision, reducing pain and allowing for a shorter recovery time and less scarring. Finally, the patient will have much less pain, thus reducing the dependency on pain medication.

Those who suffer from sever heartburn may want to inquire about Single Incision Laparoscopic Surgery. Be sure to inquire with your physician and gain a full understanding about:

• What is GI reflux
• Treatment options for GI reflux
• Details about Laparoscopic (minimally invasive) surgery
• What you can expect after the surgery

Single Incision Laparoscopic surgery, sometimes referred to as minimally invasive surgery, is done using small incisions (between .5cm – 1.5 cm) as opposed to larger incision used in more traditional procedures. In open surgery, the incision is usually large enough for the physician to place his/her hand inside the patient. There have also been new advancements leading to a type of surgery referred to as  “keyhole surgery” which utilize images displayed on monitors to magnify certain elements. The big difference, is that Laparoscopic surgery includes operations around the abdominal and pelvic cavities. Keyhole surgery is usually conducted in the thoratic or chest cavity (also called thoracoscopic surgery).

If you have done your research, spoken with your physician, and decided that Laparoscopic surgery is for you…here are a few things that you can expect:

• The first thing you will need to do is complete a written consent form for surgery. This ensures that you are aware of the benefits and risks of this type of surgery.
• You will need to undergo a few things prior to the operation, such as a medical evaluation, blood work, a chest x-ray, and possibly an EKG
• Some surgeons ask that that patients undergo a colon cleanse to clean out the intestines prior to surgery. This might entail fasting and drinking clear liquids for several days leading up to the surgery
• You may need to cease taking certain vitamins or medications for a few days prior to surgery. These can include arthritis medication, anti-inflammatory meds, vitamin e, diet medications, st. john’s wort, etc
• No smoking for a certain period of time leading up to surgery

Dr. Belizon of Minimally Invasive Colon and Rectal Surgery of South Florida specializes in this type of procedure and is excited to consult with any new patient on what to expect. To schedule an evaluation, call Minimally Invasive Colon and Rectal Surgery of South Florida at 561-381-5991. The offices are conveniently located at 4800 Linton Blvd in Delray Beach, Florida. For more information, please check the website at www.floridacolonandrectaldoctors.com .

The American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) is a non-profit physician led organization for 24 of the 26 medical specialty boards in the United States of America.  Almost one million doctors have voluntarily achieved certification by one or more of the specialty boards.  The ABMS was set up in 1933 and works closely with the various specialty boards in order to have the greatest standards for evaluating physician specialists.  The ABMS was set up with the purpose of supervising examinations that would test physicians and would assure the public of the physician’s specialty qualifications.

This purpose still holds true today.  Many patients still choose their physician because they have board certification.  Looking for a doctor that is board certified or has a Gold Star is a great way to measure the physician’s experience and skills in their expertise.  It is an easy way to know that your doctor has gone above and beyond simply getting a medical license.

To become board certified by the American Board of Medical Specialties, physicians must undergo an intense process of testing and go through many peer evaluations.  These processes are designed and directed by specialists in the specific area of medicine.  Over the years the ABMS has established a program that requires physicians to become recertified, every six to ten years.  This program was initiated in the hopes that more physicians would pursue continuing education and examination in order to be as current as possible in their specialty.  In 2006 a new gold standard was adopted to ensure proof of continuing education in between recertification testing.

Physicians of many different specialties go through the process of becoming board certified.  Some of these specialties include surgery, radiology, psychiatry, neurology, plastic surgery, pediatrics, ophthalmology, obstetrics and gynecology, medical genetics, family, internal, or emergency medicine, and dermatology.  There are more many specialties as well.  The American Board of Emergency Medicine was the latest ABMS member board to be approved in 1979.

Dr. Belizon specializes in minimally invasive surgery on the colon, rectal, gallbladder, diverticulitis, and hemorrhoids surgery. Please visit his website at www.floridacolonandrectaldoctors.com, for more information or to schedule a check-up.

Also, some family members may just carry the genetic predisposition but may never develop it or had developed it before they passed away.  Getting a full family history is important, but sometimes hard to establish.  The closer an affected relation is to the patient, the higher the chance of inheriting.  This means parents, grandparents, parents siblings (aunt and uncles) and the patient’s own siblings, should be evaluated for any existing health conditions or predisposition for cancers, including colorectal cancer.  More often than not, a patient knows if a close family member has had the disease, because it is a devastating disease that affects most family members around them.  It would be hard to hide a disease of this magnitude.  The problem occurs when family members are estranged or twice removed in the family tree.

Colon cancer treatment begins with a Colonoscopy.  This procedure can detect benign or malignant polyps in the rectum and colon.  Benign polyps can develop into cancer and can be removed right then and there, during the Colonoscopy procedure.  A colon free of polyps lowers the risk of developing the disease.  It is recommended that by age 50 a first Colonoscopy is performed, but for those at higher risk, the procedure should be performed at a much younger age.  Removal of benign polyps during this procedure is minimally invasive colon surgery.

For those where malignant polyps are found, colon rectal surgery is recommended to remove the polyps and any affected surrounding tissue.  Before this is done, the patient is evaluated for any other primary cancers that may be present through an MRI or CT Scan.  A predisposition in a patient for colorectal cancer may also include a predisposition to other cancers such as endometrial cancer.  Predisposed patients are at risk of developing two primary cancers which could be two primary colon cancers or one primary colon cancer and one primary cancer elsewhere in the body such as the lungs or bones.

Prevention is always the best treatment and for those with a predisposition to the disease, by having two or more family members affected, should have a Colonoscopy for early detection.  There are other tests that can be given, when patients with affected family members are being evaluated.  Catching the disease before it starts or at an early stage, provides a positive diagnosis.  left undetected, is one of the top killers in the United States.

Make an a appointment today with Doctor Belizon at Minimally Invasive Colon & Rectal Surgery of South Florida for a check-up or any questions relating to colon treatments. Call anytime at  561-381-5991.

How can you test for Colon Polyps?

1. Colonoscopy – At first, you will receive some medication to sedate you during the process. Next, a small tube called a sigmoid scope is inserted into the rectum. There is a light on the end of the tube which enables the doctor to take a look at the large intestine. The tube also has a tool used to remove polyps.
2. Barium Enema – For this process, the doctor administers a liquid (Barium) into the rectum. Next, x-rays are taken of the large intestine which shows up white…while polyps display as dark.
3. CT Scan – The computerized tomography scan is also referred to as a virtual colonoscopy and involves a similar process to a colonoscopy, however it doesn’t remove the polyps.

Colorectal Polyps and Cancer

The most common types of polyps found in the large intestine are Hyperlastic Polyps and Adenomatous Polyps. Hyperlastic are usually small a have a low probability of becoming cancer. The Adenomas are benign, but if not treated could become colon cancer. See, the Polyps and colon cancer derive from genetic mutations in the growth and repair of cells lining the colon. So, that begs the question…

How do I prevent Polyps?

The major risk factors for colorectal cancer include

• Smoking
• Obesity
• IBD, Crohn’s or Colitis
• Poor Diet (particularly low in fiber)
• Family history

Of course, living an overall healthy lifestyle will reduce the risk of getting colon and rectal cancer. Most importantly, make sure to exercise regularly, eat a diet that’s high in fiber and low in fat, and eat a few servings of fruits and vegetables daily. it is recommended that anyone over fifty years of age get screened for polyps, especially if you have a history of cancer or inflammatory bowel syndrome. After a Certain age, a colonoscopy should be performed every 5-10 years.  Visit our web site at http://www.floridacolonandrectaldoctors.com for more information.

A colonoscopy can be used to remove polyps smaller than 1 millimeter and with the help of a microscope, can be studied to see if they are precancerous. A recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that subjects who had a colonoscopy and found no polyps had an extremely low chance of developing colorectal cancer within 5 years. The big takeaway is that for these people, there is no need to undergo another colonoscopy until at least 5 years after the first one.These days, a colonoscopy is actually becoming a routine screen test for people over 40. This is because of the high mortality associated with colorectal cancer and low risks associated with a colonoscopy.

There are many signs that one may need a colonoscopy such as a gastrointestinal hemorrhage, unusual changes in bowel habits, or possible malignancy. While colonoscopies are usually conducted to diagnose colon cancer, they are also used to diagnose IBD, or inflammatory bowel disease. Another reason to consider a colonoscopy might be an unexplained drop in hemotocrit, which is a sign of anemia.

How to Prepare for a Colonoscopy

To begin, patients should advise their doctor of any medical conditions they may have, as well as any herbs/vitamins, medications or anything else taken on a regular basis. Usually, your doctor will provide you with necessary instructions for preparing for a colonoscopy, but try to stay away from liquids containing red or purple dye. Also, after the colonoscopy you will not be able to drive for 10-12 hours…so make sure to have a friend drive you wherever you need to go.

What to expect

A colonoscopy is used to see inside the rectum and colon, so its best if all solids are removed from the GI tract by maintaining a clear liquid diet for a few days before the procedure.  Just prior to the procedure, the doctor will monitor the heart, blood pressure and oxygenation of the blood. Sometime patients feel a sense of pressure, bloating or cramping, so a sedative is often used to relieve this discomfort. You will be lying on your side or back while the device is advanced, and once the tip of the colon is reached, the colonoscope is withdrawn and the lining is examined. A colonoscopy can take anywhere from 15 to 60 minutes depending on the patient.  Some doctors also prefer to make additional  assessment, by using an x-ray for further diagnosis.

For additional information please Contact Dr. Belizon at Minimally Invasive Colon & Rectal Surgery of South Florida www.floridacolonandrectaldoctors.com.

What Are Symptoms That Need Medical Attention?

There are a few symptoms that should alert you to the possibility of something more than just a simple hemorrhoid flair-up. Some of these include rectal bleeding and distinct changes in bowl movements. There may also be constipation and diarrhea that can coincide with the bleeding, or appear as a symptom on its own. These are common symptoms of many different illnesses so it is important to take note of odd symptoms as they occur.

Keeping a personal medical diary is a good idea for any recurring symptom. By writing down the time, place, duration and degree that a symptom occurs, you can help make the diagnosis process much easier.

Who Is At Risk?

Anyone can be at risk for colon and rectal cancer. There are some factors that do increase the possibility that a person could face this issue. Some of these factors include family history, particularly parents or siblings. Age can also play a role in whether or not a person could be at risk. Most people that are diagnosed with rectal or colon cancer will be forty years old or more, so it’s important that anyone over this age is checked at least once a year. Cancer of other organs may also play a role in individuals who may be at risk– particularly with breast and uterine cancers.

Minimally Invasive Procedures FL Can Help

Minimally Invasive Procedures, or MIP, can be used to find polyps that could be cancerous before they become a real threat. Minimally Invasive Surgery can be used to remove the polyps with a quick and efficient method that allows the patient to recover and return to normal activities in a matter of days. Either procedure is done with a small camera that provides a picture of the colon and can detect polyps before they become too large to easily remove. During minimally invasive surgery, cameras are inserted by making small incisions and then inserting them through small tubes that are inserted into the skin to provide a passage way for the camera. Everything is seen on a monitor and small instruments are inserted into the body to perform the surgical procedure. Samples of tissue can be taken or small polyps can be removed altogether.

The recovery time for this procedure is less than half of the time it takes to heal from traditional surgery. Smaller incisions mean less chance of infection, less blood loss, and minimal scarring.  If the patient is in the Florida area, Minimally Invasive Colon and Rectal Surgery of South Florida is the best place to ask any questions that they may have about this kind of surgery. If you have any concerns or have been experiencing symptoms, call our offices today.

Some individuals are constantly looking for symptoms, while others would rather ignore them. Neither one is the correct approach. Develop a sensible balance and be proactive about your health. Farrah Fawcett had a long and trying battle with anal cancer and revealed to the world the battle she went through. Keeping this in mind, be sure to take proper preventive measures and schedule regular examinations.

Go to www.floridacolonandrectaldoctors.com for more information and to schedule an appointment with Dr. Belizon.

If you are in Florida and in need of gall bladder removal surgery, rest assured that the procedure has been perfected by our highly trained medical staff.  More information is available at http://www.floridacolonandrectaldoctors.com

What You Can Expect from Your Surgical Procedure

Unnecessary anxiety can be dispelled by having the proper information. Once a diagnosis has been made and it has been determined that laparoscopic removal of the gallbladder is the best option, you can expect the following events to take place:

• You will be treated as an outpatient and will most likely return home the same day as your surgery
• General anesthesia will be used for this surgery, which lasts about two hours
• Four small abdominal incisions will be made to allow insertion of the necessary instruments to remove the gallbladder
• The incisions will be covered with a small band-aid after the procedure and you should only experience minimal bleeding
• You will experience minimal pain, minimal scarring, and should be able to resume normal activities within a few days

Gallbladder Surgery Diet

Following the surgery, patients can expect to follow a low-fat diet for a period of time. The body needs time to recover from the organ loss. Foods to avoid after gallbladder surgery include fried and spicy foods, red meat and pork, dairy products, any juices that are acidic, and all beverages that are caffeinated or contain alcohol.

Fats will gradually be allowed back into the diet, and eventually, no severe dietary restrictions should be necessary.  Of course it is always wise to choose a well balanced diet, high in fiber, whole grains, fruits and vegetables.

Once the gallbladder has been removed, the bile duct slowly enlarges and eventually assumes the bile-storage role that was once the job of the gallbladder. Once this process is complete, the body returns to operating normally.

Gallbladder Surgery Recovery

The main benefit of minimally invasive laparoscopic gallbladder surgery is the reduced recovery time involved. When the traditional surgery was still the norm, a hospital stay of several days and pain management was required. A large incision needed weeks to heal and had to be watched closely to avoid infection.

With today’s methods, you’ll be back to your normal routine within a few days and lingering pain should not be a concern. This is primarily due to the fact that the abdominal muscles are not cut through, as they once were during the traditional procedure.

Directly following the surgery, some patients may experience abdominal pain, muscle aches from the anesthesia, minor inflammation at the incision areas, and possible nausea.

Overall, your gallbladder surgery recovery time shouldn’t last more than a week to ten days.