Yoga Exercise

Yoga Asanas or exercises are ways of moving or holding the body in different positions.

Yoga has several exercises or postures that work wonders on a woman’s health and in pregnancy conditions. Varying widely in application and style, these exercises (postures) gently stretch and explore all parts of your body.

During pregnancy, yoga Asanas are a gentle way to keep active and supple. The remarkable effects of these postures in pregnancy show the power of yoga for ensuring a smooth pregnancy, natural childbirth and restoration of body shape after childbirth.

How Pregnancy Yoga Exercises Can Help?

Relieving edema (fluid retention) and cramping which can be quite common in the last months.

Influencing the position of the baby and turning it in advance if needed. Strengthening and massaging the abdomen which help stimulate bowel action and appetite.

Raising the level of energy while also helping in slowing the metabolism to restore calm and focus.

Helping to reduce nausea, morning sickness and mood swings in combination with pranayamas (yogic breathing).

Focus on relieving tension around the cervix and birth canal.

Focus on opening the pelvis to make labor easier and quicker.

How Yoga Can Help in Post Natal Care

Restoring the uterus, abdomen and the pelvic floor.

Relieving upper back tension and breast discomfort.

We have segregated these yoga exercises into trimester-wise sequences. However, it is recommended that you follow these under expert guidance or take the benefit of a book such as Women’s health and pregnancy which literally guides you by the hand and teaches you pictographically how to use these asanas in conjunction with pranayamas, meditation and relaxation techniques.

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Ayurveda for Thyroid Disease

Metabolism : is a series of complex processes by which the human body converts food, water, and oxygen into tissue, energy, and waste products. It is a continuous process and goes on in every cell of the body. It comprises the breaking down of substances into simpler parts, and their shuffling and recombination into countless new substances that compose the body. For example, the carbohydrates are broken down by enzymes and acids and converted into pure sugar or glucose.

The constructive chemical and physical process by which food materials are adapted for the use of the body is known as anabolism; and the destructive process by which energy is produced with the breaking down of tissues into waste products is called catabolism. The two processes together are called metabolism.

Basal Metabolic Rate: is the rate at which energy is consumed when a person is at complete rest. When a person is placed in a state of complete rest, the metabolic rate can be measured by measuring the amounts of oxygen and carbon dioxide exchanged during breathing under certain standard conditions. The BMR (Basal Metabolic Rate) is an index of a person's health.

Endocrine glands : Metabolism is controlled by the endocrine glands--a term applied to certain organs whose function is to secrete into the blood or lymph, a substance which plays an important role in relation to general chemical changes or to the activities of the other organs at a distance. The chief endocrine glands are the thyroid gland, adrenal glands, pituitary body, parathyroid glands, pancreas, ovaries, and the testes.

The thyroid gland is situated in the front of the neck and produces a hormone thyroxine which plays a very important role in regulating the general metabolism of the body. When it is defective, the conditions known as myxoedema (in adults) and cretinism (in children) result. An excess of its secretion is associated with a condition known as exophthalmic goitre or thyrotoxicosis or Grave's disease.

Disorders of the Thyroid Gland .

1. Hyperthyroidism or thyrotoxicosis: in which the gland secretes excess of hormones. This condition is more common in women than in men whose age ranges from 30 to 50 years. Thyrotoxit individuals become tremulous, irritable, anxious and even hysterical. Because the metabolism is raised, they experience rapid heart rate and palpitation, rapid shallow respiration. Frequent bowel motions and diarrhoea, Flushing, heat intolerance, sweating, menstrual disturbance and sometimes bulging of the eyes. Such people suffer the paradoxical situation in which they feel fatigue and lack of energy and yet are compelled to move about, talk and do things. They are constantly fidgeting and the slightest remark may set off an inappropriately angry response.

2. Hypothyroidism : here the thyroid is underactive, producing too little thyroid hormone. This condition is far more common than hyperthyrodism and can be caused by iodine deficiency or thyroid failure brought on by pituitary dysfunction, inflammation, and scarring. By far the majority of cases are mild or borderline, unrecognized by the medical establishment. Yet these mild cases can be the cause of vague, but persistent, disorders such as fatigue, depression, loss of vitality, and overall hormonal imbalance. More severe problems from hypothyroid are the result of failure to develop properly, such as cretinism and juvenile myxodema. Long term hypothyroidism, such as adult myxodema, which is characterized by swelling of skin and subcutaneous tissues; dry, cold and slightly yellow skin, puffy face, loss of eyebrows, anginal pain, bradycardia, anorexia, constipation, and anemia.

Treatment

Diet and Other Regimen :According to Charaka, goitre does not strike those who take milk in adequate quantities. In addition, old rice, barley, moong dal, Bengal gram, cucumber, sugar juice, and milk products are recommended for a goitre patient. Sour and heavy substances are contraindicated.

Herbs :kanchanara - Bauhinia veriegata (purple mountain ebony) is specific for proper functioning of thyroid. Among the other herbs jatamansi and Brahmi guggulu and shilajita are also useful. gokshura, punarnava are useful herbs


Home Remedies : A fine paste made of the vegetable jalakumbhi (Pistia straticies) applied over the affected part helps in reducing the swelling. The juice obtained from the jalakumbhi should be given in doses of II to 22 gm a day. It increases the amount of iodine, the lack of which, according to Allopathy, is one of the factors responsible for the disease.

Coconut oil offers much promise today to sufferers of hypothyroidism and slow metabolism. It is a known fact that the fatty acid chains in coconut oil, known as medium chain fatty acids (MCFAs) or medium chain triglycerides (MCTs), offer wonderful health benefits and are no where found more abundantly in nature outside coconut oil. For the hypothyroid sufferer the MCTs rev up the body's sluggish metabolism

Yoga :Long before medical science ever knew about the existence of thyroid glands, yogis had devised practices, which not only maintained healthy glands and metabolism, but also were part of a system of enlightenment. Sarvangasna (shoulder stand) is the most suitable and effective asana for the thyroid gland. An enormous pressure is placed on the gland by this powerful posture. As the thyroid has one of the largest blood supplies of any body organ, this pressure has dramatic effects on its function, improving circulation and squeezing out stagnant secretions. After sarvangasana, we should perform matsyasana, and from sarvangasana we can practice halasana. All these practices positively result in better health of the thyroid gland. At the same time, all these practices should be avoided in severe thyroitoxicosis, physical debility or a goitre that is enlarged very much, where medical therapy is obviously the first line of treatment to be given. However, adding iodine once again to the diet is the first obvious step.Other effective asanas include Surya Namskara, Pavamuktasana with emphasis on the head and neck exercises, yoga mudra, Suptavajrasana and all backward bending asanas.

Pranayama :The most effective Pranayama for thyroid problems is Ujjayi. It acts on the throat area and its relaxing and stimulating effects are most probably due to stimulation of ancient reflex pathways within the throat area, which are controlled by the brainstem and hypothalamus. This practice also gives us direct access into the pranic and psychic net work, the substructure of metabolic activity. Nadi shodhana pranayama is useful in re-balancing metabolism.

JAUNDICE

When a person suffers from jaundice he or she experiences an awful feeling of nausea and malaise. The term “sick to the stomach” takes on a whole new meaning. Even sleeping does not take away that nausea and discomfort.

The disease can be recognized easily, the skin and the whites of the eyes become an unhealthy yellow because of the increased levels of bilirubin in the human body. A medical diagnosis will show that the concentration of bilirubin in the blood exceeds 2–3 mg/dL. In fact the word “jaundice” comes from the French word jaune, meaning yellow.

Basically the red blood cells die, and the “heme” in the hemoglobin slowly gets converted to bilirubin in the spleen and the liver. This condition is because of the inflammation of the liver or hepatitis caused by a virus or other infections. Sometimes an obstruction of the bile ducts because of gallstones could cause jaundice.

The good news is that jaundice responds well to home remedies. There are so many traditional cures that can be easily followed. One of the best-known cures is of course the glucose powder available commercially in packets. Honey is also an excellent substitute. Have it in plentiful, to keep your energy up and help clear the toxins in the body. One commonly advocated cure is a mashed ripe banana with some honey, eaten twice a day.

Plenty of fruit and tomato juice, lime, fruits like papaya also help in speedy recovery. The patient should also be given dried dates and cardamoms as a remedy. My Indian friend recommends turmeric, the well known natural antiseptic as a cure.

Sometimes newborn babies get jaundice; this disappears within a few days, without any special treatment. However an effective treatment that quickens the process of cure is to expose the baby to the gentle morning sunlight or keep him or her under a UV light. This process is known as phototherapy.

So don’t get into a panic if you or anyone you know gets jaundice. Maintain high standards of hygiene and treat it with natural remedies. Some of the best cures were actually prescribed by your grandmother

SINUSITIS

Sinusitis : Sinusitis is an infection of one or more of the sinus cavities, often caused by bacteria or an allergy. The sinuses are air pockets in the forehead and in the area surrounding the eyes and nose that function to filter and warm the air we breathe. When infected, the lining of the sinus cavity becomes swollen, causing a build up of fluid or mucus. This build up is responsible for symptoms such as congestion, runny nose, headache, pain and sinus pressure, which your child may be experiencing.

If your doctor has prescribed an antibiotic for your little one, it is very important to follow your doctor's dosage instructions accurately. Make sure your child finishes the full prescription as advised, even if he/she feels better in a few days. Incomplete treatment of sinusitis may lead to recurrence of the infection. If the symptoms persist after you have finished the prescription, then please contact your doctor.

HIGH BP ?

TIPS FOR HIGH BP

1. Weight reduction.

2. Adopt Diet : rich in fruits, vegetables & low fat dairy products. Helps to control body weight.

3. Avoid High Calorie food : like sweets. reduces the risk of cardiovascular complications.

4. Limit the Salt intake.

5. Brisk walking at least 30 minutes per day.

(a) Try to start slowly

(b) Walk in group with partner

(c) Wear comfortable shoes

6. Avoid Alcohol consumption & Smoking

7. Perform Yoga exercises

(a) Always perform the yoga exercise under the supervision of the instructor.

(b) Yoga helps to reduce the stress levels.

Is this tips are useful please tell me.

Yoga

YOGA

What is Yoga?

The word yoga means "union" in Sanskrit, the language of ancient India where yoga originated. We can think of the union occurring between mind, body and spirit.

What is commonly referred to as "yoga" can be more accurately described by the Sanskrit word asana, which refers to the practice of physical postures or poses.

Asana is only one of the eight"limbs" or types of yoga, the majority of which are more concerned with mental and spiritual well being than physical activity. Today, however, the words asana and yoga have become almost synonymous.


Yoga Poses

Many people think that yoga is stretching. But while stretching is certainly involved, yoga is really about creating balance in the body through developing both strength and flexibility. This is done through the performance of poses, each of which has specific physical benefits. The poses can be done quickly in succession, creating heat in the body through movement or more slowly to increase stamina and perfect the alignment of the pose. There is an ideal way that each pose should be done, although not all yogis will agree about what that is.


Yoga Practice

Yoga teachers will often refer to "your practice," which means your individual experience with yoga as it develops over time. The amazing thing about yoga is that your practice is always evolving and changing so it never gets boring. Although the poses themselves do not change, your relationship to them will. Anyone can start a yoga practice, even if you don't feel like you are very flexible or very strong. These things will develop over time. Another great thing about thinking of yoga as "your practice" is that it encourages the noncompetitive spirit of yoga. One of the most difficult, but ultimately most liberating things about yoga is letting go of the ego and accepting that no one is better than anyone else. Everyone is just doing their best on any given day.


Yoga Classes

In addition to practicing the poses, yoga classes may also include instruction on breathing, call and response chanting, meditation, or an inspirational reading by the teacher. The variety and amount of this will depend on the individual teacher and the tradition in which they have trained. Typically, a yoga class at a gym will be more focused on the purely physical benefits of yoga, while one at a yoga center may delve more into the spiritual side. Some people find that the physical practice of yoga becomes a gateway into a spiritual exploration while others just enjoy a wonderful low-impact workout that makes them feel great. Whatever your tendency, you will be able to find a yoga class that suits your style.

Anxiety Managment

ANXIETY MANAGEMENT

Think of Solutions, not problems.

Educate Yourself :

Learn that anxiety is a treatable illness. Millions of people suffer from anxiety. So you are not alone.

Address Roadblocks :

It's OK to have roadblocks. It will disappear as you become more skilled at reducing your anxiety.

Set Gradual, Progressive Goals :

Unrealistically high goals can lead to feelings of frustration and halt your progress because you feel you have 'failed'. To avoid this pitfall, set yourself up for success by setting gradual, progressive goals.

Train Your Boady and Mind to Respond to Stress Differnetly :

You do this by repeatedly applying anxiety-reducing success techniques in your daily life.

Learning Deep Breathing :

Deep breathing involves deliberately learning to slow your breathing rate and breathe from the diaphragm ( a muscle in the lower abdomen ). Some experts consider deep breathing to be the most important step to reduce anxiety.

Exercise :

Either stand up or lie down, whatever is most comfortable for you.

1. Place one hand on your abdomen.

2. Inhale slowly and deeply through your nose, starting at the bottom of your abdomen, imagine

you're blowing up a balloon, ( fill your lower abdomen first ).

3. Count slowly to three as you inhale. You will feel your hand rise as you do this.

Make Wellness a Way of Life :

Build a lasting solution by creating a low-anxiety lifestyle.

This Involves : Staying motivated by reading books, listening to CD's and tapes, and by associating with people that support your low-anxiety lifestyle.

CELEBRATE your Successes :

The key to overcome anxiety is to celebrate your successes.

Celebrate them.

ENJOY THE LIFE & ENJOY THE MOMENT

SMILE MORE OFTEN.

Malaria

Approximately 300 million people worldwide are affected by malaria and between 1 and 1.5 million people die from it every year. Previously extremely widespread, the malaria is now mainly confined to Africa, Asia and Latin America. The problems of controlling malaria in these countries are aggravated by inadequate health structures and poor socioeconomic conditions. The situation has become even more complex over the last few years with the increase in resistance to the drugs normally used to combat the parasite that causes the disease

Malaria is caused by protozoan parasites of the genus Plasmodium. Four species of Plasmodium can produce the disease in its various forms:

Plasmodium falciparum
Plasmodium vivax
Plasmodium ovale
Plasmodium malaria

P. falciparum is the most widespread and dangerous of the four: untreated it can lead to fatal cerebral malaria.

Malaria parasites are transmitted from one person to another by the female anopheline mosquito. The males do not transmit the disease as they feed only on plant juices. There are about 380 species of anopheline mosquito, but only 60 or so are able to transmit the parasite. Like all other mosquitos, the anophelines breed in water, each species having its preferred breeding grounds, feeding patterns and resting place. Their sensitivity to insecticides is also highly variable.

Lung Cancer Surgery

The type of lung cancerSurgery is used to treat non-small cell lung cancers. It is not normally used to treat small cell lung cancer, except very early ones. This is because small cell lung cancer is rarely diagnosed when it is just in one place in the body. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy are more often used for small cell lung cancer.

The size and position of the cancerIf you cancer is very near your
Heart
Windpipe
Gullet

Major blood vessels your surgeon may suggest you see a cancer specialist. It may be better for you to have other cancer treatment such as radiotherapy, chemotherapy or possibly both. This is because surgery too near these areas can be dangerous.
Types of operationThere are three main types of operation used to treat lung cancer. These are
Removing a small section of lung
Removing a lobe of the lung
Removing the whole lung

Removing a section of lungThese operations remove a small part of the lung. A wedge resection removes a very small part of the lung. A segmentectomy removes a slightly larger bit of lung. These types of operation are used when the specialist thinks the cancer has been diagnosed early and is only in one very small area. If the specialist thinks the cancer cells could be anywhere else in the lung he or she will not recommend this type of operation. A small number of people with lung cancer have an operation called a sleeve resection. Your surgeon may do this to avoid removing your whole lung if the cancer is central and affecting one of your main airways (bronchi). In this situation a simple lobectomy can't be done. The operation involves removing the affected section of the bronchus, and any surrounding cancer in the lobe. Removing a lobe of lung Lobectomy is the removal of one lobe of the lung. Bilobectomy is the removal of two lobes of the lung. The surgeon will recommend this type of operation if he or she thinks the cancer is just in one part of one lung. It is the most common type of operation for lung cancer.

Removing a whole lung This is called pneumonectomy. Your specialist will recommend this operation if the position of the tumour is central within the lung and involves either the 2 lobes on the left or the 3 lobes on the right.

Many people worry that they won't be able to breathe properly with only one lung but you can breathe normally with only one lung. If you had breathing problems before the operation, you will probably still be breathless afterwards. Your doctor will arrange for you to have breathing tests before the surgery to help decide if the operation is right for you. If your cancer has spread If your cancer has spread to anywhere else in your body, then a major operation to remove your cancer will not the right treatment for you. These operations are carried out to try to cure the cancer. If there are cancer cells anywhere else, the operation will not cure your cancer. Your doctor will probably suggest another type of cancer treatment such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy instead. Your general health If you have other health problems such as a severe heart condition or other lung disease, you may not be fit enough to have major lung surgery. Your surgeon will examine you thoroughly and do quite a few tests before you decide together whether an operation is right for you at all. Or whether you should have a smaller operation. See also radiotherapy for non-small cell lung cancer.

Sinusitis

Sinusitis

Acute sinusitis :

most children respond very well to antibiotic therapy. Nasal decongestants or topical nasal sprays may also be prescribed for short-term relief of stuffiness. Nasal saline (saltwater) drops or gentle spray can be helpful in thinning secretions and improving mucous membrane function. If your child has acute sinusitis, symptoms should improve within the first few days. Even if your child improves dramatically within the first week of treatment, it is important that you continue therapy until all the antibiotics have been taken.

Chronic sinusitis :
If your child suffers from sinus symptoms that last for twelve weeks, this is known as chronic sinusitis. If your child has chronic sinusitis or recurrent episodes of acute sinusitis numbering more than four to six per year, please call the division of Pediatric Otolaryngology for an appointment for your child. Your physician may recommend surgical treatment of the sinuses. Enlarged adenoids may be implicated as a cause of chronic sinusitis, and adenoidectomy is sometimes recommended.

Diagnosis of sinusitis :

Upon examining your child’s ears, nose, and throat and taking a thorough history, we can usually make a correct diagnosis. Occasionally, we will use special instruments to look into the nose during the office visit. An x-ray called a CT scan may help to determine how your child's sinuses are formed, where the blockage has occurred, and the reliability of a sinusitis diagnosis.

Breast Cancer Modalities

The three most common modalities for breast cancer screening are mammogram, clinical breast examination, and breast self-examination. The goal of these screening examinations is to detect occult breast cancer at an early stage- before it is clinically evident- and thereby increase the probability of cure. A screening mammogram is an X-ray examination of the breast. The breast tissue is compressed, so that two views of the breast can be taken: a mediolateral (MLO) view and a craniocaudal (CC) view. If abnormalities are seen, then further images of the abnormality are taken, called magnification, or spot compression, views.

Mammogram screening is ideally performed in conjunction with a physical examination of the breast. These two examinations are complementary to one another- mammographic screening is able to detect some cancers that are not palpable, while some cancers are palpable, but not detectable on mammogram. Therefore, and of inestimable importance, a palpable abnormality needs to be evaluated further, even if the mammogram is normal.

Physical examination of the breast is performed in both the upright and supine positions. The patient is disrobed from the waist up for a complete examination. The breasts are inspected in the upright position with the arms relaxed, with the arms raised, and with the pectoral muscles contracted. The clinician is looking for differences in the breast size, alteration in the breast shape, or areas of skin retraction. The skin of the breast and the nipples are inspected. The regional lymph nodes are examined, including the axillary and supraclavicular lymph nodes. The breasts are subsequently palpated in the upright position and in the supine position, with the ipsilateral arm raised above the head. If a dominant mass is palpated, then further evaluation by a physician is warranted.

The first randomized controlled trial demonstrating the benefit of the screening mammogram and clinical breast exam in decreasing mortality was performed in 1963 by the Health Insurance Plan breast screening project. Sixty-two thousand women were randomized to either the intervention group, consisting of screening mammogram and clinical exam, or to a control group. At ten years of follow-up, the intervention group had a 30 percent reduction in breast cancer mortality.

Subsequent randomized trials of the screening mammogram also demonstrated a benefit to screening mammography. A meta-analysis of mammogram screening trials (9 randomized controlled trials and 4 case-control studies) was published in 1995. Data from the randomized controlled trials demonstrated that women between 40 to 74 years of age who underwent screening mammography had a relative risk of breast cancer of 0.79 (95% CI [confidence interval] 0.71-0.87) in comparison to unscreened patients. Women aged 50 to 74 (relative risk 0.77; 95% CI 0.69-0.87) benefited from screening mammogram more than women aged 40 to 49 (relative risk 0.92; 95% CI 0.75-1.13). The relative risk decreased to 0.83 (CI 0.65-1.06) after 10 to 12 years of follow-up. Based on these studies, screening mammography has been shown to decrease breast cancer mortality by approximately 30 percent.

The breast self-examination is a monthly examination of the breast performed by the patient. The goal of this examination is for the patient to notice any changes in her breasts that should subsequently be brought to the attention of a physician for further evaluation. It is estimated that patients discover approximately 65 percent of palpable breast abnormalities. For premenopausal women, the best time to perform the examination is one week after the start of menstruation. Postmenopausal women can perform the examination during any part of the month.

In performing the breast self-examination, the patient inspects her breasts in front of a mirror, with arms at her side and then with arms raised above her head. The nipples are gently squeezed to evaluate for discharge. The patient subsequently lies down and places the right arm above her head. The left hand is used to palpate the right breast. The breasts are examined in a circular motion with the fingers flat. All of the breast tissue and the axilla should be palpated. The opposite breast should be examined in a similar manner. The breasts should subsequently be examined in the shower. With one arm raised above the breast, the contralateral (opposite) hand is used to palpate the breast. The breasts are examined in a circular motion with the fingers flat. The patient is looking for breast lumps, changes in the breast shape, size, or contour, or for skin changes, puckering, or dimpling. Any of these abnormalities would warrant further evaluation by a physician.

The efficacy of breast self-examination in reducing mortality from breast cancer has not been established. Despite this, the exam is easily performed and of low cost. It should therefore be recommended to all women in the absence of better alternatives.

Stomach Cancer Surgery

Stomach Cancer Surgery

Depending on the type and stage of stomach cancer, surgery may be used to remove the cancer and the part of the stomach where it is attached. The surgeon will try to leave behind as much normal stomach as possible.

Currently, surgery is the only way to cure stomach cancer. If a patient has a stage 0, I, II, or III cancer and is healthy enough, an attempt should be made to treat the cancer by completely removing it. Even when the cancer is too widespread to be removed completely by surgery, most patients are helped by an operation because the surgery may help prevent bleeding from the tumor or prevent the stomach from being blocked. This type of surgery is called palliative surgery, meaning that it relieves or prevents symptoms but it is not expected to cure the cancer.

The particular operation performed usually depends on what part of the stomach is involved and how much cancer is in the surrounding tissue. There are 3 kinds of surgery used:
Endoscopic mucosal resection: In this procedure, the cancer is removed through an endoscope. This can only be done for early cancers where the chance of spread to the lymph nodes is very low.

Subtotal gastrectomy: This operation is recommended if the cancer is in the lower part of the stomach closest to the intestines. Only part of the stomach is removed, sometimes along with the first part of the small intestine (the duodenum). With only part of the stomach removed, eating is much easier than with removal of the entire stomach.

Total gastrectomy: This operation involves the total removal of the stomach, and is recommended if the cancer is in the middle or upper part of the stomach. If you have a total gastrectomy, the surgeon will try and make a new "stomach" out of intestinal tissue. Usually the end of the esophagus is attached to part of the small intestine and some extra intestine is also attached. This can make room for food to be stored before moving down the intestinal tract, and will allow you to eat some food before getting filled up. No matter how effective this is, people who have a total gastrectomy can only eat a small amount of food at a time. Because of this, they must eat more often.

Stomach cancer often spreads to lymph nodes and these should also be removed. This is a very important part of the operation. Many doctors feel that the success of the surgery is directly related to how many lymph nodes the surgeon removes. In addition, stomach cancer may also spread to lymph nodes that are farther away in the abdomen. Some surgeons feel that these also must be removed. This is still uncertain though and many surgeons are reluctant to perform such an extensive operation because it causes more complications.

Surgeons in Japan have had very high success rates by removing all the lymph nodes near the cancer. Surgeons in Europe and the United States have not been able to equal the results of the Japanese surgeons. It is not certain whether this is because the Japanese surgeons are more experienced in this operation (because stomach cancer is much more common in their country) or the Japanese patients have earlier stage disease and are healthier. Whatever the answer, it takes a skilled surgeon who is experienced in operating on stomach cancer to remove all the lymph nodes successfully. It is important you ask your surgeon about his or her experience in operating on stomach cancer. Studies have shown that the results are better when both the surgeon and the hospital have had extensive experience in treating patients with stomach cancer.

The spleen is a collection of immune system cells and tissues that filter the blood to remove worn-out blood cells. It is located next to the stomach. If a cancer has extended beyond the stomach to the spleen, the spleen is usually removed together with the stomach, lymph nodes, and omentum.

Many surgeons believe that if they remove all the lymph nodes near the stomach, they improve the chance that their patient will be cured. Surgeons in Japan have had very high success rates by removing all the lymph nodes near the cancer. Surgeons in Europe and the United States have not been able to equal the results of the Japanese surgeons. It is not certain whether this is because the Japanese surgeons are more experienced in this operation (because stomach cancer is much more common in their country) or the Japanese patients have earlier stage disease and are healthier. Whatever the answer, it takes a skilled surgeon who is experienced in operating on stomach cancer to remove all the lymph nodes successfully. It is important you ask your surgeon about his or her experience in operating on stomach cancer. Studies have shown that the results are better when both the surgeon and the hospital have had extensive experience in treating patients with stomach cancer.

Surgery for stomach cancer is difficult and complications can occur. Some of these include bleeding from the surgery, blood clots, and damage to nearby organs such as the gallbladder and pancreas during the operation. Rarely, the connections between the ends of the stomach and esophagus or small intestine may not hold together completely and leak. During the 1950s, nearly 10% of people died after this surgery because of complications. Thanks to improvement in surgical techniques, only about 1% to 2% of people die after surgery for stomach cancer. This number is higher when the operation is more extensive as in when all the lymph nodes are removed. Several groups of surgeons have reported that as many as 5% to 15% of their patients die from the surgery when the surgeons try to remove all the lymph nodes. This number is lower in the hands of highly skilled and experienced surgeons.

You may develop other side effects after you have recovered from surgery. Some of these are frequent heartburn, abdominal pain particularly after eating, and vitamin deficiencies. The stomach is important in helping the body absorb certain vitamins. If certain parts of the stomach are removed, doctors routinely prescribe vitamin supplements, some of which can be taken only by injection. Changes in your diet will often be necessary after a partial or total gastrectomy. The most important change is that you will need to eat smaller, more frequent meals.

Because of these problems, it is important you discuss with your surgeon how big an operation he or she intends. Some surgeons try to leave behind as much of the stomach as they can to allow patients to be able to eat more normally afterward. The tradeoff is that the cancer might be more likely to come back. The type of surgery should be decided in a discussion between patient and doctor. It cannot be emphasized enough that your surgeon must be highly skilled. He or she should be experienced in treating stomach cancer and able to perform the most up-to-date operations to reduce your risk of complications.