Sunday January 8, 2012
Pain in the pelvis
WOMEN'S WORLD by DR NOR ASHIKIN MOKHTAR
The concluding article on pelvic pain, which can be caused by a wide range of conditions, some of which are easily treated, while others require more urgent medical attention.
IN my last article, I shared with readers a list of conditions that could possibly account for symptoms of pelvic or lower abdomen pain.
Some of these conditions are related to the reproductive system, while others may be related to the digestive or urinary system.
Not all causes of pelvic pain are medical emergencies – nonetheless, it is always better to see your doctor when you experience such symptoms, as there could be any number of causes.
In this article, I will continue to elaborate on more of these potential causes of pelvic pain.
Kidney stones are minerals that form in the kidney. They can be as small as a grain of sand or as big as a golf ball, so you can imagine what pain it can cause.
Endometriosis
When endometrial cells grow outside the uterus and form implants (growths) on the ovaries, bowel, rectum, bladder, and on the lining of the pelvic area, this is called endometriosis.
Pain is the most significant symptom of endometriosis. The pain could be in the lower abdomen or the lower back, before, during or after menstruation. You may also experience cramps, pain during or after sexual intercourse, or pain with bowel movements.
Unfortunately, there is no way to reverse the scarring caused by endometriosis. However, there are treatments that can stop the disease from getting worse.
In severe cases, surgery can be carried out to remove all endometrial implants and scar tissue, or more drastically, to remove your uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries.
Vulvar pain
In some cases, the pain may originate lower down the pelvis, namely at the vaginal area. Chronic pain around the opening of the vagina is a condition called vulvodynia, where no cause is known.
The pain could be a burning, stinging, or experienced as a throbbing sensation, and it may be there constantly or come and go. Certain activities like sexual intercourse or riding a bicycle may make the pain worse.
Since there is no known cause of vulvodynia, there is no way to treat the source of the pain. However, medications and physical therapy may help to relieve the symptoms.
Interstitial cystitis
There is a condition called interstitial cystitis (IC), which is related to long-term inflammation of the bladder wall.
The pain is felt during urination and sex, as well as a sensation of pressure above the pubic area. You may also feel the need to urinate multiple times every hour throughout the course of the day.
IC also has no known cause. You should work with your doctor to try out treatments that can relieve the symptoms.
Pelvic organ prolapse
A prolapsed pelvic organ is when the organ, such as the bladder or uterus, slips out of its normal place and drops into a lower position. This happens when the ligaments or muscles supporting the organs weaken, which is usually due to age.
Prolapse can cause some form of pain or pressure in the groin or lower back and against the vaginal wall. You may also have a feeling of “fullness” in the lower belly and pain during intercourse.
Treating prolapsed organs usually requires some form of surgery, although there are now minimally invasive techniques that result in faster recovery.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
If you have constantly recurring stomach pain that comes with cramps, bloating and diarrhoea or constipation, you could have IBS.
IBS describes the presence of these symptoms together without any known cause. It is strongly believed that stress in your life has a lot to do with IBS, as these symptoms tend to flare up in people when they go through highly stressful or demanding periods in their life.
Lifestyle changes like modifying your diet and managing your stress can help to keep the symptoms of IBS under control.
Urinary tract infection (UTI)
Have you ever experienced pain while urinating, along with a frequent urge to urinate? You could have a urinary tract infection, which is caused by bacteria getting into the urinary tract and causing infection to the urethra, bladder, ureters or the kidneys. You may also have the feeling of pressure in your lower pelvis.
If you suspect that you have a UTI, you should see a doctor and get it treated with some simple antibiotics.
Don’t let it progress to kidney infection, which is characterised by symptoms like fever, nausea, vomiting and pain on one side of the lower back.
Kidney stones
If you see your urine turning pink or red, and you have a sudden sharp pain in the stomach or pelvic area, you may have kidney stones.
Kidney stones are minerals that form in the kidney and move to the bladder. They can be as small as a grain of sand or as big as a golf ball, so you can imagine what pain it can cause.
Your doctor can recommend treatments to remove the kidney stones, if they cannot pass out through the urine on their own.
Pelvic congestion syndrome
You’ve probably heard of varicose veins, which is when veins become swollen, twisted and filled with blood. Although varicose veins commonly occur in the legs, they can also develop in the pelvis, causing pelvic congestion syndrome.
The pelvic veins become swollen and painful, causing pain especially when you sit or stand. You may find that lying down eases the pain.
This condition is not easily diagnosed because the pelvic veins are not visible from outside the body. Your doctor will need to rule out other possible conditions.
Ask your doctor about minimally invasive surgical procedures to treat this condition.
Scar tissue or adhesions
Have you had surgery in your pelvic or lower abdominal region before? It could be surgery to remove your appendix or uterus, or a C-section for delivery.
These surgical procedures can cause scar tissue to form between organs or structures in the pelvic area, causing them to stick or adhere to each other. In normal situations, these organs should have a slippery surface, allowing them to shift easily as the body moves.
These adhesions can cause long-term abdominal or pelvic pain in some people, and even blockage of the intestines. In these situations, surgery may be needed to break the adhesions, although doctors only resort to surgery if there is no other option.
As you can see, pelvic pain can be caused by a wide range of conditions, some of which can be easily treated and others that require more urgent medical attention.
The most important thing to remember when you experience pain in the pelvis or lower abdomen area is to take note of other symptoms and things occuring in your body. For instance, take note of what you are doing when the pain occurs, and whether certain activities make it worse.
Observe your menstrual periods, bleeding, urine and bowel movements, and whether you have nausea, vomiting or fever.
Knowing these details will help your doctor to make a more accurate diagnosis. Sometimes, even after a lot of testing, the cause of pelvic pain remains a mystery. But your doctor can still help you find ways to feel better and prescribe the appropriate treatment for you.
> Datuk Dr Nor Ashikin Mokhtar is a consultant obstetrician & gynaecologist (FRCOG, UK). For further information, visit www.primanora.com. The Star disclaims all responsibility for any losses, damage to property or personal injury suffered directly or indirectly from reliance on such information.
http://thestar.com.my/health/story.asp?file=/2012/1/8/health/10210283&sec=health
Friday, January 27, 2012
Thursday, January 26, 2012
About Adhesion Related Disorder ~ How can abdominal adhesions cause intestinal obstruction?
Abdominal Adhesions
On this page:
•What are abdominal adhesions?
•What causes abdominal adhesions?
•How can abdominal adhesions cause intestinal obstruction?
•How can abdominal adhesions cause female infertility?
•What are the symptoms of abdominal adhesions?
•What are the symptoms of an intestinal obstruction?
•How are abdominal adhesions and intestinal obstructions diagnosed?
•How are abdominal adhesions and intestinal obstructions treated?
•Can abdominal adhesions be prevented?
•Points to Remember
•Hope through Research
•For More Information
What are abdominal adhesions?
Abdominal adhesions are bands of tissue that form between abdominal tissues and organs. Normally, internal tissues and organs have slippery surfaces, which allow them to shift easily as the body moves. Adhesions cause tissues and organs to stick together.
The intestines are part of the digestive system. Abdominal adhesions can cause an intestinal obstruction.
Although most adhesions cause no symptoms or problems, others cause chronic abdominal or pelvic pain. Adhesions are also a major cause of intestinal obstruction and female infertility.
What causes abdominal adhesions?
Abdominal surgery is the most frequent cause of abdominal adhesions. Almost everyone who undergoes abdominal surgery develops adhesions; however, the risk is greater after operations on the lower abdomen and pelvis, including bowel and gynecological surgeries. Adhesions can become larger and tighter as time passes, causing problems years after surgery.
Surgery-induced causes of abdominal adhesions include
•tissue incisions, especially those involving internal organs
•the handling of internal organs
•the drying out of internal organs and tissues
•contact of internal tissues with foreign materials, such as gauze, surgical gloves, and stitches
•blood or blood clots that were not rinsed out during surgery
A less common cause of abdominal adhesions is inflammation from sources not related to surgery, including
•appendicitis—in particular, appendix rupture
•radiation treatment for cancer
•gynecological infections
•abdominal infections
Rarely, abdominal adhesions form without apparent cause.
How can abdominal adhesions cause intestinal obstruction?
Abdominal adhesions can kink, twist, or pull the intestines out of place, causing an intestinal obstruction. An intestinal obstruction partially or completely restricts the movement of food or stool through the intestines. A complete intestinal obstruction is life threatening and requires immediate medical attention and often surgery.
How can abdominal adhesions cause female infertility?
Abdominal adhesions cause female infertility by preventing fertilized eggs from reaching the uterus, where fetal development takes place. Adhesions can kink, twist, or pull out of place the fallopian tubes, which carry eggs from the ovaries—where eggs are stored and released—to the uterus.
What are the symptoms of abdominal adhesions?
Although most abdominal adhesions go unnoticed, the most common symptom is chronic abdominal or pelvic pain. The pain often mimics that of other conditions, including appendicitis, endometriosis, and diverticulitis.
What are the symptoms of an intestinal obstruction?
Symptoms of an intestinal obstruction include
•severe abdominal pain or cramping
•vomiting
•bloating
•loud bowel sounds
•swelling of the abdomen
•inability to pass gas
•constipation
A person with these symptoms should seek medical attention immediately.
How are abdominal adhesions and intestinal obstructions diagnosed?
No tests are available to diagnose adhesions, and adhesions cannot be seen through imaging techniques such as x rays or ultrasound. Most adhesions are found during exploratory surgery. An intestinal obstruction, however, can be seen through abdominal x rays, barium contrast studies—also called a lower GI series—and computerized tomography.
How are abdominal adhesions and intestinal obstructions treated?
Treatment for abdominal adhesions is usually not necessary, as most do not cause problems. Surgery is currently the only way to break adhesions that cause pain, intestinal obstruction, or fertility problems. More surgery, however, carries the risk of additional adhesions and is avoided when possible.
A complete intestinal obstruction usually requires immediate surgery. A partial obstruction can sometimes be relieved with a liquid or low-residue diet. A low-residue diet is high in dairy products, low in fiber, and more easily broken down into smaller particles by the digestive system.
Can abdominal adhesions be prevented?
Abdominal adhesions are difficult to prevent; however, surgical technique can minimize adhesions.
Laparoscopic surgery avoids opening up the abdomen with a large incision. Instead, the abdomen is inflated with gas while special surgical tools and a video camera are threaded through a few, small abdominal incisions. Inflating the abdomen gives the surgeon room to operate.
If a large abdominal incision is required, a special filmlike material (Seprafilm) can be inserted between organs or between the organs and the abdominal incision at the end of surgery. The filmlike material, which looks similar to wax paper, is absorbed by the body in about a week.
Other steps during surgery to reduce adhesion formation include using starch- and latex-free gloves, handling tissues and organs gently, shortening surgery time, and not allowing tissues to dry out.
Points to Remember
•Abdominal adhesions are bands of tissue that form between abdominal tissues and organs, causing tissues and organs to stick together.
•Although most adhesions cause no symptoms or problems, others cause chronic abdominal or pelvic pain, bowel obstruction, or female infertility.
•Abdominal surgery is the most frequent cause of abdominal adhesions.
•Abdominal adhesions can kink, twist, or pull the intestines out of place, causing an intestinal obstruction.
•A complete intestinal obstruction is life threatening and requires immediate medical attention and often surgery.
•Abdominal adhesions cause female infertility by preventing fertilized eggs from reaching the uterus, where fetal development takes place.
•No tests are available to diagnose adhesions, and adhesions cannot be seen through imaging techniques such as x rays or ultrasound.
•An intestinal obstruction can be seen through abdominal x rays, barium contrast studies—also called a lower GI series—and computerized tomography.
•Surgery is currently the only way to break adhesions that cause pain, intestinal obstruction, or fertility problems.
Hope through Research
The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases conducts and supports basic and clinical research into many digestive disorders.
Participants in clinical trials can play a more active role in their own health care, gain access to new research treatments before they are widely available, and help others by contributing to medical research. For information about current studies, visit http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/.
The U.S. Government does not endorse or favor any specific commercial product or company. Trade, proprietary, or company names appearing in this document are used only because they are considered necessary in the context of the information provided. If a product is not mentioned, the omission does not mean or imply that the product is unsatisfactory.
For More Information
American College of Gastroenterology
P.O. Box 342260
Bethesda, MD 20827–2260
Phone: 301–263–9000
Fax: 301–263–9025
Email: info@acg.gi.org
Internet: www.acg.gi.org
International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders
P.O. Box 170864
Milwaukee, WI 53217–8076
Phone: 1–888–964–2001 or 414–964–1799
Fax: 414–964–7176
Email: iffgd@iffgd.org
Internet: www.iffgd.org
You may also find additional information about this topic by visiting MedlinePlus at www.medlineplus.gov.
This publication may contain information about medications. When prepared, this publication included the most current information available. For updates or for questions about any medications, contact the U.S. Food and Drug Administration toll-free at 1–888–INFO–FDA (1–888–463–6332) or visit www.fda.gov. Consult your doctor for more information.
http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/intestinaladhesions/
On this page:
•What are abdominal adhesions?
•What causes abdominal adhesions?
•How can abdominal adhesions cause intestinal obstruction?
•How can abdominal adhesions cause female infertility?
•What are the symptoms of abdominal adhesions?
•What are the symptoms of an intestinal obstruction?
•How are abdominal adhesions and intestinal obstructions diagnosed?
•How are abdominal adhesions and intestinal obstructions treated?
•Can abdominal adhesions be prevented?
•Points to Remember
•Hope through Research
•For More Information
What are abdominal adhesions?
Abdominal adhesions are bands of tissue that form between abdominal tissues and organs. Normally, internal tissues and organs have slippery surfaces, which allow them to shift easily as the body moves. Adhesions cause tissues and organs to stick together.
The intestines are part of the digestive system. Abdominal adhesions can cause an intestinal obstruction.
Although most adhesions cause no symptoms or problems, others cause chronic abdominal or pelvic pain. Adhesions are also a major cause of intestinal obstruction and female infertility.
What causes abdominal adhesions?
Abdominal surgery is the most frequent cause of abdominal adhesions. Almost everyone who undergoes abdominal surgery develops adhesions; however, the risk is greater after operations on the lower abdomen and pelvis, including bowel and gynecological surgeries. Adhesions can become larger and tighter as time passes, causing problems years after surgery.
Surgery-induced causes of abdominal adhesions include
•tissue incisions, especially those involving internal organs
•the handling of internal organs
•the drying out of internal organs and tissues
•contact of internal tissues with foreign materials, such as gauze, surgical gloves, and stitches
•blood or blood clots that were not rinsed out during surgery
A less common cause of abdominal adhesions is inflammation from sources not related to surgery, including
•appendicitis—in particular, appendix rupture
•radiation treatment for cancer
•gynecological infections
•abdominal infections
Rarely, abdominal adhesions form without apparent cause.
How can abdominal adhesions cause intestinal obstruction?
Abdominal adhesions can kink, twist, or pull the intestines out of place, causing an intestinal obstruction. An intestinal obstruction partially or completely restricts the movement of food or stool through the intestines. A complete intestinal obstruction is life threatening and requires immediate medical attention and often surgery.
How can abdominal adhesions cause female infertility?
Abdominal adhesions cause female infertility by preventing fertilized eggs from reaching the uterus, where fetal development takes place. Adhesions can kink, twist, or pull out of place the fallopian tubes, which carry eggs from the ovaries—where eggs are stored and released—to the uterus.
What are the symptoms of abdominal adhesions?
Although most abdominal adhesions go unnoticed, the most common symptom is chronic abdominal or pelvic pain. The pain often mimics that of other conditions, including appendicitis, endometriosis, and diverticulitis.
What are the symptoms of an intestinal obstruction?
Symptoms of an intestinal obstruction include
•severe abdominal pain or cramping
•vomiting
•bloating
•loud bowel sounds
•swelling of the abdomen
•inability to pass gas
•constipation
A person with these symptoms should seek medical attention immediately.
How are abdominal adhesions and intestinal obstructions diagnosed?
No tests are available to diagnose adhesions, and adhesions cannot be seen through imaging techniques such as x rays or ultrasound. Most adhesions are found during exploratory surgery. An intestinal obstruction, however, can be seen through abdominal x rays, barium contrast studies—also called a lower GI series—and computerized tomography.
How are abdominal adhesions and intestinal obstructions treated?
Treatment for abdominal adhesions is usually not necessary, as most do not cause problems. Surgery is currently the only way to break adhesions that cause pain, intestinal obstruction, or fertility problems. More surgery, however, carries the risk of additional adhesions and is avoided when possible.
A complete intestinal obstruction usually requires immediate surgery. A partial obstruction can sometimes be relieved with a liquid or low-residue diet. A low-residue diet is high in dairy products, low in fiber, and more easily broken down into smaller particles by the digestive system.
Can abdominal adhesions be prevented?
Abdominal adhesions are difficult to prevent; however, surgical technique can minimize adhesions.
Laparoscopic surgery avoids opening up the abdomen with a large incision. Instead, the abdomen is inflated with gas while special surgical tools and a video camera are threaded through a few, small abdominal incisions. Inflating the abdomen gives the surgeon room to operate.
If a large abdominal incision is required, a special filmlike material (Seprafilm) can be inserted between organs or between the organs and the abdominal incision at the end of surgery. The filmlike material, which looks similar to wax paper, is absorbed by the body in about a week.
Other steps during surgery to reduce adhesion formation include using starch- and latex-free gloves, handling tissues and organs gently, shortening surgery time, and not allowing tissues to dry out.
Points to Remember
•Abdominal adhesions are bands of tissue that form between abdominal tissues and organs, causing tissues and organs to stick together.
•Although most adhesions cause no symptoms or problems, others cause chronic abdominal or pelvic pain, bowel obstruction, or female infertility.
•Abdominal surgery is the most frequent cause of abdominal adhesions.
•Abdominal adhesions can kink, twist, or pull the intestines out of place, causing an intestinal obstruction.
•A complete intestinal obstruction is life threatening and requires immediate medical attention and often surgery.
•Abdominal adhesions cause female infertility by preventing fertilized eggs from reaching the uterus, where fetal development takes place.
•No tests are available to diagnose adhesions, and adhesions cannot be seen through imaging techniques such as x rays or ultrasound.
•An intestinal obstruction can be seen through abdominal x rays, barium contrast studies—also called a lower GI series—and computerized tomography.
•Surgery is currently the only way to break adhesions that cause pain, intestinal obstruction, or fertility problems.
Hope through Research
The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases conducts and supports basic and clinical research into many digestive disorders.
Participants in clinical trials can play a more active role in their own health care, gain access to new research treatments before they are widely available, and help others by contributing to medical research. For information about current studies, visit http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/.
The U.S. Government does not endorse or favor any specific commercial product or company. Trade, proprietary, or company names appearing in this document are used only because they are considered necessary in the context of the information provided. If a product is not mentioned, the omission does not mean or imply that the product is unsatisfactory.
For More Information
American College of Gastroenterology
P.O. Box 342260
Bethesda, MD 20827–2260
Phone: 301–263–9000
Fax: 301–263–9025
Email: info@acg.gi.org
Internet: www.acg.gi.org
International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders
P.O. Box 170864
Milwaukee, WI 53217–8076
Phone: 1–888–964–2001 or 414–964–1799
Fax: 414–964–7176
Email: iffgd@iffgd.org
Internet: www.iffgd.org
You may also find additional information about this topic by visiting MedlinePlus at www.medlineplus.gov.
This publication may contain information about medications. When prepared, this publication included the most current information available. For updates or for questions about any medications, contact the U.S. Food and Drug Administration toll-free at 1–888–INFO–FDA (1–888–463–6332) or visit www.fda.gov. Consult your doctor for more information.
http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/intestinaladhesions/
Texas Jury Orders Kelsey-Seybold to Pay $1.9 Million for "Secret" Surgeon
Texas Jury Orders Kelsey-Seybold to Pay $1.9 Million for "Secret" Surgeon
Attorneys Randy Sorrels and Chelsie King Garza of Abraham, Watkins, Nichols, Sorrels, Agosto & Friend recently received a $1.9 million verdict from a Texas jury for a medical malpractice client.
HOUSTON, TX, January 24, 2012 /24-7PressRelease/ -- On Friday, January 20, 2012, a Harris County jury ordered Kelsey-Seybold Medical Clinic, PLLC, and its employee, Jim Patrick Benge, MD, to pay $1.9 million for permanently injuring Lauren Williams for her past and future damages, including a lifetime of colostomy care and medications.
In August 2008, Ms. Williams had a hysterectomy understanding that Dr. Benge would be her surgeon. After she went under anesthesia, a resident came in and performed at least 50 percent of the surgery without the patient's knowledge. This was the first time the resident had performed the procedure. "The jury rejected Kelsey Seybold's position that an unknown resident can perform surgery on a patient without full disclosure to the patient," said Williams' attorney Randall O. Sorrels.
During that August 2008 surgery, two of Ms. Williams' organs, including her bowel, were perforated. The injuries were not discovered until three days later at which point Ms. Williams was septic and her injuries were irreversible. Ms. Williams spent three weeks in a coma as a result, and thereafter spent months re-learning to walk, talk and care for herself. Ms. Williams now lives with a permanent colostomy and testimony was presented that she will be an intestinal cripple as she grows older, due to the dense internal adhesions resulting from gastrointestinal damage. She has undergone five major surgeries following the August 26, 2008 procedure.
Dr. Benge, his colleague Dr. Thornton (a co-defendant who was not found liable for her role in Ms. Williams' post-operative care), and the experts for Kelsey-Seybold offered testimony that a patient does not have the right to know when a resident would be operating on them or cutting inside their bodies. By virtue of this medical malpractice verdict, a Harris County jury has rejected this as the standard of care. "When a doctor agrees to perform surgery on a patient, it should be that surgeon who operates, unless the patient agrees otherwise," said Williams' lawyer Chelsie King Garza.
For further information, please contact attorney Randall O. Sorrels or attorney Chelsie King Garza by calling 713-222-7211 or via email at rsorrels@abrahamwatkins.com and cgarza@abrahamwatkins.com. Ms. Williams is available for comment upon request.
Attorneys Randall O. Sorrels and Chelsie King Garza are attorneys at the Houston law firm of Abraham, Watkins, Nichols, Sorrels, Agosto & Friend. Since 1951, the firm has advocated for the rights of thousands of catastrophically injured clients in cases involving car and truck accidents, work-related injuries, medical malpractice, defective products, aviation accidents and other types of personal injury matters. For more information on the firm, visit their website at www.abrahamwatkins.com.
http://world.einnews.com/247pr/258879
Attorneys Randy Sorrels and Chelsie King Garza of Abraham, Watkins, Nichols, Sorrels, Agosto & Friend recently received a $1.9 million verdict from a Texas jury for a medical malpractice client.
HOUSTON, TX, January 24, 2012 /24-7PressRelease/ -- On Friday, January 20, 2012, a Harris County jury ordered Kelsey-Seybold Medical Clinic, PLLC, and its employee, Jim Patrick Benge, MD, to pay $1.9 million for permanently injuring Lauren Williams for her past and future damages, including a lifetime of colostomy care and medications.
In August 2008, Ms. Williams had a hysterectomy understanding that Dr. Benge would be her surgeon. After she went under anesthesia, a resident came in and performed at least 50 percent of the surgery without the patient's knowledge. This was the first time the resident had performed the procedure. "The jury rejected Kelsey Seybold's position that an unknown resident can perform surgery on a patient without full disclosure to the patient," said Williams' attorney Randall O. Sorrels.
During that August 2008 surgery, two of Ms. Williams' organs, including her bowel, were perforated. The injuries were not discovered until three days later at which point Ms. Williams was septic and her injuries were irreversible. Ms. Williams spent three weeks in a coma as a result, and thereafter spent months re-learning to walk, talk and care for herself. Ms. Williams now lives with a permanent colostomy and testimony was presented that she will be an intestinal cripple as she grows older, due to the dense internal adhesions resulting from gastrointestinal damage. She has undergone five major surgeries following the August 26, 2008 procedure.
Dr. Benge, his colleague Dr. Thornton (a co-defendant who was not found liable for her role in Ms. Williams' post-operative care), and the experts for Kelsey-Seybold offered testimony that a patient does not have the right to know when a resident would be operating on them or cutting inside their bodies. By virtue of this medical malpractice verdict, a Harris County jury has rejected this as the standard of care. "When a doctor agrees to perform surgery on a patient, it should be that surgeon who operates, unless the patient agrees otherwise," said Williams' lawyer Chelsie King Garza.
For further information, please contact attorney Randall O. Sorrels or attorney Chelsie King Garza by calling 713-222-7211 or via email at rsorrels@abrahamwatkins.com and cgarza@abrahamwatkins.com. Ms. Williams is available for comment upon request.
Attorneys Randall O. Sorrels and Chelsie King Garza are attorneys at the Houston law firm of Abraham, Watkins, Nichols, Sorrels, Agosto & Friend. Since 1951, the firm has advocated for the rights of thousands of catastrophically injured clients in cases involving car and truck accidents, work-related injuries, medical malpractice, defective products, aviation accidents and other types of personal injury matters. For more information on the firm, visit their website at www.abrahamwatkins.com.
http://world.einnews.com/247pr/258879
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
FzioMed Receives CE Mark for DYNAVISC® Gel
FzioMed Receives CE Mark for DYNAVISC® Gel
New Adhesion Barrier Gel for Tendon and Peripheral Nerve Surgery
January 23, 2012 09:03 AM Eastern Time
SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif.--(EON: Enhanced Online News)--FzioMed, Inc. is pleased to announce that it has received CE Mark approval to market DYNAVISC® adhesion barrier gel in Europe for tendon and peripheral nerve surgery.
DYNAVISC is a clear, absorbable gel supplied ready-to-use in a 1mL syringe. It is designed to coat tissues during tendon and peripheral nerve surgery. DYNAVISC gel acts as a temporary, protective barrier that separates tissues and reduces fibrosis and the formation of post-surgical adhesions.
DYNAVISC was developed by FzioMed and is based on the Company’s world-leading anti-adhesion biomaterial technology.
Adhesions are internal bands of scar tissue that can develop following surgery as the body attempts to heal. Adhesions tether tissues and surfaces that are normally not connected, later causing pain, nerve compression and impaired motion. Adhesions are a significant complication of many surgical procedures and a prevalent cause of post-surgical morbidity.
“Well over a million procedures to repair tendons are performed in the EU each year and one-third of traumatic injuries involve damage to tendons and nerves,” said John Krelle, President & CEO of FzioMed. “Adhesions can impact an otherwise successful procedure, leaving a patient with pain and diminished quality of life.”
Complete press release click here:
http://eon.businesswire.com/news/eon/20120123005273/en
New Adhesion Barrier Gel for Tendon and Peripheral Nerve Surgery
January 23, 2012 09:03 AM Eastern Time
SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif.--(EON: Enhanced Online News)--FzioMed, Inc. is pleased to announce that it has received CE Mark approval to market DYNAVISC® adhesion barrier gel in Europe for tendon and peripheral nerve surgery.
DYNAVISC is a clear, absorbable gel supplied ready-to-use in a 1mL syringe. It is designed to coat tissues during tendon and peripheral nerve surgery. DYNAVISC gel acts as a temporary, protective barrier that separates tissues and reduces fibrosis and the formation of post-surgical adhesions.
DYNAVISC was developed by FzioMed and is based on the Company’s world-leading anti-adhesion biomaterial technology.
Adhesions are internal bands of scar tissue that can develop following surgery as the body attempts to heal. Adhesions tether tissues and surfaces that are normally not connected, later causing pain, nerve compression and impaired motion. Adhesions are a significant complication of many surgical procedures and a prevalent cause of post-surgical morbidity.
“Well over a million procedures to repair tendons are performed in the EU each year and one-third of traumatic injuries involve damage to tendons and nerves,” said John Krelle, President & CEO of FzioMed. “Adhesions can impact an otherwise successful procedure, leaving a patient with pain and diminished quality of life.”
Complete press release click here:
http://eon.businesswire.com/news/eon/20120123005273/en
Sunday, January 22, 2012
U.S. to Force Drug Firms to Report Money Paid to Doctors
U.S. to Force Drug Firms to Report Money Paid to Doctors
By ROBERT PEAR
Published: January 16, 2012
WASHINGTON — To head off medical conflicts of interest, the Obama administration is poised to require drug companies to disclose the payments they make to doctors for research, consulting, speaking, travel and entertainment.
Many researchers have found evidence that such payments can influence doctors’ treatment decisions and contribute to higher costs by encouraging the use of more expensive drugs and medical devices.
Consumer advocates and members of Congress say patients may benefit from the new standards, being issued by the government under the new health care law. Officials said the disclosures increased the likelihood that doctors would make decisions in the best interests of patients, without regard to the doctors’ financial interests.
Click link to continue: http://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/17/health/policy/us-to-tell-drug-makers-to-disclose-payments-to-doctors.html?_r=1&pagewanted=all
By ROBERT PEAR
Published: January 16, 2012
WASHINGTON — To head off medical conflicts of interest, the Obama administration is poised to require drug companies to disclose the payments they make to doctors for research, consulting, speaking, travel and entertainment.
Many researchers have found evidence that such payments can influence doctors’ treatment decisions and contribute to higher costs by encouraging the use of more expensive drugs and medical devices.
Consumer advocates and members of Congress say patients may benefit from the new standards, being issued by the government under the new health care law. Officials said the disclosures increased the likelihood that doctors would make decisions in the best interests of patients, without regard to the doctors’ financial interests.
Click link to continue: http://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/17/health/policy/us-to-tell-drug-makers-to-disclose-payments-to-doctors.html?_r=1&pagewanted=all
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Barrier agents for adhesion prevention after gynaecological surgery.
Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2008 Apr 16;(2):CD000475.
Barrier agents for adhesion prevention after gynaecological surgery.
Ahmad G, Duffy JM, Farquhar C, Vail A, Vandekerckhove P, Watson A, Wiseman D.
SourceStepping Hill Hospital, Obstetric & Gynaecology, 30 Badger Road, Altrincham, Cheshire, UK, WA14 5UZ. gaityahmad@hotmail.com
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Pelvic adhesion can form as a result of inflammation, endometriosis or surgical trauma. During pelvic surgery, strategies to reduce pelvic adhesion formation may include placing synthetic barrier agents such as oxidised regenerated cellulose, polytetrafluoroethylene or Fibrin sheets between the pelvic structures.
OBJECTIVES: To assess the effect of physical barriers used during pelvic surgery in women of reproductive age on pregnancy rates, pelvic pain, or postoperative adhesion reformation.
SEARCH STRATEGY: We searched the Cochrane Menstrual Disorders and Subfertility Group Trials Register (searched September 2007) which is based on regular searches of MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycINFO and CENTRAL, plus handsearching of 20 relevant journals and conference proceedings, and searches of several key grey literature sources. In addition, companies were contacted for unpublished trials.
SELECTION CRITERIA: Any randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing the use of physical barriers versus no treatment or other physical barriers in the prevention of adhesions in women undergoing gynaecological surgery.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Review authors assessed trial eligibility and quality.
MAIN RESULTS: Sixteen RCTs were included. Five trials randomised patients while the remainder randomised pelvic organs. Laparoscopy (six trials) and laparotomy (10 trials) were the primary surgical techniques. Indications for surgery included myomectomy (five trials), ovarian surgery (five trials), pelvic adhesions (four trials), endometriosis (one trial), and mixed (one trial). Eleven trials assessed Interceed versus no treatment, two assessed Interceed versus Gore-Tex, one trial assessed Gore-Tex versus no treatment, and one trial assessed Seprafilm versus no treatment. A single trial assessed Fibrin sheet versus no treatment. No studies reported pregnancy or reduction in pain as outcomes. The use of Interceed was associated with reduced incidence of pelvic adhesion formation, both new formation and reformation following laparoscopic surgery or laparotomy. However, this result should be interpreted with caution. Gore-Tex was more effective than no barrier or Interceed in preventing adhesion formation. There was only limited evidence that Seprafilm was effective in preventing adhesion formation following myomectomy and no evidence to support Fibrin sheet.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: The absorbable adhesion barrier Interceed reduces the incidence of adhesion formation following laparoscopy and laparotomy, but there are insufficient data to support its use to improve pregnancy rates. Gore-Tex may be superior to Interceed in preventing adhesion formation but its usefulness is limited by the need for suturing and later removal. There was no evidence of effectiveness of Seprafilm and Fibrin sheet in preventing adhesion formation.
Update of
Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2000;(2):CD000475.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18425865
Barrier agents for adhesion prevention after gynaecological surgery.
Ahmad G, Duffy JM, Farquhar C, Vail A, Vandekerckhove P, Watson A, Wiseman D.
SourceStepping Hill Hospital, Obstetric & Gynaecology, 30 Badger Road, Altrincham, Cheshire, UK, WA14 5UZ. gaityahmad@hotmail.com
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Pelvic adhesion can form as a result of inflammation, endometriosis or surgical trauma. During pelvic surgery, strategies to reduce pelvic adhesion formation may include placing synthetic barrier agents such as oxidised regenerated cellulose, polytetrafluoroethylene or Fibrin sheets between the pelvic structures.
OBJECTIVES: To assess the effect of physical barriers used during pelvic surgery in women of reproductive age on pregnancy rates, pelvic pain, or postoperative adhesion reformation.
SEARCH STRATEGY: We searched the Cochrane Menstrual Disorders and Subfertility Group Trials Register (searched September 2007) which is based on regular searches of MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycINFO and CENTRAL, plus handsearching of 20 relevant journals and conference proceedings, and searches of several key grey literature sources. In addition, companies were contacted for unpublished trials.
SELECTION CRITERIA: Any randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing the use of physical barriers versus no treatment or other physical barriers in the prevention of adhesions in women undergoing gynaecological surgery.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Review authors assessed trial eligibility and quality.
MAIN RESULTS: Sixteen RCTs were included. Five trials randomised patients while the remainder randomised pelvic organs. Laparoscopy (six trials) and laparotomy (10 trials) were the primary surgical techniques. Indications for surgery included myomectomy (five trials), ovarian surgery (five trials), pelvic adhesions (four trials), endometriosis (one trial), and mixed (one trial). Eleven trials assessed Interceed versus no treatment, two assessed Interceed versus Gore-Tex, one trial assessed Gore-Tex versus no treatment, and one trial assessed Seprafilm versus no treatment. A single trial assessed Fibrin sheet versus no treatment. No studies reported pregnancy or reduction in pain as outcomes. The use of Interceed was associated with reduced incidence of pelvic adhesion formation, both new formation and reformation following laparoscopic surgery or laparotomy. However, this result should be interpreted with caution. Gore-Tex was more effective than no barrier or Interceed in preventing adhesion formation. There was only limited evidence that Seprafilm was effective in preventing adhesion formation following myomectomy and no evidence to support Fibrin sheet.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: The absorbable adhesion barrier Interceed reduces the incidence of adhesion formation following laparoscopy and laparotomy, but there are insufficient data to support its use to improve pregnancy rates. Gore-Tex may be superior to Interceed in preventing adhesion formation but its usefulness is limited by the need for suturing and later removal. There was no evidence of effectiveness of Seprafilm and Fibrin sheet in preventing adhesion formation.
Update of
Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2000;(2):CD000475.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18425865
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)