Author Archives: Dr. Li

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About Dr. Li

I am a professional surgeon based in Beijing, China.

What Are the Symptoms After Splenectomy

Most people breeze through a splenectomy and feel fine within weeks. Yet the body starts to rewrite its playbook the moment the spleen is gone. Knowing the new signals—and the false alarms—keeps you safe, active, and out of the emergency room. Early days in hospital Right after surgery the belly feels sore, a bit like you did too many crunches. Nurses offer pain meds every few hours, so the ache stays dull rather than sharp. You’ll be encouraged to roll side to side, cough, and use a breathing gadget to keep the lungs open. These small moves lower the chance... Learn more

What Are the Symptoms of Pancreatic Cysts

Pancreatic cysts are fluid-filled sacs that form within or on the surface of the pancreas. Most small cysts cause no complaints and are found incidentally during scans for other problems. When symptoms occur they usually reflect cyst size, location, or complications such as infection, bleeding, or malignant change: Persistent upper-abdominal painDull ache or pressure that may radiate straight through to the back; often worse after fatty meals and sometimes steadily increasing over weeks. Early satiety and bloatingA feeling of fullness after a few bites, belching, and visible abdominal distension when the cyst compresses the stomach or duodenum. Nausea and vomitingIntermittent... Learn more

What Are the Symptoms of Gallbladder Stones

Gallbladder stones (cholelithiasis) can remain silent for years, but when they obstruct the cystic duct or migrate into the bile duct they produce a characteristic symptom cluster: Biliary colicSudden, steady pain in the right upper quadrant or epigastrium builds over 15–30 minutes, lasts 30 min – several hours, and may radiate to the right shoulder or back; it is not relieved by positional change, bowel movement, or antacids . Post-prandial triggerPain typically follows a fatty or large meal as gall-bladder contraction forces a stone against the duct opening . Nausea and vomitingGastric stasis and vagal stimulation produce pronounced nausea with... Learn more

What Are the Symptoms of Femoral Hernia

A femoral hernia occurs when tissue bulges through the femoral canal below the inguinal ligament, most often in women. Because the canal opening is narrow, symptoms can be subtle at first but may progress rapidly. Visible or palpable lumpA small, round swelling appears in the upper thigh or groin crease; it usually emerges on standing, coughing, or lifting and may disappear when lying down . Groin or thigh discomfortAching, burning, or a heavy “pulling” sensation that worsens with prolonged standing, lifting, or straining at stool . Pain radiating down the legPressure on nearby nerves can shoot pain into the inner... Learn more

What Are the Symptoms of Intestinal Volvulus

Intestinal volvulus happens when a loop of bowel twists around itself and the tissue that feeds it. The twist acts like a kink in a garden hose, blocking both food flow and blood supply. Pain builds fast, yet early hints can be surprisingly quiet. Knowing the pattern helps you spot trouble before the gut becomes starved of oxygen. The first whisper Often the story starts with mild, crampy pain near the belly button. It comes and goes, so people blame gas or a sensitive stomach. A vague feeling of bloating drifts in after meals. Some individuals feel a slight urge... Learn more