Category Archives: General Surgery

What Are the Symptoms of Cellulitis?

Cellulitis is an acute bacterial infection of the dermis and subcutaneous tissue, most often caused by Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes. It usually begins at a site of minor trauma and spreads rapidly; systemic involvement may follow if treatment is delayed. Local skin changesErythema expands with irregular, slightly raised borders. The area feels warm and tight, and surrounding skin may take on a glossy, stretched appearance. Pain and tendernessA steady, throbbing ache begins soon after redness appears. Even light touch or clothing pressure becomes uncomfortable; tenderness often extends slightly beyond the visible erythema. Swelling and indurationOedema develops as capillary permeability... Learn more

What Are the Symptoms of Diaphragmatic Hernia?

Diaphragmatic hernia—congenital or acquired—occurs when abdominal organs herniate through a defect in the diaphragm into the chest. Clinical expression depends on patient age, defect size, and the amount of herniated viscera. Respiratory distressTachypnea, dyspnea, cyanosis, and reduced or absent breath sounds on the affected side are the cardinal neonatal signs. Mediastinal shift may produce a barrel-shaped chest and displaced heart sounds . Feeding-related eventsInfants often exhibit feed refusal, drooling, or vomiting because the herniated stomach or bowel is compressed; older children or adults may report post-prandial shortness of breath that improves on standing or walking . Chest or epigastric discomfortAdults... Learn more

What Are the Symptoms of Abdominal Trauma?

Abdominal trauma can sneak up on anyone, from a bicycle spill to a steering-wheel punch. The signs range from a simple bruise to hidden bleeding that can turn life-threatening within hours. Knowing what to watch for helps you decide when to rest with an ice pack and when to call for lights and sirens. The first whisper Right after the hit, the belly may feel sore yet look normal. A dull ache starts low and spreads across the mid-section. Some people feel winded, as if they ran too fast, even though they were standing still. Others notice a wave of... Learn more

What Are the Symptoms of Retroperitoneal Fibrosis?

Retroperitoneal fibrosis is a rare disorder in which fibrous tissue proliferates in the retroperitoneal space, gradually encasing the abdominal aorta, ureters, and adjacent structures. Onset is insidious and early complaints are non-specific, so diagnosis is often delayed. Dull, persistent painDeep, aching discomfort is the most frequent first symptom. Pain is usually felt in the flank, lower back, or iliac fossa, may radiate to the groin or anterior thigh, and is characteristically unrelieved by rest or change of posture; NSAIDs give only temporary relief. Constitutional symptomsLow-grade fever, fatigue, anorexia, weight loss, and general malaise accompany the inflammatory phase in more than... Learn more

What Are the Symptoms of Abdominal Abscess?

An abdominal abscess is a localized collection of pus within the abdominal cavity, most often caused by bacterial infection. Onset can be gradual or rapid, and clinical presentations differ by site and size, but several typical features are usually present. Fever and chillsA swinging or spiking fever is common, frequently accompanied by chills or rigors as the body responds to ongoing infection . Abdominal painPersistent, deep-seated pain is the hallmark. It may be dull or sharp, localized or diffuse, and often intensifies on movement, coughing, or palpation . Gastro-intestinal upsetNausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and sometimes constipation are frequent associated... Learn more