In Good Health - Winter 2012 - Fairview - (Page 14)

A small birth defect develops into a life-threatening problem, solved by surgery Back on her feet Suzann Bonds has had a diaphragmatic hernia since birth, and until recently, it never caused her many problems. “I was aware of my hernia,” says Bonds, of Avon Lake, who enjoys golfing in her spare time. “It sometimes hurt when raking leaves, but that was a long time ago. Otherwise, it really didn’t bother me.” surgery success Dr. Alaedeen performed advanced laparoscopic foregut surgery on May 20. The minimally invasive surgery provides patients with a shorter hospital stay, fewer complications, quicker recover and less pain compared with conventional open surgery techniques. “The earlier the incarcerated hernia is treated, the better the chance of saving the herniated tissue,” says Dr. Alaedeen, who was able to repair the hernia and reposition the tissue. “Individuals with an initial hernia should treat it seriously and prevent it from becoming an incarcerated hernia over time.” Bonds was completely recovered after about six weeks. “I had no pain,” says Bonds, who is back to playing golf and enjoying time with her husband, Robert. “I just needed to get my strength and stamina back. I am feeling great now. I highly recommend Dr. Alaedeen.” After her experience, Bonds wants to encourage individuals who have a hernia to not fear surgery to resolve the problem. Diya alaedeen, MD general surgery specialty interests: advanced laparoscopy and endoscopy; hernia repair; abdominal wall reconstruction; and foregut surgery Then one day last spring, her body made it clear it was finally time to take action and get help. Bonds was nauseated and vomiting, so she went to Fairview’s Emergency Room. Because of her vomiting, Bonds’ problem was initially difficult to diagnose. “Every time I would lie down for an EKG, I would get sick,” she recalls. She was referred to Diya Alaedeen, MD, a Cleveland Clinic general surgeon on call that night. Dr. Alaedeen found that Bonds’ diaphragmatic hernia had become incarcerated. Defining the Diagnosis “A diaphragmatic hernia occurs when part of the stomach protrudes upward through a defect in the diaphragm,” says Dr. Alaedeen. Bonds’ diaphragm had an abnormal congenital defect that allowed her hernia to progress over time. An incarcerated hernia means the stomach had become stuck in her chest cavity and was preventing food from passing through into the rest of her intestine, causing symptoms such as pain, nausea, vomiting and abdominal swelling. Bonds was lucky she sought medical attention as quickly as she did. Incarcerated hernias can be extremely dangerous as they can lead to permanent organ damage and even death. Surgery is the only treatment. LocatIons throughout northeast ohIo cleveland clinic general surgeons are at locations near you, including Fairview hospital, Lakewood hospital, richard e. Jacobs health center in avon and strongsville Family health and surgery center. to make an appointment, call 866.709.5935. benefits 14 I toyou Cleveland Clinic is ranked No. 2 in the nation for gastroenterology by U.S.News & World Report. To learn more about hernias, visit clevelandclinic.org/herniaguide. In gooD heaLth http://www.clevelandclinic.org/herniaguide

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of In Good Health - Winter 2012 - Fairview

In Good Health - Winter 2012 - Fairview
Contents
Give birth your way-midwives are ready to help
Could you have an irregular heartbeat?
Truck driver steers his heath back on track
Doing it her way
Don't fall for these eight myths about back problems

In Good Health - Winter 2012 - Fairview