Dr Oswens LO Siu Hung

Acute appendicitis refers to a condition where the appendix, a small tubular organ located near the cecum in the colon, becomes acutely inflamed. Acute appendicitis can lead to serious health problems and complications.

Anal cancer is a relatively rare form of cancer, and the types of tumours in the anus are more complex due to their location at the junction of the inner and outer layers of the embryonic tissues. Anal cancer typically originates from the tissues around the anus, including the anal skin, anal canal, or the mucous membrane inside the anus.

Anal fissure refers to the condition where there is a crack or tear in the mucous membrane inner layer between the rectum and the anus or in the skin around the anus. Patients often experience intense pain when having a bowel movement due to the stretching and irritation of the fissure.

Anal fistula refers to a condition where a channel forms outward between the rectum and the skin near the anus due to bacterial infection and the subsequent formation of pus inside the anal area.

Cancer is the generic name given to a cluster of related diseases. In a normal healthy body, human cells grow and divide as the body needs them. When cells become old or damaged, they die and new cells take their place. However, cancer relates to body cells dividing uncontrollably and spreading to neighbouring tissues. Many cancers form masses of tissues which we call tumour. However, there are certain types of cancer, such as Leukemia that do not form solid tumours. According to a report jointly published by the Department of Health, Food and Health Bureau and the Hospital Authority there were over 30,000 new cases of cancer registered in 2017. The annual number of cancer cases is projected to increase to over 40,000 cases by 2030. However due to the advancements across a number of treatment modality the survival rate of patients in also on the increase.

When gastrointestinal motility is weakened, causing constipation, the pressure in the large intestine increases during defecation, causing the intestinal mucosa to be squeezed out of the muscle layer, forming a small bag (diverticulum). Diverticulitis occurs when faeces fall into the diverticulum of the large intestine and become faecal stones, which then irritate surrounding tissues, cause intestinal bacterial infection, and lead to inflammation of the mucosal wall.

Colorectal cancer is a common malignant tumor of the digestive system. Early screening and treatment are necessary, and improvement of lifestyle habits is also helpful for prevention.

Colonoscopy is a medical examination method used to inspect the interior of the colon and rectum. This procedure involves using a long and flexible fiber-optic scope (endoscope) inserted through the rectum to examine the entire colon and assess its condition.

Constipation is a common ailment among urban dwellers. Besides being influenced by dietary habits, lifestyle, and physiological factors, other disease-related factors can lead to constipation. Once constipation becomes a severe issue, it may give rise to anal problems, bowel obstruction, and an increased risk of colorectal cancer, making it a matter not to be taken lightly.

The leading causes of faecal incontinence include a weak pelvic floor, damage to the anal sphincter, and conditions like pudendal neuropathy. Persistent faecal incontinence may increase the risk of infection for patients, especially in the anal area skin.

Gastroscopy, or Endoscopy or OGD, is a medical examination method. It involves inserting a flexible and bendable fibre-optic scope (endoscope) through the patient's mouth and entering the oesophagus, stomach, and duodenum to examine the condition of these organs.

Haemorrhoids is a disease of varicose veins around the anus, manifested by anal pain, burning sensation, bleeding and other symptoms. People need to pay attention to the development of haemorrhoids to prevent constipation and lifestyle improvement.

Hernia occurs when organs, tissues, or fat from within the body protrude through an opening or weak spot in the body wall, forming a visible lump or swelling, often accompanied by discomfort, bloating, pain, or other symptoms. Hernias typically do not resolve on their own and may require surgical treatment to repair the affected area and prevent dangerous complications such as intestinal obstruction or necrosis.

Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC) is a procedure within the abdominal cavity that combines localized hyperthermic treatment with chemotherapy.

Peritoneal cancer is a rare but severe form of cancer that involves malignant changes in the peritoneal tissues. The peritoneum is the thin membrane that surrounds the abdominal organs, and peritoneal cancer typically occurs due to metastasis from cancers originating in other organs within the abdominal cavity. In Hong Kong, peritoneal cancer is most commonly caused by the metastasis of ovarian cancer, making the incidence higher in female patients.

Rectal prolapse refers to the partial or complete protrusion of the rectum falling or descending below the anal opening. Rectal prolapse can lead to faecal incontinence, and the exposed rectal mucosa is susceptible to bacterial infection, increasing the risk of disease.

Pressurized IntraPeritoneal Aerosol Chemotherapy (PIPAC) is a minimally invasive surgery to treat intra-abdominal tumours. It aims to treat peritoneal metastases, especially those affecting the peritoneal surface, such as ovarian, colorectal, and bladder cancers. PIPAC involves introducing a pressurized system into the patient's abdominal cavity, delivering aerosolized chemotherapy directly onto the tumours on the peritoneal surface to enhance the therapeutic effect.

Laparoscopy is a minimally invasive surgical technique that involves inserting a laparoscope and other surgical instruments through one or several small incisions in the abdomen to examine and perform surgery on internal organs. A laparoscope is a long, tube-like instrument with a light source and camera at one end, which transmits images from inside the body to an external monitor, allowing doctors to view the internal situation.