Gastric acid has a longstanding reputation of being a corrosive agent that can eat through an unprotected stomach wall and "burn a hole in your stomach." , but the percieved dangers of gastric acid are more fantasy than fact. An acid environment can be corrosive for certain inorganic compounds like metals and enamels, but gastric acid is not all that destructive for organic matter. If you have ever spilled orange juice(pH=3) or lime juice(pH=2) on your hands, you have experienced the non destructive nature of acidity in the organic world.Infact the pickling process uses an acid(vineger) to preserve organic matter(food).
The perception of gastric acid as a destructive force is a direct result of the traditional notion that gastric acid is the main cause of peptic ulcer disease.However, recent evidence indicates that local infection with Helicobactor pylori is responsible for most cases of peptic ulcer disease.

“Complete cure from groin hernia is now possible with Dr.Desarda's repair technique.......”
Mesh is a foreign body. Therefore, its use in hernia repairs is known to cause all sorts of complications like pain, recurrence, infection etc. We have developed an innovative new technique of inguinal hernia repair without mesh. It uses your own body muscle for repair and gives virtually complete cure from inguinal hernia problem. An undetached strip of the external oblique aponeurosis is stitched on the weak area between the muscle arch and the inguinal ligament to form a new, strong and physiologically dynamic posterior wall that gives protection and prevents re-herniation. Normally patient goes home in a day after surgery and can drive car and go to office in 3-4 days time. This "Dr.Desarda's hernia repair" is now followed in many countries all over the world. We are surprised to see the enquiries from many patients in the developed countries asking for this repair in their country. This is because this operation does not use any foreign body like mesh for repair and therefore there are no complications that are seen in mesh repairs. A visit to Topix or other hernia forums show thousands of posts showing sufferings of many patients due to mesh repairs. But still why surgeons from developed countries are interested in mesh repairs is a big question for us. Please visit our website for more details: http://herniasurgery.tripod.com or http://www.desarda.com Our cell number: +91 9373322178

Hemorrhoids, or piles, is one of the most common and nagging disorders. By themselves, though hemorrhoids are rarely serious, they can be extremely troublesome. But in some instances, they may mask a more serious disorder, such as colon or rectal cancer.
Hemorrhoids are a dilated or enlarged vascular clusters which occur in and around the anus and the rectum. They may be external i.e outside the anus or internal and slip to the outside.
But, the latest in Biomedical engineering has replaced the conventional and cumbersome operative treatments by offering easy and effective methods for treatment of Piles without much discomfort, prolonged hospitalisation and anaesthesia.
Infrared Coagulation :
Among the best available non-invasive modalities for treatment of hemorrhods is the Infrared coagulator. It’s basic principle lies in coagulation of the hemorrhoidal vessels with the help of Infrared Rays. It is a State-of-the-art, user-friendly technology and takes only seconds to perform. There is less pain, fewer complications than a rubber band ligation.
DGU HAL :
1.A simple and easy procedure, it is optimized for adjunctive use in Hemorrhoidal Artery Ligation (H.A.L.).
2.It is a precise, rapid localization of hemorrhoidal arteries for ligation.
3.It is suitable for use during outpatient surgery for Goligher Degree I to IV, and prevents prolapse by anchoring the mucosa to the muscularis.
4.It is especially good for bleeding hemorrhoids.
5.There is minimal to no medication or anesthesia required and one can be back to work on same-day or next day.

Radiofrequncy Ablation :
The principle of Radiosurgery involves using radio waves at 5.0 to 6.0 mhz , delivered at low temperature through radiofrequency electrodes. This procedure can be done under local, regional or short general anesthesia. There is no postoperative stay required and the patient can resume work the next morning. It has an easy learning curve and can be performed as an outpatient procedure
PREVENTION :

Although there is no guaranteed way to prevent piles, it’s a good idea to avoid the causes.

1.A major cause of piles may be constipation, which is often simply treated with a high-fibre diet and water.
2.This diet may help to soften the stool, allowing it to pass through the back passage more easily.
3.Softer stool means reduced strain on the delicate tissue and blood vessels of the bowel.
4.Water is essential, and is especially important in helping to prevent constipation. It is recommended that adults drink 6-8 glasses, totalling 2 litres, of water per day. It may also be helpful to limit caffeinated drinks and alcohol.
5.Regular fibre in diet , A healthy diet may consist of 30 grams of fibre per day, which may include 5 servings of fresh fruits and vegetables.
6.Increase your amount of daily physical activity.
7.Lose weight.
8.Change bowel habits. Respond to the urge to defecate and stay relaxed to avoid straining.
9. Exercise the buttocks muscles.
10. Practice good personal hygiene. Keep the anal area clean and avoid using rough toilet paper.
11.Add stool softeners or laxatives to diet.[Consult your Doctor for prolonged use]

Consumption of bathroom cleaning acid is one of the most common methods of attempting suicide especially in young girls and most often this does not kill but leaves the patient in a very miserable state of affairs impairing their ability to swallow and subjecting them to multiple hospital visits, endoscopic treatment and quite often surgery. And not all of them will be cured by any of the medical and surgical measures.

Being easily available and cheap , bathroom cleaning acids are one of the commonest sources ingested for suicidal purposes. Accidental ingestion by toddlers and children is not uncommon.

These victims present with severe chest and abdominal pain, vomiting and burning sensation in the mouth which usually settles down in 2 - 3 days. They will then be able to swallow liquids and later solids. The real effect of acid injury to the food pipe will show after about 40-50 days after the incident when swallowing of liquids will also not be possible needing hospitalisation and treatment

The sordid saga will start from then on. Barium x-rays, endoscopic dilatation and often major abdominal surgery will be required to enable the patient to swallow. The involvement of mouth, voice box and upper food pipe makes surgery very difficult with poor outcomes. At times we resort ot silencing the voice box with a permanent tracheostomy to enable eating.

There will be huge drain on the family both emotionally and financially and the worst bit is that no one will have any sympathy to the patient.

Corrosive acid ingestion will not kill a person but will cause considerable damage. One has to be very careful with bathroom acids. these shouldnt be left in the bathroom within the reach of children.

Dr.Patta Radhakrishna MS MCh (GI Surgery)
Senior consultant Surgical Gastroenterologist
Apollo Hospitals, Chennai.

The pill sized capsule passes naturally through your digestive tract transmitting video images to a data recorder worn on your abdomen for approx 8 hours.At the end of the procedure the recorder is removed so that the images can be put on a computer screen for the physician to review.
Most patients consider the test comfortable.The capsule endoscope is about the size of a large pill until it is excreted you should not be near an MRI device or schedule an MRI examination.Vigorous physical activity is not advised during tjhe study.
You will be able to drink clear liquids after two hours and eat a light meal 4 hours following the capsule ingestion unless your doctor instructs you otherwise.