Varicose Veins: The Basics on This Painful Condition and How Shu Procedure Clinic in Minneapolis Can Help

Varicose veins are tiny, visible veins that come in shades of blue, purple and red. We have these veins our whole lives, but certain risk factors can cause the veins to grow in size, thickness, darkness or to even pile up with blood. Numerous theories about the veins also referred to as “spider veins” float around about why these veins begin to appear the way they do on our bodies, and some of the theories include natural causes that we have no control over. However, if the veins aren’t too severe there are treatment options available for varicose veins in Minneapolis to remove or reduce their appearance.

Natural causes
A family history of annoying and obvious spider veins could contribute to one’s chances of dealing with them, as defected or weak vein walls are genetic. When this happens, the blood flows in a different direction which puts pressure on the veins and causes them to grow or turn to a darker color.

We also can’t control how we age, which plays a big contributing factor in varicose veins. The problem is worse in women than men, but one in four adults deals with these spider veins appearing more than they’d like. The veins usually become apparent in adults from 35 to 60 years old, but teenagers have also been affected. Hormonal changes and skin injuries can also contribute to the development of spider veins.

Contributing factors
Other factors include sitting or standing for long periods of time each day, as this reduces the blood flow and causes the blood to pool in our legs. Other causes suspected include obesity and pregnancy, as more pressure is put on their legs when standing. Pregnant women also have more blood in their body to add additional pressure, and hormones can add to the mix. Tight clothing such as pantyhose, girdles and leggings also play a role in the development of varicose veins.

Treatment
Varicose vein treatment in Minnesota includes sclerotherapy, which is when the veins are injected with chemicals to inflame their vessels, causing their lining to harden and fade away as scar tissue. Slcerotherapy doesn’t prevent future varicose veins from appearing. The simple procedure takes four to six weeks to show real results.

If you have questions about how to deal with varicose veins in St. Paul, schedule a consultation with a varicose vein specialist today to see if treatment in Minnesota is right for you.

Vasectomy History Part 4 | Minneapolis

This is the final part of the long and interesting history of the Vasectomy. The first non-scalpel vasectomy was not performed until 1985 in the United States by Dr. Mark Goldstein at the New York Presbyterian Hospital Cornell Medical Center. He was a member of the international team, sponsored by the Association of Voluntary Surgical Contraception that went to China to learn the procedure. The procedure was then introduced to other countries by the other team members.

In 1999 the no-needle vasectomy is introduced after 6 years of preparation. A spray jet injector was used for the local anesthesia. This technique was developed by Dr. Charles L. Wilson of Seattle, WA in consultation with the late Dr. Ralph Adam who was the inventor of the MadaJet device used in this technique. The local anesthesia given with 30 gauge needle is almost painless in the good hands, mild pain while given anesthesia is actually caused by the acidic lidocaine, but the application of Madajet does reduce the anxiety in the needle phobia patients.

A Study is published in China in 2003 about the long term effects of vasectomy on benign enlargement of the prostrate. (BPH) The study concludes that vasectomy reduces the incidence rate of BPH significantly.

Robotic vasectomy reversal is first performed on rats in 2004. A study was done using a new microsurgical robot that had FDA approval in 2000. It was used to perform two types of reversal procedures on rats. The robot does not have the shaking hands that humans do. The initial results were that the robotic group had less obstruction or blockage than the group where humans performed the procedure. The incidence of granulomas was also much lower in the robotic groups.

A 2005 publication of research into the “no needle” technique of using a high pressure injector to administer anesthetic shows results of less discomfort to patients and is much faster acting than needle administered anesthetic.

The Vasclip which was FDA approved in 2003, has its first independent study into the effectiveness and short term complications of the device published in2006. In 2007 the Vasclip website went dead. It was found that it was not easier to reverse this procedure than a regular vasectomy. Many men got the Vasclip thinking that it would be easier to reverse when they wanted to have children again. In many cases it did more damage to the vas deferens.

Dr. Shu has performed no scalpel vasectomy for 15 years. He invented two-finger technique in facilitating the local anesthesia and holding the vas during the surgery. In 2008, Dr. Steven Shu opened his own clinic, One Stop Medical Center in Edina and Shoreview, MN which is focused on in-office procedures including no-scalpel vasectomy. In 2009 Dr. Steven Shu also adds the “no needle” vasectomy. The clinic has been doing many more vasectomies every year after the procedure-oriented clinic gained more reputation and became the number one vasectomy clinic in Minnesota. Dr. Shu is an assistant professor in the University of Minnesota medical school, teaching no scalpel vasectomy and other office procedures in the Smiley’s Clinic. You can read more about it at www.EZvasectomy.com.

 

There is Help for Minneapolis Men and Women Suffering from Varicose Veins

Varicose veins affect more women than men. In fact, it is estimated that 25 percent of women in the United States have varicose veins. Pregnancy and obesity are two things that can put people at risk for developing a varicose vein in St. Paul. People who stand for a long time may also be at an increased risk for developing varicose veins. Furthermore, patients who have thrombophlebitis are more likely to develop varicose veins. Thrombophlebitis is a condition that occurs when a blood clot develops in one or more veins.

Swollen, visible veins are the most common sign of varicose veins. People may also notice a heavy feeling in their legs. Additionally, varicose veins can be painful.

Varicose veins have a tendency to get worse. The good news is that there is varicose vein treatment in Minnesota available. Endovenous laser ablation is one of the treatment options that is available for people who have varicose veins. This procedure involves using laser energy to seal a varicose vein shut. It typically takes about an hour to complete and is performed under local anesthesia.

Sclerotherapy is another treatment that can remove varicose veins. This procedure involves injecting a sclerosant into the veins. The scleroscant causes the inner lining of the vein to become irritated. This causes the veins to close. No anesthesia is needed and one treatment can be completed in 15 minutes. Patients typically have to get four treatments.

Varicose veins can also be treated with mini-phlebotomy. Mini-phlebotomy involves making small incisions and removing the varicose veins. It is performed under local anesthesia. Patients can return to their normal activities after this procedure, but they will need to wear compression stockings for two or three weeks after their procedure.

History of Vasectomy Part 2 | Minneapolis

In 1890 vasectomy is suggested as an alternative to castration by Ewing Mears for the treatment of severe symptoms of enlarged prostate glands. Then in 1899 Ochsner (future professor of Surgery at the University of Illinois) publishes his paper “Surgical treatment of habitual criminals”, which kick-starts the Eugenics movement. The Eugenics movement uses science to reform and control nature and human society. It stems from the idea of survival of the fittest.

In 1900, Harrison publishes a paper based on over 100 cases where Vasectomy was the primary procedure for the removal of bladder stones. Claims of rapid and substantial improvement with minimal morbidity led to the treatment being fashionable for a short time for management of enlarged prostate. Wood publishes a case study of 193 patients undergoing vasectomy as treatment for enlarged prostate. 15% had improved urination, but 67% manifested some “General improvement”.

In 1902, Bilateral Vasectomy was first established to be effective in reducing the incidence of epididymitis after prostatectomy. The medical profession had sought hard to find an alternative to the existing practice of castration for enlarged prostate, and it was established by White that vasectomy was an effective treatment. One of the reasons an alternative was sought is because of the reputed case whereby a disgruntled patient murdered a surgeon! Vasectomy remained in common use as a cure for post-prostate surgery until antibiotics were common place.

In 1907, Parlovechoi first attempted to reverse an accidental vasectomy that occurred in a hernia operation. Later authors describe the technique under the names of Vasorraphy or vasovasal anastomis.

During 1907-1910 Vasectomy is recommended to be used to sterilize “the undesirables” of the world. Belfield publishes his paper “Race suicide for social parasites”. He was one of the proponents of enforced vasectomy for criminals. This is where the Eugenics movement comes into play. In 1910 Russia sent a delegate to the United States to observe a male prisoner being sterilized.

What to Do if You Have Painful Varicose Veins in Minneapolis and St. Paul

Varicose veins are swollen, twisted veins. The veins are the blood vessels that are responsible for returning blood to the heart. A varicose vein develops when some of the blood stays inside of the veins. Varicose veins can be very uncomfortable.
If the valves in the veins are defective, then a person could develop varicose veins. Pregnancy and obesity can also put a person at risk for developing varicose veins. It is important to note that painful varicose veins are more common in women than in men.

A feeling of fullness in the legs and swollen, visible veins are some of the main symptoms of varicose veins. Patients who have a severe case of varicose veins may develop skin ulcers near their ankles.
Varicose veins can be quite bothersome, but fortunately, there are things that can be done to treat them. Sclerotherapy is one of the many treatment options available for varicose veins. This procedure involves injecting a solution into the vein. This solution causes the varicose vein to collapse. The treated veins will completely fade within a few weeks.

Endovenous laser ablation is another treatment option for varicose veins. This procedure involves inserting a laser fiber into the vein. The heat from the laser causes the vein to shrink and eventually disappear.

Additionally, people have the option of getting micro-phlebotomy. This treatment involves making tiny incisions in order to remove the varicose veins in Minneapolis. The patient will be given a local anesthetic prior to this procedure. Because the incisions are so tiny, the doctor will not have to use sutures to close them.

Learn More About Nail Fungus and Treatment Options in the Minneapolis Area at Shu Procedure Clinic

Nail fungus is a common toenail problem and a humiliating physical defect. People who are exposed to hazardous chemicals or extreme conditions may develop these problems. These problems could point to deep, underlying health issues. Sufferers tend to avoid social and intimate situations until they find the right solutions. Procedure Clinic has nail fungus Minneapolis medical professionals who are qualified to recommend the best solutions.

There is a process that all infected nails go through. First, the nail grows thicker and changes color. As the infected area worsens, the nail becomes more fragile and parts break off, or in extreme cases, the whole nail falls off. If the problem is not solved, pain and inflammation sets in. The toe looks more unattractive once scales and patches form.

Dermatophytids are lesions that develop because of fungal infections in other areas. The lesions are usually allergic responses. In any case, if the right Nail Fungus MN professional is not found quickly, the appearance of the skin and nails only worsens.

Common causes, apart from disease, include heavy perspiration or excessive moisture, extreme temperatures, chemical exposure, athlete’s foot, trauma, poor blood circulation and weakened immunity to infection. To diagnose the problem effectively, lab tests can be made. Treatment is problematic if the infection is deeply rooted and hard to access. For some people, removing all of the symptoms is a slow process that takes up to one year.

Nail fungus could cause extreme pain and serious damage. If left untreated for months, more severe infections occur, especially if severe medical conditions are involved. People with cancer, diabetes or AIDS have the greatest difficulties in eradicating the problem. Diabetics have various impairments that lead to easy infections and complications.

It is possible to wear open-toed shoes or lie in bed without feeling embarrassed that someone could walk into the room and gawk. More importantly, people with medical conditions should maintain the health of their hands or feet. Regardless of how unsightly the nail becomes, it is necessary to see a nail fungus St. Paul expert as soon as possible.

Colonoscopys at Shu Procedures

Your colon’s main function is to help your body eliminate waste, toxins and more from your blood, intestines and lymphatic system. Without your colon’s healthy function in your body, you can become seriously ill. A colonoscopy is among the most common types of exams performed on the colon. This is an invasive exam that allows a medical practitioner to view the inside of your colon through the use of a special scope. The procedure is most commonly recommended by a medical practitioner when a patient complains of symptoms such as bloody stools or blood in the toilet bowel, pain during bowel movements, abdominal pain when not having a bowel movement or any other abnormal or unexplained changes in bowel function. A family history of certain conditions may warranty the regular use of colonoscopy procedures as an early diagnostic step.

The procedure involves probing a long tube through the anus and into the colon. A light and camera are mounted to the end of this tube to provide the medical practitioner with the ability to visibly examine the colon. The procedure is most commonly performed on a patient under conscious sedation. In order to enjoy the best diagnostic results from your colonoscopy, you do need to have a clean colon. The colon is most commonly cleaned through the patient’s use of an enema and fasting.

Through the use of a colonoscopy, a medical practitioner can more accurately diagnose a number of colon and gastrointestinal conditions. These include colorectal polyps, colon cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, colitis and more. In certain instances, a medical practitioner may be able to take a biopsy of suspicious areas found during the colonoscopy, and some polyps or suspicious areas can be removed during this procedure. Polyps are abnormal growths and some may be cancerous in nature. Because of this, they are most commonly removed and biopsied when found during a colonoscopy. Early diagnosis of many of these colon and gastrointestinal conditions can provide a patient with the best outcome possible. Because of this, you should schedule a colonoscopy procedure immediately upon receiving the recommendation from your doctor.

Varicose Veins

Varicose veins are caused by weakening of the veins and valves in the legs. When the valves in the veins do not properly keep blood flowing from the legs up to the heart, blood begins to collect in the legs resulting in the buildup of pressure. The veins become enlarged and knotted and are visible near the surface of the skin. In most cases, varicose veins are not serious and do not cause problems; however, they can lead to other health conditions such as blood clots and circulatory problems.

Varicose veins typically appear in the feet, ankles and throughout the legs. They can cause pain, swelling, heaviness, itching and cramps. Most cases do not require medical treatment unless there are serious complications associated with the veins. Chronic inflammation may occur and will require medical care if the veins become ruptured. Many cases of varicose veins are treated with self-care techniques such as elevating the legs and sufficient exercise.

Although most cases do not cause discomfort or warrant immediate concern, many people are bothered by the unsightly appearance of varicose veins. Sclerotherapy is a procedure that uses tiny needles to inject the veins with a chemical sclerant to harden the veins and help them fade away. The treatment lasts about 15 to 30 minutes in length and is performed every four weeks. Some patients see satisfactory results within one treatment while others with more severe cases may benefit from more sessions.

Endovenous laser ablation uses a laser fiber to insert through the skin directly into the vein. The laser heats up the lining of the vein causing it to shrink and fade away. This procedure is more commonly used on larger varicose veins and treatment can take less than an hour to perform.

A procedure called a mini phlebectomy may be used in conjunction with other therapies to treat large, bulging varicose veins. Tiny incisions are made into the skin and superficial veins are removed using vein hooks. It is performed under local anesthesia so pain is minimal. Compression stockings may be used after treatment to minimize any bruising and swelling.

 

Excessive Sweating

For many people, sweating excessively can often be an embarrassing problem. This is a medical condition known as hyperhidrosis, which is sweating more than what your body physically needs. It may involve sweating extensively for no reason all over you body, also called general hyperhidrosis. If sweating is confined to a specific part of the body such as the underarms, face, head, groin, feet and hands, this is known as localized hyperhidrosis. Controlling excessive sweating involves non-invasive and surgical treatments.

Symptoms

Excessive sweating affects your social and general quality of life and some signs may include:

•Sweating over your entire body,
•Breaking out into cold sweats at night or waking up to soaked sheets and pillows,
•Unexpected worsening of sweating problem,
•Sweating from one side of your body,
•Changes in medications, resulting in excessive sweating.

Causes

Some medical conditions and medications contribute to hyperhidrosis. These may include thyroid problems, menopause, diabetes, heart disease, infections, pregnancy, obesity and some medications for blood pressure, mental illness and dry mouth.

Treatment

Since no cure is available for excessive sweating, managing this medical problem is important. For localized or focal hyperhidrosis, some helpful treatment methods may include:

•Prescription or over-the-counter antiperspirants, which may be used on the affected areas at nights,
•Medications such as anticholinergic drugs that prevent the stimulation of sweat glands,
•Iontophoresis, a low-level electric current device that temporarily blocks the sweat glands,
•Botox, which involves injecting the substance into the sweat glands’ nerves,
•Surgery options that range from the minimally invasive to the more extreme forms. These include fusiform excision, mini excision, LaserDry, and ETS surgery, which is very invasive.

The non-surgical treatment methods may result in temporary control of hyperhidrosis that may last for a few weeks to months and some may lead to side-effects such as skin irritation, constipation, hives and urinary retention.

Controlling excessive sweating is important to your comfort and overall wellbeing. Depending on your symptoms, many treatment methods are available to help you have a better quality of life. For more information on treatment techniques for excessive sweating, visit the website of Procedure Clinic at https://procedureclinic.com/excessive-sweating-hyperhidrosis/.

About Endoscopies

An endoscopy is a procedure where a medical professional looks inside of the body using an endoscope, a tube-like instrument with a tiny camera and light. There might be a channel for surgical instruments as well. There are several kinds of endoscopies.

Colonoscopy
A colonoscopy is a form of endoscopy where the doctor examines the inside of the colon. This is typically done to check for signs of cancer of the bowel. If the doctor finds an abnormal growth like a polyp, they can snip it out during the endoscopy itself and perform a biopsy to see whether or not it’s malignant. This procedure is performed under conscious sedation. The patient is given drugs to relax them, but is still conscious.

Gastroscopy
This is also called an upper endoscopy, or EGD. This helps the physician see into the esophagus and down into the stomach and the duodenum, which is the first part of the small intestine.

The patient is also under sedation during this procedure and the back of their throat is given an anesthesia to stop the normal gag reflex. The endoscopy is put in the mouth and guided down the throat while the patient swallows. Then, it’s eased down the esophagus and into the stomach and the duodenum. The doctor can then see any abnormalities in the upper GI track. The procedure takes about twenty minutes.

Nasolaryngoscopy
This is a procedure where the endoscopy is used to check the upper respiratory tract, including the nose and the larynx. The tube is inserted into one nostril. The patient isn’t sedated for this endoscopy, but their nose is sprayed with a decongestant and something to numb it. This type of endoscopy usually takes only a few minutes.

Bronchoscopy
This procedure is used to examine the lower respiratory tract, or the lungs. Once again, the physician will look for abnormalities like bleeding, foreign bodies or tumors and can perform a biopsy at the same time as the endoscopy. The patient is also sedated during this procedure and local anesthesia is given to the upper part of the respiratory track.