How to Treat Anal Tags in Minneapolis

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An often frustrating and embarrassing condition, hemorrhoidal tags occur with variety of reasons in the Minneapolis and St. Paul areas. Besides the typical hemorrhoid symptoms such as itching, pain, and bleeding, the patients may use a lot of toilet paper because of pesky anal tags. Rest assured that these anal tags are harmless and very common in Minnesota. They are very similar to skin tags found in your armpit, neck, eyelids and sometimes groin.

A hemorrhoidal skin tags is typically a soft flap of skin or flesh found around the anus as a result of an existing hemorrhoid. The tags usually hang in the opening of the anus by a stalk or stem that supplies the blood to the tag. The individuals in Minneapolis may not even know they have hemorrhoidal skin tags unless they feel them while wiping.

If a thrombosed external hemorrhoid resolves without the incision & drainage or surgical excision, the residual external hemorrhoid may leave behind a skin tag. The skin tags can then lead to even larger skin tags or external hemorrhoids due to its close proximity to the original varicose veins.

Anal skin tags are usually not caused by anal intercourse or sexually transmitted diseases in Minneapolis. However, you need to be aware that anal skin tags are usually associated with other anorectal problems and may come about as a result of a hemorrhoid, an anal fissure, or an injury.

Causes of anal tags include:
● Hemorrhoids
● Anal fissures.
● Previous anorectal surgery
● Anal infection or injury
● Blocked anal gland
● Tight fitting clothing

Individuals suffering from hemorrhoidal skin tags in Minneapolis can treat the condition in the same way as treating hemorrhoids with anal care measures. These anal care measures include thorough cleaning of the affected area with gentle cleansers, such as witch hazel, washing and Sitz bath may help remove any trapped fecal matter and improve symptoms. If the skin tags cause persistent symptoms or complications, or if the skin tags lead to anxiety, individuals may opt to have them removed surgically. Anal tags can easily be removed in the office using local anesthetic and a radiofrequency device. The procedure only takes less than 10 minutes and you are able to drive yourself home afterwards.

Colonoscopy Preparation in Minnesota

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In order to perform the colonoscopy properly the colon must be free of solid matter. The cleaner the better! In the past patients in Minnesota were required to drink terrible tasting flushing fluids such as Golytley. These days the colon cleansing process is much easier. Prior to the procedure the patient is required to follow a low fiber for three days and clear-liquid only diet for 24 hours. It is very important that the patient remain hydrated.

A typical colonoscopy regimen in the Minneapolis and St. Paul then would be as follows

• The day before the colonoscopy, the patient is given a laxative preparation (two bisacodyl 5 mg tablets at the noon time) and large quantities of fluid (Water, clear broth or bouillon, coffee or tea, Gatorade, Pedialyte, carbonated & non-carbonated soft drinks, Kool-Aid or other fruit-flavored drinks, strained fruit juices). Alcohol is not permitted.

• The night before colonoscopy, the patient start drinking the Mixture of 1 bottle of Miralax (8.3 oz, 238 grams) with 64 oz of Gatorade (approx. 8 oz. each 15-30 min. until finished).

• 3 hours before your procedure, drink 1 bottle of magnesium citrate (10 oz).
It may be advisable to schedule colonoscopy in the morning so the patient can have food right after the procedure. The patient must have a responsible driver to accompany him/her home. Once the bowel preparation with Miralax starts, the patient should stay at home in comfortable surroundings with ready access to toilet facilities.

The patient may be asked to skip aspirin and aspirin-like products such as salicylate, ibuprofen, and similar medications for up to ten days before colonoscopy to avoid the risk of bleeding. If a polyp is removed it is usually sent to a lab for a pathology report.

History of Varicose Vein Surgery, Part 1 | Minnesota

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The Origin of the word varicose comes from the Greek word, “grapelike”. It was thought to be first used as a medical description by Hippocrates in 460 BC. For over 2000 years mankind has suffered from varicose veins and has been experimenting with many ways to treat the medical problem. For many people it is also a cosmetic issue. Below is a summary of the history of varicose vein treatments and how they evolved through the years in different parts of the world.

The ancient Egyptians described varicose veins as ‘Serpentine Windings’ which were not to be surgically worked on because patients would be ‘head to the ground’. This was the first written account describing a failed attempt at surgery on varicose veins implying that the use of incisions lead to fatal hemorrhaging.

Hippocrates wrote some of the earliest medical descriptions of varicose veins. The Hippocratic Treatises, written in 460 BC took Varicose Vein treatments one step farther. He did not recommend excision but rather compression following multiple punctures. He also believed in cautery. Paulus Aegineta (AD 625-690) favored ligation of the long saphenous vein 200 years before Trendelenberg.

In a medical treatise De Medicina, a Roman physician named Celcus (25 BC – AD 14) described the ligation and excision surgeries, as well as possible complications. Galen (AD 131 – 201), also provided a description of varicose veins and promoted the use of severing the connection of the arteries to veins in order to reduce pain and avoid spreading gangrene. Celsus and Galen were possibly the first to describe ‘phlebectomies‘, a technique still used today. Celsus made multiple incisions 4 fingerbreadths apart, then touched the vein with cautery, grasped it and extracted as much of the vein as possible, double damping and dividing the vein between ligatures. Galen described making 3-6 incisions with a hook and then bandaging the leg. Roman surgeons used to carry scalpels with blunt handles that could be used for dissecting varicose veins, a procedure that was done without any form of anesthetic.

The Roman Caius Marius, who was known as a tyrant, had the varicose vein surgery of his time. After treatment on one leg he declined surgery on the other leg saying ‘I see the cure is not worth the pain’. Obviously having this surgery without anesthetic was not comfortable by any means for the patient.

Oribasius of Pergamum ( 325-405), a Byzantine physician, devoted 3 chapters of text to varicose veins. He described the details of the surgery for varicose veins of the legs included shaving and bathing the leg, followed by marking with small incisions and excising the varicose veins with 1 or 2 hooks along the leg through the small incision.

Symptoms of Hemorrhoids in Minneapolis

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Every year, thousands of individuals in Minnesota are diagnosed with hemorrhoids. The symptoms caused by hemorrhoids are intermittent and get worse gradually. Most people in the Minneapolis and St. Paul areas often use over-the-counter topical medications to relieve the discomfort from hemorrhoids.

Severe pain is not a common symptom of internal hemorrhoids because internal hemorrhoid happens in the area above the dentate line that is supplied by the visceral nerve, like those found within the intestines, which sense pressure rather than pain.

As the venous complex of an internal hemorrhoid becomes varicose and continues to enlarge, it bulges into the anal canal and loses its normal anchoring, becoming a prolapsing internal hemorrhoid. The prolapsing hemorrhoid usually returns into the anal canal or rectum on its own, or can be pushed back inside using one’s finger, but usually prolapses again after the next bowel movement. In the anal canal, a hemorrhoid is exposed to movement caused by passing stool, particularly hard stools that can cause bleeding and pain. The painless rectal bleeding with bright red blood is a common symptom of internal hemorrhoids. The rectal mucosal lining that has been pulled down secretes mucus and moistens the anus and its surrounding skin, while the stool itself can also leak onto the anal skin. Itchiness often occurs as a result of this dual presence of stool and moisture.

Rectal itching is the among the most common symptoms of all hemorrhoid types in Minnesota, sometimes it could be so intensive that it affects people’s daily life, especially while walking, doing exercise and even sleeping. Itching and scratching can form the vicious cyclic effect and leads to develop a new disease Pruritic Ani (rectal itching).

In general, symptoms of external hemorrhoids are different than those of internal hemorrhoids. External hemorrhoids can be felt as bulges at the anus, but rarely display any of the same symptoms seen with internal hemorrhoids. They will cause problems, however, if the varicose vein complex ruptures, as blood clots occur and build up the pressure inside the lump. This condition, known as thrombosed external hemorrhoid, causes an extremely painful bluish anal lump and often requires medical attention. The somatic nerve in the anal canal (below the dentate line) can sense pain, this is why the patients feel significant pain when they develop thrombosed external hemorrhoids. thrombosed hemorrhoids may heal with scarring and leave a tag of skin protruding from the anus. Occasionally, the tag turns out to be quite large, which can make anal hygiene (cleaning) difficult or irritate the anus.

We encourage the hemorrhoid patients in the Minneapolis and St. Paul areas to seek medical evaluation in specialized clinics once they develop hemorrhoid symptoms. It is easier to treat low grade hemorrhoids earlier than later.

Anti-vasectomy Bills in Some States, not in Minnesota

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In a ploy to get people to take a serious look at the right for a woman to make decisions about her own body, an anti-vasectomy bill was introduced by state representative Yasmin Neal in the early February 2012. She is quoted as saying, “If we legislate women’s bodies, it’s only fair that we legislate men’s,” said Neal, who said she wanted to Write a bill that would generate emotion and conversation the way anti-abortion bills do. “There are too many problems in the state. Why are you under the skirts of women? I’m sure there are other places to be.”
This bill was written in response to a new anti-abortion bill that was introduced in Georgia that contained a prison sentence of 1-10 years for abortions done after 20 weeks of pregnancy. It is currently illegal for abortions to be performed after 20 weeks unless the life or health of the mother will be in jeopardy.

Many people feel that this bill is making light of a very serious topic and are disappointed in the approach of using an anti-vasectomy bill to make a political statement. Even Representative Neal admits that she has no problems with men getting vasectomies. Whether you agree with them or not, you have to admit this is a pretty clever way to make a point. She is definitely getting the attention that she wanted. It is not likely however that this bill will get any serious debate. Other states are also following suit with the same tactic. In the late February, 2012, Rep. Stacey Newman, D-St. Louis, also filed a bill that would prevent men from vasectomies unless needed to avert serious injury or death. We didn’t hear any anti-vasectomy bills in Minnesota.

More People in Minnesota had colonoscopy exam

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More and more adults in their 50s get the colonoscopy screening exam in Minnesota because of public education given by doctors, healthcare systems, media and insurance companies. Having this type of procedure performed at this age is an important part of preventing, diagnosing and treating colon cancer. A family history of colon cancer may trigger your doctor to prescribe the test in your younger years. Colon cancer is a life threatening illness, but it is preventable. A colonoscopy will allow the doctor to see directly into the colon, so that polyps and tumors can be diagnosed and treated early.

A narrow tube with a lighted camera on the end is inserted into the colon. This is usually done under light conscious sedation, so that the patient is comfortable and can be monitored by the doctor. There is debate on the overuse of intravenous sedation in the medical community and insurance companies. More and more doctors are using lighter sedation, and sometimes even no sedation in the selective cases under the patients’ consent.

Doctors will biopsy anything they find suspicious during colonoscopy. Polyps that are detected need to be removed. The specimen is sent to the pathological lab to rule out malignant changes. Colonoscopy also detects the bowel inflammatory disease, gastrointestinal hemorrhages, and diverticulosis as well.

There are complications from a colonoscopy including perforation, bleeding, or the potential for infection, so following doctor’s orders after the procedure is always recommended. Procedure Clinic offers the convenient colonoscopy in the Edina Office with the affordable price and quick recovery.

One Stop Care of Varicose Veins in Minnesota

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Chronic venous disease of the legs is one of the most common conditions affecting people in Minneapolis and St Paul areas. Approximately half of the Minnesota population has venous disease. Of these, 20 to 25% of the women and 10 to 15% of men will have visible varicose veins.

It has been known that 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.

Varicose veins typically appear in the feet, ankles and throughout the legs. They can cause pain, swelling, heaviness, itching and cramps. Most cases in Minnesota do not require immediate medical treatment unless there are serious complications associated with the veins.

Although most cases do not cause discomfort or warrant immediate concern, many people in Minneapolis and St Paul areas are bothered by the unsightly appearance of varicose veins. There are three effective treatment options for 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 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 (EVLA) 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.

Vasectomy in Minneapolis

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With so many options available in terms of birth control for women, many men in Minnesota inquire regarding the availability of other options for male birth control excluding the usual abstinence, condoms, withdrawal before ejaculation, and vasectomy. I would predict that with the fast development of modern medical science in 21th century, just as women do, men will soon be able to simply take a pill to control the release of their sperm.

There are actually much medical research being done in this field; such a market has a high demand. A number of research groups across the globe have tried different alternatives to male birth control. These include injected plugs, heat methods, pharmaceuticals, hormonal therapy, and obstruction of the vas deferens. Despite promising developments, these treatments are experimental , and not approved by FDA , and not worth any potential risks.

Many people in Minneapolis and St Paul areas are still misinformed about vasectomy; it is not as painful and inconveniencing as one may believe. Modern developments in vasectomy have reached a point where a vasectomy can be done in a doctor’s office in less than 20 minutes, using only local anesthesia. The procedure is incredibly simple and pain free- it involves making a small incision in the scrotum, where the vas deferens are severed and prevented from joining back together. Discomfort afterwards is minimal and patients can quickly return to their everyday lives. The patient who gets a “No Scalpel” vasectomy typically feel no change in libido, as vasectomies cause no physical change in sensation, testosterone levels, blood flow to the penis, amount of semen, or satisfaction of an orgasm. The only difference is that the semen has no sperm in it.

Simply put, no scalpel vasectomy is a safe, simple, and convenient method of male birth control with few drawbacks.

Overview of Hemorrhoids in Minneapolis

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Believe it or not, everyone in Minnesota has a normal hemorrhoidal tissue in their rectum and anus. It’s only when your hemorrhoidal veins enlarge and become varicose veins that they’re considered abnormal or diseased.

There are three types of hemorrhoids – internal, external, and mixed hemorrhoids that consist of both internal and external. External hemorrhoids are those that occur outside the anal verge and affect bowel cleansing after one’s bowel movement, causing skin irritation and itching. A thrombosed external hemorrhoid is usually very painful due to rupture of one’s varicose veins, which causes blood clots and is often accompanied with swelling and irritation. These external hemorrhoids are typically treated with either an incision and removal of the clot, or with an external hemorrhoidectomy performed under local anesthesia.

Internal hemorrhoids are graded from I to IV based on the degree of prolapse. Grade I hemorrhoids bulge with defecation; grade II lesions also bulge with defecation, but then recede spontaneously. Grade III hemorrhoids require digital replacement after prolapsing, while grade IV hemorrhoids cannot be replaced once prolapsed. There are many treatment options for internal hemorrhoids that vary based on the severity of each case.

Procedure Clinic serves the entire Twin Cities area with 2 offices in Edina and Shoreview and provides one-stop hemorrhoid care with convenience and affordable charges. Our high quality care has helped thousands of hemorrhoid patients in the Minneapolis and St. Paul areas over the past 10 years.

Vasectomy and Sexual Heath | Minneapolis

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Many men in Minnesota worry about how a vasectomy will affect their sex drive. Will I be able to have an erection, or ejaculate? How will it affect being able to have an orgasm? Will I still have a sex drive? The good news is that there is no relationship between a vasectomy and sex drive because there are no physiological changes that take place during a vasectomy, and the testicles and adrenal glands continue to manufacture testosterone hormone. Testosterone also controls masculinity that is why the sex drive and masculinity are not affected by the surgery, either. It will not interfere with the blood vessels or the nerves that are responsible for having an erection and ejaculation.  Men after vasectomy in Minneapolis and St Paul areas will still have the same ability to maintain an erection and reach the orgasm.  The color and consistency of the semen after vasectomy are not changed since the semen mainly comes from the prostrate and seminal vesicles which are not affected by the vasectomy.

It takes a few months of testing to determine that there are no more sperm present in the semen. Once that is established couples do not have to worry about using another method of birth control.  It has been reported by both men and women that their sex life improved after a vasectomy, most of the vasectomy patients in Procedure Clinic reported similar results. There is no more anxiety over an unplanned pregnancy and the sex drive has not decreased.

Besides the initial mild swelling and aching right after no scalpel vasectomy, most men recover very quickly and return to work in a few days. Very few men in Minnesota may experience occasional mild aching in their testicles during sexual intercourse within a few months of vasectomy.

What a vasectomy does is prevent the sperm from being able to fertilize an egg. A man will no longer be able to father a child. Since a vasectomy is more of a permanent form of sterilization, it should be seriously and thoroughly discussed between husband and wife and medical professionals in the initial counseling, and all concerns such as; lowered sex drive, any pain related to the surgery, and reversibility, should be addressed.

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