surgery

Benefits and Risks of Medical Interventions

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An interesting article titled “Reaping the Benefits and Avoiding the Risks: UnrealisticOptimism in the Health Domain,” by Hanoch et al. in Risk Analysis, Oct. 4 2018, discusses how people may not be able to accurately perceive the risks and benefits associated with medical interventions. The article looked at 373 adults ages 19 to 76 from the U.S. The participants were asked five scenarios focused only on the benefits. Participants were asked to imagine their doctor had recommended some treatment, this included a drug, dental surgery, ear surgery, kidney operation, or to take a new medication. The participants were also asked to imagine that their doctor had recommended a treatment for a flu (a drug), a life threatening illness (a drug), a fall (knee surgery), depression (anti-depression medication), and a heart problem (heart bypass surgery). The article states the patients were … Read more

4 Serious Infections You Can Pick Up in Hospital

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A common concern from patients who are undergoing surgery is the risk of infection at the site of their surgery, particularly caused by bacteria that are commonly found in hospitals. While hospitals and operating theatres are kept spotlessly clean to an obsessive level and the risk of these infections is very low and made even lower by proper post-operative wound care, knowing about the common ones and how to spot them can be beneficial. Even if you do happen to pick up a bacterial infection, they are almost always easily treatable, apart from these few which might mean a longer hospital stay. Royalty Free Photo Staphylococcus Aureus The staph infection is one of, if not the most notorious hospital-acquired infections on this list. You might be surprised to learn that about one-third of us actually carry the Staphylococcus Aureus bacteria … Read more

What is Kratom and Is It Legal in San Diego?

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Kratom is a tropical tree whose consumption is expected to leave mind-altering effects on its users. The media describes it as a natural, mild, pleasant, and a solution for opioid addiction. Opioid addiction after wisdom teeth removal has been discussed before, see for example the post Persistent Opioid Use After Wisdom Teeth Removal. Even though kratom has benefits, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has warned consumers about its harmful and deadly risks. The FDA believes it is as dangerous as heroin, LSD, marijuana, and ecstasy. Furthermore, the treatment for this substance should be taken as serious as other addictive opioids. Why is Kratom Growing in Popularity? Kratom, also known as Mitragyna Speciosa, is native to Southeast Asia. Farmers and rubber trappers used to consume Kratom to seek additional energy. Some people have suggested that it may improve the feeling of well-being, … Read more

Take Me Out! A Brief Guide to Tooth Extraction – Infographic

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Extraction is usually the agreed upon option for teeth which have become damaged or decayed where they are no longer reparable. Extraction is also worth considering if your mouth is overcrowded or to reduce the risk of infection if your immune system has been compromised from receiving chemotherapy or an organ transplant. Tooth extraction or tooth removal is generally considered safe and any respectable dentist will be able to put the patient at ease prior to surgery. Patients who are especially apprehensive will be given a sedative to ease their nerves before the dentist administers anesthetic to the area surrounding the tooth that will be extracted. The entire procedure is carried out with great care and intricacy by a dental professional who considers the patient’s health a priority, so you can rest assured that the entire operation will be seamless. Prior to … Read more

Should bilateral inferior alveolar and lingual nerve blocks be given for wisdom teeth surgery?

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An interesting article titled “Should we be giving bilateral inferior alveolar and lingual nerve blocks for third molar surgery,” appears in the British Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and written by J. Jabbar and et al. (2014, vol. 52, pp. 16-17). The article discusses how when someone is having their wisdom teeth extracted they are usually given general anesthesia and 2 inferior alveolar nerve blocks or local anesthesia in one or two visits. The authors feel there is controversy over whether 2 inferior alveolar nerve blocks should be given to patients in a single visit. The authors say the most common complications thought to be associated with bilateral inferior alveolar nerve blocks are injury to the tongue during anesthesia, unpleasant effects, loss of control of the tongue, and bilateral anaesthesia of the tongue, which can lead to collection of fluid in the oral cavity and aspiration. The authors mention a few past … Read more