ALL PROCEDURES
Santé Surgi-Centre offers a wide variety of procedures in dentistry, cosmetic surgery, orthopaedic, general surgery, and pain management.
VEIN TREATMENTS
What are Varicose Veins?
Veins and arteries, while both part of the circulatory system, function quite differently from each other. “Poor circulation” is a nonspecific term which often refers to arterial blockages. Arteries bring oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the extremities and can be thought of like a tube or hose. Veins, unlike arteries, have one-way valves and channel oxygen-depleted blood back toward the heart. If the valves of the veins don’t function well, blood doesn’t flow efficiently. The veins become enlarged because they are congested with blood. These enlarged veins are commonly spider veins or varicose veins. Spider veins are small red, blue or purple veins on the surface of the skin. Varicose veins are larger distended veins that are located somewhat deeper than spider veins.
Pain in legs is frequently related to abnormal leg veins. Symptoms often made worse by prolonged standing, including feelings of fatigue, heaviness, aching, burning, throbbing, itching, cramping, and restlessness of the legs. Leg swelling can occur. Severe varicose veins can comprise the nutrition of the skin and lead to eczema, inflammation or even ulceration of the lower leg.
Vein disorders are not always visible; diagnostic techniques are important tools in determining the cause and severity of the problem. In addition to a physical examination, non-invasive ultrasound is often used.
What Causes Varicose Veins?
Heredity is the number one contributing factors causing varicose and spider veins. Women are more likely to suffer from abnormal leg veins. Up to 50% of American women may be affected. Hormonal factors including puberty, pregnancy, menopause, the use of birth control pills, estrogen, and progesterone affect the disease. It is very common for pregnant women to develop varicose veins during the first trimester. Pregnancy causes increases in hormone levels and blood volume which in turn cause veins to enlarge. In addition, the enlarged uterus causes increased pressure on the veins. Varicose veins due to pregnancy often improve within 3 months after delivery. However, with successive pregnancies, abnormal veins are more likely to remain. Other predisposing factors include aging, standing occupations, obesity and leg injury.
When and How are the Veins Treated?
The most commonly asked questions are: “Do veins require treatment?” and “What treatment is best?” Veins that are cosmetically unappealing or cause pain or other symptoms are prime candidates for treatment. There are two general treatment options: conservative measures, such as compression stockings, and corrective measures such as sclerotherapy, surgery and light source/laser treatment. In some cases, a combination of treatment methods works best.
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SCLEROTHERAPY
Sclerotherapy involves the injection of special medications into varicose veins which cause irritation of the inner walls resulting in collapse and permanent closure of these veins. The majority of varicose veins can be treated by sclerotherapy. Even the saphenous veins may be removed by this method. Sclerotherapy is done in the surgical centre and does not require loss of time from work or other activities. It does not entail anesthesia and there is no scarring.
Following images: (top) ultrasound guided sclerotherapy; (middle) sclerosing agent injected in vein; (bottom) vein begins to disappear.
What can I expect from Sclerotherapy?
Sclerotherapy requires several treatment sessions, depending on your individual needs. Each session takes about one hour and involves from 5 to 40 injections, according to the size and number or veins. Most patents find the injections minimally uncomfortable – like a pin prick. Bruising is normal and will fade in 2-3 weeks. There is no need for time off work and moderate exercise is encouraged following treatment. Compression stockings are worn for 7 days during the day following sclerotherapy treatment.
Are there any complications?
When larger veins are injected, it is fairly common to develop a firm, tender cord or lumps along the vein. This is normal and simply indicated the vein has responded to the injections. Occasionally, a brownish pigmentation may develop in the skin overlying a treated vein. This gradually fades over a period of several months, but in unusual instances, some discoloration remains. There are several rare but potentially serious complications. As with the use of any medication, allergic reactions can occur, ranging from a slight rash or itch to a severe systemic reaction. There have vein occasional reports of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism in the medical literature. It is remotely possible to inject an artery or infuse medication outside a vein. This can result in a skin ulcer or loss of tissue with resultant scarring.
Your first visit or consultation
At your consultation a Registered Nurse will take a general health history from you along with your blood pressure and leg measurements. Pictures of your legs will also be taken for your record. The doctor will then examine your legs from groin to toes. A full duplex ultrasound of both of your legs will be done by the physician and then finally, the diagnosis of your problem will be reviewed with you and your treatment plan will be discussed.
Will the Varicose Veins recur?
The veins treated by sclerotherapy are destroyed and cannot reappear again unless the treatment has been incomplete. However, sclerotherapy cannot alter your inherited tendency to form new varicosities.
How will the blood circulate?
Many patients ask how the blood will get back to the heart after the veins have been closed by sclerotherapy. In fact, 90% of our blood return is handled by the deep venous system, which is never treated. Only the superficial veins, which carry 10% of the blood, can become varicosed. Moreover, varicose veins are not functioning properly so the blood has already found other veins to circulate through.
Helpful hints for treatment:
Before Treatment:
- avoid aspirin for one week to reduce bruising
- do not wax or shave your legs the day or treatment
- avoid using skin lotion prior to treatment (tape will not stick)
- remember to bring your support hose
- re-schedule if ill with fever or taking antibiotics
- avoid injections for two weeks period prior to vacation or travel
- eat regular meals to prevent feeling faint
After Treatment:
- wear support hose for 5 to 7 days
- walk for 10 minutes immediately following the injections
- walk or exercise regularly between treatments but avoid high impact exercise for 3 days
- elevate your legs for 10 minutes immediately following the injections
- if legs are uncomfortable, walk for 20 minutes, then elevate
- drink 6 – 8 glasses of water daily
- avoid sun tanning and hot baths in the week after treatment
- apply ice to lumpy, healing veins if tender
- if you have concerns, including pain, swelling, rash or hives call the office at (403(580-3545.
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ECHOSCLEROTHERAPY
Ultrasound guided sclerotherapy, also known as echo-sclerotherapy, is used to treat veins that are difficult to see and reach. By using an ultrasound machine, deeper veins are easier to visualize, dramatically lowering the need for surgery. This technique is appropriate for veins buried deep below the skin and for veins that recur after surgery.
A medication (sclerosant), which closes the insufficient vein, will be carefully injected and monitored on the ultrasound screen. You will be asked to wear compression stockings for one week following the treatment to provide compression to assist in the collapse of the vein network. Success rates are high, but in some cases, a second injection will be needed at a later date. If a second injection does not close the vein, surgery will be recommended.
Possible Side Effects:
- The most common complication is an inflammation of the injected vein. It usually appears the first week and consists of a hard, tender cord along the injected site. The pain is usually minor and is relieved by the application of ice and the use of support stockings.
- There is always the possibility of an allergic reaction. This rare complication may range from a slight tingling sensation with red blotches on the skin to an anaphylactic reaction.
- Rare cases of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolus can occur (<0.1% and 0.01% respectively)
- There are 2 other rare accidental complications that may arise from the sclerosing agent spilling in to the subcutaneous tissue, or introduced into an artery. Both will result in an ulcer that will eventually leave a scar. Permanent muscle damage is remotely possible. Feel free to call us with any concerns.
Return Visits:
You will need to come for a re-assessment of the vein after approximately four weeks. An ultrasound will determine how well the veins responded to treatment. There is no fee for this recheck, however, if a second treatment is required, the usual fee would apply.
Pre-Echosclerotherapy Information
- Prior to the echosclerotherapy session, it is necessary to treat smaller veins with a dilute solution of medication to be sure the patient will not have an allergic reaction. This set of injections is done on a separate date.
- You must have a medium strength pair of support stockings to wear home after the procedure.
- The procedure itself takes 20-30 minutes, however scanning and bandaging add on time, so plan to be at the clinic for 60 minutes.
- Try to avoid aspirin for 1 week prior to the procedure.
- Eat a good breakfast!
- Stand as much as you can the day of the procedure so your veins are easier to visualize. You may also want to stop wearing your support stockings a couple of days before the procedure.
- Bring a pair of shorts to wear at the clinic, and some comfortable loose clothing for your travel home.
- Long distance auto or air travel should be avoided for 4 weeks after your treatment.
- You must notify us 48 hours in advance of an appointment change.
Post Echosclerotherapy Instructions
- You will be asked to go for a walk for 30-60 minutes right after your echosclerotherapy treatment.
- Any leg discomfort should respond to leg elevation, leg exercise or ibuprofen.
- If there is localized tenderness or lumpiness in the treated vein, apply ice for 15 minutes, four times a day.
- At any time, if you are having more than mild discomfort, the clinic may be contacted.
- Wear your compression stocking for the first 24 hours and then during the day for the next 6 days.
- Exercise for 60 minutes each day until your next appointment.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q:
How much will treatment cost?
A: Treatment costs vary from patient to patient, depending on the extent of the vein problem that you have. Following your assessment by Dr. Wardell, a treatment plan will be tailor made to your specific problem and needs. At your initial consultation, Dr. Wardell will review your history, do a detailed venous examination and discuss the reasons you are seeking treatment.
Q:
What can I do to prevent varicose veins?
A:
- Seek prompt treatment for your varicose and spider veins as they appear. Early intervention can delay progression of varicose disease and the complications of varicose veins.
- Wear support stockings – especially if you spend a lot of time sitting or standing.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
Q:
Should I seek treatment before pregnancy or wait until I have had my family?
A: Do not postpone treatment of varicose or spider veins. The elevated hormones of pregnancy can aggravate venous leg pain and worsen pre-existing varicose veins. It is wise to obtain treatment before you become pregnant. This way you can delay the progression of your vein problem and the onset of complications.
We can also help you with advice regarding leg care during and after pregnancy.
Q:
Do men get varicose veins? Do they come for treatment?
A: Absolutely! Varicose veins are hereditary in many cases or related to standing occupations. Thus, they affect both men and women. Unfortunately, in the past, men were less likely to seek treatment. This is changing as men become more aware of the complications associated with varicose veins such as pain, swelling, bleeding, inflammation, ulcers and even blood clots. Frequently, men are also embarrassed about the appearance of their veins.
Q:
Does treatment make sense for elderly people?
A: Yes. A reduction in activity as we age leads to pooling of blood in the veins. Thus, older people are more likely to experience the long-term complications of varicose veins. Timely treatment will help prevent these complications.
Q:
Are there any complications?
A: When larger veins are injected, it is fairly common to develop a firm, tender cord or lumps along the vein. This is normal and simply indicates the vein has responded to the injection. Occasionally, a brownish pigmentation may develop in the skin overlying a treated vein. This gradually fades over a period of several months, but in unusual instances, some discoloration remains. There are several rare but potentially serious complications. As with the use of any medication, allergic reactions can occur, ranging from a slight rash or itch to a severe systemic reaction. There have been occasional reports of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism in the medical literature. It is remotely possible to inject an artery or infuse medication outside a vein. This can result in a skin ulcer or loss of tissue with resultant scarring.
Q:
Will the varicose veins recur?
A: The veins treated by sclerotherapy are destroyed and cannot reappear again unless the treatment has been incomplete. However, sclerotherapy cannot alter your inherited tendency to form new varicosities.
Q:
How will the blood circulate?
A: Many patients ask how the blood will get back to the heart after the veins have been closed by sclerotherapy. In face, 90% of our blood return is handled by the deep venous system, which is never treated. Only the superficial veins, which carry 10% of the blood, can become varicosed. Moreover, varicose veins are not functioning properly so that the blood has already found other veins to circulate through.
The EVLT Procedure
The latest and most promising therapy for varicose veins is Endovenous Laser Therapy (EVLT). It is an advanced, imaging-guided technique used to treat varicose veins resulting from a build up of back pressure due to leaky valves.
A catheter bearing a laser fiber is inserted under ultrasound guidance into the long saphenous vein through a small puncture at the level of the knee. The catheter is then advanced (also under ultrasound guidance) to the level of the groin. Local anesthetic is delivered around the entire length of vein to be treated (tumescent anesthesia). The laser fiber is then activated resulting in obliteration of the saphenous vein. As the laser is activated, the resulting heat at the tip produces a reaction in the walls of the vein, causing them to stick together. The varicosities associated with this vein then disappear as blood from the lower leg reroutes through the deeper circulation. The catheter is then slowly withdrawn and the saphenous vein is sealed along its entire length.
Foam sclerosant may be added through the catheter as required to treat large side branches.
Endovenous Laser Therapy is performed at Sante Surgi Centre in our procedure room under local anesthesia. This technique, which requires only a small nick in the skin at the level of the knee, takes about an hour to complete. Patients walk out under their own power and can usually return to work the next day.
A compression stocking is applied which must be worn for a full 7 days continuously (day and night). Following the first 7 days a compression stocking must be worn for 5 weeks during the day.
The reported success rate for EVLT in the treatment of varicose veins is over 95%.
Following Endovenous Laser Therapy, patients can expect to recover quickly. There may be minor discomfort or “tightness” along the course of the treated vein for 2 or 3 weeks. Minor bruising is not uncommon, but usually clears quite quickly (within 1 to 2 weeks). Post-procedure pain is much less than comparable surgery.
EVLT treats the main superficial veins. Most visible varicose veins are branches of these main veins. Following EVLT it may take 6 to 8 weeks for these branches to shrink and in many cases disappear completely. After 8 weeks troublesome remaining branches may require ultrasound guided sclerotherapy. At Sante Surgi Centre, we typically use a combination of EVLT and foam sclerotherapy (administered at the same time as EVLT) to maximize the chance of a successful result. Three additional follow-up foam sclerotherapy session are included with Endovenous Laser Therapy at Sante Surgi Centre.
Advantages of EVLT can be summarized as early recovery and less pain, no general anesthetic required, few or no scars, high success rate and low complication rate.
Disadvantages of EVLT are that it is not covered by provincial health insurance plans and long term success rates are unknown (though to date EVLT appears to be as good as if not superior to surgery).
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Frequently Asked Questions:
Q:
How do I get to Sante Surgi Centre?
A: Sante Surgi Centre is located at 1424 Southview Drive SE (Suite #107) in Medicine Hat Alberta. There is plenty of parking located on site.
Q:
What will happen during my consultation?
A: Following a thorough medical history, you will have a physical exam and complete ultrasound for evaluation of your leg veins. Digital photographs of your leg veins may be taken. The doctor will then discuss treatment options with you.
Q:
How long will my EVLT treatment take?
A: EVLT treatment of a single leg typically takes about an hour. Occasionally, the procedure may last a little longer or shorter depending on the length of vein requiring treatment and other technical factors.
Q:
What happens after EVLT?
A: Walking immediately after the procedure is encouraged. Normal daily activity can be resumed immediately. Vigorous physical activity such as working out or playing spots can usually be resumed within a week.
Following treatment, you will be required to wear a compression stocking day and night for 7 days. This helps the treated vein to seal properly. You will then be required to wear the compression stocking while you are up and active during the day for another five weeks. However, you may take the stocking off to shower or to go to bed.
Q:
Can I drive immediately after EVLT?
A: No. If you are undergoing EVLT you should come with someone to drive you home since you may have received some mild sedation and will require some time to become accustomed to the compression stocking and bandages.
Q:
What do I need to bring?
A: For your initial consultation, you should bring accurate lists of current medications and dosages as well as lists of allergies. These form a part of our record should you require further treatment.
Q:
What about bathing and showering?
A: For the first 7 days (while the compression stocking is on) you should avoid getting the treated leg(s) wet. Careful sponge bathing is probably the best way to steer clear of soaking the compression stocking. Once you are no longer wearing the compression stocking during the day (i.e. after the first 7 days), you may bathe and shower normally.
Q:
How successful is EVLT?
A: EVLT is a new therapy and data is still being gathered. Initial experience suggests that EVLT will have a success rate of over 95% (equal or better than surgical ligation).
Q:
Is EVLT covered by AHC?
A: AHC does not cover EVLT, routine or ultrasound guided sclerotherapy laser or other cosmetic treatment of varicose veins.
Q:
How much does EVLT cost?
A: The price for a cosmetic venous consult (including ultrasound evaluation) is $75.00. This cost will be deducted from any vein treatment you receive at Sante Surgi Centre within 90 days.
The price for EVLT starts at $2200.00 for one leg and $4000.00 for both legs when performed at the same time.
At Sante Surgi Centre, EVLT includes micro foam injection of the treated leg(s) at the time of EVLT as well as up to three follow-up micro foam sclerotherapy treatments.
We accept Interac, Visa, American Express or Mastercard payment.
EVLT is a tax-deductible medical procedure in Canada.
Financing is available through Medicard.
Your choice... Fixed, equal monthly payments or Credit Card ... So easy!
More people throughout Canada prefer Medicard to finance their procedures.
Medicard is accepted across Canada for:
- Cosmetic Treatments
- Plastic Surgery
- Laser Eye Surgery
- Hair Restoration
- Orthodontics
- Dentistry
- Infertility
- Diagnostic
- Veterinary Treatments
- and more...
Medicard's financing programs ensure that you don't delay your treatment due to cost concerns by offering you a variety of financing terms with convenient monthly payments.
We will pay your doctor or service provider in full now and you can repay us in affordable monthly payments.
Visit the Medicard Website to find out more about Medicard and how to apply
(Note: Medicard will open in a new browser, Santé Surgi Centre is not affiliated with Medicard in any way other than we accept Medicard as a form of payment) |
COMPRESSION THERAPY
As part of our complete health approach to vein care, we professionally measure each of our clients for compression stockings. All of our staff are professionally certified fitters. Stockings are an integral part of treatment here at Santé Vein Clinic.
We carry a complete line of Sigvaris compression stockings to suit your lifestyle. Our stockings come in many different colors and styles. We have socks, pantyhose, thigh highs in cottons, sheer and our new ultra sheer line.
WHY WEAR STOCKINGS?
Our stockings help by compensating for the weak valves in our legs. They will stimulate the muscles in your legs to push the blood more efficiently back towards the heart. This improves circulation and helps prevent the back flow of blood through the vein.
Benefits
- Helps prevent DVT or “Economy Class Syndrome” while traveling
- Improves the effectiveness of your vein treatment by 25% or more
- Improves circulation
- Helps prevent symptoms of aching, heavy, tired throbbing legs
- Helps prevent the recurrence of further varicose and spider veins
Before and After Photos
(NOTE: These photos depict actual results in selected cases. Your results may vary)
1 week after EVLT® only
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4 weeks after EVLT® only
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After EVLT® and Sclerotherapy
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4 weeks after EVLT® only
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INTERVENTIONAL PAIN MANAGEMENT
Definition of Interventional Pain Management and Nerve Block Services
- Diagnostic and therapeutic nerve block service.
- Objective assessment of physiological mechanisms and location underlying a patient’s pain.
- Diagnosis of pathways by which pain is transmitted.
- Review current drug therapy and suggest alternatives or modifications.
- Review and/or order further investigations (lab, radiographic, electrodiagnostic, MRI scans, etc.)
- Initiate further consultation with clinical sub-specialties if required (e.g. physician or therapist).
- Diagnostic and Therapeutic Surgical Procedures:
- Epidural blocks (translaminar)
- Myofascial pain (trigger point injection, Botox A or prolotherapy)
- Herpes Zoster and postherpetic neuralgia
- Complex Regional Pain Syndromes (RSD and Causalgia)
- Pain due to trauma or malignancy
Suggested Sites for Information:
www.spinalinjection.com
www.paindoctor.com
www.domsonline.org
www.pain.com
www.whiplash101.com
Why do I need a Pain Block (nerve block)?
Introduction:
A pain or nerve block is a method by which pain can be controlled through the use of a local anesthetic very similar to a “dental freezing” it is possible to provide a numbing effect to the painful area. The injection may in itself cause some discomfort during the injection and is no different from the expected discomfort after having received “dental freezing”. By and large, the pain block is not particularly painful during the first two to six hours after it has taken. After the freezing has worn off, one can experience some discomfort for a period of hour to a few days. In many instances such as chronic pain, the painful site and accompanying nerve pathways are sensitized so that it is not unusual for the injection to cause discomfort for a slightly longer period of time than would normally be anticipated.
Local Anaesthetic Effects:
There are a number of different local anaesthetics all of which have different lengths of time that they produce their numbing effect. With this knowledge, it is possible to sort out the characteristics of the pain causing structures and to calculate the most reasonable sites or origins of the pain. At the time of the first visit or consultation, information is taken with respect to the history of the problem, findings on the physical examination and the available imaging or X-ray studies that have been performed. After reviewing this information, there are certain factors that are considered important in the decision to perform a nerve block. One of the most important factors in considering the nerve block is that the discomfort is fairly well localized and accessible through an injection.
Side Effects:
Although there are certain side effects of the injection itself, these are uncommon and easily treated. Although uncommon or rare, some of these side effects might include infection, bleeding, prolonged nerve block, nerve damage or allergic reaction. Should the injection inadvertently gain access to an artery, it is possible to experience a brief seizure-like disorder which is self limited and relatively well treated. One of the most common side effects is a simple faint which again is self limited.
Monitoring the Response:
It is important to monitor the effects of the nerve block and you keeping a simple diary of how the nerve block influences your pain or more accurately through the use of a specific pain diary can do this. Since each individual patient has different ideas as to what their personal pain diary should be, we believe that a standardized diary is more appropriate and have devised a simple way of monitoring your pain in order that we better understand the effects of the pain or nerve block. You will be provided with this diary and instructed either by the physicians or nursing staff as to how this document should be filled out. If there are any questions, please do not hesitate to call the clinic for clarifications.
Conclusion:
We would like to emphasize that the pain or nerve block is not necessarily a permanent solution to your painful condition. Although certain medications can be injected along with the local anesthetic blocks, they may not necessarily result in complete resolution of the pain condition. If there are more permanent methods in treating your pain condition, this will be discussed with you by the physicians.
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DENTISTRY
Dental procedures currently performed at Santé Surgical Centre are:
- Diagnostic
- Endodontics
- General (caries, repair, crown)
- Minor oral surgery
- Pedodontics
- Peridontal procedures
- Prosthodontics
- Placement or removal of prosthesis
- Placement of fixed prosthesis
- Restorative dentistry
- Root - Multiple
- Root - Resection
- Root - Single
Santé Surgi Centre provides a facility for Regional Dentists and Visiting Specialists to provide Dental Services to their clients and referred Clients. Currently Santé Surgical Centre has 22 Dentists with active priveleges in Dental Surgery.
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ORTHOPAEDIC SURGERY
Orthopaedic surgery is surgery for bones, joints, tendons and ligaments. Santé Surgi-Centre surgeons have a range of orthopaedic sub-specialties including joint replacement, sports medicine, and upper extremity surgery.
Some of the more common orthopaedic surgeries performed at Santé Surgi-Centre in Medicine Hat, Alberta include:
- Knee Arthroscopy
- Meniscal repair (knee)
- ACL reconstruction (knee)
- Rotator cuff repair
- Shoulder arthroscopy
- Bankart repair (shoulder)
- Hand surgery (see also Plastic Surgery)
Resources
For more information on arthoscopy click here.
For more information on ACL injuries and repair click here.
For more information on meniscal tears and repairs click here.
For more information on rotator cuff repairs click here.
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PLASTIC AND RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY
Plastic surgery goes beyond cosmetic surgery and includes cranial facial, reconstructive, and hand surgery.Santé Surgi-Centre surgeons have sub-specialties in many areas of plastic surgery. Some of the more common plastic surgery procedures performed at ASCV include:
- Carpel tunnel
- Trigger finger release
- Nerve repairs
- Scar revisions
- Extensor tendon injuries
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GENERAL SURGERY
Hernia Procedures
What is a Hernia?
A hernia is a protrusion of an organ or tissue through an abnormal opening in the body. Most hernias occur when a piece of intestine slips through a weakness in the abdominal wall, creating a bulge you can see and feel. Hernias can develop around the naval, in the groin, or any place where you may have had a surgical incision. It can be congenital (at birth), others develop slowly over a period of months or years or a traumatic origin.
Hernia repair is one of the most common surgical procedures performed. Every year, over one half million North Americans undergo surgery for the treatment of this problem.
The most common of all hernias, the inguinal, occurs in the groin area. Protrusions elsewhere on the abdominal wall are called femoral and umbilical hernias. Highest up of all is the hiatal hernia, which occurs when part of the stomach pushes through the diaphragm separating the chest and the abdomen.
Four different types of hernias account for almost 100% of the hernias required by surgeons:
TYPE |
|
|
|
Inguinal |
Groin |
93% |
Fascia |
Incisional |
Entire Abdomen |
5% |
Fascia |
Ventral/Umbilical |
Upper Abdomen |
1% |
Fascia |
Open Hernia Repair (Herniorrhaphy, Hernioplasty)
For open hernia repair surgery, an incision is made in the groin area. If the hernia is bulging out of the abdominal wall, the bulge is pushed back into place. If the hernia is going down the inguinal canal, the hernia sac is tied off and removed or pushed back.
The weak spot in the muscle wall (where the hernia bulges through) traditionally has been repaired by sewing the edges of healthy muscle tissue together (herniorrhaphy). This is appropriate for smaller hernias that have been present since birth and for healthy tissues, where it is possible to use stitches without adding stress on the tissue. The surgical approach varies, depending on the area of muscle wall to be repaired and the surgeon’s preference.
Often mesh patches of synthetic material are sewn over the weakened area in the abdominal wall after the hernia is pushed back into place. The patch decreases the tension on the weakened abdominal wall. This may reduce the risk a hernia will recur.
Dr. Witzke, a general surgeon, takes a special interest being on the forefront of new technologies in this area.
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HAIR TRANSPLANTS
What treatments are available for Hair Restoration?
Male pattern baldness is an inherited trait affecting to some degree, approximately 90% of all men. For 2 out of 3 men, this type of hair loss is significant enough to cause concern. Up to half of all women may also experience similar hair loss. Stress, infection, disease, or medications may also cause hair loss, which is usually temporary. For the men and women with noticeable natural hair loss, there is only one permanent solution: to grow back your own hair naturally, through hair transplantation.
Is Hair Transplant Surgery Painful?
Hair restoration is a safe, pain-free, minor surgical procedure performed in our office. The donor site area, as well as the recipient area, is numbed with tumescent anaesthesia. This consists of a mixture of medications that numb the area for a number of hours and constrict the vessels reducing the possibility of bleeding and bruising. Most patients are pleasantly surprised at how little discomfort is felt during the procedure. The majority of our patients do not require pain relievers the next day or in the following days although Tylenol 3 is usually prescribed.
What is involved in the surgery?
A strip of hair bearing skin is taken from the lower back of the head. The hair in this area is genetically programmed to be life permanent and therefore is not affected by hormones. The tissue is divided into micro-grafts: follicular units that contain 1-5 hairs. The micro-grafts are implanted one by one into tiny openings in the scalp. Follicular units of 1 or 2 hair follicles are inserted toward the front of the balding area to produce a natural hairline, with units of 3-5 follicles inserted behind to create density. This revolutionary technique allows the hair to be placed more evenly and densely, which is critical in achieving a more natural appearance and a fuller head of hair.
What happens after surgery?
For the first 12 hours (overnight), there will be a bandage around the head and it will be removed the next morning. Small scabs will remain for 7-10 days. Some patients may choose to cover the area with a cap at work or when they go out. When the small scabs fall off, often the implanted hair will also fall out. The freshly implanted grafts will be pink and slightly shiny. Pre-existing hair around or adjacent to the transplanted grafts may shed, giving a thinner look, but will begin to grow back within a few months. This temporary thinning of pre-existing hair is called Telagen Effluvia. Unfortunately, there is a time lag between this increased thinning of pre-existing hair and re-growth of transplanted hair, so do not be alarmed if this happens. Hair will grow.
How long does it take the transplanted hair to grow?
Usually it takes 3-6 months for the hair to grow. After that, it will grow about half an inch per month, which is the same rate as the hair in the donor area. Initial hair quality is usually quite thin; softer in texture like baby hair, becoming stronger over time. Sometimes the initial hair is curlier and it may even be darker. Expect to see optimal results in 9-12 months.
How many sessions of surgery will I need?
If you have a completely bald area, it may take 2-3 surgeries to fill in the area. The time between each session is usually 1 year in order to see how the hair is growing out and to provide more equal distribution. Correct evaluation and estimation is possible after a personal consultation.
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SANTÉ SURGICAL CENTRE
#107 1424 Southview Dr
Medicine Hat, AB
(403) 580-3545
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