Mathematician Joseph Teran says that virtual operations will allow surgeons to know which errors they may commit, and thus reduce the risk of such errors during actual operations.

“You can fail spectacularly with no consequences when you use a simulator and then learn from your mistakes. If you make errors, you can undo them — just as if you`re typing in a Word document and you make a mistake, you undo it. Starting over is a big benefit of the simulation,” he said.

“Surgical simulation is coming, there is no question about it. It`s a cheaper alternative to cadavers and a safer alternative to patients,” he added.

Teran revealed that for making virtual surgery a reality, it would be important to create the three-dimensional digital doubles of patients by scanning them, when they come for a procedure.

He said, “I mean a digital double — you on the computer, including your internal organs. The surgeon first does surgery on the virtual you. With a simulator, a surgeon can practice a procedure tens or hundreds of times. You could have a patient in a small town scanned while a surgeon hundreds or thousands of miles away practices the surgery. The patient then flies out for the surgery. We have to solve mathematical algorithms so what the surgeon does on the computer mimics real life.”

It takes about six to nine months to create 3-D doubles of 20 people presently. In future, Teran says, the technique will be fast enough to complete this task in minutes.

“In the future, one person will be able to do it in minutes. It`s going to happen, and it will allow surgeons to make fewer mistakes on actual patients. The only limiting factor is the complexity of the geometry involved. We`re working on that. Our job as applied mathematicians is to make these technologies increasingly viable,” he said.

He thinks that the virtual surgery will particularly be helpful with new kinds of surgeries.

“A virtual surgery cannot be a cartoon. It has to be biologically accurate. A virtual double needs to be really you,” said Teran.

He will organize a virtual surgery workshop that will take place at the university from January 7 to 11 as part of the Institute for Pure and Applied Mathematics.

With cosmetic surgery’s recent gain in popularity, many people are looking into having procedures of their own. Whether they’ve seen someone on TV or on line that has had fabulous cosmetic surgery done, or if they just wonder what they’d look like with some cosmetic enhancement, people are flocking to surgeons for consultations. One of the big obstacles to deciding on a procedure is knowing what you’ll look like when it’s been completed. That’s where some new technology comes in.

Virtual cosmetic surgery is a new type of computer assisted imaging technology that allows prospective cosmetic surgery patients a glimpse of the future. By taking a picture of a patient (either with a digital camera, or scanning a photo into a computer), these virtual cosmetic surgery programs have the ability to show patients what they may look like after surgery. Gone are the days of wondering whether you’d look better with larger breasts or a smaller nose, you can see a mock up of the way you’d look ahead of time.

These computer programs use cutting edge technology, which is commonly known as morphing, to change a digital image of the patient into a new image, with the aftereffects of the surgery added in. While these high tech programs were once only available at expensive, high level cosmetic surgery offices, today there are versions of virtual cosmetic surgery programs available for download on the Internet – and some of them are even free.

There are some warnings that should be thought of before using virtual cosmetic surgery, however. It can’t show you the exact way you will look after a procedure, such as rhinoplasty or breast augmentation. While it can give you a rough estimate, each surgery is different, so you can’t predict how every body will react to each procedure. The program’s accuracy will also depend on the clarity of the digital image you use. Finally, the more detailed and expensive the program, usually the better results you’ll obtain from it.

It is claimed that there is little pain in the sinuplasty procedure. I personally have had two sinus operation, and the pain and discomfort involved in each was substantial. After the first operation my nose was “packed”. That is, a large amount of gauze was placed in each nostril to stop bleeding and help start the healing process. Thus, all breathing has to be done through the mouth for the week or so that the gauze stays in the nose. It is very difficult to eat like this, because one cannot swallow food and breathe at the same time. Removing the gauze was another painful experience. The ENT specialist said that “this will feel like I’m pulling your brains out”. He was right, and that is exactly what it felt like. With regard to pain, I feel that I’m willing to tolerate it if going through the pain will accomplish something. In the case of my two sinus operations, I was still coming down with infections afterwards, so all the pain was really for nothing.

There are no long-term, scientific studies yet to show how effective the operation is. Several are under way, however, and it will be interesting to see the results. One study of 100 patients is due to be released in September, and another with 80 participants should be released subsequently. I personally don’t recommend sinus surgery to people because it seems that even if there are positive results, they only last a short time. I’ve heard of people having had 4 or 5 sinus operations, and one wonders what operation number 5 might accomplish that numbers 1-4 did not. The anecdotal stories of people who had suffered from chronic sinusitis and tried sinuplasty are encouraging, however. The ABC evening news ran a story about the procedure not long ago, and they interviewed a person who said her results were immediate and excellent. In any case I would recommend trying pulsating nasal irrigation with a saline solution before any surgery procedure, but if simplasty proves to be effective in the long term, this may be an excellent option for many sinusitis sufferers. If one has polyps, however, it should be noted that sinuplasty will not be an option, as the polyps will need to be removed by invasive surgery.

So what is it? Shoulder tendonitis or rotator cuff tendonitis is the inflammation and can be an irritation and swelling of the tendons of the shoulder. The shoulder joint is a ball and socket type joint. The top part of the arm bone (humerus) forms a joint with the shoulder blade (scapula). The rotator cuff holds the head of the humerus into the scapula.

What is the most common cause of rotator cuff tendonitis?

A lot of the time the problem occurs with sports. Inflammation of the tendons of the shoulder muscles occur in sports using the arm being moved over the head repeatedly. Such sports are tennis, baseball (pitching mainly) swimming and even lifting weights over the head. What happens sometimes is you get the inflammation or injury and can cause the tendons of the rotator cuff to tear. Sometimes this occurs in people over 40 years of age.

Some of the symptoms

Pain when the arm is moved Arm is weak when rising over your head Pain in shoulder at night, especially when lying on the affected shoulder. Pain in arm when performing overhead activities

How to find out if you have shoulder tendonitis

X-ray’s or MRI. X-ray’s can show a burn spur. The MRI can show the inflammation in the rotator cuff. There could also be a tear in the rotator cuff and the MRI will show this.

Shoulder Tendonitis Surgery

Before shoulder tendonitis surgery, you should try physical therapy to strengthen the muscles of the rotator cuff. If the pain is too great to start physical therapy a steroid injection (cortisone) may reduce pain and inflammation enough to start effective therapy.

If there is a tear in the rotator cuff or therapy has not helped and symptoms persist, shoulder surgery may be necessary. For most shoulder surgery, this can be accomplished with arthroscopic surgery. This type of surgery is effective in removing the bone spur and inflamed tissue around the shoulder.

Plastic Surgery vs. Reconstructive Surgery

Both plastic surgery and reconstructive surgery are designed to improve the appearance of a person. This can be done through lifts, tucks, reshaping and so on. The correct usage of the terms, however, is dependent upon the underlying reason for the surgical procedure.

Plastic surgery is an elective surgery. In its most basic form, plastic surgery takes a normal part of the body and improves it in a manner desired by the patient. Common plastic surgery procedures include liposuction, breast enhancement or reduction, nose reshaping, reshaping of the abdomen and the well-known facelift. All of these surgeries are based purely on a voluntary desire to improve one’s appearance.

Reconstructive surgery is often elective, but can also be medically necessary. Reconstructive surgery differs from plastic surgery in one significant way. It is focused on making improvements to a damaged or abnormal part of the body. For example, a person may suffer damage from trauma or disease that leaves a part of the body looking abnormal and functionally deficient, such as breaking facial bones in an automobile accident. Reconstructive surgery will be undertaken to repair the facial structure so that it both performs and appears normally. While appearance is important, most reconstructive surgery focuses on functionality first.

The differences between plastic and reconstructive surgery often blur. Breast enhancement or reduction surgery is a form of plastic surgery. Repairing breasts after the all too common complications of breast cancer is considered reconstructive surgery. Repairing the septum of the nose is considered reconstructive surgery, but simply reshaping the nose is considered plastic surgery. This blurred line is repeated in other areas as well.

The surgery itself is irreversible and over time, the affects this has on ones life will become known. Although the side effects are not life threatening to speak, but if complications arise from other health problems it could be. Men experience a sexual performance problem and in some cases and will need counseling.

What is Prostatectomy This type of procedure consists of removing the entire prostate gland along with nearby tissue that may have cancer cells that have spread to them. The two methods used are perineal and retro public.

The retro public method requires removal of the prostate through a small incision right below your belly button and about an inch above the penis. The other procedure, perineal is done with an incision between the rectum and the scrotum. This way sounds more painful than the retro public method.

Before the prostate cancer surgery, a catheter is inserted in your bladder through the tip of the penis. While the catheter is in place, all urine is drained from the bladder during the surgery and your recovery. Usually two weeks past before having the catheter removed.

Once they remove the catheter, you might experience some problems with urinary control for days, weeks and sometimes months. Not all men experience this unfortunate condition. An exception would be sometimes when you lift things or cough you might notice a little incontinence.

Another side affect that results from prostate cancer surgery, the inability to perform sexually, happen if nerves on both sides of the prostate become damaged during the surgery. If you have this problem before surgery, the affects will become more apparent after the surgery. In addition, you need to know if you do obtain an erection, orgasms may be hard to achieve and in some cases, loss of bodily function control during an orgasm may result.

If you have a teenager who is extremely self-conscious about a certain feature, cosmetic surgery may be a viable solution if you, your child, and a qualified, experienced plastic surgeon decide it is the best course of action together. In making a recommendation for surgery, the physician will weigh a number of factors including your child’s growth stage, the degree of correction needed, his or her current health and health history, and your child’s maturity and age.

Common cosmetic procedures performed on teenagers include (with typical age recommendations): · Otoplasty (ear surgery)– ears can be reshaped and resized, or “pinned back” for a less obvious appearance. Typically the earliest these are performed is from ages 5-9.
· Rhinoplasty (nose surgery) – large or misshapen noses can be resized and reshaped for better facial balance. For females with a minimum age 14-16 and males aged 16-18.
· Male breast reduction – may be performed to reverse a condition called Gynecomastia, or enlargement of male breasts. This is usually deferred until 18 years unless severe.
· Female breast reduction – can be performed to alleviate the effects of overly large breasts, like back, shoulder, neck and muscle problems. This is performed from 14-18 years.
· Liposuction – may be performed to help overweight individuals tone down specific areas, not recommended for large volume fat removal.

In searching for a cosmetic surgeon to consult regarding your child’s candidacy for plastic surgery, you want to ensure you find a physician who:

· Has performed numerous successful procedures on children as well as adults.
· Has years of experience performing the particular procedure your child needs.
· Is board-certified in plastic surgery.
· Offers you straightforward answers and paints a realistic picture of what to expect.
· Is committed to personal care and communication.
· Takes the time to fully explain the risks and benefits to you and your child.

If someone has a dependency on alcohol or drugs, they won’t be eligible for adjustable band surgery. And mentally disabled or emotionally unstable people won’t be considered for lap band surgery. However failure of dietary or weight-loss drug therapy for more than one year can make one eligible for the adjustable gastric band procedure.

Inflammatory diseases of the gastrointestinal tract like ulcers, esophagitis or Crohn’s disease do not make someone a good candidate for lap band surgery. In general, gastric banding, including the Lap Band procedure and weight loss system, is indicated for people whose Body Mass Index is above 40, or those who are 100 pounds (45 kg) or more over their estimated ideal weight according to the 1983 Metropolitan Life Insurance Tables or those between 30 to 40 with co-morbidities which may improve with weight loss (those are: blood pressure, diabetes, sleep apnea, and arthritis).

During surgery the surgeon uses a specialized needle to avoid damage to the port membrane. Compared to other weight loss surgeries gastric dumping syndrome problems do not occur in lap band surgeries because no intestines are removed or re-routed. When fluid is introduced into the stomach the lap band expands, placing pressure around the outside of the stomach and this decreases the size of the passage in the stomach and restricts the movement of food.

OBESITY HEALTH RISKS MAY IMPROVE AFTER SURGERY

The risks of some obesity related diseases may diminish over time after undergoing weight loss surgery. Studies have shown that some patients have experienced:

- Decreased overall mortality risk and health risks

- improvement in hyperlipidemia,

- improvement in hypertension,

- elimination of obstructive sleep apnea

- improved cardiovascular

Assuming you are in good health, there is no upper age limit for having your nose reshaped. Rhinoplasty is sometimes performed in conjunction with a facelift or other rejuvenate surgery to correct aging changes of the nose such as a drooping tip.

Sometimes certain breathing problems related to the internal nasal structures can be corrected at the same time as nose reshaping is performed. Your plastic surgeon will be able to help you determine whether these structures should be modified along with reshaping your nose.

During your initial consultation you may be asked to look in a mirror and point out exactly what you would like to see improved. This will help your plastic surgeon to understand your expectations and determine whether they can realistically be achieved.

Some indications that you may be a good candidate for rhinoplasty are:
Your nose appears too large for your face
There is a bump on the nasal bridge when viewed in profile
Your nose seems too wide when viewed from the front
The nasal tip droops or plunges
The tip is thickened or enlarged
Your nostrils are excessively flared
Your nose is off-centre or crooked
Previous injury has made your nose asymmetrical

It is important that you have a clear idea of how you would like your nose to look and, at the same time realise that there are limitations to the procedure. Patients with sufficient physical and emotional maturity who undergo rhinoplasty because they want to enhance their self-image are usually very satisfied with their decision.

Surgery on your neck involves cutting into your spine in order to correct some sort of anatomical defect which is causing your pain. While there are other, less invasive types of surgeries and treatments available, neck surgery is often your only choice if you are suffering from a pain that cannot be treated in any other way. This is only provided that the source of your pain can be identified, as exploratory surgery on your neck is never an option that you should consider due to the relatively high risk of damaging a vital part of your body.

All surgery which is done on the spine or the neck should only be conducted by an orthopedic surgeon or a neurosurgeon. If you are considering receiving surgery in this area of your body from a surgeon that is not one of these two types, you should definitely think it over and go with a licensed and trained orthopedic surgeon or neurosurgeon instead.

The most important thing to remember about any type of spinal surgery, including surgery on the neck, is that it is totally elective. There are often a variety of other ways in which you can treat your pain or discomfort without having to go under the knife. Sometimes neck surgery is not even the best way to treat such problems. However, it should always be a type of surgery that you should really only consider as a relatively last resort, as there is usually more risk involved in such surgery than potential benefits.