What Is Adenoid Hypertrophy / Enlarged Adenoids?
Enlarged adenoids can become nearly the size of a ping pong ball and completely block airflow through the nasal passages. Even if enlarged adenoids are not substantial enough to physically block the back of the nose, they can obstruct airflow enough so that breathing through the nose requires an uncomfortable amount of work. There are…
What Are Undescended Testis?
Bilateral cryptorchidism (otherwise known as undescended testis – where the testis remain in the abdomen rather than the scrotum) needs surgery – an orchidopexy – to correct it. An orchidopexy is a straightforward operation with a good success rate and is typical of the high-impact, low-cost surgery we fund. Without surgery undescended testis leads…
What Is a Hydrocele?
Hydrocele is a common congenital defect among boys where a sac of fluid collects around the scrotum and causes swelling. Left untreated it can become painful, cause problems with blood flow, risk infection and potentially lead to an inguinal hernia. The operation to repair a hydrocele is a hydrocelectomy where the surgeon drains the…
What Is an Urethal Cutenous Fistula?
A urethrocutaneous fistula, also known as a urinary or urethral fistula, is a rare condition that creates an opening between the urethra and the skin or perineum. This opening allows urine to leak out of the body, bypassing the urethra. Fistula tracts must be treated because they will not heal on their own. There is…
What is Hypospadias?
Hypospadias is a common birth defect of the urethra in males where the urinary opening is not at the correct location. It can be an embarrassing condition as can cause urine to leak (making skin sore) and has been linked to an increased risk of testicular cancer, urinary tract infections and kidney damage. Hypospadias surgery helps…
What is Severe Phimosis?
Severe phimosis or otherwise know as pinhole phimosis is a tightening of the foreskin that causes extreme pain and obstructs the ability to pass urine. Without surgery the patient is at risk of serious problems including recurrent urinary infections that can spread to the bladder, prostrate or even the kidneys.
What Is a Hiatal Hernia?
A hiatal hernia occurs when part of the stomach pushes upward through the diaphragm. The diaphragm normally has a small opening (hiatus) through which the food tube (oesophagus) passes on its way to connect to your stomach. The stomach can push up through this opening and cause a hiatal hernia. Surgery is only recommended if…
What Is a Supraumbilical Hernia?
Some hernias in children close by themselves however, supraumbilical hernias do not close by themselves and need surgery. These occur just above the naval. A small cut is made near the tummy button, and any fat or bowel within the hernia is carefully pushed back or removed. The weak area is then repaired, typically using…
What Is a Scrotal Hernia?
A scrotal hernia is a type of inguinal hernia that occurs when a loop of bowel passes through the inguinal canal and into the scrotum. Like all hernias they can be painless but risk of complications (incarceration or strangulation) which is serious and life threatening. Surgical repair of congenital inguinal hernias in Uganda have been…