What is a Hartmann’s procedure? The Hartmann’s procedure is an operation where the surgeon removes part of the recto-sigmoid colon and the person undergoing the operation will have a colostomy formed (see diagram below). It is usually carried out as an emergency to remove the diseased part of the bowel which is causing a blockage or has a hole through …
Read moreThiopurines in Autoimmune Hepatitis
27th July 2021Autoimmune Hepatitis, also known as AIH, is usually a lifelong liver condition. It is an autoimmune disorder which means your body’s immune system (the body’s defence against illness) attacks your body’s own cells. Azathioprine & mercaptopurine are part of a group of medications called thiopurines which help to treat this condition. You will only need to take azathioprine or mercaptopurine …
Read moreSelf management plan for IBD
9th December 2020Severe symptoms include: 6+ trips to the toilet. Nocturnal symptoms. Large volumes of blood. Fever. Pain. Weight loss. Optimise other treatment as for mild to moderate flares but you will likely need steroid course. Contact IBD helpline now. Mild to Moderate symptoms include: 2 to 5 trips to the toilet in 24hrs (or noticeable increase from your usual frequency). Small …
Read moreDrainage of abdominal fluid (abdominal paracentesis)
30th November 2020This leaflet is designed to explain what happens when someone requires abdominal paracentesis. If you have any questions or concerns, please speak to your doctor or nurse. What is ascites? Ascites is the medical term used to describe the build up of fluid inside the abdominal cavity (tummy). In a healthy person, the body normally produces a small amount of …
Read moreYour fluoroscopy swallow
18th November 2019What is a fluoroscopy, or barium swallow?This is an x-ray examination that looks at your oesophagus, (the tube that leads to your stomach). We will ask you to drink a chalky white liquid called barium, which shows up on the x-rays. We take x-ray pictures as you swallow the barium. The purpose of the test is to try and find …
Read morePancreatic Exocrine Insufficiency (PEI)
4th September 2019What does my pancreas do? The pancreas produces enzymes, which help you to digest food. These enzymes break up proteins, fats and carbohydrates from the food that you eat, into smaller pieces which your intestines can then absorb. Your pancreas also produces insulin, which controls your body’s glucose levels. What is pancreatic exocrine insufficiency? Pancreatic exocrine insufficiency (PEI) means that …
Read moreBile salt diarrhoea
4th September 2019What is Bile Salt Diarrhoea? Bile salt diarrhoea is sometimes called bile salt malabsorption or bile acid malabsorption. These terms mean the same thing. In this leaflet it is called bile salt diarrhoea. Bile salts are made in the liver, and help to you to digest your food, particularly fat, as it travels through your small bowel. The bile salts …
Read moreAbout your endoscopic ultrasound examination
9th April 2019What is an endoscopic ultrasound? This is a simple examination which enables the clinician to view the inside of your oesophagus and stomach. A tiny ultrasound probe incorporated in a flexible tube will be carefully passed into your mouth and down your gullet (oesophagus). It is not a painful examination and does not interfere with your breathing. However, some people …
Read moreSchatzki ring
14th February 2019What is a Schatzki Ring? Many years ago, Schatzki described a smooth, benign, circumferential, and narrow ring of tissue in the lower end of the oesophagus (the food pipe that connects the mouth to the stomach). These rings are located just above the junction between the oesophagus and the stomach. These rings are very common occurring in more than 6% …
Read more