Inguinofemoral Hernias

Overview The inguinal canal is a tubular structure 3 – 5 cm long running parallel to the inguinal ligament. Men have a higher risk of developing hernias than women. The most common type of inguinal hernia in both men and…

Hernias

Overview A hernia is an abnormal protrusion of an organ or the fascia of an organ outside the cavity that normally contains. It occurs through a defect in the surrounding tissue structure (the hernial orifice). Protrusion of intra-abdominal contents usually…

Acute Scrotum

Acute Scrotum An acute scrotum is defined as sudden onset pain or swelling or tenderness of the scrotum or its contents Differentials for scrotal swelling Characteristic of the swelling Differentials Swelling on the scrotum Sebaceous cyst Painful swelling in the…

ON THE WARD: MAGIC AND MEDICINE

Since I was a little girl, I have always been on the lookout for magic. When I was 5, I remember thinking I saw magic behind my eyelids; bright flashes of colour and mesmerising patterns when I closed my eyes…

Adnexal Torsion

Adnexal Torsion An adnexal torsion occurs when the ovary, fallopian tube (or both), or a paraovarian mass twists around itself. This results in vascular congestion, tissue edema and necrosis of the structures invovled. Torsion is an GYNAECOLOGIC EMERGENCY. It is…

Abnormal Uterine Bleeding (AUB)

Abnormal Uterine Bleeding (AUB) Abnormal uterine bleeding is defined as menstrual blood loss (MBL) that interferes with physical, social, and mental quality of life, irrespective of the regularity frequency, or duration (NICE) Heavy menstrual bleeding is the most common cause…

Menopause

Overview Menopause is defined as the permanent cessation of menses for at least 12 months, following the loss of ovarian activity. Symptoms of menopause are due to low oestrogen levels, and these are mainly psychological symptoms, vasomotor symptoms and urogenital…

Gonorrhoeal and Chlamydial Infection

Overview Gonorrhoeal and chlamydial infection cannot be differentiated on physical examination Gonorrhoea vs Chlamydia Gonorrhoea Chlamydia Symptoms Asymptomatic, itching or burning Asymptomatic, itching or burning Physical exam Mucupurulent discharge, cervicitis, motion tenderness Mucupurulent discharge, cervicitis, motion tenderness Investigations NAAT NAAT…