Vaginal cancer facts* • Vaginal cancer is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the vagina. Vaginal cancer is not common. When found in early stages, it can often be cured. • There are two main types of vaginal cancer: squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma. • Risk factors for vaginal cancer include being aged 60 or older, being exposed to DES while in the mother's womb, human papilloma virus (HPV) infection, and having a history of abnormal cells in the cervix or cervical cancer. • Symptoms of vaginal cancer include bleeding or discharge not related to menstrual periods, pain during sexual intercourse, pain in the pelvic area, and a lump in the vagina. • To diagnose vaginal cancer, a doctor may do a pelvic exam, pap smear, biopsy, or colposcopy. • Treatment for vaginal cancer includes surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. • The prognosis depends on the stage of the cancer and whether it has spread, the size of the tumor, the grade of tumor cells, where the cancer is within the vagina, whether there are symptoms, the patient's age and general health, and whether the cancer has just been diagnosed or has recurred. What is vaginal cancer? Vaginal cancer is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the vagina. The vagina is the canal leading from the cervix (the opening of uterus) to the outside of the body. At birth, a baby passes out of the body through the vagina (also called the birth canal). Vaginal cancer is not common. When found in early stages, it can often be cured. There are two main types of vaginal cancer: • Squamous cell carcinoma: Cancer that forms in squamous cells, the thin, flat cells lining the vagina. Squamous cell vaginal cancer spreads slowly and usually stays near the vagina, but may spread to the lungs and liver. This is the most common type of vaginal cancer. It is found most often in women aged 60 or older. • Adenocarcinoma: Cancer that begins in glandular cells. Glandular cells in the lining of the vagina make and release fluids such as mucus. Adenocarcinoma is more likely than squamous cell cancer to spread to the lungs and lymph nodes. It is found most often in women aged 30 or younger. Our program encompasses all aspects of diagnosis, surgery, treatment and management of: • Cervical cancer • Endometrial cancer • Ovarian cancer • Uterine cancer • Vulvar cancer Search for one of our prestigious oncologists and ovarian cancer specialists now.
Heart valve surgery Heart valve surgery is used to repair or replace diseased heart valves. Blood that flows between different chambers of your heart must flow through a heart valve. Blood that flows out of your heart into large arteries must also flow through a heart valve. These valves open up enough so that blood can flow through. They then close, keeping blood from flowing backward. There are four valves in your heart: • Aortic valve • Mitral valve • Tricuspid valve • Pulmonic valve The aortic valve is the most common valve to be replaced because it cannot be repaired. The mitral valve is the most common valve to be repaired. Only rarely is the tricuspid valve or the pulmonic valve repaired or replaced. Description Before your surgery you will receive general anesthesia. You will be asleep and unable to feel pain. In open heart surgery, the surgeon makes a large surgical cut in your breastbone to reach the heart and aorta. You are connected to a heart-lung bypass machine or bypass pump. Your heart is stopped while you are connected to this machine. This machine does the work of your heart, providing oxygen and removing carbon dioxide. Minimally invasive valve surgery is done through much smaller cuts than open surgery, or through a catheter inserted through the skin. Several different techniques are used: • Percutaneous surgery (through the skin) • Robot-assisted surgery If your surgeon can repair your mitral valve, you may have: • Ring annuloplasty. The surgeon repairs the ring-like part around the valve by sewing a ring of plastic, cloth, or tissue around the valve. • Valve repair. The surgeon trims, shapes, or rebuilds one or more of the leaflets of the valve. The leaflets are flaps that open and close the valve. Valve repair is best for the mitral and tricuspid valves. The aortic valve is usually not repaired. If your valve is too damaged, you will need a new valve. This is called valve replacement surgery. Your surgeon will remove your valve and put a new one in place. The main types of new valves are: • Mechanical -- made of man-made materials, such as metal (stainless steel or titanium) or ceramic. These valves last the longest, but you will need to take blood-thinning medicine, such as warfarin (Coumadin) or aspirin, for the rest of your life. • Biological -- made of human or animal tissue. These valves last 12 - 15 years, but you may not need to take blood thinners for life. In some cases, surgeons can use your own pulmonic valve to replace the damaged aortic valve. The pulmonic valve is then replaced with an artificial valve (this is called the Ross Procedure). This procedure may be useful for people who do not want to take blood thinners for the rest of their life. However, the new aortic valve does not last very long and may need to be replaced again by either a mechanical or a biologic valve. Related topics include: • Aortic valve surgery - minimally invasive • Aortic valve surgery - open • Mitral valve surgery - minimally invasive • Mitral valve surgery - open Why the Procedure is Performed You may need surgery if your valve does not work properly. • A valve that does not close all the way will allow blood to leak backwards. This is called regurgitation. • A valve that does not open fully will limit forward blood flow. This is called stenosis. You may need heart valve surgery for these reasons: • Defects in your heart valve are causing major heart symptoms, such as chest pain (angina), shortness of breath, fainting spells (syncope), or heart failure. • Tests show that the changes in your heart valve are beginning to seriously affect your heart function. • Your doctor wants to replace or repair your heart valve at the same time as you are having open heart surgery for another reason, such as a coronary artery bypass graft surgery. • Your heart valve has been damaged by infection (endocarditis). • You have received a new heart valve in the past and it is not working well, or you have other problems such as blood clots, infection, or bleeding. Some of the heart valve problems treated with surgery are: • Aortic insufficiency • Aortic stenosis • Congenital heart valve disease • Mitral regurgitation - acute • Mitral regurgitation - chronic • Mitral stenosis • Mitral valve prolapse • Pulmonary valve stenosis • Tricuspid regurgitation • Tricuspid valve stenosis Risks The risks for cardiac surgery include: • Death • Heart attack • Irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia) • Kidney failure • Post-pericardiotomy syndrome -- low fever and chest pain that can last for up to 6 months • Stroke or other temporary or permanent brain injury • Temporary confusion after surgery due to the heart-lung machine It is very important to take steps to prevent valve infections. You may need to take antibiotics before dental work and other invasive procedures. Before the Procedure Your preparation for the procedure will depend on the type of valve surgery you are having: • Aortic valve surgery - minimally invasive • Aortic valve surgery - open • Mitral valve surgery - minimally invasive • Mitral valve surgery - open After the Procedure Your recovery after the procedure will depend on the type of valve surgery you are having: • Aortic valve surgery - minimally invasive • Aortic valve surgery - open • Mitral valve surgery - minimally invasive • Mitral valve surgery - open The average hospital stay is 5 - 7 days. The nurse will tell you how to care for yourself at home. Complete recovery will take a few weeks to several months, depending on your health before surgery. Outlook (Prognosis) The success rate of heart valve surgery is high. The operation can relieve your symptoms and prolong your life. Mechanical heart valves do not often fail. Artificial valves last an average of 8 - 20 years, depending on the type of valve. However, blood clots can develop on these valves. If a blood clot forms, you may have a stroke. Bleeding can occur, but this is rare. There is always a risk of infection. Talk to your doctor before having any type of medical procedure. The clicking of mechanical heart valves may be heard in the chest. This is normal. Kings & Queens Teaching Hospital Heart Valve Center Look to the Heart & Vascular Center at Kings & Queens Teaching Hospital for high-quality treatment from experienced cardiovascular specialists. Kings & Queens Teaching Hospital renowned team of heart valve surgeons is skilled in the advanced treatment of heart valve disease, including comprehensive care for aortic and mitral valve disorders, minimally invasive valve surgery, adult congenital valve disorders and percutaneous and novel devices, as well as participation in the latest clinical trials and research. Our procedures include the following: Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is a treatment option for patients with severe symptomatic calcified native aortic valve stenosis who have been determined to be inoperable or high risk for open-chest surgery to replace their diseased aortic heart valve. Aortic Valve Replacement/Repair Aortic valve replacement surgery is for the treatment of narrowing (stenosis) or leakage (regurgitation) of the aortic valve. Different types of valves may be used for this treatment. Partial Sternotomy Aortic Valve Replacement A partial sternotomy approach to valve surgery is a less invasive way for the surgeon to access the aortic valve for replacement, compared to the traditional open surgery. Mitral Valve Replacement/Repair There are several types of mitral valve replacement or repair. You and your doctor should discuss the best option for you. Tricuspid Valve Repair Tricuspid valve repair may be recommended for primary tricuspid disease to treat valvular leakage. Minimally Invasive Surgical Options One of the most exciting advancements in valvular surgery is the addition of minimally invasive surgical techniques.
Kings & Queens Teaching Hospital Heart Valve Center Look to the Heart & Vascular Center at Kings & Queens Teaching Hospital for high-quality treatment from experienced cardiovascular specialists. Kings & Queens Teaching Hospital renowned team of heart valve surgeons is skilled in the advanced treatment of heart valve disease, including comprehensive care for aortic and mitral valve disorders, minimally invasive valve surgery, adult congenital valve disorders and percutaneous and novel devices, as well as participation in the latest clinical trials and research. Our procedures include the following: Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is a treatment option for patients with severe symptomatic calcified native aortic valve stenosis who have been determined to be inoperable or high risk for open-chest surgery to replace their diseased aortic heart valve. Aortic Valve Replacement/Repair Aortic valve replacement surgery is for the treatment of narrowing (stenosis) or leakage (regurgitation) of the aortic valve. Different types of valves may be used for this treatment. Partial Sternotomy Aortic Valve Replacement A partial sternotomy approach to valve surgery is a less invasive way for the surgeon to access the aortic valve for replacement, compared to the traditional open surgery. Mitral Valve Replacement/Repair There are several types of mitral valve replacement or repair. You and your doctor should discuss the best option for you. Tricuspid Valve Repair Tricuspid valve repair may be recommended for primary tricuspid disease to treat valvular leakage. Minimally Invasive Surgical Options One of the most exciting advancements in valvular surgery is the addition of minimally invasive surgical techniques. Valvular heart disease is any disease process involving one or more of the four valves of the heart (the aortic and mitral valves on the left and the pulmonary and tricuspid valves on the right). These conditions occur largely as a result of aging. Most people are in their late 50s when diagnosed, and more than one in ten people over 75 have it. Early detection may improve outcomes from surgery. Collectively and anatomically, the valves are part of the dense connective tissue makeup of the heart known as the cardiac skeleton. Valve problems may be congenital (inborn) or acquired (due to another cause later in life). Treatment may be with medication but often (depending on the severity) involves valve repair or replacement (insertion of an artificial heart valve). Specific situations include those where additional demands are made on the circulation, such as in pregnancy Valvular heart lesions associated with high maternal and fetal risk during pregnancy include:[4] 1. Severe aortic stenosis with or without symptoms 2. Aortic regurgitation with NYHA functional class III-IV symptoms 3. Mitral stenosis with NYHA functional class II-IV symptoms 4. Mitral regurgitation with NYHA functional class III-IV symptoms 5. Aortic and/or mitral valve disease resulting in severe pulmonary hypertension (pulmonary pressure greater than 75% of systemic pressures) 6. Aortic and/or mitral valve disease with severe LV dysfunction (EF less than 0.40) 7. Mechanical prosthetic valve requiring anticoagulation 8. Marfan syndrome with or without aortic regurgitation
Vascular/Interventional Radiology
What is Vascular and Interventional Radiology Interventional Radiology is a medical sub-specialty of radiology utilizing minimally-invasive image-guided procedures to diagnose and treat diseases in nearly every organ system. The concept behind interventional radiology is to diagnose and treat patients using the least invasive techniques currently available in order to minimize risk to the patient and improve health outcomes. These procedures have less risk, less pain and less recovery time compared to open surgery. Interventional radiologists are medical doctors with additional six or seven years of specialized training after medical school. All of our Faculty Interventionists have completed a one or two-year fellowship program after their diagnostic radiology residency. They are Board certified in Radiology. • IR Milestones • Society of Interventional Radiology Therapeutic and Diagnostic Specialty Interventional Radiology (IR) originated within diagnostic radiology as an invasive diagnostic subspecialty. IR is now a therapeutic and diagnostic specialty that comprises a wide range of minimally invasive image guided therapeutic procedures as well as invasive diagnostic imaging. The range of diseases and organs amenable to image-guided therapeutic and diagnostic procedures are extensive and constantly evolving, and include, but are not limited to, diseases and elements of the vascular, gastrointestinal, hepatobiliary, genitourinary, pulmonary, Kings & Queens Teaching Hospitaluloskeletal, and, the central nervous system. As part of IR practice, IR physicians provide patient evaluation and management relevant to image-guided interventions in collaboration with other physicians or independently. IR procedures have become an integral part of medical care. Many minimally invasive image guided procedures performed by IR have supplanted major surgical procedures by either IR physicians educating other medical fields or IR physicians taking on a clinical role.
Vascular Services at Kings & Queens Teaching Hospital Kings & Queens Teaching Hospital offers the full spectrum of detection, monitoring and therapies for circulatory disorders, including arteriosclerosis, aneurysms and carotid stenosis, and advanced venous disorders.The Kings & Queens Teaching Hospital vascular team focuses on non-invasive and minimally invasive procedures to detect and prevent vascular disease problems along with the full range of surgical options. Comprehensive inpatient and outpatient vascular laboratories are accredited by the Intersocietal Commission for the Accreditation of Vascular Laboratories. Resources include blood flow analysis techniques, ultrasound imaging and carotid duplex scanning to detect blockages in the carotid artery. Certified technicians and cardiovascular specialists offer the highest level of quality and care. Kings & Queens Teaching Hospital was the first hospital in Ghana to offer the abdominal aortic stent graft, an alternative treatment to traditional surgery for aortic aneurysms. This minimally invasive procedure vastly reduces recovery times. The team of vascular surgeons and cardiovascular specialists also uses minimally invasive procedures to treat other disorders, from renal hypertension and leg cramps, to internal bleeding and inoperable tumors. $99 Peripheral Vascular Disease Screening Don't find out the hard way--stop PVD before it stops you. PVD is often called "the silent killer" because people rarely experience symptoms until a catastrophic event such as a stroke or abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) rupture occurs. Common risk factors include leg pain when walking or exercising, diabetes, hypertension, excess weight, high cholesterol, history of smoking or family history of stroke or heart disease. Schedule your $99 PVD screening at Kings & Queens Teaching Hospital today Vascular Surgery Treatments • Abdominal aortic aneurysm • Arterial blockage and reconstruction • Carotid artery disease and stroke prevention • Renal artery disease Interventional radiology vascular treatments • Diagnostic catheter angiography and CT angiography • CT angiography of the heart and coronary arteries • Peripheral vascular balloon angioplasty and stenting • Stent-graft repair of aneurysms and vascular trauma • Thrombolysis of peripheral vascular occlusions • Carotid stenting • Catheter interventions in pulmonary embolism • Removal of intravascular foreign bodies • Hemodialysis access treatment and maintenance • Central venous access • Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) • Percutaneous lower extremities varices ablation • Chemoembolization of liver cancer • Embolization of bleeding and tumors • Radiofrequency ablation of liver, kidney, bone and lung tumors • Uterine fibroid embolization • Uterine artery embolization for post-partum bleeding • Peripheral laser atherectomy The Heart and Vascular Disease In this article • Peripheral Artery Disease • Aneurysm • Renal (Kidney) Artery Disease • Raynaud's Phenomenon (Also Called Raynaud's Disease or Raynaud's Syndrome) • Buerger's Disease • Peripheral Venous Disease • Varicose Veins • Blood Clots in the Veins • Blood Clotting Disorders • Lymphedema Vascular disease includes any condition that affects the circulatory system. As the heart beats, it pumps blood through a system of blood vessels called the circulatory system. The vessels are elastic tubes that carry blood to every part of the body. Arteries carry blood away from the heart while veins return it. Vascular disease ranges from diseases of your arteries, veins, and lymph vessels to blood disorders that affect circulation. The following are conditions that fall under the category of vascular disease. Peripheral Artery Disease Like the blood vessels of the heart (coronary arteries), your peripheral arteries (blood vessels outside your heart) also may develop atherosclerosis, the build-up of fat and cholesterol deposits, called plaque, on the inside walls. Over time, the build-up narrows the artery. Eventually the narrowed artery causes less blood to flow and a condition called "ischemia" can occur. Ischemia is inadequate blood flow to the body's tissue. • A blockage in the coronary arteries can cause symptoms of chest pain (angina) or a heart attack. • A blockage in the carotid arteries the arteries supplying the brain) can lead to a transient ischemic attack (TIA) or stroke. • A blockage in the legs can lead to leg pain or cramps with activity (a condition called claudication), changes in skin color, sores or ulcers, and feeling tired in the legs. Total loss of circulation can lead to gangrene and loss of a limb. • A blockage in the renal arteries (arteries supplying the kidneys) can cause renal artery disease (stenosis). The symptoms include uncontrolled hypertension (high blood pressure), heart failure, and abnormal kidney function. Aneurysm An aneurysm is an abnormal bulge in the wall of a blood vessel. They can form in any blood vessel, but they occur most commonly in the aorta (aortic aneurysm) which is the main blood vessel leaving the heart. The two types of aortic aneurysm are: • Thoracic aortic aneurysm (part of aorta in the chest) • Abdominal aortic aneurysm Small aneurysms generally pose no threat. However, one is at increased risk for: • Atherosclerotic plaque (fat and calcium deposits) formation at the site of the aneurysm. • A clot (thrombus) may form at the site and dislodge. • Increase in the aneurysm size, causing it to press on other organs, causing pain. • Aneurysm rupture -- because the artery wall thins at this spot, it is fragile and may burst under stress. A sudden rupture of an aortic aneurysm may be life threatening.
Viral hepatitis is liver inflammation due to a viral infection. It may present in acute (recent infection, relatively rapid onset) or chronic forms. The most common causes of viral hepatitis are the five unrelated hepatotropic viruses Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Hepatitis D, and Hepatitis E. In addition to the nominal hepatitis viruses, other viruses that can also cause liver inflammation include Herpes simplex, Cytomegalovirus, Epstein–Barr virus, and Yellow fever.
Vision Is Our Mission We seek to advance the science of ophthalmology and meet the eye care needs of the public by committing To Care, To Teach, To Serve, and To Discover. Our Services The Eye Institute at Kings & Queens Teaching Hospital is committed to providing the public with quality eye health services, including eye surgery. Our eye doctors work to ensure our patients receive the best possible care. Browse the Eye Institute services offered at our Kings & Queens Teaching Hospital below. Cataract Surgery/Advanced Technology of Lens Implants Cornea Services Corneal Cross Linking for Keratoconus General Eye Care/Contact Lenses Glaucoma Services Graves' Eye Disease. Laser Vision Correction (LASI Pediatric Ophthalmology & Pediatric Cataracts Plastic Surgery for the Eyes Retina and Vitreous Services Surgical Correction of Presbyopia and Astigmatism
Laryngology/Voice and Swallowing The Kings & Queens Teaching Hospital Institute for Voice and Swallowing is the first in Ghana to provide a multidisciplinary center for the evaluation, treatment, and a clinical research of laryngeal, voice, and swallowing disorders for adults and children. Because voice, swallowing, and respiratory disorders often occur together, the Institute offers maximized care by collaborating with a range of specialists. What makes us different is we integrate the evaluation and treatment of voice and swallowing under one roof. Given the inter-relationship of voice and swallowing, it is critical to attend to both functions. As a division of the Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, the Institute brings together a wealth of resources and expertise. Kings & Queens Teaching Hospital physicians and staff provide state-of-the-art care for adults and children presenting a wide variety of disorders. In addition to providing patient care, the Institute is committed to building public awareness of voice and swallowing disorders through teaching and education. Clinical research is another vital component of the Institute. Research efforts cover a broad scope, including the study of laryngeal dynamics during coordinated respiration and swallowing, and the effects of esophageal dysfunction on the larynx. Patients can be referred to any member of the Institute for comprehensive evaluation and care. Or, referring physicians may prefer to partner in the care of patients. Each patient receives a complete evaluation and individualized treatment program from each of the specialists consulted. The program includes collaborative management between the otolaryngologist and speech-language pathologist. We are committed to: • Providing the highest quality, most seamless patient care. • Professional training of highly competent clinicians through academic preparation, mentoring, and continuing education of speech-language pathologists, medical students, residents, and junior faculty. • Clinical research and dissemination of findings at a national and international level.
