'lower end'

Screening is looking for signs of disease, such as breast cancer, before a person has symptoms. The goal of screening tests is to find cancer at an early stage when it can be treated and may be cured. Sometimes a screening test finds cancer that is very small or very slow growing. These cancers are unlikely to cause death or illness during the person's lifetime. Scientists are trying to better understand which people are more likely to get certain types of cancer. For example, they look at the person's age, their family history, and certain exposures during their lifetime. This information helps doctors recommend who should be screened for cancer, which screening tests should be used, and how often the tests should be done. It is important to remember that your doctor does not necessarily think you have cancer if he or she suggests a screening test. Screening tests are done when you have no cancer symptoms. Women who have a strong family history or a personal history of cancer or other risk factors may also be offered genetic testing. If a screening test result is abnormal, you may need to have more tests done to find out if you have cancer. These are called diagnostic tests, rather than screening tests.

This is an operation for achalasia of the cardia, a condition in which the muscle in the lower oesophagus fails to relax and therefore hinders the passage of food and fluid into the stomach. Treatment with Botox injections or balloon dilatation of the affected part of the oesophagus can be attempted but are often short-lived and surgery is frequently required as a more lasting solution. Under general anaesthesia, 5 small keyhole incisions are made on the abdomen and laparoscopic instruments are introduced. The lower oesophagus is approached and a lengthwise cut is made in the muscle layer of the lower oesophagus. Care is taken to cut only the muscle layer, leaving the inner lining of the oesophagus intact. As this procedure is often complicated by acid reflux after the operation, a partial or complete fundoplication is also performed at the same time to minimise this. Intake of food should become more comfortable soon after surgery and a near-normal diet can be maintained.

An umbilical hernia is a tissue bulge on or near your belly button. Umbilical hernias in children usually disappear by age 4 or 5. In adults, untreated umbilical hernias can lead to complications. If your provider has concerns about an umbilical hernia, they may recommend surgery to put the tissue back into place.

An inguinal hernia occurs when tissue, such as part of the intestine, protrudes through a weak spot in the abdominal muscles. The resulting bulge can be painful, especially when you cough, bend over or lift a heavy object. However, many hernias do not cause pain.

Appendectomy is surgery to remove an inflamed or infected appendix (appendicitis). Your appendix is a small, tube-like organ that extends from your colon on the lower-right side of your belly. Because an inflamed appendix has the potential to rupture (burst), appendicitis is a medical emergency. On the other hand, a healthy appendix doesn’t appear to have any essential function. If you must have your appendix removed, you won’t miss it.