Frankfort Regional Medical Center

Spring/Summer 2012

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Say Goodbye to Sinusitis After 10 years of suffering from sinus infections, headaches, and facial and tooth pain, Scott Hollingsworth had enough. Scott, a registered radiographic technologist at Frankfort Regional Medical Center, had tried numerous remedies with no success. Finally he spoke with Chad Ahn, MD, board-certified otolaryngologist at Ear, Nose and Throat Specialists and Frankfort Regional, about computer-assisted navigation sinus surgery. "Computer-assisted navigation tracks instruments and cameras in sinus and nasal cavities, making this technology the figurative GPS of sinus surgery," says Dr. Ahn. "Though computer-assisted navigation does not replace surgical technique, it adds an extra layer of safety for patients with difficult anatomies." Following the procedure, Scott experienced significant relief. "I was able to breathe easily right after surgery," says Scott. "My snoring stopped, and I experienced little to no pain. In fighting my sinus infections, this technique worked very well." LESS IS BEST In 2012, Dr. Ahn hopes to begin offering balloon sinuplasty, a tissue-sparing procedure that involves inflating a balloon to encourage proper drainage in the sinus pathways. This quick, minimally invasive approach to correcting sinus issues provides similar results compared to traditional surgery. If you experience recurrent sinus infections that haven't responded to traditional remedies, speak with an ear, nose and throat specialist to determine if sinus surgery is right for you. Â To schedule an appointment with an ear, nose and throat specialist, call Consult-A-Nurse at 877-FRMC-MD1 (877-376-2631). Getting to the Bottom of Gastrointestinal Woes With a gastrointestinal system about 7 meters in length, the human body has many intricate digestive processes. When just one part of that system experiences difficulty, it can impact your whole life. Gastrointestinal disorders can vary drastically in symptoms and severity. Some common symptoms include: • bloating • constipation • diarrhea • heartburn • nausea • pain or pressure in the abdomen • vomiting These symptoms may be signs of a variety of conditions, including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), acid reflux disease, Crohn's disease, diverticulitis and Barrett's esophagus. Of these conditions, IBS and acid reflux disease are the most common. People with acid reflux disease typically experience Mark Hughes, MD Gastroenterology a burning sensation in the chest caused by stomach acid flowing back through the esophagus. IBS often causes pain in the abdomen and diarrhea. "If your symptoms begin to drastically affect your work, school or life in general, it's time to see a specialist," says Mark Hughes, MD, board-certified gastroenterologist at Bluegrass Gastroenterology Associates and Frankfort Regional Medical Center. "There are many options for treat- ment, including prescription medication, managing what you eat and drink and, if necessary, surgical repair." Â To schedule an appointment with a gastroenterologist, call Consult-A-Nurse at 877-FRMC-MD1 (877-376-2631). THE POWER OF PREVENTION Colonoscopy is one of the only screenings with the power to both detect and remove precancerous cells—a proactive step in preventing colon cancer. Mark Hughes, MD, board- certified gastroenterologist, recommends adults undergo a colonoscopy at age 50 and every 10 years after, or sooner for patients with higher risk. 3 Chad Ahn, MD Otolaryngology (Ear, Nose and Throat)

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