Medically reviewed by Zachary Callahan, M.D. • The Surgical Clinic
June is Men’s Health Month, a key time to highlight men’s health issues and treatments. Men’s Health Month matters because men often face stigma when seeking medical care. Regular checkups and early detection allow men to access vital treatment and achieve healthier lives. If you’re a man, honor June by scheduling exams, consulting your healthcare provider, and urging other men in your life to prioritize their health.
This article reviews advances in the detection and treatment of men’s health conditions. We spotlight procedures that are frequently underestimated: hernia repair, gallbladder surgery, colonoscopy preparation, vein treatment, and bariatric surgery. Our goal is to highlight these treatments and help build confidence about recovery.
Hernia Repair
A hernia occurs when an organ protrudes through a muscle or tissue, forming a lump or bulge. It can appear in the lower chest, the groin, or along the midline of the abdomen.
Types of Hernias Common in Men
- Inguinal Hernia: An inguinal hernia protrudes through the inguinal canal. The lump in the groin can feel heavy, burn, or ache.
- Epigastric Hernia: This appears as fatty tissue bulges through a weak spot in the upper abdominal muscles.
- Umbilical Hernia: This hernia starts at birth but may not appear until later. It pushes through the abdominal wall near the belly button. The bulge can feel tender and cause pain in men.
Hernia Repair Techniques
Surgeons perform minimally invasive repair with three small abdominal incisions. Most patients recover and can return to activities in about eight days, with less pain and a lower risk of infection or recurrence. Some may be able to resume light activities within one week, but should consult their doctor for individual recommendations.
For open repair, surgeons make a 5-10 cm incision along the groin or abdomen. Patients typically require 2-4 weeks to recover, with most returning to their routines after about two weeks. To read more about Hernia Repair Surgery, read here.
Managing Discomfort
You can expect pain, bruising, and fatigue after hernia repair. This pain can be managed with prescribed medication. Avoid lifting or straining for a few weeks to prevent recurrence. Supportive gear, like a hernia belt, can help.
Gallbladder Surgery (Cholecystectomy)
Common Symptoms of Gallbladder Issues
If you have sudden pain in your upper right abdomen after eating, especially fatty food, take note. Gallbladder pain may spread to the right shoulder or to the area between your shoulder blades. You may also feel nauseous, have gas, bloating, indigestion, diarrhea, mild fever, or chills.
If you develop intense pain, prolonged attacks, jaundice, high fever, or severe nausea and vomiting, it is important to seek medical care promptly.
Gallbladder Removal Options
Laparoscopic surgery uses small belly incisions, with gas for better viewing. The gallbladder is carefully removed. If open surgery is needed, a larger cut is made for removal.
Recovery
After a laparoscopic cholecystectomy, most people can return to regular routines and work in about 1 to 2 weeks. Full recovery for an open cholecystectomy usually takes 4 to 8 weeks, with patients able to resume light activities after 4 weeks and full activity at 8 weeks.
Along with physical recovery, dietary changes are needed. A low-fat, bland diet is recommended for two weeks after surgery. Avoid fatty meats, spicy foods, oily sauces, and whole-fat dairy.
Colonoscopy Preparation
A colonoscopy is a way for your doctor to gently check the health of your large intestine and rectum, looking for early signs of any concerns, such as colon cancer or polyps.
Why Screening is Crucial
Screening becomes especially important for men as they age, particularly after 45, because risks increase over time. Most people don’t notice any symptoms at first, so health issues might not be detected until later. If you ever have symptoms, they might include changes in your usual routine or stomach discomfort. A colonoscopy gives your doctor a chance to check for early signs and, if needed, address any concerns right away. Starting screening early helps catch problems when they are easiest to treat.
Prep Options
Getting ready for a colonoscopy may feel overwhelming at first, since it involves taking medication to help clear your digestive system. There are different ways to prep; some involve a smaller or larger amount of drink solution, while others may use tablets. Your healthcare team will help you select the option that’s best and most comfortable for you.
What to Expect
On the day of your colonoscopy, you’ll finish your prep, and a healthcare provider will check your vital signs to make sure you’re comfortable before starting. You’ll be given medication to help you relax while your doctor performs the procedure.
Post-Procedure
Immediately post-procedure, you will wake up in a recovery area and commonly experience mind bloating, gas, and cramping. You may feel sleepy or tired until the sedation wears off. Most people can have something light to eat soon after. It’s a good idea to start with gentle foods, as you should try to avoid anything too spicy or high in fiber until you feel fully back to normal.
Vein Procedures
Understanding Vein Issues in Men
Varicose veins are twisted, swollen veins on the legs that appear blue or purple. They can cause throbbing pain, worse after standing or sitting. Venous insufficiency causes swelling, cramping, or aching in your lower legs. Both result from weak venous valves, causing blood to pool in the ankles.
Early recognition matters. Men should address vein concerns quickly and not delay treatment. Treat aching, burning, itching, or leg heaviness as soon as they start.
Minimally Invasive Treatment Options
These minimally invasive treatments can help men manage vein problems. For example, ablation and sclerotherapy are often chosen to relieve symptoms.
Vein ablation uses heat or laser energy to close varicose veins, causing them to collapse and be absorbed, rerouting blood to healthier veins. Sclerotherapy injects a solution into the vein, irritating and collapsing it. Both move blood to healthy veins but differ in technique.
Post-Procedure Care
During recovery from vein procedures, healing is usually smooth. Use compression stockings to improve blood flow, reduce swelling, and prevent clots. Avoid tough exercise for a week, but walking is encouraged for healing.
During your first week after treatment, walk daily to boost blood flow and reduce clot risk. After one week, add gentle activities like swimming or yoga. With your specialist’s approval, you can try more active exercise between the second and fourth weeks post-procedure.
Bariatric Surgery
Bariatric surgery helps reduce food intake by shrinking the stomach. With a smaller capacity, patients lose excess weight and improve their health. If you think you might qualify for bariatric surgery, arrange a consultation with The Surgical Clinic today.
Common Procedures
Gastric sleeve surgery is a common bariatric procedure that involves removing about 75% of the stomach. This helps patients lose excess weight and reduce appetite.
In addition to the gastric sleeve, another common technique is gastric bypass surgery, which divides the stomach to reduce its capacity. The small intestine is then connected to the smaller portion of the stomach, allowing food to bypass the rest of the stomach. This procedure aids in long-term weight loss. Your healthcare provider will walk you through what option is best for you.
Other Health Benefits
Beyond weight loss, bariatric surgery brings other health benefits for men. It can improve sleep apnea, diabetes, cardiovascular risks, and inflammation.
- Sleep Apnea: Bariatric surgery can help reduce airway obstruction during sleep, making it easier to breathe and rest at night.
- Diabetes: Bariatric surgery can improve type 2 diabetes by lowering insulin resistance with reduced calorie intake.
- Cardiovascular Risks: Losing weight can help lower your blood pressure, improve your cholesterol, and make everyday activities feel easier.
- Inflammation: By lowering ongoing inflammation, bariatric surgery can support a healthier gut and overall well-being.
Post- Operation Diet
Following surgery, diet changes should be made to support proper healing and prevent stretching of the stomach and intestines. This transitional period trains your body to consume less food, allowing your stomach to heal safely. The phased post-operative diet guides you through the stages of recovery.
Nutritional Requirements
During the first week, you’ll start with clear drinks like water and broth. Then, you can move on to protein shakes, soups, and soft foods like pudding. By the end of the month, you might try mashed foods, like applesauce or blended chicken. After four to six weeks, soft-cooked choices like scrambled eggs and cooked veggies are good options. Once you’ve recovered, you can begin to try more solid foods.
Long-term Lifestyle Modifications
After bariatric surgery, take charge of your health by committing to long-term lifestyle changes and reaching activity milestones. Maintain your weight and improve your well-being by following your provider’s guidance and incorporating these changes into your everyday routine.
Talk with your healthcare provider about the vitamins and minerals you need, as bariatric surgery can affect nutrient absorption. Making long-term lifestyle changes, such as eating a nutritious, protein-rich diet, is also important for preserving muscle mass. Staying hydrated can help you digest your food and aid your recovery. Remember, full recovery takes time, and it’s normal to have questions along the way. Find the help you need by contacting our bariatric specialists today.
Tips for Getting Back to Work and Activity Safely
Returning to work after surgery can be challenging. Before returning to work, inform your employer about any limitations. It’s equally important to listen to your body and avoid overexertion, as you may need extra rest. Resume exercise only when your provider gives clearance.
Schedule a Consultation for Men’s Health Month
Take charge of your health this Men’s Health Month by seeking care to improve your quality of life. Many men overlook these issues, so don’t delay needed procedures or screenings that support early detection and better health. Contact The Surgical Clinic today.