Our appendix is the finger-like pouch at the end of the colon, and appendicitis simply refers to the inflammation of the appendix. We often hear about people missing school or work to have their appendix removed, which is the most common cause for an emergency abdominal surgery. Is it a cause for concern when we […]

Posted by Dr. Ronnie Mathew,  Senior Consultant Surgeon, Colorectal Care Specialists (CRCS) Fibre, probiotics, and exercise play an essential role in maintaining optimal gut health and preventing constipation. In this article, we’ll give you a breakdown on how this trio works together to improve gut health and overall digestive efficiency.  Fibre: Your Gut’s Best Friend […]

Imagine noticing a persistent change in your bowel habits or spotting blood in your stool. At first, you might brush it off as something minor — stress, diet or assume it is just a fleeting issue. However, such symptoms could be early warning signs of colorectal cancer, a condition that often begins silently but has […]

Posted by Dr. Ronnie Mathew,  Senior Consultant Surgeon, Colorectal Care Specialists (CRCS) Constipation is a common problem that affects people of all ages. It can mean that you’re not passing stools regularly or you’re unable to completely empty your bowel. Constipation in adults can affect the quality of life. It also may be associated with […]

Written by Dr. Ronnie Mathew, Senior Consultant Surgeon, CRCS What is Heartburn, and how does it occur? Heartburn is a burning sensation that rises from the stomach or lower chest towards the neck. It is essentially due to gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD), also called reflux oesophagitis.  The mouth and the stomach are connected by the […]

Written by Dr. Ronnie Mathew, Senior Consultant Surgeon, CRCS What is the Gallbladder, and what does it do? The gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped organ in the upper right side of the abdomen. Think of your gallbladder as a little storage pouch for bile, a digestive fluid made by your liver. When food is eaten, the […]

Posted by Dr. Ronnie Mathew, Senior Consultant Surgeon A hernia occurs when an internal part of the body pushes through a weak spot in the surrounding muscle or tissue wall. There are many types of hernia, depending on the body's sites and the nature of hernia protrusion. Abdominal hernias occur when a weakness in the […]

Posted By Dr. Ronnie Mathew, Senior Consultant and Director of Colorectal Care Specialists Colorectal cancer is increasingly affecting younger adults. This concerning scenario has been noted for some time in the recent past (1-3). This is further highlighted in a recent article in December 2024 from Lancet Oncology (4), where there seems to be a […]

Abscesses can appear anywhere on the body, but an abscess on your buttocks can be particularly painful and disruptive, interfering with your usual daily activities — from sitting down to walking. If you’ve ever experienced pain and discomfort around your butt, or even bleeding from the anus, you may have a buttock abscess. Understandably, due […]

The digestive system is a vital part of our overall health, yet it is often overlooked until problems arise. From occasional indigestion to more serious issues like chronic abdominal pain or unexplained weight loss, digestive concerns can significantly affect your quality of life. In many cases, diagnosing these issues requires a closer look inside the […]