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Liu Huan Huan
General Surgery
About me
2001-2006 Anhui Medical University, Bachelor's Degree.
2006-2009 Capital Medical University, Master's Degree.
Proficient in diseases
Engaged in general surgery clinical work for 10 years, with a relatively rich experience in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases within the scope of general surgery, such as acute appendicitis, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas diseases, including gallstones and cholecystitis, pancreatitis, intestinal obstruction, breast diseases, gastrointestinal diseases such as peptic ulcers, gastrointestinal tumors, etc. Particularly experienced in minimally invasive surgery, with abundant experience in various surgeries under laparoscopy, such as laparoscopic appendectomy, cholecystectomy, laparoscopic exploration, etc. Additionally, familiar with various types of trauma.
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Is tetanus an anaerobic bacterium?
Tetanus is a specific infection often associated with trauma. In addition to various traumas, it can also occur in parturient women and newborns under unsanitary conditions. The pathogen is Clostridium tetani, an obligate anaerobe that stains positive under Gram staining conditions. Normally present in the intestines of humans and animals, it is distributed in nature and common in soil. This type of bacteria has strong resistance to environmental conditions and can withstand boiling.
How is tetanus diagnosed?
The diagnosis of tetanus requires comprehensive consideration. If the patient has a history of trauma with skin or mucosal wounds, and shows signs of muscle spasms, such as difficulty opening the mouth, stiffening of the neck, and increased reflexes, the possibility of a tetanus infection should be considered. Further, a culture of the wound can be conducted to see if Clostridium tetani can be cultured. If the culture is positive, a definitive diagnosis can be made. Additionally, tetanus needs to be differentiated from other diseases such as purulent meningitis, rabies, epilepsy, hysteria, and so on.
Which department do I go to for a tetanus shot?
Tetanus shots are widely used clinically, and patients generally receive the injection after sustaining an injury. Therefore, it is recommended that patients visit the surgical department. If at a community hospital, they should go to the surgical outpatient clinic. If in a secondary or tertiary hospital, patients can go to the surgical outpatient clinic or the emergency surgery department for treatment. After wound treatment, they can receive a tetanus shot as required. Thus, patients usually go to the surgical department or emergency surgery for the tetanus injection.
Lipomas belong to which department?
Lipomas are relatively superficial tumors. Generally, lipomas fall under the category of general surgery, and general surgeons can easily diagnose and remove them through surgery. However, there are exceptions. If the lipoma is located deeper and in the chest area, it is recommended for the patient to consult the thoracic department for further diagnosis and treatment. If the lipoma is located in the scapular area and is relatively large and deep, it is recommended for the patient to consult the orthopedic department. Orthopedic specialists are more familiar with the local anatomy, which can lead to better treatment outcomes for the patient.
Can you get tetanus from a plastic scratch?
In clinical practice, all injuries, if the wound is relatively deep, such as being cut by a sharp object into the subcutaneous tissue or even damaging the tendons, reaching the muscle tissue, can potentially be infected by tetanus. Wounds inflicted by plastic can also be infected by tetanus. In such deep wounds, Clostridium tetani can easily grow and reproduce. This bacterium can produce a toxin that causes muscle spasms, leading to related clinical symptoms. Therefore, if a plastic injury results in a deep wound, there is a risk of tetanus infection. It is advised that the patient seeks medical attention promptly, undergoes wound disinfection, and receives an injection of tetanus antitoxin to prevent infection.
Criteria for a Positive Tetanus Diagnosis
After a person is injured, if the wound reaches deeper parts such as the subcutaneous fat layer or even the muscle layer, it is essential to administer tetanus antitoxin to prevent infection from tetanus bacillus. Before injecting the tetanus antitoxin, a skin test must be conducted to prevent allergies and anaphylactic shock. Generally, after injecting the test agent, observations are made for 30 minutes. If there is an enlargement of the wheal, redness and swelling that infiltrates surrounding areas, and the patient feels itching, it indicates a positive result.
Do you need a tetanus shot for a scraped skin?
Tetanus bacterial infection generally refers to relatively deeper wounds. A deeper wound creates an anaerobic environment locally, where tetanus-causing bacteria can reproduce and grow, leading to infection. If the wound is just a scrape and not deep, it's less likely to form an anaerobic environment. In such cases, the likelihood of developing tetanus is extremely low. From personal experience, if it's just a minor scrape, simply disinfecting the area with iodine is sufficient; there is generally no need for a tetanus antitoxin injection.
Lipoma outpatient or hospitalization
Lipomas are relatively superficial and clinically classified as surface tumors, typically located beneath the skin. Clinically, lipoma surgeries can generally be conducted in an outpatient setting, performed under local anesthesia. However, this is not absolute. Some lipomas are larger, and performing the surgery under local anesthesia can be very painful for the patient, complicating the complete removal of the lipoma and affecting surgical operations. In such cases, hospitalization and surgery under intravenous anesthesia are generally recommended, as this allows for better patient cooperation and the thorough removal of the lipoma.
Can lipomas be massaged?
Lipomas are relatively common surface tumors, commonly found on the limbs and trunk. Composed of adipose tissue and located subcutaneously, it is advised against massaging a lipoma. First, massaging a lipoma will not cause it to dissipate. Secondly, prolonged massaging of a lipoma might lead to stimulation and possibly to gradual growth of the tumor. Clinically, lipomas can be treated surgically, which is relatively straightforward to perform under local anesthesia by excising the lipoma, thus curing it.
Will a scrape lead to tetanus?
When a tetanus infection occurs, the wound is generally quite deep, for instance, reaching the subcutaneous fat or even the muscle layer in severe cases. Such deep wounds can create an anaerobic environment, which is conducive for the growth and reproduction of Clostridium tetani, an anaerobic bacterium. This bacterium produces exotoxins, primarily the tetanospasmin, which causes the associated clinical symptoms in patients. If it's merely a scrape or a superficial wound, tetanus infection is unlikely. Clinically, what is needed for such abrasions is to disinfect the area with iodine and then bandage it appropriately.