The Surgeon

Scientists from the University of Alcalá (UAH) have designed a prosthesis made of silicon and polypropylene shaped like an “upside down T” that substantially reduces cases of incisional hernias.

A hernia is produced when the content of the abdominal cavity protrudes through a weakened natural orifice of the abdominal wall such as the inguinal canal, the umbilical area, the epigastrium or a previous incision in the abdomen such as from a surgical operation. The hernia manifests itself as a bulging lump since the internal lining of the abdomen protrudes in what is called a hernial sac that shrinks or grows depending on the effort exerted by the affected individual.
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A specially coated metal tube, no larger than a cigarette, could be the key to developing an artificial pancreas to help millions of people with diabetes avoid insulin injections, according to an article scheduled for the May 5 issue of Chemical & Engineering News.

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If you’re constantly reaching for antacids to control your heartburn, you may have a more serious problem called reflux disease. Some 25 million Americans have it* and now they have a new option to treat it. Using a newly-approved device for the first time in the U.S., doctors have performed surgery to fix reflux problems without making a single incision.
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