Types of life-threatening conditions that require urgent surgical expertise include the following:

• Appendicitis arises from inflammation within the appendix, a small pouch that protrudes from the colon on the bottom right segment of the abdomen. As a result, patients typically experience pain in the lower right quadrant of the stomach or sometimes in the belly button.
• Bleeding ulcers, more commonly known as peptic ulcers, result in anaemia due to excessive blood loss, which may lead to a blood transfusion or require hospitalisation. A blood-seeping ulcer leads to traces of blood in the stool or bloody vomit.
  An ulcer is an exposed sore that fails to heal optimally. If the ulcer forms directly above the blood vessel, bleeding will likely occur. In severe cases, immediate surgical control of the bleeding is required to prevent devastating or even fatal complications.
• Rectal bleeding occurs when blood forms in the stool or traces of blood appear on tissue paper. Symptoms of rectal bleeding include tarry or blood-red stool and spots of blood in stool. Rectal bleeding is a sign of ulcers, inflammatory bowel disease, anal fissures, haemorrhoids, or a more serious condition such as colorectal cancer.
• Bowel obstruction is a "medical emergency" that develops when something more serious obstructs the large intestine, such as scar tissue or a tumour. With the build-up of stool and gas, the intestine may burst. However, certain bowel obstructions heal with minimal treatment, whereas surgical intervention may be necessary in severe circumstances.

What are emergency surgical procedures?

Surgery for Appendicitis (Appendectomy)

An appendectomy is a procedure to remove an infected/inflamed appendix on the lower right quadrant of the abdomen. A burst appendix can advance to a life-threatening condition called peritonitis, inflammation of the abdominal lining (peritoneum). Dr Umar creates a small incision on the lower right quadrant of the abdomen. He removes the inflamed appendix through a small incision over the abdominal region. However, if the appendix ruptures or an abscess forms, Dr Umar will flush out the cavity so pus or fluid drains from the area.

Surgery for Peptic Ulcers

A gastrectomy is a surgical procedure to treat peptic ulcers by resecting the ulcer and reconnecting the entrance of the stomach to the small intestine opening. Surgery for a perforated ulcer involves closing the hole. Dr Umar then excises the ulcer and transfers the sample to the laboratory for further testing.

Surgery for Bowel Obstruction

Dr Umar creates an incision in the abdomen to view the intestines. Dr Umar then locates the obstruction within the intestine and works tirelessly to unblock it. The affected parts of the bowel can be removed or surgically repaired, depending on the extent of the obstruction.