What are integrase strand-transfer inhibitors (INSTIs) in antiretroviral therapy (ART) for HIV infection? Integrase strand-transfer inhibitors (INSTIs) are one of the latest additions to the classes of drugs used in antiretroviral therapy (ART) for human immunodeficiency (HIV) infection. The first integrase strand-transfer inhibitor came into use in 2007, as part of the ART regimen with …

Ten common reasons for head itching include infectious or autoimmune disease and allergic reactions. When your head itches continuously, there may be many contributory factors. Head itching can be irritating and troublesome. Finding the cause and treating it should be a priority. Ten common reasons for head itching include infectious or autoimmune disease and allergic reactions. Which infectious diseases cause …

What is the colon? The colon is part of the digestive system. It is also called the large intestine or large bowel. The colon is situated inside the abdominal cavity and travels down the left side of the abdomen and ends at the anus.  Laparoscopic colectomy treats and prevents diseases and conditions of the colon. One of the main functions …

What is joint aspiration (arthrocentesis)? Joint aspiration (arthrocentesis) is a diagnostic procedure that involves the extraction and analysis of the synovial fluid in the joints. It is an important procedure used for diagnosing arthritis and differentiating inflammatory arthritis from noninflammatory arthritis.  Joint aspiration is a relatively quick and inexpensive procedure to perform. It can be done in a clinic or …

What is an intra-aortic balloon pump? IABP is performed when the heart isn’t getting enough blood or isn’t pumping out to the rest of the body. Intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation or intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) is a type of therapeutic device which helps the heart to pump more blood.  The IABP consists of a thin, flexible tube called a catheter. Attached to the …

What are knee injections? Knee injection is performed to treat the pain arising from various diseases of the knee joint. Knee injection is a procedure in which medications are injected into the knee joint to treat the pain due to various causes.  There are different types of knee injections. The most common type of intra-articular knee injection is corticosteroids. Other …

Vitiligo facts Picture of Vitiligo on Back Vitiligo facts* medically edited by Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD Vitiligo is a disease in which the pigment cells of the skin, melanocytes, are destroyed in certain areas. Symptoms and signs of vitiligo include loss of skin color in the form of depigmented, or white, patches of skin in any location on the body. …

What is knee arthrocentesis? Knee arthrocentesis is a relatively quick procedure but may be performed under local anesthesia to avoid pain. Arthrocentesis (joint aspiration) is a diagnostic procedure in which fluid is drained from a joint (synovial fluid) using a sterile needle and syringe.  Knee arthrocentesis is an important procedure used for diagnosing arthritis and differentiating inflammatory arthritis from noninflammatory …

What is Hartmann’s procedure? Hartmann’s procedure is necessary to preserve the healthy part of the colon in conditions that most commonly include diverticulitis and colon cancer Hartmann’s procedure is a surgical procedure in which an unhealthy part of your colon is cut from the rest of the colon, and the open end of the colon is connected to a bag …

What is an endobronchial ultrasound? Endobronchial Ultrasound helps the doctors to obtain tissue or fluid samples from the lungs and surrounding areas without invasive surgery. Endobronchial ultrasound is a procedure used to diagnose various lung problems, including infections and cancer. The procedure allows the doctors to investigate the lungs and to take samples with the aid of an ultrasound scan. …