What is percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage? In percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage a small, flexible, plastic tube is placed through the skin into the liver to drain a blocked bile duct system. Percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage or percutaneous transhepatic cholangiodrainage (PTCD) is a procedure to drain bile to relieve pressure in the bile ducts caused by …
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What is the colon? Laparoscopic colectomy is used to treat and prevent diseases and conditions that affect the colon, such as bleeding that can't be controlled. The colon (called the large intestine or large bowel) is a part of the digestive system. The colon sits is situated in the abdominal cavity and travels down to end at the anus. One …
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What is an adhesiolysis procedure? Picture of an abdominal scar after adhesiolysis procedure. Adhesiolysis is a surgical procedure that removes abdominal adhesions. After abdominal surgery, the scar tissue is formed over the surgical wounds. This is part of the healing process. In some cases, the scars thicken giving rise to bands or lumps of scars known as abdominal adhesions. These …
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What is compartment syndrome? A compartment pressure measurement test is testing for compartment syndrome. Compartment syndrome is a painful condition caused by excessive pressure building up within and between muscles. The muscles in your arms and legs are divided into groups by thick bands of tissue called fascia. The fascia has some openings or compartments which contain muscle tissue, nerves, …
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What is noninvasive ventilation? Invasive ventilation: The type of ventilation where oxygen is delivered to your lungs through a tube inserted into your nose or throat (endotracheal tube or tracheostomy tube) that goes into your windpipe. A ventilator is a machine that helps in delivering oxygen to your lungs. It is used to assist with breathing when you cannot breathe …
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What is narcolepsy? The five classical signs of narcolepsy are EDS, cataplexy, sleep paralysis, hallucinations, and disrupted sleep. Narcolepsy is a neurological disorder that affects your ability to sleep and wake up. People with narcolepsy have excessive, uncontrollable daytime sleepiness. They may also suddenly fall asleep at any time, during any type of activity. About in 1 in 2,000 Americans have some type of …
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What is pancreas? Although patients can leave the hospital after a few days or weeks, a full recovery from pancreas surgery can take two months or longer. The pancreas is a six to eight inches long organ situated in the abdomen, behind the stomach. The two main functions of the pancreas are regulating the blood sugar in the body and …
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What are atrial septal defect and patent foramen ovale? The symptoms of a Patent Foramen Ovale or atrial septal defect may be managed by medications. In some cases, surgery may be needed. The heart has four chambers, the upper two called atria and the lower two called ventricles. The left and right atria are separated by a partition called the …
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What are omega-3 fatty acids? Share Your Story Certain foods are high in omega-3 fatty acids. Fatty acids consist of chains of carbon atoms linked together by chemical bonds. On one end (terminal) of the carbon chain is a methyl group (a cluster of carbon and hydrogen atoms). On the other terminal is a carboxyl group (a cluster of carbon, …
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What is an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD)? You need to live with an ICD for the rest of your life. Hence, it is important to have regular check-ups and monitoring every three months to ensure the proper functioning of an ICD. An implantable cardioverter–defibrillator (ICD) is an electronic device that tracks the heart rate and restores a normal rhythm if required. …
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