What is a colonoscopy? A colonoscope includes a camera, light, and surgical tools to examine the colon. The digestive system processes and eliminates waste after digestion. The colon and rectum are the final portions of the digestive system and are also referred to as the large bowel or large intestine. A colonoscopy is a diagnostic …

How is bariatric surgery performed? Photo showing the bariatric surgery procedure. Bariatric surgery is performed under general anesthesia. Most bariatric surgeries are laparoscopic, but some patients may need a conventional surgery. The procedure may last several hours.  A surgeon specialized in bariatric surgery will perform the procedure. A gastroenterologist is integral in caring for the patient before and after the …

What is bariatric surgery? There are different forms of bariatric surgery, but they all aim to shrink the stomach and sometimes affect nutrient absorption to help the patient lose weight. Bariatric surgery is an operation on the digestive system to help an obese person lose weight. The surgery restricts calorie intake by reducing the size of the stomach. Some types …

What is stereotactic radiosurgery? Stereotactic radiosurgery is a way to deliver radiation to tumors or other abnormalities deep in the brain or other hard-to-reach areas of the body. Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) is a radiation treatment that uses focused delivery of radiation in high doses to precise locations in the body. It is used to treat certain tumors and other abnormalities …

What is a discography? A lumbar discography is an imaging test to identify damage to a spinal disc discs in the lower back causing pain or discomfort. A discography, or discogram, is an imaging test of the spine to determine which particular disc is causing a patient’s back pain. The doctor injects a dye into a specific disc to reveal …

What is transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation? TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) delivers current to sore muscles, reducing pain for many. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is a therapy that provides short-term pain relief using low-voltage electric current. It is noninvasive, inexpensive and can even be self-administered. It is one of the most popular forms of electric therapy for pain relief. …

Does Lasix (furosemide) cause side effects? Lasix (furosemide) is a potent diuretic (water pill) used to treat excess accumulation of fluid or swelling of the body (edema) caused by cirrhosis, chronic kidney failure, heart failure, and kidney disease. Furosemide is also used in conjunction with other blood pressure medications to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). Common side effects of furosemide …

What is Xiaflex, and what is it used for? Xiaflex is approved for two uses: Dupuytren’s contracture and Peyronie’s disease. Information is provided separately for each use. Use for treating Dupuytren's contracture is described first, followed by use for treating Peyronie’s disease. Xiaflex is a prescription medicine used to treat adults with Dupuytren’s contracture when a “cord” can be felt. …

What is Tecfidera (dimethyl fumarate), and what is it used for? Tecfidera is a prescription medicine used to treat people with relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS) It is not known if Tecfidera is safe and effective in children under 18 years of age Who should not take Tecfidera? Do not use Tecfidera if you have had an allergic reaction (such as …

What is Spiriva (tiotropium bromide), and what is it used for? Spiriva HandiHaler is a prescription medicine used each day (a maintenance medicine) to control symptoms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), including chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Spiriva HandiHaler helps make your lungs work better for 24 hours. Spiriva HandiHaler relaxes your airways and helps keep them open. You may start to feel like it is …