What is tube thoracostomy? Tube thoracostomy is a chest drain used to remove fluid from around the lungs, easing pressure on breathing. Tube thoracostomy, also known as open chest drainage, is a surgical procedure to drain the collection of pleural fluid, air, blood, or pus from the pleural cavity through a tube inserted in your …
Read More »How Does a Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt (TIPS) Work?
What is a transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS)? A transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) connects the hepatic vein and portal vein in the liver with a stent. A transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) is an artificial connection that is created by a radiologist between two veins (hepatic vein and portal vein) in the liver. These veins are connected by a …
Read More »Strategies for Ventilator Management: 6 Major Types
What is ventilator management? There are six major types of ventilator support including continuous mandatory ventilation to noninvasive ventilation. Intubation is a procedure performed when the patient is unable to breathe by themselves. It may be a life-saving procedure in the emergency room (ER) or planned during the surgery when the patient is under general anesthesia. The doctor inserts a …
Read More »Smoker’s Lung Pictures: Smokers’ Lungs vs. Healthy Lungs
Smoker's lung introduction Picture of normal airway and lung Cigarette smoking is associated with a wide variety of abnormalities throughout the body that cause not only illness, but also, all too often, death. Indeed, if all deaths from diseases related to smoking (lung disease, heart disease, and cancers of many different organs) were considered, a case could be made for …
Read More »Hypothermia Symptoms, Definition, Treatment & Signs
What is hypothermia? Readers Comments 1 Share Your Story Picture of the stages of frostbite Hypothermia is defined as a body temperature (core, or internal body temperature) of less than about 95 F (35 C). Usually, hypothermia occurs when the body's temperature regulation is overwhelmed by a cold environment. However, in the medical and lay literature there are essentially two …
Read More »How Long Does Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass Surgery Take?
What is gastric bypass surgery? Gastric bypass surgery alters the size of the stomach to restrict the amount of calories morbidly obese people can consume. The laparoscopic version of the surgery is less invasive than an open surgery and often improves recovery times. Gastric bypass surgery is a weight loss surgery. In this surgery, a surgeon makes changes to the …
Read More »How Long Does a Postcholecystectomy Syndrome Last?
A single-port cholecystectomy involves the removal of the gallbladder (cholecystectomy) using a single-port laparoscopic surgery. A postcholecystectomy syndrome occurs when abdominal symptoms arise after gallbladder surgery. This syndrome is temporary and heals with medications. The most common symptoms of a postcholecystectomy syndrome include: Bloating Diarrhea Nausea Vomiting Upset stomach Persistent pain in the upper right quadrant of the abdomen Gas …
Read More »How Long Does A Hangover Last?
What are the common symptoms of hangover? The only real cure for a hangover is time, rest and fluids. Eating starchy foods and small amounts of caffeine may help a little, but abstaining from alcohol is the only true way to avoid or cure a hangover. Hangover is the combination of unpleasant symptoms experienced after alcohol consumption. The symptoms of …
Read More »How Do You Release a Trapped Ulnar Nerve?
What is an ulnar nerve release surgery? Ulnar nerve release is a surgical procedure that helps release the compression on the ulnar nerve and the symptoms caused by the compression of the ulnar nerve. Inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, and cubital tunnel syndrome are common conditions it treats. The ulnar nerve is one of the three main …
Read More »Using Superficial Heat and Cold Applications for Treatment of an Injury
What is superficial heat and cold therapy? Superficial cold therapy can reduce swelling and pain. Superficial heat therapy can reduce pain, and increase muscle relaxation. Superficial heat and cold therapy are adjunctive therapy used for pain control and sports injury treatment. These therapies exert their effects at a depth of 1-2 cm. In general, these therapies limit tissue damage, control …
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