What is the spleen and what are its functions? A splenectomy is the total or partial surgical removal of the spleen. The spleen is an important part of the body's defense (immune) system that is situated under the left rib cage near the stomach. The spleen contains special white blood cells that can destroy bacteria. It helps …
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What is lupus? Lupus is an autoimmune disease that affects the joints and causes inflammation in other systems as well. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system of the body attacks healthy tissue. It affects joints, skin, brain, lungs, kidneys and blood vessels, leading to inflammation and tissue damage of the affected organs. More …
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What is lupus? Lupus is an autoimmune disease that affects the joints and causes inflammation in other systems as well. Lupus is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks healthy tissue. It affects joints, skin, brain, lungs, kidneys and blood vessels, leading to inflammation and tissue damage of the affected organs. What are the four types of lupus? …
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What is methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR)? There are two common MTHFR mutations, known as C677T and A1298C. The term MTHFR stands for methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase. MTHFR is an enzyme that breaks down the amino acids' homocysteine and folate. Homocysteine is an amino acid that works to maintain the body’s cells. Folate is one of the B-vitamins needed to make red and white …
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What is a migraine? Common painkillers such as paracetamol, aspirin, and ibuprofen may be used for quick relief. Some natural home remedies may also help in symptomatic relief. Common painkillers such as paracetamol, aspirin, and ibuprofen may be used for quick relief. Some natural home remedies may also help in symptomatic relief. Migraine is a neurological condition that is characterized …
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What is atherosclerosis? Atherosclerosis is a disease of blood vessels. In this condition, the innermost layer of the blood vessels (endothelium) is constricted by the deposition of fat, calcium and cellular debris. Atherosclerosis leads to the narrowing of the artery, which in turn reduces the flow of blood passing through it. The reduced blood flow results in a depletion of …
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What is Leukemia? It is also one of the most common cancers in children and adults younger than 20 years. The survival rate is higher for younger people. Leukemia is a group of cancers of the blood affecting the white blood cells. White blood cells are the infection-fighting cells of the body. In leukemia, white blood cell production becomes abnormal in …
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What is an incisional hernia? An incisional hernia is a type of hernia caused by an incompletely healed surgical wound. A hernia is a bulge or protrusion of body tissue or an organ through the structure that normally contains it. A hernia usually occurs when an organ or fatty tissue pushes itself through a weak spot in a surrounding area. In an incisional hernia, the intestine pushes …
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What is laparoscopic gastric banding? Laparoscopic gastric banding surgery is done under general anesthesia. This procedure usually takes 30 to 60 minutes to complete. Laparoscopic gastric banding is a weight loss surgery in which the surgeon places a band around the upper part of the stomach. This creates a small pouch to hold food, limiting the amount an individual can …
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What is the ileum? In conditions where the ileum is removed surgically, the duodenum is connected to the colon. This is called anastomosis. The entire small intestine is around 20 feet long and is divided into three parts. The first part is called the duodenum. The stomach opens into the duodenum. The middle part is called the jejunum. The third and final …
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