What is a laparoscopic appendectomy? The recovery time for a laparoscopic appendectomy is shorter than for an open appendectomy because it is less invasive. An appendectomy is the surgical removal of vermiform appendix, a finger-shaped sac attached to the beginning part of the colon (cecum). The appendix is located in the lower right abdomen. A …
Read More »
Marfan syndrome definition and facts* Syringomas on the Eyelids of a Marfan Syndrome Patient. Marfan syndrome affects different people in different ways. The body systems most often affected by the syndrome are the skeleton, eyes, heart and blood vessels, nervous system, skin, and lungs. Image Source: Color Atlas of Pediatric Dermatology Samuel Weinberg, Neil S. Prose, Leonard Kristal Copyright 2008, 1998, …
Read More »
What does the heart look like and how does it work? Illustrations of Blood Flow to the Heart The heart is an amazing organ. It starts beating about 22 days after conception and continuously pumps oxygenated red blood cells and nutrient-rich blood and other compounds like platelets throughout your body to sustain the life of your organs. Its pumping power …
Read More »
What is saphenous nerve block? Saphenous nerve block is an anesthetic procedure to numb the saphenous nerve, killing sensation in the leg. Saphenous nerve block is a type of anesthetic procedure that blocks the saphenous nerve, a pure sensory nerve of the leg, to anesthetize the lower extremity. Saphenous nerve block is performed by injecting local anesthetic (usually lidocaine or …
Read More »
Kidney dysplasia facts* During normal development, the tubules that collect urine branch out throughout the baby's kidneys. In kidney dysplasia, the tubules fail to branch out, and urine has nowhere to go. The urine collects inside the kidney and forms cysts. *Facts written by John C. Cunha, DO. Kidney dysplasia is a condition in which the internal structures of one …
Read More »
What is an umbilical hernia repair surgery? When an organ protrudes through a weak point in the muscle wall or other surrounding tissue, it’s called a hernia. “Umbilical” refers to the navel region. A hernia is a protrusion of an internal body part, such as the intestine, through a weak spot in the muscle or the surrounding tissue wall. An …
Read More »
Haldol (haloperidol) vs. Abilify (aripiprazole): What’s the difference? Haloperidol and Abilify (aripiprazole) are antipsychotic medications used to treat schizophrenia and Tourette's syndrome. Haloperidol is also used to treat acute psychosis. Abilify is also used to treat bipolar disorder, irritability associated with autistic disorder, and it is used with other medications to treat major depression in adults. A brand name for …
Read More »
Sprains and strains facts Is it a Sprain or Strain? A sprain is abnormal stretching or tearing of a ligament that supports a joint. A strain is abnormal stretching or tearing of a muscle or tendon. Sprains and strains may be caused by repetitive activities or by a single overuse injury. Pain, swelling, and bruising are common signs and symptoms …
Read More »
What is a colon resection? Colon resection surgery (colectomy) removes a length of intestine that is diseased or dead, and then re-connects the severed ends to each other or to an ostomy in the abdomen attached to a colostomy bag to catch feces.. Colon resection (colectomy) is the surgical removal of part or all of the colon. The surgeon removes …
Read More »
What are interferons and how do they work? Interferons are a family of naturally-occurring proteins that are made and secreted by cells of the immune system (for example, white blood cells, natural killer cells, fibroblasts, and epithelial cells). Three classes of interferons have been identified: alpha, beta, and gamma. Each class has many effects, though their effects overlap. Commercially available …
Read More »
