What is a transjugular liver biopsy procedure? In a transjugular liver biopsy, the doctor inserts a catheter through the jugular vein in the neck and threads it down to the liver to collect a tissue sample. This is less invasive than a traditional liver biopsy. A transjugular liver biopsy is an intravenous technique to obtain...
What is a mitral valvuloplasty procedure? The heart's mitral valve is subject to hardening or stenosis as a symptom of heart disease. Mitral valvuloplasty uses a catheter to inflate a balloon inside the valve, stretching it and ideally improving its function. Mitral valvuloplasty, also known as mitral valvotomy, is a minimally invasive procedure to treat...
What is a choledochojejunostomy? A choledochojejunostomy is a surgical procedure to make a connection (anastomosis) between the common bile duct and the jejunum. This technique is called the Roux-en-Y choledochojejunostomy. A choledochojejunostomy is a surgical procedure to make a connection (anastomosis) between the common bile duct and the jejunum, which is the middle portion of...
Granulomatosis with polyangiitis definition and facts Readers Comments 4 Share Your Story Granulomatosis with polyangiitis is a rare disease characterized by inflammation of blood vessels. Granulomatosis with polyangiitis is an uncommon disease that involves inflammation of blood vessels (vasculitis). Symptoms of granulomatosis with polyangiitis include: fatigue, weight loss, fevers, shortness of breath, bloody sputum, joint...
What is electroconvulsive therapy? In electroshock therapy, doctors use this machine to run a precise amount of electrical current through a patient's brain, inducing seizures that inexplicably improve some severe mental health conditions. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a treatment in which medical professionals apply an electric current to a patient’s brain for a short period...
Pimple vs. cold sore facts Share Your Story Pimples and cold sores are treated differently. Pimples contain pus, while cold sores contain clear fluid in blisters. Both pimples and cold sores can spontaneously heal. Pimples are caused by bacteria, while cold sores are caused by herpes viruses. Symptoms and signs differ between pimples and cold...
What is breast cancer staging? Breast Cancer Treatments: Radiation Therapy The stage of a cancer refers to the extent to which it has spread within the body at the time of diagnosis. Staging of cancers is typically done using a variety of tests and imaging studies to look for the extent of the cancer. To...
What is the Mediterranean diet? Picture of the Mediterranean diet food pyramid Eating a Mediterranean diet is not really dieting at all, but eating a variety of fresh foods that taste good and prevent obesity and its health consequences. The Mediterranean diet has been around for over 50 years, and its benefits continue to become...
Facts you should know about sexual addiction In the U.S., more than 30 million people suffer from sex addiction. Sexual addiction, also often referred to as hypersexuality, sexual dependency and compulsive sexual behavior disorder, is a condition that involves the sufferer becoming excessively preoccupied with thoughts or behaviors that give a desired sexual effect. More...
Facts you should know about urine tests for diabetes Urine tests for diabetes look for ketones in the urine. Urine tests may be done in people with diabetes to evaluate severe hyperglycemia (severe high blood sugar) by looking for ketones in the urine. Ketones are a metabolic product produced when fat is metabolized. Ketones increase...