Lap band (gastric banding) introduction Side effects of a lap band surgery include nausea and vomiting, ulceration at the band site, esophageal reflux (indigestion), weight regain, and dehydration. Obesity is a growing concern. By medical standards, obesity is defined as having a body mass index (BMI) of over 30 kg/m2. While lifestyle modification remains the...
What is toe amputation? Toe amputation is typically performed on patients with a diabetic foot when the toe cannot be saved. Toe amputation is a common procedure performed by a wide variety of healthcare providers. One of the most common indications for toe amputation is patients with a diabetic foot. Most of these procedures are...
What is flatfoot? Foot fatigue is a symptom of flatfoot. When the entire sole of the foot is in contact or near contact with the ground while standing, it is considered a flat foot. The result is that there is little to no arch to the foot. Flatfoot is a common disorder. It is a...
What are blood clots? What is a thrombus? A thrombus is a blood clot that occurs in and occludes a vein while a blood clot forms within an artery or vein and it can break off and travel to the heart or lungs, causing a medical emergency. A thrombus is a blood clot that occurs...
IUD (intrauterine device) definition and facts Readers Comments 2 Share Your Story There are three types of hormonal IUDs. Mirena is inserted for up to 5, and Skyla and Liletta are effective for up to 3 years. All types of IUDs are highly effective. Intrauterine devices (IUDs) are a form of birth control that prevents...
Fish odor syndrome (trimethylaminuria) facts* *Fish odor syndrome (trimethylaminuria) facts Medically Edited by: Charles P. Davis, MD, PhD Fish odor syndrome (trimethylaminuria) is a genetic disease; symptoms are often present from birth. Fish odor syndrome is characterized by an offensive body odor and the smell of rotting fish due to the excessive excretion of trimethylaminuria...
What are Bell’s palsy and stroke? Bell's palsy and stroke are medical conditions that start in the brain. Bell's palsy causes temporary paralysis of facial muscles while stroke is caused by a blood clot or ruptured blood vessel in the brain. Bell's palsy and strokes are two medical conditions that start in the brain. To...
What are cellulite and cellulitis? Cellulite is a skin condition in which there is a lumpy appearance of the skin due to the accumulation of fat. Cellulitis is a bacterial infection of the skin. The difference between cellulite and cellulitis is that cellulite is harmless, but cellulitis may be cause for concern. Cellulite and cellulitis...
Encephalopathy facts Hepatic encephalopathy can occur when your liver stops filtering toxins from your blood. The causes of encephalopathy are numerous and varied; they include infections, anoxia, metabolic problems, toxins, drugs, physiologic changes, trauma, and other causes. Encephalopathy is a general term that means brain disease, damage, or malfunction. The major symptom of encephalopathy is...
What is the anatomy of the disc of the spine (intervertebral disc)? Picture of vertebral body, nerve, and disc The disc is an important structure that rests between the bony building blocks of the spine (vertebrae). The disc in the spine is sometimes referred to as the intervertebral disc. Intervertebral discs help provide flexibility to...