What is the alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) blood test? Readers Comments 8 Share Your Story The most abundant plasma protein found in the human fetus is alpha-fetoprotein (AFP). AFP is a protein normally made by the immature liver cells in the fetus. Healthy, nonpregnant adults have very low levels of AFP in the bloodstream (undetectable to about...
Collagen is one of the most abundant proteins found in humans and animals. Collagen supplements or hydrolyzed collagen or collagen peptides are generally obtained from animal sources such as beef, pork, and fish skin or bones. There are a limited number of studies to provide concrete scientific evidence for the various health benefits claimed regarding...
What is an oral cholecystogram (OCG)? The oral cholecystogram, or OCG, is a radiologic procedure for diagnosing gallstones. An oral cholecystogram is in contrast to an intravenous cholangiogram (IVC). The oral cholecystogram is rarely used, as ultrasound or CT are more accurate, faster techniques for identifying gallstones without exposure to iodine. How is an oral...
What is laparoscopic cholecystectomy? The surgery to remove the gallbladder is called a cholecystectomy (chol-e-cys-tec-toe-mee). The gallbladder is removed through a 5- to 8-inch-long incision, or cut, in your abdomen. During an open cholecystectomy, the cut is made just below your ribs on the right side and goes to just below your waist. A less...
Aortic valve stenosis definition and facts Readers Comments 41 Share Your Story Aortic stenosis is narrowing of the aortic valve, impeding delivery of blood from the heart to the body. Aortic stenosis can be caused by congenital bicuspid aortic valve, scarred aortic valve of rheumatic fever, and wearing of aortic valve in the elderly. Aortic...
What is the medical definition of ascites? What should I know about it? Readers Comments 6 Share Your Story Kidney failure can cause acites. What is the medical definition of ascites? The medical definition of ascites is an abnormal accumulation of fluid within the (peritoneal) cavity. Ascites is caused by a variety of diseases and...
Facts you should know about septic arthritis (infectious arthritis) Bacterial, fungal, and viral infections may cause septic arthritis. Septic arthritis is infection of one or more joints by microorganisms. Septic arthritis can be caused by fungal, viral, and bacterial infections. Risks for the development of septic arthritis include a patient taking immune-suppression medicines, intravenous drug...
A male adult pointing to a liver outline and painted a gallbladder on his abdomen.Source: iStock Gallstone definition and facts Readers Comments 1 Share Your Story Gallstones are "stones" that form in the gallbladder or bile ducts. The common types of gallstones are cholesterol, black pigment, and brown pigment. The most common symptoms of gallstones...
Introduction to birth control If a woman wants to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex, emergency contraception is still an option. Emergency contraception is a medication or device that is used to prevent conception after unprotected intercourse and is intended as a back-up method of birth control. If a woman is sexually active and she is...
After the ovarian cyst removal, you may feel pain in your tummy, which should improve in a few days. After the ovarian cyst removal, you may feel pain in your tummy, which should improve in a few days. The time for recovery after a laparoscopic ovarian cystectomy may be different for everyone. Hospital stay: Because...