What is LASIK eye surgery? Readers Comments 2 Share Your Story LASIK stands for Laser in Situ Keratomileusis, which means using a laser underneath a corneal flap (in situ) to reshape the cornea (keratomileusis). This procedure utilizes a highly specialized laser (excimer laser) designed to treat refractive errors, improve vision, and reduce or eliminate the need for glasses or contact...
LASEK Laser Eye Surgery: Read About Risks and Recovery Time
Introduction to LASEK Laser Eye Surgery LASEK laser eye surgery is a newer surgery that combines many of the benefits of older vision correction surgeries, explain doctors at The Cleveland Clinic. Laser epithelial keratomileusis, or LASEK, combines benefits of the two most commonly performed procedures — LASIK and PRK. LASEK laser eye surgery is used to treat astigmatism, nearsightedness or...
What Is Portal Hypertension? Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, Prognosis
What is portal hypertension? Portal hypertension occurs when blood flow through the liver is obstructed. The liver serves many purposes within the body from making carbohydrates, proteins and fats to synthesizing bile to help digest food. Because of this, the liver requires a significant blood supply. As opposed to other organs in the body, the majority of this blood supply...
How Painful Is Getting an IUD?
What is an IUD? Getting an IUD is generally not excessively painful. An intrauterine device (IUD) is a small T-shaped birth control device, about the size of a quarter, that is placed inside a woman’s uterus to prevent pregnancy. It is a reversible contraceptive, meaning it can be removed if pregnancy is desired. IUDs are one of the most popular...
Nasal Airway Surgery (Septoplasty): Procedure, Complications & Recovery
Deviated septum surgery (septoplasty) and turbinectomy facts Picture of the anatomy of the sinuses The following information is provided to help patients and their families prepare for deviated septum surgery (septoplasty) and turbinectomy (nasal airway surgery), and to understand more clearly the associated benefits, risks, and complications. Patients are encouraged to ask their doctor any questions or concerns to help...
How Many Ribs Does a Man Have?
The ribs are the series of long, flat, curved bones that form the protective cage The ribs are the series of long, flat, curved bones that form the protective cage of the thorax (chest). The human rib cage is made up of 12 paired rib bones, each of which articulates with the vertebral column posteriorly and terminates anteriorly as cartilage....
How Would You Know If a Person Has Scurvy?
What is scurvy? When you think of scurvy, you may imagine pirates sailing across the open sea. Sailors were prone to scurvy because they were at sea for months without vitamin C-rich fresh fruits and vegetables. But scurvy can affect civilians, too. Scurvy is a severe vitamin C deficiency. Vitamin C is essential to maintaining connective tissue health. Without it,...
Kidney Cancer Symptoms, Prognosis & Treatment
Kidney cancer facts* Readers Comments 1 Share Your Story *Kidney cancer facts medical author: Charles P. Davis, MD, PhD Kidney cancer facts medical editor: Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD The kidneys are two organs in the body that filter the blood and remove waste material and excess water by making urine that is expelled as waste. Cancer is the growth of...
Loeys-Dietz Syndrome: Aortic Enlargement, Life Expectancy
Loeys-Dietz syndrome facts Loeys-Dietz syndrome is a recently-described connective tissue disorder that predisposes to the development of aortic aneurysms and other connective tissue defects. Loeys-Dietz syndrome is known to be a result of mutations in the TGF-beta-receptor I (TGFBR1) or II (TGFBR2) genes and is inherited in an autosomal dominant manner. Genetic testing is performed to identify the mutation and...
What Is Hydroxyapatite Crystal Deposition Disease? Treatment
Hydroxyapatite crystal disease facts Hydroxyapatite is an essential mineral of normal bone. Crystals of hydroxyapatite deposited in and about the joints cause inflammation. Inflammation and pain are part of hydroxyapatite crystal disease. This disease is distinct and different from gout and pseudogout. Treatment includes measures to reduce inflammation and pain. What is hydroxyapatite? Readers Comments 13 Share Your Story Hydroxyapatite...