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 cholecystogram done? For an OCG,...
Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy (Gallbladder Removal) Recovery & Complications
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 invasive way to remove the...
Aortic Stenosis Symptoms, Treatment, Surgery, & Causes
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 stenosis can cause chest pain,...
Ascites: Fluid Retention Symptoms, Treatment, Causes & Types
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 conditions, for example, cirrhosis of...
Septic Arthritis Diagnosis, Symptoms, Treatment, Causes, Prognosis, Complications
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 abuse, past joint disease, injury...
Gallstones: Symptoms, Treatment, Causes, Pain & Surgery
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 are biliary colic and cholecystitis;...
Emergency Contraception for Unprotected Sex: Morning After Pill
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 fertile and physically able to...
What Can I Expect After a Laparoscopic Ovarian Cystectomy?
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 an ovarian cystectomy is major...
Lip Augmentation: Get the Facts About This Procedure
Cosmetic Procedures and Lip Augmentation So you want to improve the appearance of your lips? You’ve got your reasons. Plumping your pucker often improves self-confidence and sexual confidence. The good news is that you have many options to improve the appearance of your lips. The methods we discuss here also reduce fine lines and wrinkles around your lips. It’s important...
Dilation and Curettage (D&C) Procedure, Side Effects & Recovery Time
What is dilation and curettage (D and C, D&C)? Readers Comments 3 Share Your Story In general, a D and C procedure is used to help determine the health of the uterine lining or to remove abnormal tissue. Dilation and curettage (D and C) is a procedure in which the cervix of the uterus is expanded (dilated) so that the...