What is capsule endoscopy? A capsule endoscope houses a camera and lights in a clear housing. A patient swallows the capsule and the camera takes magnified photos and video for diagnosis of gastrointestinal disorders. Video or wireless capsule endoscopy is a noninvasive diagnostic procedure for examining the gastrointestinal tract, particularly the small intestine. Capsule endoscopy...
The possible complications of ulcerative colitis are bleeding, inflammation of other organs, toxic megacolon, dehydration, and colon cancer. The life expectancy of patients with ulcerative is usually the same as the general population. Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a lifelong disease with periods of flare-ups and remissions. The longer the periods of remission, the better will...
What is acid reflux? Acid reflux can be relieved by simple lifestyle changes, such as avoiding certain foods and drinks, eating small meals, and not eating too close to bedtime. Acid reflux refers to the condition in which the stomach contents move up into the food pipe (esophagus). When the acidic stomach contents leak frequently,...
Ulcerative colitis (UC) is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that affects the inner lining of the large intestine (large bowel) leading to erosion and ulcers. It is a lifelong illness with no specific cause or cure. The life expectancy of patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) is usually the same as anybody without the disease. UC...
What is whole-bowel irrigation? Whole-bowel irrigation is the rarely used technique that cleans the entire intestine to remove unwanted or toxic substances from the gastrointestinal tract. The technique is done by inserting a tube from the nose to the intestine (nasogastric tube). Usually, a large volume of nonabsorbable solution called polyethylene glycol–electrolyte is administered through...
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 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...
What is transvaginal appendectomy? In treating acute appendicitis, transvaginal appendectomy, which involves removing the appendix through the vagina, is one option. Transvaginal appendectomy is an evolving surgical procedure that involves the removal of the appendix through the vaginal route. It is one of the three types of appendectomy—apart from traditional open appendectomy and laparoscopic appendectomy—that...
What is transvaginal cholecystectomy? Transvaginal cholecystectomy is a surgery in which the gallbladder is removed through the vagina. Transvaginal cholecystectomy is a novel surgical procedure to remove the gallbladder through the vaginal route. It is one of the three types of cholecystectomy—apart from the traditional open cholecystectomy and laparoscopic cholecystectomy—that is done to treat patients...
What is Motegrity, and how does it work? Motegrity is a prescription medicine used in adults to treat a type of constipation called chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC). Idiopathic means the cause of the constipation is unknown. It is not known if Motegrity is safe and effective in children. What are the side effects of Motegrity?...