Category: Procedures and Operations

What is palliative care? Palliative care is a specialized form of medical care focused on providing relief from the symptoms, pain, and stress of serious illness, regardless of the diagnosis or stage of the disease. The primary goal of palliative care is to improve the quality of life for patients and their families by addressing…

What is yoga therapy? Yoga therapy, also known as yoga therapy in medicine, is a type of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) that combines the principles of yoga with conventional medical practices to promote physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Yoga therapy is based on the idea that the practice of yoga can help individuals achieve…

How does LASIK work? LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) is a type of refractive surgery that corrects vision problems such as nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism. Here’s a step-by-step explanation of how LASIK works: Pre-Procedure Procedure Post-Procedure How LASIK Works The excimer laser reshapes the corneal tissue by removing microscopic amounts of tissue in…

How does one get a kidney transplant? Getting a kidney transplant is a complex process that involves several steps. Here’s an overview of the process: Step 1: Evaluation Step 2: Waiting list registration Step 3: Matching process Step 4: Transplant surgery Step 5: Post-transplant care Important notes It’s essential to consult with a nephrologist or…

What is involved in donating a kidney? Donating a kidney, either to a family member, friend, or as a non-directed (altruistic) donor, is a significant decision that involves careful consideration and thorough evaluation. Here are the key aspects involved in the process of donating a kidney: 1. Initial Inquiry and Evaluation: 2. Psychological Evaluation: 3.…

What is IVF (In Vitro Fertilization)? In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) is a type of assisted reproductive technology (ART) used to help people overcome fertility issues. It involves the fertilization of an egg with sperm outside the human body, and the resulting embryo is then transferred into the woman’s uterus. Here’s a step-by-step overview of the…

What is integrative medicine and how does it differ from mainstream medicine? Integrative medicine is an approach to healthcare that combines conventional medical treatments with evidence-based complementary therapies and practices, focusing on treating the whole person—body, mind, and spirit. Here are key aspects of integrative medicine and how it differs from mainstream (conventional) medicine: In…

What is a hysterectomy, and what conditions and diseases necessitate one? A hysterectomy is a surgical procedure in which the uterus is removed from the body. The uterus is the organ that supports fetal development during pregnancy and menstruation. In a hysterectomy, the entire uterus, cervix, and part or all of the fallopian tubes and…

What is hydrotherapy? Hydrotherapy, also known as water therapy, is a form of physical therapy that uses water to promote healing, relaxation, and pain relief. It is often used to treat a variety of conditions, including musculoskeletal injuries, arthritis, fibromyalgia, and chronic pain. Hydrotherapy involves the use of water to reduce stress and strain on…

What is hospice care and who needs it? Hospice care is a type of care that focuses on providing comfort and support to individuals who are terminally ill, meaning they have a life expectancy of six months or less. The primary goal of hospice care is to improve the quality of life for these individuals…

What is a high-intensity focused ultrasound? High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) is a non-invasive therapeutic technique that uses focused ultrasound waves to target and treat tissues deep within the body without the need for surgical incisions. Here are the key features and applications of HIFU: Overall, HIFU represents a promising technology in the field of therapeutic…

What is cognitive-behavioral therapy? Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a widely used form of psychotherapy that focuses on helping individuals change negative or unhelpful thoughts and behaviors. It is based on the idea that our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are interconnected, and that by changing one of these aspects, we can change the others. In CBT,…

What is fine needle aspiration and when is it used? Fine needle aspiration (FNA) is a medical procedure used to collect cells or fluid from a suspicious lump or mass for examination under a microscope. It involves inserting a thin needle into the lump and using a syringe to aspirate (suck out) a small sample…

What is a femoral nerve block? A femoral nerve block is a type of regional anesthesia technique used to numb the femoral nerve, which runs down the front of the thigh. The femoral nerve is responsible for sensation and movement in the anterior (front) part of the thigh, as well as the knee and lower…

What is a fecal transplant and who needs one? A fecal transplant, also known as fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), is a medical procedure in which fecal matter containing healthy bacteria is transferred from a donor into the gastrointestinal tract of a recipient to restore the balance of bacteria in the gut. Fecal transplants are primarily…

What is fat transfer breast augmentation? Fat transfer breast augmentation, also known as autologous fat grafting to the breast, is a cosmetic procedure that involves using a person’s own fat to enhance the size and shape of the breasts. The procedure typically involves two main steps: Fat transfer breast augmentation is often chosen by people…

What is an episiotomy and why would I need one? An episiotomy is a surgical procedure in which the perineum, the area between the vagina and the anus, is intentionally cut during childbirth to widen the vaginal opening. The procedure is typically done to facilitate delivery and prevent severe tears of the perineum during childbirth.…

What is an embolectomy? An embolectomy is a surgical procedure used to remove an embolus, which is a blood clot, air bubble, or other foreign material that travels through the bloodstream and lodges in a blood vessel, obstructing blood flow. During an embolectomy, a surgeon makes an incision near the site of the blockage and…

What is dry needling? Dry needling is a technique used to treat musculoskeletal pain and movement impairments. It involves the insertion of thin needles into the skin and underlying tissues, such as muscles, tendons, ligaments, or fascia, without injecting any substance (hence the term “dry” needling). The goal of dry needling is to stimulate trigger…

What is genetic testing? Genetic testing is a type of medical test that identifies changes in chromosomes, genes, or proteins. The results of a genetic test can confirm or rule out a suspected genetic condition or help determine a person’s chance of developing or passing on a genetic disorder. There are several types of genetic…

What is a digital rectal exam and what conditions are detected by it? A digital rectal exam (DRE) is a physical examination in which a healthcare provider inserts a lubricated, gloved finger into the rectum to feel for abnormalities in the rectal area and nearby structures. It is a relatively simple and quick procedure that…

What is a differential diagnosis? A differential diagnosis is a method used by healthcare providers to identify the possible conditions or diseases that could be causing a patient’s symptoms. It involves considering various potential causes based on the patient’s symptoms, medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests. The goal is to narrow down the list…

How does dialysis work? Dialysis is a medical procedure used to perform the functions of the kidneys when they are not working properly. The two main types of dialysis are hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis. Both types of dialysis help to maintain the body’s balance of electrolytes (such as sodium, potassium, and calcium) and fluids, which…

What is a dental crown? A dental crown is a cap that is placed over a damaged or decayed tooth to restore its shape, size, strength, and appearance. Crowns are used for various purposes in dental treatment and can be made from different materials. Here are some key points about dental crowns: Purposes of Dental…

What is deep brain stimulation and what are its uses? Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a surgical procedure that involves implanting a device, similar to a pacemaker, into the brain. This device delivers electrical stimulation to specific areas of the brain. DBS is primarily used to treat certain movement disorders, such as Parkinson’s disease, essential…