Surgery and Other Procedures Archives - Healthhype

Cornea Transplant Surgery (Corneal Graft, Keratoplasty)

Dr. Chris — Sat, 12 Nov 2011 16:30:49 +0000

Corneal transplantation, also known as corneal graft or keratoplasty, is usually done when there is loss of vision in one eye due to damage to the cornea as a result of disease or injury. The cornea is the transparent layer of tissue in front of the eye. When the cornea becomes cloudy, light cannot enter the eye sufficiently well, thus causing poor vision or blindness. Corneal transplant is one of the most commonly performed transplant surgeries where the damaged cornea is replaced by corneal tissue obtained from another human eye. The corneal tissue for transplant should be taken soon after death of the donor. Overall, a corneal transplant usually has a good outcome but graft rejection may be an undesirable complication. Cornea Anatomy The cornea is the transparent layer of tissue that covers the front of the eye. It is responsible for refraction of light passing through it, thus enabling proper vision. Damage to any part of the cornea may interfere with vision. The cornea does not contain any blood vessels. It is nourished by tears and by the aqueous humor in the anterior chamber of the eye just behind the cornea. The function of the cornea is to protect [...]

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Refractive Eye Surgery for Nearsight, Farsight and Astigmatism

Dr. Chris — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 16:35:23 +0000

Refractive eye surgery includes a number of procedures aimed at altering the parts of the eye that bend light, namely the cornea on the outside and lens in the eyeball. It is these errors in refraction that cause the most common vision problems – myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness) and astigmatism. This has reduced the need for and inconveniences associated with the use of eyeglasses and contact lenses to correct these refractive errors. However, it has not totally removed the need for these other corrective measures as some persons may still require eyeglasses and contact lens for optimal visual acuity. Refractive eye surgery was drastically improved with the advent of the excimer laser that allowed for laser-based procedures such as LASIK, LASEK and PRT which are now more commonly done. Nevertheless there are several other, non-laser procedures that can be done to correct refractive errors of the eye. Most surgeries involve the cornea but some may also involve the lens. The most important surgical procedures currently employed in surgical correction of refractory errors are : Laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK), laser assisted sub-epithelium keratomileusis (LASEK), photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) and laser thermal keratoplasty (LTK) have been discussed under laser eye correction. LASIK [...]

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Kidney Dialysis Methods, Machine and Indications for its Use

Dr. Chris — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 23:01:44 +0000

One of the most important functions of the kidneys in a healthy individual is to filter and remove harmful waste products from the blood. Furthermore, by regulating the amount of urine excreted, the kidneys can help to maintain the fluid balance of the body. Blood electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, and bicarbonate levels are maintained by healthy kidneys, which are also important in controlling blood pressure. However, in circumstances where the kidneys are unable to perform these functions due a person developing end-stage kidney failure, there are usually two options available – kidney transplant or renal dialysis, which come under the term renal replacement therapy. What is Dialysis? Renal dialysis or kidney dialysis is a process that takes over the functions of the failed kidneys by removing harmful waste substances from the blood. Short-term dialysis may be conducted in some cases of acute kidney failure, where there are chances of improvement of kidney function following treatment. Long-term dialysis is necessary in patients where there is irreversible damage to the kidney and is therefore the only means of sustaining life without a kidney transplant. Despite the life-saving function of dialysis, it is not able to replace the activity of health kidneys. [...]

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Root Canal Purpose, When to do it, Procedure, Alternatives, Video

Dr. Chris — Sun, 15 Apr 2012 21:18:16 +0000

What is a root canal? Root canal therapy, commonly referred to simply as a root canal, is a dental procedure for repairing and salvaging a badly decayed or an infected tooth. The root canal procedure involves removal of infected and decaying debris within the pulp of the tooth, thorough cleaning, and sealing of the tooth cavity with synthetic materials. This procedure helps to relieve the unbearable pain associated with tooth decay, to prevent further spread of the decay, and also to halt the spread of infection to the surrounding normal tissue. The procedure is usually performed by a dental surgeon or an endodontist. An endodontist is a dental surgeon who is specialized in management of diseases of dental pulp and nerve. Purpose of a root canal The central cavity which is normally present in the tooth is called root canal. The soft area within this canal is the pulp and the nerve supplying the tooth lies in the canal within the pulp. After the tooth completely emerges, the nerves are not essential for maintaining normal function and health of the tooth. The prominent function of these nerves is only in sensing hot and cold. Damage to the nerve or the [...]

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Facts About Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Lift Surgery)

Dr. Chris — Mon, 02 Jun 2014 23:13:36 +0000

Whether it is a sagging upper eyelid or drooping and puffy lower lids, we would all like to restore our eyelids to their original youthful glory. The fact is that these age-related changes of the eyelids alters the appearance of the eyes and causes us to look older than we would like to appear. Fortunately cosmetic surgery can easily correct these changes and restore youthful eyes within hours. Understanding what eyelid lift surgery entails as well as the risks and outcomes can help you make an informed decision before you go under the knife and fork out substantial amounts of money for the procedure. IMPORTANT: Always have eyelid lift surgery (blepharoplasty) done by a medical professional with the skills and experience to conduct this procedure. It should be done within a suitable facility for minor surgery. Skin Removal and Tightening Blepharoplasty involves the removal of excess skin and tightening of the remaining skin on the eyelid. The purpose is to improve the look of the eyelids which may become droopy over time. The skin of the eyelids gradually lose elasticity with age and the action of gravity pulls on it thereby causing excess skin to grow. This skin not only causes [...]

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Mastoid Infection (Bone) Surgery, Procedures and Videos

Dr. Chris — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 21:07:32 +0000

Infection of the mastoid process, a protrusion of the temporal bone of the skill, is known as mastoiditis. One of the most common causes is a result of a middle ear infection (otitis media) which spreads to the skull bone if left untreated or is severe. Most of these infections are bacterial in nature and can be effectively treated with antibiotics. However, if the desired results cannot be achieved then surgery may be necessary. The most commonly performed procedures in the treatment of mastoiditis are myringotomy and mastoidectomy. Myringotomy for Mastoiditis Myringotomy is a minor surgical procedure performed by cutting into the tympanic membrane (eardrum) to allow pus to drain out. The incision is usually semilunar in shape. The procedure is usually performed under general anesthesia in children while it may be done under local or general anesthesia in adults. The pus that has accumulated in the middle ear is drained through the incision and a small tube is placed through the incision. The patient is usually discharged on the same day. Post-operatively the ear discharge should be mopped clean daily. Water should not be allowed to enter the ear for at least one week. The incision heals naturally without [...]

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Laser Eye Correction Procedures (LASIK, LASEK, PRK, LTK)

Dr. Chris — Sat, 22 Oct 2011 16:57:44 +0000

Refractive eye surgery was revolutionized with the introduction of excimer laser-based procedures. Overall, laser-based procedures dramatically improved the outcome, cost effectiveness and popularity of refractive surgeries thereby making it a viable choice for correcting these common vision problems. A number of surgical procedures are currently in use for correcting myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness) and astigmatism. However the surgical correction of presbyopia is still not well developed. Laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) Laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis or LASIK is currently the most frequently performed surgery for correction of refraction errors. It offers a predictable, safe and effective treatment option for refractive errors. Recovery following LASIK is rapid and pain is minimal. The LASIK procedure is widely accepted by surgeons and enjoys high patient satisfaction compared to other laser-based procedures like PRK. It is performed under local anesthesia and is generally an out-patient procedure. LASIK is useful in mild to high degree myopia (up to -12 diopters) which may or may not be associated with astigmatism, in hyperopia (up to 4 diopters) with or without astigmatism and also in astigmatism (up to 5 diopters). Procedures A flap of the cornea is made with a microkeratome. This is a major difference compared to [...]

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Hemodialysis and Peritoneal Dialysis Procedure and Complications

Dr. Alison — Tue, 21 Jun 2011 17:47:18 +0000

Dialysis is the procedure of removing waste products, excess water and balancing the electrolyte levels of the blood in the manner that the kidney would do. It is necessary for patients with kidney disorders – either acute disorders where kidney functioning is impaired but will be restored with treatment (short term) and time or in those patients with chronic kidney disease where only a kidney transplant will restore normal functioning (long term). Dialysis is a life-saving technique to filter the blood but cannot restore complete health to the patient. There are two methods for dialysis – hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis. What is Hemodialysis? In hemodialysis, the blood is passed, a little at a time, through a special filter, which removes waste products and excess fluid. The purified blood is then returned to the body. A strict schedule consisting of sessions of 3 to 5 hours, on alternate days, 3 days a week is usually followed. This is known as conventional hemodialysis. Daily hemodialysis may be done with shorter sessions each day. With home dialysis, a more flexible schedule can be followed but regularity must be maintained. Preparation for Hemodialysis The first step is to prepare a vascular access – this [...]

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Glaucoma Laser, Filtering Surgery and Aqueous Shunt Devices

Dr. Alison — Fri, 17 Jun 2011 01:37:00 +0000

Glaucoma is condition characterized by progressive optic nerve damage and is very often due an increase in intraocular pressure (IOP). It cannot be cured but early detection and treatment can help to prevent vision loss and blindness, primarily by reducing the intraocular pressure (IOP). Medication in the form of eye drops or oral drugs are the first line of treatment. If these cannot be used or fail to give the desired results, the various surgical methods may be considered. Laser Surgery Laser treatment can be considered for both types of glaucoma – open angle glaucoma and angle-closure glaucoma. If glaucoma affects both eyes, then laser surgery is usually done one eye at a time, with an interval of a few weeks between the sessions. The type of laser surgery will depend upon the form and severity of the glaucoma. Laser Trabeculoplasty Laser trabeculoplasty helps to open the fluid outflow channels so that fluid can drain easily out of the eye and decrease the IOP. A high-intensity beam of light is used to treat the drainage angle of the eye. Laser trabeculoplasty is usually done as an outpatient procedure for patients suffering from open angle glaucoma. This procedure is not suitable [...]

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Glaucoma Tests (Diagnosis) and Different Treatments

Dr. Chris — Wed, 15 Jun 2011 15:27:09 +0000

Glaucoma refers to a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerves due to gradually increasing pressure within the eye, the intraocular pressure (IOP). Glaucoma can develop in one or both eyes. Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness, yet many people are unaware that they have this condition since the vision impairment may be painless as well as insidious. For this reason, a regular eye examination is extremely important, particularly if there is a family history of glaucoma, since early diagnosis and treatment can often help to preserve vision. There are different types of glaucoma, such as : Open-angle or chronic glaucoma Angle-closure or acute glaucoma Congenital glaucoma, which is present at birth, and usually runs in families. Secondary glaucoma, which may be caused by drugs such as corticosteroids or systemic diseases. Angle-closure glaucoma may be associated with a red, painful eye, blurred vision, nausea, and vomiting, which will demand immediate attention. Glaucoma Diagnosis A comprehensive eye examination should be done for detection of glaucoma, which may include the following : Indirect fundoscopy – examination of the eye after dilating the pupil. Tonometry – to measure IOP. Tonometry may not always be diagnostic of glaucoma since [...]

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