Medical dictionary

What is a Baker's cyst? A Baker's cyst, also known as a popliteal cyst, is a fluid-filled swelling that forms behind the knee. It occurs when excess synovial fluid, the lubricating fluid in the knee joint, accumulates in a bursa, which is a small sac near the joint. The cyst is typically located at the back of the knee, but its size and shape may vary, with some cysts being small and ot

What is it? Balanitis is a skin irritation on the glans penis (the head of the penis). The inflammation causes redness, pain, itching and swelling to the tip of the penis. It can affect men and boys. Balanitis can be caused by fungi (Candidal balanitis), by bacteria (Gardnerella or Trichomonas vaginalis), by a trauma or an irritation or by dryness (thus causing a contact allergic reaction).

What is a balloon enteroscopy? A balloon enteroscopy is a procedure that allows doctors to both diagnose and treat certain problems in the digestive system. A thin, flexible tube with a camera on the end is inserted into the body, either through the mouth or the rectum depending on which part of the digestive tract is being investigated or treated. The endoscope has either one or two balloons a

What is bariatric surgery?Bariatric surgery uses a set of techniques and surgical procedures that help fight obesity and improve a patient's health. It is not to be mistaken as cosmetic surgery and does not come without risk, so the specialist must always advise the patient of the best type of treatment and optimal aftercare.The procedures available either limit the amount you eat, reduce your bod

What is Barrett's oesophagus?Barrett's oesophagus (spelt “Barrett’s esophagus” in the US) is a condition in which the tissue that lines the bottom of the oesophagus undergoes a change, usually in response to acid reflux from the stomach. It is a relatively common complication of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD).Normally, the oesophagus is lined with squamous epithelial

What is BBL surgery? A Brazilian butt lift (BBL) is a cosmetic surgery that uses liposuction to remove fat from different parts of the body (usually those surrounding the buttocks — hips, thighs and abdomen), to then be transferred through injections into the buttocks. This dual process works to both contour and tone the areas from which fat had been removed and enhance the appearance of

What is tested in this type of analysis? The analysis focuses on detecting the presence and quantity of the BCR-ABL1 oncogene, a fusion gene formed by the translocation of genetic material between chromosomes 9 and 22. This gene fusion is commonly associated with chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) and a subset of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL). What do the results indicate? A positi

What is minimally-invasive beating heart coronary heart bypass surgery? Minimally-invasive beating heart coronary heart bypass surgery is a unique procedure as it is performed whilst the heart is still beating and without a heart-lung bypass machine. The surgeon cuts several small incisions into the chest (a thoracotomy) to access the coronary arteries. The smaller cuts expose only the sectio

What is nocturnal enuresis in children? Nocturnal enuresis is the medical term for what is commonly known as bedwetting. It is quite common during childhood (10 per cent in 7 year-olds) and is twice as common in boys. There is often a positive family history. Prognosis of nocturnal enuresis The outlook for nocturnal enuresis is excellent and spontaneous resolution occurs in