Medical dictionary

What is a cystectomy? Cystectomy is the surgical removal of all or part of the bladder. Cystectomies can be divided into two types, depending on the reason for the excision and the amount of tissue removed: Radical cystectomy – the whole bladder is removed along with the some of the surrounding tissue and lymph nodes. In men, this can include the prostate and seminal vesicles, while

What is cystitis? Cystitis is an inflammation of the bladder, usually caused by a bacterial infection. The bladder is an important organ, that, along with the kidneys, ureters and urethra, make up the urinary system, which is responsible for filtering and removing bodily waste. Cystitis often causes acute or sudden pain. Although it is not a serious condition, more sinister complications can de

What is cystocele?   Cystocele, also known as an anterior prolapse, occurs when the support tissue between the bladder and vagina weakens and stretches such that the bladder sags into the vagina. It can be divided into 3 grades:   Grade 1 - mild: the bladder sags slightly into the vagina Grade 2 - moderate: the bladder sags far enough to reach the vaginal opening Grade

What is a cystoscopy? A cystoscopy is a procedure to look inside the bladder by inserting a thin tube with a camera called a cystoscope through the urethra. Instruments can be passed down the cystoscope to perform minimally invasive surgery during the cystoscopy if necessary. This procedure can be carried out by a urologist. What does a cystoscopy involve? There are two types of cy

What are cysts?Cysts are closed sacs in the body’s tissue that may be filled with fluid, air, or other substances. They have a membrane, or “shell”, to divide them from the surrounding tissue, and the cells that make up this membrane are abnormal compared to the surrounding cells. Cysts can appear almost anywhere on the body, including on bones, organs, and the skin. There are hundreds or typ

What are disorders of sex development? Disorders of Sex Development (DSD), formerly known as intersex conditions, refer to a group of medical conditions where there is an atypical development of the reproductive or sexual anatomy. Individuals with DSD may have variations in chromosomal, gonadal, or anatomical sex features that differ from typical male or female development.   &nb

What is daytime wetting (Diurnal Enuresis)? Daytime wetting, also know as Diurnal Enuresis, is defined as the uncontrolled passing of urine that occurs after the age of 5. This can occur in the day or at night. Daytime wetting can occur on its own or with bedwetting too. Enuresis can be distressing for children at any age.   What causes daytime wetting? There are a number

What are ectopic testes?   An ectopic testis is a type of ectopia, where an organ, or a part of an organ, is in the wrong place within the body. An ectopic testis is where one of the testicles has not descended into the scrotum as normal, but instead has taken a different path and has descended through the abdominal cavity until it has settled in the pre-pubic area in the

What are endometrial polyps? Endometrial polyps, otherwise known as uterine polyps, are tissue growths in the inner lining of the uterus. While these polyps are usually benign (non-cancerous), they can sometimes be cancerous or develop to be cancerous. Polyps can vary in size and shape, and you can also have multiple polyps. Most polyps are contained within the uterus, but on occasion they c