Medical dictionary

What exactly are kidney stones, and how big are they? Kidney stones are solid masses, or, in other words, hard stone-like lumps, that form in the kidney or ureter (the tube that connects the kidneys to the bladder) as a result of substances in the urine. The size of a kidney stone can vary, but most typically they are as small as a grain of sand or as big as a pearl.   What

What is a kidney transplant? A kidney transplant is an operation that involves placing a healthy kidney in a person with kidney failure. To do so a kidney donated by a healthy individual is required. This can either come from a living donor, related or not with the patient, or from a deceased person.   When are kidney transplantations needed? This treatment is indicated for pa

What is laparoscopy? Laparoscopy is a minimally invasive surgical technique which allows the surgeon to operate without the need for deep or large incisions in the skin. This means the recovery period is generally shorter, there is less pain after the operation, and scarring is reduced significantly for the patient. This technique is also known as keyhole surgery.     Why

What is laser lithotripsy? Laser lithotripsy is a surgical technique to remove kidney stones, using a laser to destroy them, with the holmium laser being perhaps the most famous device used. It is an example of minimally invasive laser technology. It is usually performed under local anaesthesia or light sedation to eliminate the pain of the intervention.   Why is laser lithotr

What is lichen sclerosus? Lichen sclerosus is a rare chronic inflammatory skin disorder, also known as Lichen sclerosus et atrophicus. It particularly affects the tissue of the genital area in both males and females. Dermatologists and urologists are the medical specialists that treat lichen sclerosus.     What are the symptoms of lichen s

What is male infertility? Male infertility is a health condition where a male’s chances of getting his partner pregnant are reduced. Infertility is classed as being unable to conceive after frequent, unprotected sex, with around 15 per cent of couples unable to conceive when having unprotected sex, approximately 40-50 per cent of these cases are due to male infertility. What a

What is a men’s health check? A men’s health check is a screening service that can detect the early warning signs of a range of health conditions affecting men, such as diabetes and prostate cancer.   Using the results of a men's health check, specialists can build a clear picture of what your current health is like and identify any future risks. After you have t

What is surgical mesh?Surgical mesh refers to a number of biologic and synthetic materials that are sometimes used to surgically treat conditions that primarily affect women. What are the main conditions that surgical mesh generally treats?Generally, surgical mesh is performed in order to repair pelvic organ prolapse and stress urinary incontinence in women.  Are there different typ

What is NanoKnife treatment? The NanoKnife, also called irreversible electroporation therapy, is a minimally invasive treatment for prostate cancer. It involves using quick electrical pulses to target hard-to-reach tumours of the prostate. It can also be used for pancreatic and liver cancer treatments, when the tumours are in similarly complicated locations.     The NanoK