Doctor-Reviewed Health Guides: Conditions, Procedures & Health News

Partial knee replacement is a surgery that replaces only the damaged sections of the knee joint with artificial implants, most often for osteoarthritis limited to one or two of the knee's three compartments. It typically takes about one hour, and most people resume usual activities within six weeks. Compared with total knee replacement, recovery is quicker.

PARP inhibitors are targeted cancer treatments that block PARP, a protein cancer cells use to repair damaged DNA, causing the cells to die. They work best in cancers with BRCA mutations and are used for advanced breast, ovarian, prostate and pancreatic cancers. Taken by mouth, they are not a cure but can slow progression. Side effects include fatigue and anemia.

Parkinson's disease medications aim to manage dopamine levels, which fall as brain cells in the substantia nigra die. Levodopa combined with carbidopa is the go-to treatment, with dopamine agonists, MAO-B inhibitors and others as options, and most people need a combination. Abruptly stopping levodopa can cause a life-threatening complication, so never stop a medication without your provider.

A pancreatectomy is the surgical removal of part or all of the pancreas to treat conditions such as pancreatic cancer, neuroendocrine tumors or severe chronic inflammation. Because the pancreas makes insulin and digestive enzymes, removal can lead to lifelong insulin therapy and enzyme supplements. The surgery can take four to six hours and requires a structured recovery.

PAD atherectomy is a procedure that clears arterial blockages caused by atherosclerosis. A surgeon inserts a thin catheter into the artery and uses a cutting tool or laser to remove plaque, rather than pushing it aside as angioplasty does. It treats narrowing in the legs and other peripheral areas, relieving PAD symptoms such as pain and numbness.

A non-surgical facelift is a set of treatments, such as botulinum toxin, dermal fillers, laser resurfacing, chemical peels and microneedling, that temporarily improve aging skin. Results last from a few months to several years, and most people resume normal activities quickly with mild redness or swelling. It may not help deep wrinkles, very loose skin or severe scars.

Nipple reconstruction is a group of procedures that use surgery, tattooing or both to add shape and color to the nipple and areola, usually as a final step after mastectomy and breast reconstruction. Options include skin grafts, local skin flaps and medical tattoos. Results are permanent and can look very realistic, but the new nipple will not feel the same.

Nasal irrigation is rinsing the nasal passages with saline solution using a neti pot or squeeze bottle to thin mucus and wash away irritants. It is safe when done correctly: use only distilled, sterile or properly boiled water, never untreated tap water, and clean the device after every use. See a doctor if symptoms worsen or come with fever.

A neck lift is a procedure that reshapes the area between the chin and collarbone by removing fat, tightening the platysma muscle and trimming excess skin. It is less invasive than a facelift and usually done as an outpatient procedure, with results lasting years. Swelling and tightness can last months, and nonsurgical alternatives give only temporary results.

A nephroureterectomy is a surgical procedure that removes the entire kidney, the ureter and the bladder cuff, mainly to treat transitional cell (urothelial) cancer of the upper urinary tract. Nearby lymph nodes may also be removed if cancer has spread. It can be done as open or robotic-assisted surgery, and recovery typically takes about six weeks.

Natural antidepressants are non-medication options that may relieve depression symptoms, including omega-3-rich foods, supplements, physical activity, sleep, sunlight and mindfulness. They are mostly considered for mild to moderate depression or alongside standard treatment. Exercise is usually safest, while supplements carry risks like drug interactions. Talk to your healthcare provider before starting or stopping anything.

An insulin pen is an injection device that delivers preloaded insulin under the skin for people with diabetes. You attach a new needle, prime the pen, dial your dose, insert at a 90-degree angle and hold for 6 to 10 seconds. Rotating injection sites keeps skin healthy, and low blood sugar is the most common side effect.

Labiaplasty is a surgical procedure that reduces or reshapes the labia, the skin folds surrounding the vaginal opening. It is usually elective, but it may relieve irritation, pinching or hygiene issues from enlarged labia minora, using techniques such as the trim or wedge procedure. Recovery typically takes four to six weeks, with no strenuous activity and strict hygiene during healing.

J-pouch surgery is a procedure in which a surgeon builds an internal reservoir from the end of the small intestine to replace the colon and rectum, so stool can leave through the anus. It usually happens in two to three stages with a temporary ileostomy and is commonly done for ulcerative colitis. The estimated long-term success rate is 95%.

Knee arthroscopy is a surgical technique in which a surgeon inserts a thin tube with a camera through a small incision to view the inside of the knee joint. It allows precise diagnosis and treatment of problems such as ACL or meniscus tears with minimal disruption. Most procedures are outpatient, and recovery involves rest and physical therapy.

A Kock pouch, or K-pouch, is an internal reservoir made from approximately 18 inches of small intestine, attached to a stoma inside the abdominal wall. Unlike a standard ileostomy with an external bag, it holds stool inside the body until drained through a one-way valve with a catheter. This continence ileostomy lets the stoma be covered with a simple bandage.

Labor induction is the use of medical measures to start or move along childbirth, often recommended past 41 weeks, when water breaks without contractions or with conditions like preeclampsia. Methods include ripening the cervix and starting contractions with oxytocin or by breaking the water. Risks include overly frequent contractions and possible cesarean, so monitoring is close.

Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) is a concentrated dose of antibodies from healthy donors' plasma, given through a vein to help the body fight infections. It is used for immunodeficiency caused by health conditions or treatments such as chemotherapy. Fewer than 5% of people have moderate or severe side effects, and it is considered safe for almost everyone, including pregnant women.

An intragastric balloon is a minimally invasive device placed in the stomach to assist weight loss. A provider inserts it through the mouth with an endoscope, avoiding surgery and general anesthesia. Filling about one-third of the stomach, it creates early fullness and slows digestion. The six-month program typically helps people with a BMI over 30 achieve moderate weight reduction.

Immunotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that boosts or trains the body's natural defenses to recognize and attack cancer cells. Common types include checkpoint inhibitors, CAR T-cell therapy, monoclonal antibodies and cancer vaccines. It often has fewer side effects than chemotherapy, but it does not work for every cancer or person, and only some people have long-lasting remissions.

Incision care is cleaning and protecting a surgical wound so it heals well and doesn't become infected. Wash your hands before and after touching it, inspect it daily, protect it and avoid straining activities. Most incisions heal in about two weeks. Call your provider for signs of infection, including fever above 101 degrees Fahrenheit, because untreated infections can become life-threatening.

Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is a procedure in which a provider inserts specially prepared sperm directly into the uterus through a thin catheter, timed to ovulation. It is brief, done in an office and often tried before IVF because it is less invasive and less expensive. Success depends on the infertility cause and age, and the main risk is multiple pregnancy.

ICL surgery is a refractive procedure in which a surgeon implants a Collamer lens behind the iris to treat nearsightedness and astigmatism. Unlike LASIK, it doesn't change the eye's structure, so the lens can be removed, and it treats higher degrees of nearsightedness. It typically takes under 30 minutes for both eyes, and nearly 95% of people are satisfied.

An intrauterine device (IUD) is a small, T-shaped device placed in the uterus to prevent pregnancy for several years, offering over 99% protection. Copper IUDs create an environment toxic to sperm, while hormonal IUDs thicken cervical mucus. Insertion is a brief office procedure, and it can be removed at any time. IUDs do not protect against STIs.