A reconstructive transplant, also called a composite tissue transplant or composite tissue allograft, is an operation that involves transplantation of bone, tissue, muscle and blood vessels. A reconstructive hand transplant is an operation tailored to each patient’s individual needs, type of injury and anatomy. This transplants an upper extremity, usually at the level of the forearm and wrist, but sometimes above the elbow, to help restore function after the loss of a hand or arm.

Clopidogrel keeps the platelets in your blood from coagulating (clotting) to prevent unwanted blood clots that can occur with certain heart or blood vessel conditions. Clopidogrel is used to prevent blood clots after a recent heart attack or stroke, and in people with certain disorders of the heart or blood vessels. Clopidogrel may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide

Low potassium (hypokalemia) refers to a lower than normal potassium level in your bloodstream. Potassium is a chemical (electrolyte) that is critical to the proper functioning of nerve and muscles cells, particularly heart muscle cells. Normally, your blood potassium level is 3.6 to 5.2 millimoles per liter (mmol/L). A very low potassium level (less than 2.5 mmol/L) can be life-threatening and requires urgent medical attention.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) involves an immune-mediated process in which an abnormal response of the body’s immune system is directed against the central nervous system (CNS). The CNS is made up of the brain, spinal cord and optic nerves.

Pharyngitis is caused by swelling in the back of the throat (pharynx) between the tonsils and the voice box (larynx). Most sore throats are caused by colds, the flu, coxsackie virus or mono (mononucleosis). Bacteria that can cause pharyngitis in some cases: Strep throat is caused by group A streptococcus.

Mastitis is inflammation of tissue in one or both mammary glands inside the breast. Mastitis usually affects lactating women - women who are breastfeeding, producing milk. Hence, it is often referred to as lactation mastitis. The patient feels a hard, sore spot inside the breast.

The protein inside red blood cells (a) that carries oxygen to cells and carbon dioxide to the lungs is hemoglobin (b). Hemoglobin is made up of four symmetrical subunits and four heme groups. Iron associated with the heme binds oxygen.

The Zika virus, first identified in Uganda in 1947, is transmitted by the same type of mosquito that carries dengue fever, yellow fever, and chikungunya virus. A mosquito bites an infected person and then passes those viruses to other people it bites. Outbreaks did not occur outside of Africa until 2007, when it spread to the South Pacific.

The circulatory system consists of three independent systems that work together: the heart (cardiovascular), lungs (pulmonary), and arteries, veins, coronary and portal vessels (systemic). The system is responsible for the flow of blood, nutrients, oxygen and other gases, and as well as hormones to and from cells

nkylosing spondylitis (pronounced ank-kih-low-sing spon-dill-eye-tiss), or AS, is a form of arthritis that primarily affects the spine, although other joints can become involved. It causes inflammation of the spinal joints (vertebrae) that can lead to severe, chronic pain and discomfort

What is syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH)? Well, SIADH is a condition where too much ADH hormone is released, which causes an increase in blood volume and ultimately leads to a series of complications related to the blood osmolality and osmolarity

Draw Blood Samples

The menstrual cycle is the monthly series of changes a woman's body goes through in preparation for the possibility of pregnancy. Each month, one of the ovaries releases an egg — a process called ovulation. At the same time, hormonal changes prepare the uterus for pregnancy.

Surgery is done to relieve pressure on the nerve roots. This can help reduce pain, numbness, and weakness in your legs. Surgery may be recommended if: Your pain, numbness, or weakness is so bad that it gets in the way of normal daily activities and hurts your quality of life. You are in otherwise good health. The goal of surgery is to relieve pain, numbness, or weakness in the legs-not to relieve back pain. People who have surgery only for back pain are less satisfied with the results than are those who have surgery for nerve root symptoms and pain in both the back and legs. Also, numbness, weakness, and pain may return after surgery.

Ischemic colitis occurs when blood flow to part of the large intestine (colon) is reduced, usually due to narrowed or blocked blood vessels (arteries). The diminished blood flow doesn't provide enough oxygen for the cells in your digestive system. Ischemic colitis can cause pain and may damage your colon. Any part of the colon can be affected, but ischemic colitis usually causes pain on the left side of the belly area (abdomen). The condition can be misdiagnosed because it can easily be confused with other digestive problems. Ischemic colitis may heal on its own. But you may need medication to treat ischemic colitis or prevent infection, or you may need surgery if your colon has been damaged. Symptoms ShareTweet Oct. 13, 2015 References Products and Services Newsletter: Mayo Clinic Health Letter See also Abdominal pain Colonoscopy Color Blue Detects Colon Cancer CT scan CT scans: Are they safe? Diarrhea Ultrasound Advertisement Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. Advertising & Sponsorship PolicyOpportunitiesAd Choices Mayo Clinic Store Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic. NEW! – The Mayo Clinic Diet, Second Edition Treatment Strategies for Arthritis Mayo Clinic on Better Hearing and Balance Keeping your bones healthy and strong The Mayo Clinic Diet Online Ads by Swoop Psoriasis Treatment www.informationaboutpsoriasis.com Explore a Treatment Option for Moderate to Severe Plaque Psoriasis Immune Biomarker PD-L1 - Discover the Science iobiomarkers.bmsinformation.com Understanding Assay Results for PD-L1 is Crucial for Treatment Decisions. Biomarker PD-L1 Information - Easy to Download Resources iobiomarkers.bmsinformation.com Explore the Role of PD-L1 in Immuno-Oncology & the Evolving Biomarker Landscape.

Knee replacement, also called arthroplasty, is a surgical procedure to resurface a knee damaged by arthritis. Metal and plastic parts are used to cap the ends of the bones that form the knee joint, along with the kneecap. This surgery may be considered for someone who has severe arthritis or a severe knee injury.

Skin grafting is a type of medical grafting involving the transplantation of skin. The transplanted tissue is called a skin graft. Skin grafting is often used to treat: Extensive wounding or trauma Burns Areas of extensive skin loss due to infection such as necrotizing fasciitis or purpura fulminans Specific surgeries that may require skin grafts for healing to occur – most commonly removal of skin cancers. Skin grafts are often employed after serious injuries when some of the body’s skin is damaged. Surgical removal (excision or debridement) of the damaged skin is followed by skin grafting. The grafting serves two purposes: it can reduce the course of treatment needed (and time in the hospital), and it can improve the function and appearance of the area of the body which receives the skin graft. There are two types of skin grafts, the more common type is where a thin layer is removed from a healthy part of the body (the donor section), like peeling a potato, or a full thickness skin graft, which involves pitching and cutting skin away from the donor section. A full thickness skin graft is more risky, in terms of the body accepting the skin, yet it leaves only a scar line on the donor section, similar to a Cesarean section scar. For full thickness skin grafts, the donor section will often heal much more quickly than the injury and is less painful than a partial thickness skin graft.

Osteomyelitis is an infection in a bone. Infections can reach a bone by traveling through the bloodstream or spreading from nearby tissue. Infections can also begin in the bone itself if an injury exposes the bone to germs. In children, osteomyelitis most commonly affects the long bones of the legs and upper arms. Adults are more likely to develop osteomyelitis in the bones that make up the spine (vertebrae). People who have diabetes may develop osteomyelitis in their feet if they have foot ulcers. Once considered an incurable condition, osteomyelitis can be successfully treated today. Most people require surgery to remove parts of the bone that have died — followed by strong antibiotics, often delivered intravenously, typically for at least four to six weeks.

Thought a snake in your boot was bad? That old 19th-century idiom is nothing compared to one in your ear.

Shocking footage captured the alleged moment that a “surgeon” tried to remove a live snake that infiltrated a woman’s ear. Video of the herpetological surgery has racked up more than 125,000 views as viewers speculate whether or not the squirm-inducing footage is authentic.

“The snake has gone in the ear,” reads the caption to the bizarre Facebook clip, which was posted Sept. 1 by an India-based social media star named Chandan Singh to his 20,126 followers. However, it’s unclear where, when or how this unfortunate event transpired, local outlet the Economic Times reported.

In the nearly four-minute clip, an alleged medical practitioner can be seen using tweezers in a desperate attempt to extract a black and yellow serpent that’s peeking its head out from a female patient’s ear.

Biliary Colic Examination