The tonsils are lymphoid tissues located on either side of the throat that play a role in protecting against infections. They are important in the functioning of the immune system in childhood, but their importance decreases with age. If the tonsils become frequently inflamed, permanently enlarged, or cause other health problems, their removal may be warranted.
Endocrinology is the branch of medicine that deals with diseases and disorders of the endocrine glands. Endocrine glands include, among others, the pituitary gland, thyroid gland, parathyroid glands, adrenal glands, the pancreas, ovaries and testicles. The hormones they produce are transmitted to different parts of the body through the bloodstream to work their effects. The functioning of our hormone system affects our entire body, so altered hormone production affects the functioning of many of our organs. The endocrinologist is responsible for detecting and curing hormone problems and hormone disorders.
In the early stages of pregnancy, unfortunately the embryo can cease developing and die inside the uterus. This condition is often asymptomatic and can be diagnosed with an ultrasound scan. Two types of cases may arise during the ultrasound scan: either an empty gestation sac is detected in which the embryo has not even started to develop, or the heart function of a previously developed embryo has stopped. If the development of the fetus stops by the 12th week of pregnancy, but the body does not initiate the natural rejection of the pregnancy tissues, then surgical intervention may be necessary, depending on the doctor's recommendation and the patient's condition.
Endometrial ablation, also known as uterine ablation or curettage, can have several indications, either diagnostic or therapeutic. Diagnostic ablation is when we need information about the endometrium for diagnostic purposes, or when we suspect a malignancy or other lesion. A therapeutic ablation is when we remove the endometrium because of a prolonged bleeding disorder. The operation is performed under general anesthetic and is usually a one-day procedure unless the patient has a general underlying medical condition that requires several days in hospital.
There are various clinical indications for vaginoplasty. Distinctions are made between those with a weakening of the anterior vaginal wall and those with a weakening of the posterior vaginal wall, or those with a lax vaginal wall due to a tissue disorder, for which vaginoplasty may be necessary. Weakening of the vaginal wall can be caused both by giving birth and by a connective tissue disorder. Depending on the symptoms, a separate anterior and posterior wall, or a combined anterior and posterior vaginoplasty may be performed.