The most complete medical information written by the best doctors

What are labial adhesions? Labial adhesions (also called labial fusion) are where the labia (the “lips” of the vagina) stick together. This usually occurs in the labia minora (the inner labia). In some cases, this condition can seal the opening of the vagina, leaving only a small gap for urine to pass...

What is labiaplasty? Labiaplasty is a surgery that involves remodelling and resizing the labia minora which are the flaps of skin on each side of the vaginal opening. This can either be performed for cosmetic purposes, but sometimes it is for functional reasons. In most cases, local anaesthesia is used for a labiaplasty procedure. Labiaplasty should not be performed on girls aged...

What is a lack of appetite? A lack of appetite can be persistent or temporary. It can be caused by several factors, some of them originating from an underlying condition which could have potentially dangerous repercussions. This often leads to a sudden weight loss and to both physical and psychological debilitation.

What is lactose intolerance? Lactose intolerance is a food intolerance that occurs after the ingestion of lactose. Lactose is a sugar that’s found in milk. To diagnose this intolerance, three medical tests can be performed; a lactose tolerance test,lactose-hydrogen breath testand a faecal pH test.

What is a lactose intolerance test? A lactose intolerance test measures the ability of the intestines to break down a type of sugar, known as lactose, found in milk and other dairy products, when it is suspected that the substance is not well digested and causes discomfort. What does it consist...

What is a laminectomy? A laminectomy, also known as an open decompression, is an operation performed to remove the lamina, part of the bone of a spinal vertebra. The spine is a structure that protects the spinal cord and is composed of 33 vertebrae divided into the cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral and coccygeal regions. The vertebrae are separated by intervertebral discs.

What is a language delay? A language delay is a type of communication disorder where a child’s language abilities may be developing slower than otherchildren’s. It could mean that they have trouble expressing themselves or understanding what others are saying. The normal age that children start...

What are language disorders? Language disorders are impairments which affect understanding of what is being said, and the ability to express thoughts and feelings, most commonly seen in children. The disorders can be of three types: Receptive language disorders: represent the inability to understand. Expressive...

What is laparoscopic hernia surgery? Laparoscopic hernia repair is a minimally-invasive surgery performed with general anaesthesia. A laparoscope is a flexible, thin instrument with a light source and camera on the end. It is inserted through small incisions made in the abdomen, depending on where the hernia is. The surgeon is then able to use this camera to guide his surgical repair.

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