Conditions
Displaying 1 - 202 of 202
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An aortic aneurysm is a bulging, dilation, or ballooning in the wall of a blood vessel, usually an artery, that is due to weakness or degeneration that develops in a portion of the artery wall. Just like a balloon, the aneurysm enlarges, stretching the walls of the artery…
What is the official name of the MEN1 gene?
The official name of this gene is “multiple endocrine neoplasia I.”
MEN1 is the gene's official symbol. The MEN1 gene is also known by other names, listed below.
Read more about gene names and symbols on the About page.
What is…
Achalasia is a relatively rare disorder of the esophagus that makes it hard for foods and liquids to pass into the stomach.
The esophagus is the hollow, muscular tube that moves food and liquid from the throat to the stomach. The wall of the esophagus is made up…
Acute liver failure (ALF) (also called fulminant hepatic failure) is a rare condition characterized by the abrupt onset of severe liver injury, manifest as a profound liver dysfunction as well as a confusional state called hepatic encephalopathy in individuals with no prior…
Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas. The pancreas is a large gland behind the stomach and close to the duodenum—the first part of the small intestine. The pancreas secretes digestive juices, or enzymes, into the duodenum through a tube called the pancreatic duct.…
What is Alagille syndrome?
Alagille syndrome is a genetic condition that results in various symptoms in different parts of the body, including the liver. A person with Alagille syndrome has fewer than the normal number of small bile ducts inside the liver. The liver is the…
The liver is one of the largest and most complex organs in the body. It stores vital energy and nutrients, manufactures proteins and enzymes necessary for good health, protects the body from disease, and breaks down (or metabolizes) and helps remove harmful toxins, like…
Ampullary cancer is a malignant tumor that arises from the Ampulla of Vater, the last centimeter of the common bile duct as it passes through the duodenum, the first section of the intestine. All pancreatic and biliary secretions enter the duodenum…
Anal fistulas are generally common among those who have had an anal abscess. Treatment is usually necessary to reduce the chances of infection in an anal fistula, as well to alleviate symptoms.
An anal fistula is defined as a small tunnel with an internal opening in the anal…
Anorectal Malformation, aka Imperforate Anus, is a spectrum of abnormalities of the rectum and anus. There are many possible abnormalities as follows:The absence of an anal opening.The anal opening in the wrong place.A connection, or fistula, joining the intestine and urinary…
The aorta is the body's largest artery. It runs from the heart, through the chest, and down into the abdomen. Aortic arch conditions are abnormalities in the structure of the arteries that branch off the top of the aorta. These abnormalities can reduce blood flow to vital…
In an aortic dissection, a weakened portion of inner wall of the aorta tears causes blood to flow between the layers of the aortic wall forcing the inner and middle layers apart. Aortic dissection is a medical emergency and can quickly lead to death should the blood-filled…
Appendicitis is inflammation or infection of the appendix, and if left untreated, can cause rupture (or perforation) of the appendix. The appendix is a small finger shaped pouch attached to the large intestine and…
An arrhythmia (ah-RITH-me-ah) is a problem with the rate or rhythm of the heartbeat. During an arrhythmia, the heart can beat too fast, too slow, or with an irregular rhythm.
A heartbeat that is too fast is called tachycardia (TAK-ih-KAR-de-ah). A heartbeat that is too slow is…
Atrial fibrillation (A-tre-al fi-bri-LA-shun), or AF, is the most common type of arrhythmia (ah-RITH-me-ah). An arrhythmia is a problem with the rate or rhythm of the heartbeat. During an arrhythmia, the heart can beat too fast, too slow, or with an irregular rhythm.
AF occurs…
Heart block occurs when the electrical impulses that make the heart beat do not transmit normally. Normally, these impulses travel from the heart's upper chambers, called the atria, to the lower chambers, called the ventricles, through the atrioventricular (AV) node. In heart…
What is autoimmune hepatitis?
Autoimmune hepatitis is a chronic—or long lasting—disease in which the body's immune system attacks the normal components, or cells, of the liver and causes inflammation and liver damage. The immune system normally protects people from infection…
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Bariatric Surgery for Adults
Bariatric Surgery for Youth
The Normal Digestive Process
Types of Bariatric Surgery
Medical Costs
Research
Resources
Clinical Trials
Severe obesity is a chronic condition that is hard to treat with diet and exercise alone. Bariatric surgery is an…
A tumor (also called neoplasm) is the abnormal growth of cells and/or tissues. Tumors are either benign or malignant, and are unregulated by the natural control mechanisms of the body.
By BruceBlaus (Own work) [CC BY-SA 4.0], via Wikimedia Commons
Types of Benign…
Biliary atresia is a rare condition in newborn infants in which the common bile duct between the liver and the small intestine is blocked or absent.
Early surgical intervention to treat biliary atresia is critical to prevent irreversible liver damage. Once the liver…
Biliary atresia is a rare condition in newborn infants in which the common bile duct between the liver and the small intestine is blocked or absent.
Early surgical intervention to treat biliary atresia is critical to prevent irreversible liver damage. Once the liver…
Key Points
A bowel obstruction is a blockage of the small or large intestine by something other than fecal impaction.
The most common cancers that cause bowel obstructions are cancers of the colon, stomach, and ovary.
Assessment includes a physical exam and imaging tests.…
Buerger’s disease, also known as thromboangitis obliterans, is a type of vasculitis in which there is acute inflammation, in addition to clotting of the arteries and veins of the feet and hands. Inflammation and clotting problems can lead to:
Blockages of the arteries in the…
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Carcinoid tumors are neuroendocrine tumors typically arising in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, most notably in the ileum, the last third of the small intestine, and the appendix, but may occur elsewhere in the body including the lungs, rectum, colon, pancreas,…
Vascular surgeons at UCSF have over five decades of proven experience in preventing strokes with carotid artery surgery, and in treating rare disorders of the carotid arteries such as fibromuscular dysplasia. The UCSF Vascular Surgery Program has also earned the highest…
Charcot foot is a progressive condition that involves the gradual weakening of bones, joints, and soft tissues of the foot or ankle. Charcot foot is a severe complication of diabetes and is caused by peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage) in which the person's…
Chest wall deformities, or abnormal development and appearance of the chest, can vary from mild to severe. These deformities are considered to be congenital and may be apparent at birth or later in childhood. Regardless, the severity of the malformation usually progresses…
Choledochal cysts, are rare congenital dilations (enlargements) of the bile ducts, a network of long tube-like structures that carry bile from the liver to small intestine for digestion.
Biliary System
Choledochal cysts are classified into 5 types, based on site…
Choledochal cysts, are rare congenital dilations (enlargements) of the bile ducts, a network of long tube-like structures that carry bile from the liver to small intestine for digestion.
Biliary System
Choledochal cysts are classified into 5 types, based on site of the…
The two kidneys are bean-shaped organs located near the middle of the back, just below the rib cage to the left and right of the spine. Each about the size of a fist, these organs act as sophisticated filters for the body.
They process about 200 quarts of blood a day to sift…
Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas. The pancreas is a large gland behind the stomach and close to the duodenum-the first part of the small intestine. The pancreas secretes digestive juices, or enzymes, into the duodenum through a tube called the pancreatic duct.…
UCSF vascular surgeons have extensive experience with the latest minimally invasive approaches for treatment of venous disease including radiofrequency (RF) vein ablation, a technique in which a catheter delivers microwave radiation to seal veins that have reflux. This…
Cirrhosis is the endpoint in patients who have chronic progressive liver disease. Patients with abnormal liver function who develop ascites, variceal hemorrhage, hepatic encephalopathy,or renal impairment are considered to have end-stage liver disease (ESLD). While liver…
¿Qué es la cirrosis?
La cirrosis es la cicatrización del hígado. El tejido cicatricial se forma como resultado de una herida o una enfermedad crónica, que quiere decir de larga duración. El tejido cicatricial reemplaza el tejido sano del hígado y obstruye el flujo normal de la…
Claudication ("limping" in Latin) is pain, aching, or fatigue in muscles of the buttocks, thigh, or calf that occurs with exertion and resolves with rest. Claudication is caused by atherosclerosis (poor circulation) of the blood to the lower extremities, a condition commonly…
Complex abdominal wall hernias are a special class of hernia that are associated with higher complication and recurrence rates, and are thus more difficult to manage. These hernias typically:
Involve a compromised surgical field in which gastrointestitinal, biliary or…
The wide, flat muscle that separates the chest and abdominal cavities is called the diaphragm. The diaphragm forms over the course of the 6th through 12th weeks' gestation in the fetus. When it does not form completely, a defect, called congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH),…
Congenital (kon-JEN-i-tal) heart defects are problems with the heart's structure that are present at birth. These defects can involve:
The interior walls of the heart
The valves inside the heart
The arteries and veins that carry blood to the heart or out to the body…
What is a congenital pulmonary airways malformation of the lung?
The normal lung is made up of five individual lobes - three lobes form the right lung and two lobes form the left lung. When one of these lobes forms incorrectly in a developing fetus, it is called a…
Conn's syndrome is a condition associated with the development of high blood pressure in the presence of low potassium levels in the blood. This is usually due to the presence of a tumor in the adrenal cortex,…
Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a condition in which plaque (plak) builds up inside the coronary arteries. These arteries supply your heart muscle with oxygen-rich blood.
Other Names for Coronary Artery Disease
Atherosclerosis
Coronary heart disease
Hardening of the arteries…
Critical Limb Ischemia (CLI) is a severe obstruction of the arteries which markedly reduces blood flow to the extremities (hands, feet, and legs) and has progressed to the point of severe pain and even skin ulcers or sores. The pain caused by CLI can wake up an individual at…
Crohn’s disease is a chronic disease that causes inflammation and irritation in your digestive tract. Most commonly, Crohn’s affects your small intestine and the beginning of your large intestine. However, the disease can affect any part…
Crohn's disease is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). IBD is a general term for noninfectious conditions that involve chronic inflammation of the intestines, causing symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, fevers, bleeding and growth problems.
Crohn's disease…
Cushing's Syndrome occurs when the body's tissues are exposed to high levels of cortisol for too long. Many people develop Cushing's syndrome because they take glucocorticoids-steroid hormones that are chemically similar to naturally produced cortisol-such as prednisone…
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Deep vein thrombosis (throm-BO-sis), or DVT, is a blood clot that forms in a vein deep in the body. Blood clots occur when blood thickens and clumps together.
Most deep vein blood clots occur in the lower leg or thigh. They can also occur in other parts of the body.
A blood…
The UCSF Center for Limb Preservation & Wound Care is the first in the Bay Area to focus on amputation prevention and high-risk diabetic patients. We save limbs because we offer efficient, coordinated care with a high level of expertise, and because we are aggressive…
Diabetic peripheral neuropathy is a condition in which the nerves of the arms, hands, legs and feet become damaged by diabetes. Peripheral neuropathy can lead to numbness, loss of sensation, and sometimes pain. It is the most frequent complication of…
Diverticulosis is a condition that occurs when small pouches, or sacs, form and push outward through weak spots in the wall of your colon. These pouches are most common in the lower part of your colon, called the sigmoid colon. One pouch is called a diverticulum.…
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Chronic liver failure, also called end-stage liver disease, progresses over months, years, or decades. Most often, chronic liver failure is the result of cirrhosis, a condition in which scar tissue replaces healthy liver tissue until the liver cannot function adequately. …
The kidneys are two bean shaped organs whose function is essential to life. The kidneys are located on either side of the spine behind the abdominal organs and below the rib cage. The kidneys perform several major functions:
Filtration of the blood to…
Endocarditis (EN-do-kar-DI-tis) is an infection of the inner lining of your heart chambers and valves. This lining is called the endocardium. The condition also is called infective endocarditis (IE).
The term "endocarditis" also is used to describe an inflammation of the…
An enterocutaneous fistula (ECF) is an abnormal connection that develops between the intestinal tract or stomach and the skin. As a result, contents of the stomach or intestines leak through to the skin.
Most ECFs occur after bowel surgery. Other causes include infection,…
Epigastric and umbilical hernias result from a defect or weakness in the abdominal wall between the chest and the belly button. This weakness allows the tissues inside the abdomen to protrude, resulting in a bulge. Umbilical hernias are similar to epigastric hernias,…
Esophageal atresia is an abnormality, or birth defect, of the esophagus that occurs early in pregnancy, as the baby is developing. The esophagus forms in the first few months of fetal life as a long, hollow, continuous tube joining the mouth to the stomach. In newborns with…
Ewing sarcoma is a type of tumor that forms in bone or soft tissue.
Ewing sarcoma is a type of tumor that forms from a certain kind of cell in bone or soft tissue. Other names for Ewing sarcoma are:
Primitive neuroectodermal tumor.
Askin tumor…
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Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) is an inherited disorder characterized by cancer of the large intestine (colon) and rectum. People with the classic type of familial adenomatous polyposis may begin to develop multiple noncancerous (benign)…
Familial isolated hyperparathyroidism is an inherited condition characterized by overactivity of the parathyroid glands (hyperparathyroidism). The four parathyroid glands are located in the neck, and they release a hormone called parathyroid hormone that regulates the amount…
Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis or NASH is a common, often “silent” liver disease. It resembles alcoholic liver disease, but occurs in people who drink little or no alcohol. The major feature in NASH is fat in the liver, along with inflammation and damage. Most people with NASH…
La esteatohepatitis no alcohólica (nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, NASH por sus siglas) es una enfermedad común del hígado. A menudo es “silenciosa”, es decir, no presenta síntomas. La NASH se parece a las enfermedades del hígado causadas por el consumo de alcohol, pero se…
What is fecal incontinence?
Fecal incontinence, also called a bowel control problem, is the accidental passing of solid or liquid stool or mucus from the rectum. Fecal incontinence includes the inability to hold a bowel movement until reaching a toilet as well as passing stool…
Femoral hernias are another type of groin hernias, but occur lower in the body than the more common inguinal hernia. Fomoral hernias develop in the upper part of the thigh near the groin just below the inguinal ligament, where abdominal contents pass…
What is fibromuscular dysplasia?
Fibromuscular dysplasia (FMD) is the abnormal development or growth of cells in the walls of arteries that can cause the vessels to narrow or bulge. The carotid arteries, which pass through the neck and supply blood to the brain, are commonly…
A flank hernia, also known as a lumbar hernia, results from defects in the postero-lateral abdominal wall that allows the tissues inside the abdomen to protrude. Lumbar hernias most frequently occur as a result of traumatic injury to the back or side of the…
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What are gallstones?
Gallstones are hard particles that develop in the gallbladder. The gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped organ located in the upper right abdomen—the area between the chest and hips—below the liver.
Gallstones can range in size from a grain of sand to…
What causes gastroesophageal reflux disease?Gastroesophageal reflux (GER, aka acid reflux or acid regurgitation) occurs when the opening to the stomach (lower esophageal sphincter, LES) doesn't close completely, causing food and digestive acid to rise up into the esophagus.…
Gastroparesis, also called delayed gastric emptying, is a disorder in which the stomach takes too long to empty its contents. Normally, the stomach contracts to move food down into the small intestine for digestion. The vagus nerve controls the movement of food from the…
A gastroschisis is a birth defect in which an opening in your baby's abdominal wall allows the stomach or intestines to protrude outside of the body and float in the amniotic fluid. The amount of abdominal contents outside the baby varies from very small - just a few loops of…
A giant abdominal wall hernia can develop from an existing ventral or incisional hernia, sometimes arising after one or more failed repair attempts. These hernias may also result from a traumatic injury where the abdomen was required to be left open and healing was…
Many diseases affect kidney function by attacking the glomeruli, the tiny units within the kidney where blood is cleaned. Glomerular diseases include many conditions with a variety of genetic and environmental causes, but they fall into two major categories:…
Enlargement of the thyroid (goiter) and lumps within it (nodules) are both relatively common. They may be obvious to the naked eye or can be found incidentally by imaging studies of the neck, such as a sonogram of the carotid arteries or a CT or MR of…
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How can I tell if I weigh too much?
Type 2 Diabetes
High Blood Pressure
Heart Disease
Stroke
Cancer
Sleep Apnea
Osteoarthritis
Fatty Liver Disease
Kidney Disease
Pregnancy Problems
How can I lower my risk of having health problems related to overweight and obesity?
Research…
Heart failure is a condition in which the heart can't pump enough blood to meet the body's needs. In some cases, the heart can't fill with enough blood. In other cases, the heart can't pump blood to the rest of the body with enough force. Some people have both problems.
The…
What causes hemochromatosis?
Primary Hemochromatosis
Inherited genetic defects cause primary hemochromatosis, and mutations in the HFE gene are associated with up to 90 percent of cases.1 The HFE gene helps regulate the amount of iron absorbed from…
What is hepatitis B?
Hepatitis* B is a virus, or infection, that causes liver disease and inflammation of the liver. Viruses can cause sickness. For example, the flu is caused by a virus. People can pass viruses to each other.
Inflammation is swelling that…
Did you know that Asian and Pacific Islander Americans and other foreign-born Americans are at higher risk for chronic hepatitis B, which can lead to liver failure and liver cancer?
What is hepatitis B?
Hepatitis B is a liver disease spread through contact with blood,…
您知道亞太裔和其他外國出生的美國人在罹患慢性B型肝炎上冒著更高的風險嗎？慢性B型肝炎可導致肝衰竭和肝癌。
B型肝炎是什麼?
B型肝炎是一種肝臟疾病，透過接觸感染B型肝炎病毒者的血液、精液或其他體液而傳播。該疾病最常見的傳播方式是由感染的母親在嬰兒出生時傳染給嬰兒。B型肝炎還可以透過性活動、傷口與傷口的接觸，以及與帶有血液的物體，如剃刀、牙刷、注射器、紋身以及在身體穿環孔的針頭接觸而傳播。
B型肝炎不會因為一般的接觸如握手或擁抱而傳播；分享食物或飲料、打噴嚏和咳嗽，以及哺乳也不會傳播B型肝炎。
[頂端]
慢性B型肝炎是什麼?…
¿Qué es la hepatitis B?
La hepatitis B es un virus, o una infección, que provoca enfermedad e inflamación hepáticas (del hígado). Los virus pueden provocar enfermedades. Por ejemplo, la gripe es provocada por un virus. Es posible que las personas se contagien los virus de…
이 창에서는
B형 간염이란?
만성 B형 간염이란?
왜 아시아와 태평양군도 계 미국인들의 발병 위험도가 더 높습니까?
만성 B형 간염의 증상은 무엇입니까?
어떤 사람이 B형 간염에 쉽게 노출됩니까?
어떻게 B형 간염을 사전에 예방할 수 있습니까?
신생아를 B형 간염으로부터 어떻게 보호합니까?
어디서 B형 간염에 대한 자세한 정보를 얻을 수 있습니까?
저자의 말
아시아 또는 태평양군도 계 미국인 및 외국 태생의 미국인들이 간암과 간 기능 장애를 유도하는 만성 B형 간염에…
(Hepatitis B: What Asian and Pacific Islander Americans Need to Know)
Alam mo bang ang mga Asyanong- Amerikano at mga Amerikanong taga-islang Pasipiko at iba pang mga ipinanganak sa ibang bansa ay mas nanganganib para sa chronic hepatitis B, na maaaring magtungo sa kahinaan ng…
Quý vị có biết là Người Mỹ gốc Á Châu và Thuộc Đảo Thái Bình Dương và Người Mỹ sanh đẻ ở nước ngoài có nhiều cơ nguy bị bệnh viêm gan B mãn tính hơn, bệnh này có thể dẫn đến suy gan và ung thư gan không?
Viêm gan B là gì?
Viêm gan B là căn bệnh về gan truyền lan qua việc…
What is hepatitis C?
Hepatitis* C is a virus, or infection, that causes liver disease and inflammation of the liver. Viruses can cause sickness. For example, the flu is caused by a virus. People can pass viruses to each other.
Inflammation is swelling…
¿Qué es la hepatitis C?
La hepatitis C es un virus, o una infección, que provoca enfermedad e inflamación hepáticas (del hígado). Los virus pueden provocar enfermedades. Por ejemplo, la gripe es provocada por un virus. Es posible que las personas se contagien los virus de…
A hernia occurs when an organ, intestine or fatty tissue squeezes through a hole or a weak spot in the surrounding muscle or connective tissue. Hernias often occur at the abdominal wall. Sometimes a hernia can be visible as an external bulge particularly when straining or…
A hiatal hernia is the protrusion (or herniation) of the upper part of the stomach into the thorax through a tear or weakness in the diaphragm. Hiatal hernias often result in heartburn but may also cause chest pain or pain with eating. The most common cause is obesity. The…
Hirschsprung's Disease, usually diagnosed in newborns, is a birth defect that affects about l out of 5,000 individuals. Those affected with this birth defect are missing intestinal nerve cells called ganglion cells. These nerve cells allow the intestine to relax so stool (poop…
Hyperhidrosis is characterized by abnormal, excessive sweating that can occur in the hands, armpits and feet. For some, the abundant sweating is localized to one area, such as the hands, while others may experience increased sweating in a combination of areas.…
"As with any complex procedure, it makes sense to choose a facility and doctor that perform the operations frequently rather than rarely. When we were asking around, eight years ago, the UCSF hospital and Dr. Quan Duh came highly recommended on those grounds (and I have since…
Hyperthyroidism is a disorder that occurs when the thyroid gland makes more thyroid hormone than the body needs. It is sometimes called thyrotoxicosis, the technical term for too much thyroid hormone in the blood. About 1 percent of the U.S. population has hyperthyroidism…
In hypoplastic left heart syndrome, the left side of the heart - the part that pumps oxygenated blood to the rest of the body - is underdeveloped. Its two chambers, called the left atrium and the left ventricle, and their valves may be tiny, blocking the flow of oxygenated…
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Definition & Facts
What is indigestion?
Indigestion, also called dyspepsia or upset stomach, is a general term that describes a…
In an inguinal hernia, abdominal fat or a loop of small intestine enters the inguinal canal, a tubular passage through the lower layers of the abdominal wall. A hernia occurs when part of an internal organ (usually the small intestine) protrudes through a weak point or…
What causes inguinal hernia?
Inguinal hernia is the most common surgical problem of childhood. It results from a small sac that comes through the inguinal ring, which is normally open during fetal life and closes around the time of birth. For reasons we don't…
Some persons are born with or develop irreversible intestinal failure. Intestinal failure occurs when a person's intestines can't digest food and absorb the fluids, electrolytes and nutrients essential to life and normal development. Patients must then receive TPN,…
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Liver cysts are thin-walled sacs filled with air, fluids, or semi-solid material. Liver cysts occur in approximately 5% of people. The majority of cysts are benign, but all cancers are able to produce malignant cysts. Patients…
Liver metastases are tumors that have spread to the liver from other areas of the the body. Cancer cells often have aggressive tendencies and will invade other areas of the body. They usually do so by floating in the blood stream and then replicating themselves…
What is CPAM?The normal pair of lungs is made up of five individual lobes - three lobes form the right lung and two lobes form the left lung. When one of these lobes forms incorrectly in a developing fetus, it is called a congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation (CCAM) or…
The UCSF Thoracic Oncology Program is a regional, national, and international referral center for lung cancer. Our surgeons are known for their willingness to be aggressive in the appropriate case. We are also a high volume center for thoracic…
Lynch syndrome, also known as hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC), is an inherited disorder that increases the risk of many types of cancer, particularly cancers of the colon (large intestine) and rectum, which are collectively referred to as…
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Marfan syndrome is a condition in which your body's connective tissue is abnormal. Connective tissue helps support all parts of your body. It also helps control how your body grows and develops.
Marfan syndrome most often affects the connective tissue of the heart and blood…
Visceral artery disease is the narrowing of the arteries that supply blood to the intestines, spleen and liver. The narrowing is caused by atherosclerosis, which results in a reduction of blood flow to these organs. Atherosclerosis is hardening of the arteries due to a build…
Metabolic syndrome is the name for a group of risk factors that raise your risk for heart disease and other health problems, such as diabetes and stroke. The term "metabolic" refers to the biochemical processes involved in the body's normal functioning.…
Mitral (MI-tral) valve prolapse (MVP) is a condition in which one of the heart's valves, the mitral valve, doesn't work properly. The flaps of the valve are "floppy" and don't close tightly.
Much of the time, MVP doesn't cause any problems. Rarely, blood can leak the wrong way…
Moebius syndrome is a rare neurological condition that primarily affects the muscles that control facial expression and eye movement. The signs and symptoms of this condition are present from birth.
Weakness or paralysis of the facial muscles is one of the most common features…
Moebius syndrome is a rare neurological condition that primarily affects the muscles that control facial expression and eye movement. The signs and symptoms of this condition are present from birth.
Weakness or paralysis of the facial muscles is one of the most common features…
Multiple endocrine neoplasia is a group of disorders that affect the body's network of hormone-producing glands (the endocrine system). Hormones are chemical messengers that travel through the bloodstream and regulate the function of cells and tissues throughout the body.…
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Obesity is the condition in which fatty tissue stores are excessive. Obesity is associated with serious chronic illnesses including diabetes, coronary artery disease, hypertension, sleep apnea, and degenerative joint disease leading to an increased…
What is an omphalocele?
An omphalocele is a birth defect in which an abnormal opening in your baby's abdominal wall allows the stomach, liver or intestines to protrude outside the body in a membrane sac. It is not known why this happens, but an omphalocele occurs when the…
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A pancreatic pseudocyst is a fluid-filled sac that forms in the abdomen comprised of pancreatic enzymes, blood, and necrotic (dead) tissue. Pancreatic pseudocysts account for approximately 75% of all pancreatic masses and typically are complications of chronic…
A parastomal hernia is a type of incisional hernia allowing abdominal contents to protrude through an abdominal wall defect in the stoma.
What is a Stoma
A stoma or ostomy is a surgically created opening accessible at the skin level of the abdomen allowing stool or urine…
Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is a heart problem that occurs soon after birth in some babies. In PDA, abnormal blood flow occurs between two of the major arteries connected to the heart.
Before birth, the two major arteries-the aorta and the pulmonary (PULL-mun-ary) artery-…
Pectus carinatum is characterized by a protrusion of the sternum that occurs as a result of an abnormal and unequal growth of the costal cartilage connecting the ribs to the sternum. Rather than growing flat along…
Pectus excavatum is a congenital disorder which causes the chest to have a sunken or "caved in" appearance. It is the most common congenital chest wall abnormality in children.What is the cause of pectus excavatum?…
Our world-reknowned group of pediatric surgeons are experts in the treatment of children with cancer. Working in close collaboration with the pediatric oncologists, our pediatric surgeons provide surgical care to our patients. This includes resection of large tumors and…
The term "pelvic floor" refers to the group of muscles that form a sling or hammock across the opening of a woman's pelvis. These muscles, together with their surrounding tissues, keep all of the pelvic organs in place so that the organs can function correctly.
A pelvic floor…
What causes perianal abscess?Perianal abscess is a superficial infection that appears as a tender red lump under the skin near the anus. The infection occurs when bacteria gets trapped in the crypt glands that line…
Pericarditis (PER-i-kar-DI-tis) is a condition in which the membrane, or sac, around your heart is inflamed. This sac is called the pericardium (per-i-KAR-de-um).
The pericardium holds the heart in place and helps it work properly. The sac is made of two thin layers of tissue…
Peripheral Artery Disease is a disease in which plaque builds up in the arteries that carry blood to your head, organs, and limbs. Plaque is made up of fat, cholesterol, calcium, fibrous tissue, and other substances in the blood.
When plaque builds up in the body's arteries,…
The UCSF PKD Center of Excellence is a comprehensive clinic dedicated to the care of individuals with polycystic kidney disease. PKD is a kidney disease, but it also affects many other organ systems. The PKD Center of Excellence is experienced in navigating all related medical…
What are porphyrias?
Porphyrias are rare disorders that affect mainly the skin or nervous system and may cause abdominal pain. These disorders are usually inherited, meaning they are caused by abnormalities in genes passed from parents to children. When a person has a…
The presacral space is the area between the rectum and lowest part of your the spine, which is called the sacrum. The presacral space is inside the pelvis, behind the rectum and in front of the coccyx and sacrum. Normally it is empty, or it contains a pocket of fat…
What is primary biliary cirrhosis?
Primary biliary cirrhosis is a chronic, or long lasting, disease that causes the small bile ducts in the liver to become inflamed and damaged and ultimately disappear.
The bile ducts carry a fluid called bile from the liver to the gallbladder…
What is primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC)?
PSC is a disease that damages and blocks bile ducts inside and outside the liver. Bile is a liquid made in the liver. Bile ducts are tubes that carry bile out of the liver to the gallbladder and small intestine. In the…
Pyloric stenosis, also called infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis, is a condition caused by an enlarged pylorus. The pylorus is a muscle that opens and closes to allow food to pass through the stomach into the intestine. When this muscle becomes enlarged, feedings are…
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UCSF Vascular surgeons have extensive expertise and experience in the care of patients with Raynaud's Syndrome, from common forms to the most complex and challenging cases, such as severe Reynaud's phenomenon that involves pronounced digital ischemia and the risk of losing…
The breakdown of a hernia repair is called recurrent hernia. The bulge returns at or near the site of the prior hernia. Recurrent hernias greatly increase the complexity of subsequent repair. If left untreated, severe complications can result such as the…
The renal arteries, like others in the human body, can become obstructed. Renal artery disease is usually caused by atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries due to the buildup of fatty deposits or plaques along the artery wall. This build-up can reduce blood-flow to one…
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Short bowel syndrome is a group of problems related to poor absorption of nutrients that typically occurs in people who have had half or more of their small intestine removed. The small intestine and the large intestine, also called the colon, make up the bowel. The small…
A spigelian hernia, also known as a lateral ventral hernia, develops through the spigelian fascia, the muscles found in the abdominal wall whereas most other hernias develop just below layers of fat.
Because of the location, swelling is often minimal with little outward signs…
Supravalvular aortic stenosis (SVAS) is a heart defect that develops before birth. This defect is a narrowing (stenosis) of the large blood vessel that carries blood from the heart to the rest of the body (the aorta). The condition is described as supravalvular because the…
Synovial sarcoma, also known as malignant synovioma, is a rare form of cancer that occurs in the soft tissues of the body. At the UCSF Sarcoma Center, we take a collaborative and multidisciplinary approach to combat these complex cancers. Our dedicated team of…
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UCSF Vascular Surgeons have the expertise and skill to treat all forms of aortic arch diesase, including Takayasu’s arteritis, a rare form of vasculitis rarely seen in a community practice.
Takayasu’s arteritis, a rare form of vasculitis,…
Tetralogy (teh-TRAL-o-je) of Fallot (fah-LO) is a congenital heart defect. A congenital heart defect is a problem with the heart's structure that's present at birth. This type of heart defect changes the normal flow of blood through the heart.
Tetralogy of Fallot is a rare,…
UCSF vascular and endovascular surgeons have over five decades of proven experience in complex abdominal aortic aneurysm repair and have been pioneers in the field. In the 2015 Leapfrog Hospital Survey, the UCSF program earned the…
UCSF vascular and endovascular surgeons have over five decades of proven experience in complex abdominal aortic aneurysm repair and have been pioneers in the field. In the 2015 Leapfrog Hospital Survey, the UCSF program earned the…
The UCSF Thoracic Oncology Program is a regional, national, and international referral center for lung cancer. Our surgeons are known for their willingness to be aggressive in the appropriate case. We are also a high volume center for thoracic…
Enlargement of the thyroid (goiter) and lumps within it (nodules) are both relatively common. They may be obvious to the naked eye or can be found incidentally by imaging studies of the neck, such as a sonogram of the carotid arteries or a CT or MR of…
The liver processes almost everything a person consumes, including chemicals, medications and alcohol. In some instances, these substances may cause serious injury to the liver, resulting in toxic hepatitis - a condition that causes inflammation of the liver.
By BruceBlaus (…
In transposition of the great arteries, the two major arteries leaving the heart are connected to the wrong ventricles, the two lower chambers of the heart. The result is that blood containing oxygen from the lungs is pumped back into the lungs, while blood that lacks oxygen,…
Diabetes is a serious disease, which, if not controlled, can be life threatening. It is often associated with long-term complications that can affect every system and part of the body. Diabetes can contribute to eye disorders and blindness, heart disease, stroke, kidney…
Diabetes, defined as elevated blood sugar, is a disorder of metabolism, i.e., the way the body uses digested food for growth and energy. If not controlled, diabetes can be life threatening and associated with long-term complications that can affect every…
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What causes umbilical hernia?
Umbilical hernias are commonly found in infants and children. An umbilical hernia is a bulge of intraabdominal organs through an opening in at the base of the umbilicus (belly button). Every baby is born with this small…
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Varicose (VAR-i-kos) veins are swollen, twisted veins that you can see just under the surface of the skin. These veins usually occur in the legs; however, they can also form in other parts of your body. Varicose veins are a common condition, and usually cause few signs or…
Vascular disease is an abnormal condition of the blood vessels. Blood vessels (arteries and veins) are the tubes through which blood is pumped throughout the body. Arteries carry oxygen-rich blood from the heart to nourish every part of the body, including the brain, kidneys…
Vascular anomalies occur in barely one-percent (1%) of all births. Because of their rarity, diagnosing and treating vascular anomalies is challenging and difficult. UCSF vascular surgeons have extensive training and experience in the diagnosis and management of these and…
Vascular Thoracic outlet syndrome (VTOS) is categorized as disorders of the upper extremity, which are caused by compression of the brachial plexus and subclavian artery or vein by bony, soft tissue or muscular anomalies as they emerge from the thoracic outlet. …
Venous ulcers are open sores in the skin that occur with sustained venous hypertension and malfunctioning of venous valves. Ulcers develop in areas where blood collects and pools, as swelling there interferes with the movement of oxygen and nutrients through the…
A hernia occurs when part of an internal organ (usually the small intestine) protrudes through a weak point of the abdominal wall, resulting in a bulge.
A ventral or incisional hernia specifically describes a hernia, often in the middle of the abdomen, that occurs after a…
What Are Holes in the Heart?
Holes in the heart are simple congenital (kon-JEN-ih-tal) heart defects. Congenital heart defects are problems with the heart's structure that are present at birth. These defects change the normal flow of blood through the heart.
Your heart has two…
What is viral hepatitis?
Viral hepatitis is inflammation of the liver caused by a virus. Several different viruses, named the hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E viruses, cause viral hepatitis.
All of these viruses cause acute, or short-term, viral hepatitis. The hepatitis B, C,…
UCSF vascular surgeons have extensive experience in treating complex aortic aneurysms, including those involving the arteries to the kidneys or intestines, and have been pioneers in the field of endovascular aneurysm repair. Our faculty also serve as principal…
Volvulus occurs when the intestine twists around itself and the mesentery that supports it, creating an obstruction. The area of intestine above the obstruction continues to function and fills with food, fluid, and gas. The mesentery may become so tightly twisted that blood…
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What is Wilson disease?
Wilson disease is a genetic disease that prevents the body from removing extra copper. The body needs a small amount of copper from food to stay healthy; however, too much copper is poisonous. Normally, the liver filters extra copper and releases it…