Inherited and congenital conditions may lead to cyst formation within the kidneys. A cyst is a fluid-filled tissue mass. Cysts often grow as increasing amounts of fluid accumulate within the structure. New cysts may also develop over time....
Although the liver is able to regenerate and heal itself in the case of minor to moderate damage, severe injury to the liver can cause it to fail. If this occurs, the only effective treatment is a liver transplant. Organ transplantation is a risky...
Fatty liver is a form of chronic hepatitis that resembles alcohol-induced hepatitis. However, the fatty liver hepatitis can occur in individuals with no significant alcohol consumption. There are several clinically recognized treatment options for...
The liver synthesizes components of digestion and blood clotting factors and serves to store energy and detoxify the blood. Its significance often under recognized the liver and biliary tract cannot be artificially synthesized, bypassed, or...
Nestled in the upper right portion of your toddler's abdomen, the liver is an essential organ that aids in cleansing the body of toxins and waste. Breakdowns in your toddler's liver function can arise from infections and genetic or congenital...
Early detection of liver disease in infants is key to giving them the best chance at a healthy life. Babies born with liver disease often seem normal at first, but signs of an underlying problem appear within the first month. If left undiagnosed,...
A well-balanced nutritious diet should include carbohydrates, dairy products, fruits and vegetables, and a source of dietary protein. Proteins are the dietary sources of amino acids, which are important to build necessary build necessary...
The usual first step in treating biliary atresia is definitively diagnosing the condition through exploratory surgery. During this surgery, physicians are able to observe the biliary system for damaged and or missing bile ducts. The procedure is...
A yellowish tinge to a person's skin and eyes is referred to as jaundice. It results from an elevation of bilirubin, a substance produced during the process of red cell breakdown. When red blood cells reach the end of their life cycle, they are...
The liver produces bile, a cholesterol-rich fluid that aids in the intestinal digestion of fats. A network of ducts--the biliary system--collects and transports bile from the liver to the gallbladder and on to the small intestine. Chronic...
The most amazing benefit of a healthy liver is life. Your liver is vital -- you would die without it. In fact, liver disease is one of the top 10 causes of death in the United States, and one of every 10 Americans has some form of it, according to...
Going under the knife can be frightening. If you need to have liver surgery, you should be aware that your liver is part of your digestive system, and you may be worried about how your condition will affect your eating habits. Fortunately, you...
Biliary atresia is a condition that can be aided by good nutrition before and after the Kasai surgical procedure or liver transplant has been performed. In general, parents of these children need to give them balanced diets composed of three...
Vitamin B12 is absorbed in one part of the small intestines and stored in the liver. The cells of the body will use this vitamin to make DNA, break down folic acid, and make and repair myelin. Methylmalonic acid is formed if the cells do not have...
The liver is the largest organ in your body, which consist of two lobes, the right and left lobes. These lobes consists of thousands of tiny lobes called lobules, each having a vein. The lobules are surrounded by liver cells called hepatocytes. It...
