Catheter problems

A catheter is a tube put into the bladder to drain urine (wee). Find out about catheter use and problems, such as leaking and blockages.

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Nephrostomy

Your ureters (the tubes that drain urine from the kidneys to the bladder) can become blocked. A nephrostomy is a procedure to drain urine from your kidney using a catheter (tube).

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Cardiac catheterisation

Cardiac catheterisation ('cardiac cath' or 'heart cath') is a common procedure that lets cardiologists check and treat the heart and it’s arteries.

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Paracentesis

Paracentesis is usually a safe and effective way of finding out why extra fluid is collecting in your abdomen and treating your symptoms.

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Angiogram

Angiograms are images showing blood vessels. Read about what happens when you have an angiogram and what conditions they can diagnose and treat.

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Coronary angiogram

A coronary angiogram is an x-ray used to see whether a person has a certain type of heart disease. See here how the procedure is carried out.

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Lower limb angiogram and angioplasty (radiology)

An angiogram and angioplasty is usually a safe and effective way of finding out if you have any problems with your arteries and improving your symptoms.

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Epidural anaesthetic

An epidural anaesthetic can be used for most people, usually giving a safe and effective form of pain relief both during and after an operation or procedure.

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Pain relief after surgery

Pain after an operation is a common problem but there is no need for you to be in a lot of pain. Pain relief after surgery is usually safe and effective.

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Urinary problems

The urinary system prevents waste from building up in your blood, preventing related health problems including blood in urine, infections, UTIs and more.

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Endovenous ablation

Varicose veins are a common problem and can lead to complications if left untreated. Support stockings can help to control symptoms but will not remove the varicose veins.

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Anaesthetics (overview)

There are different forms of anaestheisa that can be used to provide a safe and effective way for you to have an operation or procedure, and to give you pain relief. Most people do not have any problems and are satisfied with their anaesthetic.

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Percutaneous coronary intervention

Coronary artery disease can cause pain, shortness of breath and heart attacks. A PCI is usually a safe and effective way to relieve your pain.

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Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP)

A transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) is an operation used to treat prostate enlargement. Find out about the procedure and what to expect.

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Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome

Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome (WPW) can cause episodes of fast heartbeat, or tachycardia. Learn more here about the symptoms and treatments for WPW.

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Aortic valve replacement

The aortic valve is in your heart. It helps keep blood flowing in the right direction. Learn how to prepare for an aortic valve replacement operation.

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Dialysis

Dialysis is a way to artificially clean the blood if your kidneys can't cope. Learn about the different types and how to live an active life when you are on dialysis.

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Pneumothorax

A pneumothorax is when air leaks into the space between your lung and chest wall. Read about symptoms and treatment of pneumothorax (collapsed lung).

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Angioplasty

Angioplasty is performed to increase the flow of blood through a narrowed artery. Learn how to prepare for angioplasty and what to expect.

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Urinary retention

Urinary retention - not being able to fully empty your bladder - can happen gradually or suddenly. Find out about the symptoms, causes and treatments.

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Laparotomy

A laparotomy is an operation that allows surgeons to examine the inside of your abdomen and the internal organs. Find out why it might be needed.

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Spinal cord injuries

A spinal cord injury is damage to the spinal cord that can make you lose feeling, movement, or both. Learn about causes and effects.

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Heart arrhythmias

A heart arrhythmia is an irregular heartbeat. Your heart can beat too fast, too slow or irregularly. Learn how to recognise the symptoms here.

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Tachycardia

Tachycardia (if your heart beats faster than usual, more than 100 beats per minute) can be a normal response to exercise or stress or a sign of disease

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Urinary incontinence

Find out about urinary incontinence (trouble controlling your bladder), including the causes, types, self-care, treatments and where to get support.

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Peripheral nerve block (lower limb)

A peripheral lower limb nerve block can be used for most people, usually giving a safe and effective form of pain relief both during and after the operation.

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Peripheral nerve block (upper limb)

A peripheral upper limb nerve block can be used for most people, usually giving a safe and effective form of pain relief both during and after the operation.

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Urethrotomy

A urethrotomy is an operation to treat a narrowing of your urethra. The narrowing is usually caused by scar tissue forming after inflammation, an infection or injury.

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Liver biopsy

A liver biopsy removes small pieces of tissue from your liver using a needle. The procedure is performed by a radiologist (doctor who specialises in x-rays and scans).

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External cardioversion

An external cardioversion is a procedure to treat an abnormal heart rhythm. It involves connecting you to a defibrillator machine that gives a controlled electric shock to make your heart beat normally again.

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