Blood transfusion

Blood transfusion is a safe procedure. Find out about the different types, why you might need a blood transfusion and what happens when you receive it.

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Thalassaemia

This inherited blood disorder prevents someone from making enough haemoglobin to carry oxygen around the body. Find out more about the types and symptoms of thalassaemia.

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Blood types

You inherit your blood type from your parents. Learn more about blood types and why receiving the wrong type of blood can be dangerous.

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Red blood cells

Red blood cells carry oxygen around your body and transport carbon dioxide to your lungs. Learn more about how your red blood cells work.

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Intravenous (IV) Iron Infusion

Discover important information about IV iron infusions, including when you might need one, costs, how to prepare and possible risks and side effects.

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Placenta praevia

Placenta praevia is when the placenta lies low and may cover the cervix, complicating your baby's birth. Learn about diagnosis and treatment.

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Breast reconstruction with an implant or tissue expander

A breast reconstruction with a breast implant or tissue expander is an operation to recreate a breast shape. You should consider the options carefully and have realistic expectations about the results.

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Breast reconstruction with latissimus dorsi flap

A breast reconstruction with latissimus dorsi flap is an operation to recreate a breast shape. You should consider the options carefully and have realistic expectations about the results.

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Breast reconstruction with abdominal tissue flap

A breast reconstruction with abdominal tissue is an operation to recreate a breast shape. You should consider the options carefully and have realistic expectations about the results.

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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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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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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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Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B can lead to liver damage over time. If you have hepatitis B, it is important to protect others from infection. Find out how.

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Shock

Shock is when not enough blood circulates around the body to deliver oxygen to your organs. It can be fatal. Learn how to help someone with shock.

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Cytomegalovirus (CMV)

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a common viral infection. Learn more about how CMV is spread, its symptoms and how to reduce your risk of infection.

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Ebola virus

Ebola virus disease is a rare but often fatal illness. Find out more about Ebola transmission (spread), symptoms and treatment options.

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Malaria

Malaria is spread by the bite of infected mosquitoes, which causes infection in your red blood cells. Learn about malaria symptoms and treatment.

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Haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS)

Haemolytic uraemic syndrome is a rare, life-threatening illness where your kidneys stop working properly, most common in children under 5 years.

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Drugs in sport

Using drugs to boost performance can harm your health. Learn about drug types and how agencies work to keep sport fair and safe for everyone.

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The role of a haematologist

A haematologist is a specialist doctor who treats people with conditions that affect the blood, such as leukaemia, blood clots or haemophilia.

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Low blood pressure (hypotension)

Low blood pressure (hypotension) can have serious causes, and can also be caused by medicines and dehydration. Read about the symptoms and treatments.

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Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL)

Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) is a common type of leukaemia that often progresses slowly without any symptoms and often doesn’t need treatment.

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G6PD deficiency

G6PD deficiency or 'favism' is a genetic disorder. It leads to red blood cell breakdown upon exposure to certain triggers, but can be managed.

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Posterior repair

A posterior repair is a major operation usually recommended after simpler treatments have failed. Your bowel should be better supported and you should no longer have a bulge in your vagina.

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Wide local excision

A wide local excision involves removing the cancer with a rim of breast tissue around the cancer. It usually involves removing some of the lymph nodes in your armpit.

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Imaging-assisted wide local excision

A wide local excision involves removing the cancer with a rim of breast tissue around the cancer. It usually involves removing some of the lymph nodes in your armpit.

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Septoplasty

Septoplasty will resolve a deviated septum, making it straight and relieving your symptoms of a blocked nose. Learn more about the risks and benefits of this surgery.

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Inserting a pacemaker

An abnormal heart rhythm can cause cardiac arrest and even death. Having a pacemaker inserted may save your life by preventing you from having a cardiac arrest.

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Surgery for rectal cancer

Removing the cancer by surgery gives you the best chance of being free of rectal cancer.

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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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