Abdominal exploration 10/22/2004
Abdominal exploration is a surgical procedure that opens the abdomen (laparotomy) and explores it for problems. During a laparotomy, treatment of problems may also be administered.
Alternative Names: Laparotomy; Exploratory laparotomy
Description: The abdomen contains many vital organs: Stomach Small intestine (jejunum and ileum) Large intestine (colon) Liver Spleen Gallbladder Pancreas Uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries (in women) Kidneys, ureters, and bladder Some problems inside the abdomen can be easily diagnosed with noninvasive tests such as x-rays and CT scans , but many problems require surgery to explore the abdomen to obtain an accurate diagnosis.
Abdominal wall surgery 08/11/2005
Abdominal wall surgery is�voluntary surgery that�improves the appearance of flabby, stretched-out abdominal muscles and skin. Excessive fatty tissue and loose skin are removed from the middle and lower sections of the abdomen. The abdominal muscles may be tightened. Note that this is a different procedure than liposuction.
Alternative Names: Cosmetic surgery of the abdomen; Tummy tuck; Abdominoplasty
Description: Cosmetic repair of the abdomen can help improve appearance, especially after massive weight gain and loss.
Abortion 02/18/2005
An abortion is a procedure, either surgical or medical, to end a pregnancy by removing the fetus and placenta from the uterus.
Alternative Names: Suction curettage
Description: A surgical abortion that is performed between 6 and 12 weeks into a pregnancy may be done while the woman is awake. She may be given the option of being sedated by medication through an IV, or having her cervix numbed with an injection of anesthesia. A surgical abortion for a pregnancy over 12 weeks is usually done while the woman is sedated, although it can also be performed while the woman is awake.
ACL reconstruction 06/07/2005
ACL reconstruction is surgery to replace the ligament in the center of the knee (the anterior cruciate ligament, or ACL) with a new ligament.
Description: The purpose of a ligament is to hold two bones together. The ACL is a ligament in the center of your knee that prevents the shin bone (tibia) from moving forward on the femur (thigh bone). A tear of this ligament can cause your knee to give way during physical activity. Recent research suggests that if a torn ACL is left untreated, and the knee repeatedly gives way, cartilage damage and early arthritis may occur.
Adenoid removal 10/25/2004
Adenoid removal, also called adenoidectomy, is the surgical removal of the adenoid glands from the area between the nasal airway and the back of the throat (nasopharynx). Adenoidectomy is frequently done in conjunction with surgical removal of tonsils ( tonsillectomy ).
Alternative Names: Adenoidectomy; Removal of adenoid glands
Description: While the patient is under general anesthesia, the ear-nose-throat (ENT) surgeon inserts a small instrument into the mouth to prop it open.
Angioplasty 05/30/2006
Angioplasty is a medical procedure in which a balloon is used to open narrowed or blocked blood vessels of the heart (coronary arteries). It is not considered to be a type of surgery. See also cardiac catheterization and angiogram .
Alternative Names: Balloon angioplasty; Coronary angioplasty; Coronary artery angioplasty; Cardiac angioplasty; PTCA; Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty; Heart artery dilatation
Description: Arteries can become narrowed or blocked by deposits called plaque.
Ankle Replacement 07/05/2005
Ankle replacement involves replacing the damaged parts of the three bones that make up the ankle joint with artificial joint parts ( prosthetic components) made of high-quality metal and plastic. The parts are typically held in place by bone cement. The artificial joints come in different sizes to fit the patient.
Alternative Names: Ankle arthroplasty - total; Total ankle arthroplasty
Description: The patient may receive general anesthesia (unconscious, no pain) or a spinal anesthetic (awake, but no feeling below the waist).
Anterior vaginal wall repair 05/04/2004
This is a surgical procedure that tightens the anterior vaginal wall to repair a cystocele or urethrocele. A rectocele is repaired by tightening the posterior vaginal wall.
Alternative Names: A/P repair; Vaginal wall repair; Anterior and/or posterior vaginal wall repair; Anterior and/or posterior colporrhaphy
Description: To perform the anterior vaginal repair, an incision is made through the vagina to release a portion of the anterior (front) vaginal wall that is attached to the base of the bladder.
Appendectomy 10/22/2004
An appendectomy is the surgical removal of an inflamed or infected appendix ( appendicitis ).
Alternative Names: Appendix removal
Description: The appendix is a small, finger-shaped pouch of intestinal tissue extending from the cecum, which is the first part of the large intestine. Blockage of the opening of the appendix into the bowel by a hard small stool fragment (fecalith) is believed to be a frequent cause of appendicitis. The infected appendix must be surgically removed (emergency appendectomy), because if it becomes perforated (leaks), this can lead to infection of the entire abdominal space ( peritonitis ), which can be fatal.
