Abdominal exploration - series 10/22/2004
Normal anatomy: The abdomen contains many vital organs: the stomach, the small intestine (jejunum and ileum), the large intestine (colon), the liver, the spleen, the gallbladder, the pancreas, the uterus, the fallopian tubes, the ovaries, the kidneys, the ureters, the bladder, and many blood vessels (arteries and veins).
Indication: The surgical exploration of the abdomen, also called an exploratory laparotomy, may be recommended when there is abdominal disease from an unknown cause (to diagnose), or trauma to the abdomen (gunshot or stab-wounds, or "blunt trauma").
Abdominoplasty - series 12/03/2004
Indications: The abdomen is a frequent site for fat deposition. Much of this fat deposits around the abdomen below the umbilicus (navel).
Procedure, part 1: In a complete abdominoplasty procedure, a long horizontal incision is made in the natural fold under the belly, the "bikini line". Skin is also cut around the umbilicus, and the fat and skin are pulled away from the muscle in a large area.
Procedure, part 2: Abdominal muscles are tightened under the flap of fat and skin.
Achalasia - series 11/30/2004
Normal anatomy: The esophagus carries food from the mouth to the stomach. The lower esophageal sphincter is a muscular ring at the junction of the esophagus and the stomach. The lower esophageal sphincter relaxes when food from the esophagus enters the stomach.
Indications: Achalasia is a disorder in which the lower esophageal sphincter does not relax when food passes down the esophagus to the stomach. As a result, the esophagus becomes distended and filled with food, and food passes into the stomach very slowly.
Adenoid removal - series 03/22/2004
Normal anatomy: The adenoids (lymphatic tissue in the back of the throat), along with the tonsils, comprise the Waldeyer ring.
Indications: Adenoidectomy may be recommended when: enlarged adenoids are blocking the airway, which may be suspected if the child snores excessively has trouble breathing through the nose (nasal obstruction) has episodes of not breathing during sleep (sleep apnea) Adenoidectomy may be recommended if the child has chronic ear infections that: interfere with child's education persist despite antibiotic treatment recur 5 or more times in a year recur 3 or more times a year during a 2-year period Adenoidectomy may be recommended if the child has chronic or repeated bouts of tonsillitis.
Alpha fetoprotein - series 12/03/2004
Indications: Alpha fetoprotein (AFP) is a protein produced by the liver and yolk sac of a fetus. AFP has no normal function in adults. The alpha fetoprotein test (AFP) is a blood test performed to measure, diagnose, or monitor fetal distress or fetal abnormalities. It can also detect some liver disorders and some cancers in adults. During pregnancy, this test, along with the examination of amniotic fluid (amniocentesis), can help detect fetal spinal bifida or other defects of the fetus' neural tube.
Amniocentesis - series 05/04/2004
Indication: When you are about 15 weeks pregnant, your doctor may offer amniocentesis. Amniocentesis is a test that detects or rules out certain inherited disorders in a fetus. It also assesses lung maturity to see if the fetus can endure an early delivery. You can also find out the baby's gender. Doctors generally offer amniocentesis to women with an increased risk of having a baby with particular disorders, including those who: Will be 35 or older when they deliver.
Anal fissure - series 07/15/2004
Normal anatomy: The anus is a sphincter at the end of the rectum through which passes stool during defecation. The anal sphincter is a critical mechanism for control of fecal continence.
Indication: Anal fissures are tears in the skin overlying the anal sphincter, usually due to increased tone of the anal sphincter muscles, and a failure of these muscle to relax. Anal fissures cause pain during defecation and bleeding from the anus.
Incision: Most anal fissures can be treated successfully with conservative measures, which include stool softeners and warm soaks.
Animal bite - first aid - series 12/06/2004
Procedure, part 1: To treat a minor bite, first wash your hands thoroughly with soap to avoid infection. Wash hands afterwards as well. If the bite is not bleeding severely, wash the wound thoroughly with mild soap and running water for 3 to 5 minutes. Then cover the bite with antibiotic ointment and a clean dressing.
Procedure, part 2: If the bite is actively bleeding, apply direct pressure with a clean, dry cloth until the bleeding subsides. Elevate the area of the bite.
Ankle sprain - series 12/03/2004
Normal anatomy: The ankle joint connects the foot with the leg. The ankle joint allows the foot to move upward and downward and in an inward and outward motion. Muscles, tendons, and ligaments surround the ankle providing the stability the ankle joint needs for walking and running.
Type I ankle sprain: The most common way the ankle can be injured is by an ankle sprain. When an ankle is sprained ligaments on the ankle are either stretched, partially torn or completely torn.
Anterior vaginal wall repair (Surgical treatment of urinary incontinence) - series 05/03/2004
Normal anatomy: The vaginal opening lies just below the urethral opening, and just above the anal opening. The urethral opening, through which urine passes, leads to the bladder. The anus leads to the rectum. The vaginal opening leads to the vaginal canal, which leads to the uterus.
Indications: This procedure is used to repair the vaginal wall herniation that occurs with urethrocele, cystocele, or rectocele.
