You can also find some suggestions about questions you may want to ask prior to your procedure in Learn About Your Procedure.
A |
Surgical removal of the uterus through the abdomen. (Read about "Hysterectomy")
A procedure used to examine the organs in the abdomen. The ultrasound device is pressed firmly against the skin of the abdomen. Sound waves from the device bounce off tissues and create echoes. A computer uses the echoes to make a picture called a sonogram. Can be used to diagnose abnormalities of the liver, gallbladder, spleen, appendix, pancreas, kidneys and other conditions. This test is also used to see if there are abdominal aneurysms. (Read about "Ultrasound Imaging" "Aneurysms")
This test checks how the adrenal glands respond to the hormone known as ACTH. It can be used for diagnosing endocrine disorders such as Addison's disease and Cushing's syndrome. (Read about "Endocrine System" "Addison's Disease" "Cushing's Syndrome")
Surgical removal of the adenoids. May be done in cases where adenoids are enlarged or infected, or causing ear infections, sinus infections or sleep disorders. (Read about "Tonsils and Adenoids" "Otitis Media" "Sinusitis" "Sleep")
Another treatment used together with the primary treatment. Its purpose is to assist the primary treatment.
Treatment given after the primary treatment to increase the chances of a cure.
A test, done during pregnancy, of a small sample of the amniotic fluid surrounding a fetus, most commonly used to detect birth defects. (Read about "Pregnancy Testing" "Birth Defects")
Surgery to remove part or all of a limb or appendage.
A procedure to connect healthy sections of tubular structures in the body after the diseased portion has been surgically removed.
Treatment to suppress or block the production of male hormones. Androgen suppression is achieved by surgical removal of the testicles, by taking female sex hormones, or by taking other drugs (antiandrogens). Also called androgen ablation. Can be used in the treatment of prostate cancer. (Read about "The Prostate")
Partial or complete loss of sensation, brought on by anesthetic drugs, usually to block the pain of surgery. (Read about "Anesthesia")
A procedure to x-ray blood vessels. Dye is injected into the vessel using a catheter or small tube. The blood vessels can be seen because the dye shows up in the x-ray pictures. Can be used to identify blockages and other problems interfering with the flow of blood, for example in the legs, heart, or brain. (Read about "X-rays" "Cardiovascular Tests" "Vascular System: Arteries and Veins" "The Brain")
A procedure to open clogged arteries. (Read about "Angioplasty")
An ankle brachial index test looks for blocked arteries in your legs. It compares the blood pressure in your ankle to the blood pressure in your arm. If the blood pressure in the lower part of your leg is lower than the pressure in your arm, you may have peripheral artery disease or PAD. (Read about "Peripheral Arterial Disease")
Treatment with an antibody, a substance that can directly kill specific tumor cells or stimulate the immune system to kill tumor cells. (Read about "Cancer Treatments" "The Immune System")
Appendectomy is the surgical removal of the appendix. (Read about "Appendicitis")
A procedure to x-ray arteries. The arteries can be seen because of an injection of a dye that outlines the vessels on an x-ray. See also coronary angiography. (Read about "X-rays" "Cardiovascular Tests" "Vascular System: Arteries and Veins")
Arthroscopy is a surgical procedure used by orthopaedic surgeons to diagnose and treat problems inside a joint. (Read about "Arthroscopy")
Removal of fluid from a lump, often a cyst, with a needle and a syringe.
A procedure in which bone marrow is removed from a person, stored, and then given back to the person after intensive treatment. (Read about "Transplants")
B |
A procedure to open clogged arteries. A catheter (thin sterile tube), positioned in the narrowed coronary artery, has a tiny balloon at its tip. The balloon is inflated and deflated to stretch or break open the narrowing and improve the passage for blood flow. The balloon-tipped catheter is then removed. (Read about "Angioplasty")
A procedure in which a liquid with barium in it is put into the rectum and colon by way of the anus. Barium is a silver-white metallic compound that helps to show the image of the lower gastrointestinal tract on an x-ray. Can be used in the diagnosis of Crohn's disease, colorectal cancer, ulcerative colitis, and other diseases of the colon. (Read about "X-rays" "Crohn's Disease" "Colorectal Cancer" "Ulcerative Colitis" "Diverticular Disease" "Digestive System")
A series of x-rays of the esophagus. The x-ray pictures are taken after the person drinks a solution that contains barium. The barium coats and outlines the esophagus on the x-ray. Also called an esophagram. Used to detect cancer and other abnormalities of the esophagus, stomach, and small intestine. (Read about "X-rays" "Stomach Cancer" "Esophagus Cancer" "Crohn's Disease" "Digestive System")
Having to do with the liver, bile ducts, and/or gallbladder.
A method of learning to voluntarily control certain body functions such as heartbeat, blood pressure, and muscle tension with the help of a special machine. This method can help control chronic and other types of pain. (Read about biofeedback in "CAM Therapies" "Chronic Pain")
Treatment to stimulate or restore the ability of the immune system to fight infection and disease. Also used to lessen side effects that may be caused by some cancer treatments. Also known as immunotherapy, biotherapy, or biological response modifier (BRM) therapy. (Read about "Cancer Treatments" "The Immune System")
The removal of cells or tissues for examination under a microscope. When only a sample of tissue is removed, the procedure is called an incisional biopsy or core biopsy. When an entire tumor or lesion is removed, the procedure is called an excisional biopsy. When a sample of tissue or fluid is removed with a needle, the procedure is called a needle biopsy or fine-needle aspiration. (Read about "Biopsy")
Blepharoplasty refers to is plastic surgery to remove excess fat, along with skin and muscle, from the upper and lower eyelids. (Read about "Plastic Surgery" "The Eye")
The administration of blood or blood products into a blood vessel.
An x-ray scan used to measure the density of your bones, usually of the lower part of the spine and a hip. The results indicate the strength of your bones, and can be used to determine your risk of osteoporosis. (Read about "X-rays" "DEXA Scan - Dual Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry/Densitometry" "Osteoporosis")
The removal of a sample of tissue from the bone marrow with a needle for examination under a microscope. (Read about "Biopsy")
A procedure to replace bone marrow. Can be used following treatment for certain cancers in which the bone marrow has been destroyed by anticancer drugs or radiation. It can also be used as a treatment for certain types of anemia's, such as sickle cell and aplastic anemia. Transplantation may be autologous (an individual's own marrow saved before treatment), allogeneic (marrow donated by someone else), or syngeneic (marrow donated by an identical twin). (Read about "Transplants" "Leukemia" "Anemia" "Sickle Cell Disease")
A technique to create images of bones on a computer screen or on film. A small amount of radioactive material is injected into a blood vessel and travels through the bloodstream; it collects in the bones and is detected by a scanner. (Read about "Skeletal System")
A procedure in which radioactive material sealed in needles, seeds, wires, or catheters is placed into the body. Also called internal radiation, implant radiation, or interstitial radiation therapy. Can be used in treating cancer. (Read about "Cancer Treatments") Can be used in the treatment of blood vessels affected by heart disease. (Read about "Coronary Heart Disease" "Heart Attack")
An operation to remove the breast cancer but not the breast itself. Types of breast-conserving surgery include lumpectomy (removal of the lump), quadrantectomy (removal of one quarter of the breast), and segmental mastectomy (removal of the cancer as well as some of the breast tissue around the tumor and the lining over the chest muscles below the tumor). (Read about "Breast Cancer")
Procedure that uses a bronchoscope or flexible tube with a small light and camera to examine the airways of the lung. Can be used to diagnose problems such as tuberculosis, pneumonia and lung cancer. (Read about "Endoscopy" "Tuberculosis" "Pneumonia" "Lung Cancer")
A surgical procedure in which the doctor creates a new pathway for the flow of body fluids. (Read about "Coronary Bypass Surgery")
C |
The camera pill is also known as capsule endoscopy, a swallowable capsule containing a tiny camera that has Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval. It takes pictures twice a second as it glides through the small intestine. It is then excreted from the body. It is intended to visualize the inside of the small intestine to detect polyps, cancer, or causes of bleeding and anemia. (Read about "Endoscopy" "Gastrointestinal Bleeding" "Anemia")
Is also known as the camera pill. It is a swallowable capsule containing a tiny camera. It takes pictures as it glides through the small intestine. It is then excreted from the body. It is intended to visualize the inside of the small intestine to detect polyps, cancer, or causes of bleeding and anemia. (Read about "Endoscopy" "Gastrointestinal Bleeding" "Anemia")
Cardiac catheterization is a test used to explore the coronary arteries, using a fine tube (catheter) that's put into an artery or vein of an arm or leg and passed through the tube into the arteries of the heart. Can be used in the diagnosis of heart disease. (Read about "Cardiovascular Tests" "Coronary Heart Disease")
A procedure used to restore the heart beat to a normal rhythm when a patient has a chronic irregular heart rhythm or arrhythmia. In cardioversion, a machine delivers electrical current(s) to the heart through paddles applied to the chest. (Read about "Arrhythmia")
Carotid endarterectomy is a surgical procedure designed to prevent strokes. (Read about "Stroke") Can be used to unclog the carotid artery in the neck that has become clogged or blocked.
A carotid ultrasound exam checks the arteries in your neck for narrowing or stenosis. It can be used to help determine if you are at risk of stroke. (Read about "Ultrasound Imaging" "Stroke")
Removal or destruction of the testicles or ovaries using radiation, surgery, or drugs. Medical castration refers to the use of drugs to suppress the function of the ovaries or testicles.
Surgery to remove or dissolve the clouded lens of the eye formed as a result of a cataract. (Read about "Cataracts")
A series of detailed pictures of areas inside the body, taken from different angles; the pictures are created by a computer linked to an x-ray machine. Also called computerized axial tomography, computed tomography (CT scan), or computerized tomography. (Read about "CT Scan - Computerized Tomography")
Catheterization is the insertion of a catheter (a thin sterile tube) into the body. For example, a catheter can be inserted into the bladder to help keep it drained. (Read about "The Urinary System") Cardiac catheterization is a test used to explore the coronary arteries, using a fine tube (catheter) that's put into an artery or vein of an arm or leg and passed into the arteries of the heart. Can be used in the diagnosis of heart disease. (Read about "Coronary Heart Disease")
The destruction of tissue with a hot instrument, an electrical current, or a caustic substance.
Complete blood count. A test to check the number of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets in a sample of blood. Also called blood cell count. (Read about "Complete Blood Count (CBC)" "Blood Disorders Glossary")
Also called pelvic laparoscopy. Surgical procedure to examine and treat abdominal and pelvic organs. Uses a small surgical viewing instrument called a laparoscope which is inserted into the abdomen. Can be used in the diagnosis/treatment of pelvic inflammatory disease, endometriosis, ovarian cysts, and other conditions. (Read about "Endoscopy" "Endometriosis" "The Ovaries" "Pelvic Floor Disorders")
Cerebral angiography or cerebral arteriogram is an x-ray (Read about "X-rays") of the blood vessels of the brain. It can be used to diagnose problems of the brain and brainstem such as aneurysm or stroke. (Read about "Aneurysms" "Stroke")
A Cesarean section (c-section) is used when a woman cannot deliver a baby vaginally, or if a baby is in distress during labor. An incision is made in a woman's abdomen and her uterus to deliver the baby. (Read about "Childbirth" "Healthy Pregnancy")
A procedure in which a tube is inserted into the chest to view the tissues and organs in the area between the lungs and between the breastbone and spine. The tube is inserted through an incision next to the breastbone. Also called anterior mediastinotomy.
A procedure in which the blood supply to a tumor is blocked surgically or mechanically and anticancer drugs are administered directly into the tumor. This permits a higher concentration of drug to be in contact with the tumor for a longer period of time. (Read about "Cancer Treatments")
The use of drugs to treat cancer. (Read about "Cancer Treatments")
Surgery to remove the gallbladder. (Read about "Gallstones")
Chorionic villus sampling or CVS is a test used during pregnancy to diagnose birth defects. (Read about "Birth Defects") In CVS, a thin tube is inserted either through a woman's vagina or her abdomen to get a small sample of placental cells called the chorionic villi. (Read about "Pregnancy Testing")
A research study that tests how well new medical treatments or other interventions work in people. The study tests new methods of screening, prevention, diagnosis, or treatment of a disease.
An operation to remove the colon or a portion of the colon. An open colectomy is the removal of the colon through a surgical incision made in the wall of the abdomen. Laparoscopic-assisted colectomy uses a thin, lighted tube attached to a video camera. (Read about "Endoscopy") It allows the surgeon to remove the colon without a large incision. Can be used in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease, colon cancer, and other conditions. (Read about "Colorectal Cancer" "Ulcerative Colitis" "Crohn's Disease" "Diverticular Disease")
An examination of the inside of the colon using a thin, lighted tube (called a colonoscope) inserted into the rectum. If abnormal areas are seen, tissue can be removed and examined under a microscope to determine whether disease is present. Can be used in the diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease, colon cancer, and other conditions. (Read about "Colonoscopy")
A colostomy is an incision into the colon (large intestine) to create an artificial opening or "stoma" to the exterior of the abdomen. Can be necessary due to treatment for colorectal cancer and other conditions. (Read about "Colorectal Cancer")
Examination of the vagina and cervix using a lighted magnifying instrument called a colposcope. Can be used to determine the cause of an abnormal Pap smear. (Read about "Cervical Cancer")
Treatment using more than one anticancer drug. (Read about "Cancer Treatments")
CBC. A test to check the number of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets in a sample of blood. Also called blood cell count. (Read about "Complete Blood Count (CBC)" "Blood Disorders Glossary")
Surgery to remove the entire uterus, including the cervix. Sometimes, not all of the cervix is removed. Also called total hysterectomy. (Read about "Hysterectomy")
A series of detailed pictures of areas inside the body taken from different angles; the pictures are created by a computer linked to an x-ray machine. Also called CT or CAT scan. (Read about "CT Scan - Computerized Tomography")
Computed tomography angiogram (CTA) is a CT scan (Read about "CT Scan - Computerized Tomography") that can be used to diagnose problems of the brain and brainstem such as aneurysm or stroke. (Read about "Aneurysms" "Stroke")
A treatment that is given at the same time as another.
Surgery to remove a cone-shaped piece of tissue from the cervix and cervical canal. Cone biopsy may be used to diagnose or treat a cervical condition. Also called conization. Can be used in the diagnosis of cervical cancer. (Read about "Biopsy" "Cervical Cancer")
The administration of a fluid into a blood vessel, usually over a prolonged period of time.
A currently accepted and widely used treatment for a certain type of disease, based on the results of past research. Also called conventional treatment.
Coronary angiography (or arteriography) is a test used to explore the coronary arteries. A fine tube (catheter) is put into an artery of an arm or leg and passed through the tube into the arteries of the heart. The heart and blood vessels are then filmed while the heart pumps. The picture that is seen, called an angiogram or arteriogram, will show problems such as a blockage caused by atherosclerosis. (Read about "Cardiovascular Tests" "Coronary Heart Disease" "Arteriosclerosis & Atherosclerosis")
Coronary angioplasty is a medical procedure used to restore flow through a narrowed or blocked artery that supplies blood to the heart muscle. (Read about "Angioplasty" "Coronary Heart Disease")
In a coronary artery bypass operation, a blood vessel, usually taken from the leg or chest, is grafted onto the blocked artery, bypassing the blocked area. If more than one artery is blocked, a bypass can be done on each. The blood can then go around the obstruction to supply the heart with enough blood to relieve chest pain. (Read about "Cornary Bypass Surgery" "Coronary Heart Disease")
An operation in which an opening is made in the skull. Can be used as treatment for brain tumors. Can also be used to inspect the brain, remove clots or perform a biopsy. (Read about "Brain Tumors" "The Brain" "Biopsy")
Treatment performed with an instrument that freezes and destroys abnormal tissues.
Any method that uses cold temperature to treat disease.
A Cesarean section (c-section) is used when a woman cannot deliver a baby vaginally, or if a baby is in distress during labor. An incision is made in a woman's abdomen and her uterus to deliver the baby. (Read about "Childbirth" "Healthy Pregnancy")
A series of detailed pictures of areas inside the body, taken from different angles; the pictures are created by a computer linked to an x-ray machine. Also called computerized axial tomography, computed tomography (CAT scan), or computerized tomography. (Read about "CT Scan - Computerized Tomography")
Removal of tissue with a curette, a spoon-shaped instrument with a sharp edge.
Chorionic villus sampling or CVS is a test used during pregnancy to diagnose birth defects. (Read about "Birth Defects") In CVS, a thin tube is inserted either through a woman's vagina or her abdomen to get a small sample of placental cells called the chorionic villi. (Read about "Pregnancy Testing")
Surgery to remove all or part of the bladder. Can be used in the treatment of bladder cancer. (Read about "Bladder Cancer" "The Urinary System")
Examination of the bladder and urethra using a thin, lighted instrument (called a cystoscope) inserted into the urethra. Tissue samples can be removed and examined under a microscope to determine whether disease is present. Can be used in the diagnosis of bladder cancer, enlarged prostate, incontinence, cystitis, and other diseases and conditions. (Read about "Endoscopy" "The Urinary System" "Bladder Cancer" "The Prostate" "Incontinence" "Cystitis")
D |
Dilation and curettage. A procedure in which the cervix is expanded enough (dilation) to permit the cervical canal and uterine lining to be scraped with a spoon-shaped instrument called a curette (curettage). A D&C may be used to diagnose or treat a number of conditions including uterine bleeding, fibroids, and other conditions. (Read about "Menstrual Disorders" "Uterine Fibroids")
The device enables a surgeon to perform surgery while seated at a console with a computer and video monitor. The surgeon uses handgrips and foot pedals on the console to control three robotic arms that perform the surgery with a variety of surgical tools. The robotic arms, which have a "wrist" built into the end of the tool, give surgeons manipulation ability during surgery, providing easier, more intricate motion and better control of tools. Smaller incisions are needed to perform the surgery. The Da Vinci Endoscopic Instrument Control System® is used for general gallbladder and reflux disease surgery, prostate surgery, hysterectomy and heart surgery, among others. (Read about "Robotic Surgery" "Gallstones" "Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease" "The Prostate" "Hysterectomy" "The Heart & Its Valves")
Removal of part or all of the external surface of an organ.
A process in which an electronic device gives an electric shock to the heart, in order to reestablish normal contraction rhythm. (Read about "Heart Attack" "Arrhythmia")
Technique using controlled surgical scraping of the top layers of the skin, as a way to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, acne and other scars. (Read about "Acne" "Skin Care: Age and Skin")
A DEXA (Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry) scan exposes you to far less radiation than a chest X-ray. During this type of exam, you lie fully clothed on a padded table while the machine scans one or more areas of the body. DEXA scanning is a procedure that measures the amount of bone, muscle and/or body fat. It is commonly used to measure bone density and diagnose osteoporosis. (Read about "X-rays" "DEXA Scan - Dual Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry/Densitometry" "Osteoporosis")
A method used to identify a disease.
The process of cleansing the blood when the kidneys are not able to filter the blood. (Read about "End Stage Renal Disease")
The use of heat to destroy abnormal cells. Also called cauterization or electrodiathermy.
DRE. An examination in which a doctor inserts a lubricated, gloved finger into the rectum to feel for abnormalities. Can be used in the diagnosis of prostate problems, colorectal cancers, and other conditions. (Read about "The Prostate" "Colorectal Cancer")
D&C. A procedure in which the cervix is expanded enough (dilation) to permit the cervical canal and uterine lining to be scraped with a spoon-shaped instrument called a curette (curettage). A D&C may be used to diagnose or treat a number of conditions including uterine bleeding, fibroids, and other conditions. (Read about "Menstrual Disorders" "Uterine Fibroids")
A discectomy removes part of a herniated disk in the spine. It can be used to relieve some of the pressure on a nerve that is causing pain in the back or the leg. (Read about "The Spine")
Removal of the body and tail of the pancreas.
A method used to collect cells from milk ducts in the breast. The cells are looked at under a microscope to check for cancer. A hair-size catheter (tube) is inserted into the nipple. A small amount of salt water flows into the duct and is then removed with the cells in it. Ductal lavage may be used in addition to physical breast examination and mammography to detect breast cancer. (Read about "Breast Cancer")
E |
Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) is a graphic record of the electrical activity of the heart as it contracts and rests. It can be used in the diagnosis of a number of heart conditions including valve disorders, arrhythmias, and heart attack. (Read about "EKG - Electrocardiogram" "Cardiovascular Tests" "Coronary Heart Disease" "The Heart and Its Valves" "Arrhythmia" "Heart Attack")
A procedure that uses ultrasonic waves directed over the chest wall to obtain a graphic record of the heart's position, motion of the walls, or internal parts such as the valves. This test can be used in the diagnosis of a number of heart conditions including valve disorders, cardiomyopathy and heart attack. (Read about "Cardiovascular Tests" "The Heart & Cardiovascular System" "Coronary Heart Disease" "Cardiomyopathy" "The Heart and Its Valves" "Heart Attack" "Ultrasound Imaging")
Esophagogastroduodenoscopy. A test that uses a flexible fiberoptic endoscope to examine the lining of the esophagus, stomach, and upper duodendum. Can be used to diagnose cancer or other abnormalities of the esophagus, stomach, and duodendum. (Read about "Endoscopy" "Peptic Ulcers" "Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)" "Esophagus Cancer" "Stomach Cancer" "Digestive System")
Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) is a graphic record of the electrical activity of the heart as it contracts and rests. It can be used in the diagnosis of a number of heart conditions including valve disorders, arrhythmias, and heart attack. (Read about "EKG - Electrocardiogram" "Cardiovascular Tests" "Coronary Heart Disease" "The Heart and Its Valves" "Arrhythmia" "Heart Attack")
See EKG above.
A recording of the brain's electrical activity. Can be used in the diagnosis of brain disorders such as epilepsy, stroke, brain tumors, brain injury and other conditions. (Read about "EEG - Electroencephalograph" "The Brain" "Epilepsy" "Stroke" "Brain Tumors" "Head Injury" "Seizures")
Electromyography (EMG) is a test that measures the response of muscle fibers to electrical activity.
This test identifies and measures calcium buildup in and around the coronary arteries. Calcium build-ups can indicate an increased risk of heart disease. (Read about "Cardiovascular Tests" "Coronary Heart Disease" "CT Scan - Computerized Tomography")
Electronystagmogram (ENG) is a test of the vestibular system which is used to help diagnose balance problems. (Read about "Balance Disorders")
The blocking of an artery by a clot or foreign material. Can be used to describe a condition, for example a pulmonary embolism. (Read about "Pulmonary Embolism") Can also be used in reference to procedures. Embolization can be done, for example, as treatment to block the flow of blood to a tumor. Uterine fibroid embolization is a way to stop the blood flow that makes fibroids grow. (Read about "Cancer Treatments" "Uterine Fibroids")
Treatment that adds, blocks, or removes hormones. For certain conditions (such as diabetes or menopause or certain thyroid conditions), hormones are given to adjust low hormone levels. (Read about "Diabetes" "Menopause" "Thyroid") To slow or stop the growth of certain cancers (such as prostate and breast cancer), hormones may be given to block the body's natural hormones. (Read about "The Prostate" "Breast Cancer") Sometimes surgery is needed to remove the source of hormones. Also called hormone therapy, hormonal therapy, and hormone treatment. (Read about "Cancer Treatments")
Procedure done to remove the lining of the uterus. Can be done as an alternative to hysterectomy for treatment of excessive menstrual bleeding. (Read about "Menstrual Disorders")
A procedure used to diagnose and sometimes treat a variety of gastrointestinal conditions including gallstones and pancreatitis. (Read about "Endoscopy" "Gallstones" "Pancreatitis")
A technique to control bleeding that can be used in the treatment of bleeding ulcers, pancreatitis and other conditions. (Read about "Endoscopy" "Peptic Ulcers" "Pancreatitis")
A test that uses an endoscope (a flexible tube inserted into the body) to bounce high-energy sound waves off internal tissues and organs and change the echoes into pictures (sonograms). Also called endosonography. (Read about "Endoscopy" "Ultrasound Imaging")
The use of a thin, lighted tube (called an endoscope) to examine the inside of the body. See also in this glossary: bronchoscopy, celioscopy, colonoscopy, cystoscopy, EGD, esophagogastroduodenoscopy, esophagoscopy, laryngoscopy, gastroscopy, sigmoidoscopy. (Read about "Endoscopy")
The injection of a liquid through the anus into the large bowel.
Electronystagmogram (ENG) is a test of the vestibular system which is used to help diagnose balance problems. (Read about "Balance Disorders")
An injection of an anesthetic drug into the space between the wall of the spinal canal and the covering of the spinal cord. Often used during labor and delivery. (Read about "Childbirth" "Anesthesia")
Episiotomy is a procedure used during delivery of a baby, in which an incision is made in the perineum (area between the vagina and the anus) to make the vaginal opening larger in order to prevent the area from tearing during labor. (Read about "Childbirth" "Healthy Pregnancy" "Anesthesia")
Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography is a procedure used to diagnose and sometimes treat a variety of gastrointestinal conditions including gallstones and pancreatitis. (Read about "Endoscopy" "Gallstones" "Pancreatitis")
Estrogen replacement therapy. Hormones (estrogen, progesterone, or both) given to postmenopausal women or to women who have had their ovaries surgically removed. Hormones are given to replace the estrogen no longer produced by the ovaries. (Read about "Menopause")
Examination of the esophagus using a thin, lighted tube. Can be used in the diagnosis of cancer, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and other conditions. (Read about "Endoscopy" "Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)" "Esophagus Cancer" "Digestive System")
EGD. A test that uses a flexible fiberoptic endoscope to examine the lining of the esophagus, stomach, and upper duodendum. Can be used to diagnose cancer or other abnormalities of the esophagus, stomach, and duodendum. (Read about "Endoscopy" "Peptic Ulcers" "Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)" "Esophagus Cancer" "Stomach Cancer")
A series of x-rays of the esophagus. The x-ray pictures are taken after the person drinks a solution that contains barium. The barium coats and outlines the esophagus on the x-ray. Also called a barium swallow. Used to detect cancer and other abnormalities of the esophagus, stomach, and small intestine. (Read about "X-rays" "Stomach Cancer" "Esophagus Cancer" "Crohn's Disease")
A surgical procedure in which an entire lump or suspicious area is removed for diagnosis. The tissue is then examined under a microscope. (Read about "Biopsy")
Radiation therapy that uses a machine to aim high-energy rays at the cancer. Also called external radiation. (Read about "Cancer Treatments")
A procedure that uses high-energy shockwaves to break up stones inside the body such as urinary or kidney stones. (Read about "The Urinary System" "Kidney Stones")
F |
A test to check for blood in stool. (Fecal refers to stool; occult means hidden.) Blood may be present due to a number of problems along the digestive tract, including colon cancer and other conditions. (Read about "Gastrointestinal Bleeding" "Digestive System" "Colorectal Cancer")
The removal of tissue or fluid with a needle for examination under a microscope. Also called needle biopsy. (Read about "Biopsy")
An x-ray procedure that makes it possible to see internal organs in motion. (Read about "X-rays")
Functional magnetic resonance imaging. A noninvasive tool used to observe functioning in the brain or other organs by detecting changes in chemical composition, blood flow, or both. (Read about "MRI - Magnetic Resonance Imaging" "The Brain")
Destroying tissue using an electric current.
A noninvasive tool used to observe functioning in the brain or other organs by detecting changes in chemical composition, blood flow, or both. Can be used in the diagnosis and monitoring of brain tumors, strokes, multiple sclerosis and other conditions. (Read about "MRI - Magnetic Resonance Imaging" "Brain Tumors" "Stroke" "Multiple Sclerosis")
G |
An operation to remove all or part of the stomach. Can be used as treatment for bleeding ulcer, stomach cancer, and other conditions. (Read about "Peptic Ulcers" "Stomach Cancer")
The use of a flexible tube to examine the upper intestinal tract including the esophagus, stomach and duodenum. The procedure is used to diagnose a variety of conditions including ulcers, stomach cancer, and other abnormalities. (Read about "Endoscopy" "Stomach Cancer" "Peptic Ulcers" "Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)" "Digestive System")
Treatment that alters a gene.
Drugs that cause loss of feeling or awareness and put the person to sleep. (Read about "Anesthesia")
Analyzing DNA to look for a genetic alteration that may indicate an increased risk for developing a specific disease or disorder.
A system for classifying cancer cells in terms of how abnormal they appear when examined under a microscope. The objective of a grading system is to provide information about the probable growth rate of the tumor and its tendency to spread. The systems used to grade tumors vary with each type of cancer. Grading plays a role in treatment decisions. (Read about "Cancer Treatments")
H |
A detailed picture of areas inside the body. The pictures are created by a computer linked to an x-ray machine that scans the body in a spiral path. Also called spiral CT scan. (Read about "CT Scan - Computerized Tomography")
Surgery to remove protruding or symptomatic hemorrhoids. (Read about "Hemorrhoids")
The surgical repair of a hernia. (Read about "Hernia")
Treatment that adds, blocks, or removes hormones. For certain conditions (such as diabetes or menopause), hormones are given to adjust low hormone levels. (Read about "Diabetes" "Menopause") To slow or stop the growth of certain cancers (such as prostate and breast cancer), hormones may be given to block the body's natural hormones. (Read about "The Prostate" "Breast Cancer") Sometimes surgery is needed to remove the source of hormones. Also called hormone therapy, hormonal therapy, and hormone treatment. (Read about "Cancer Treatments")
HRT. Hormones (estrogen, progesterone, or both) given to postmenopausal women or women who have had their ovaries surgically removed, to replace the estrogen no longer produced by the ovaries. (Read about "Menopause")
A procedure in which a warmed solution containing anticancer drugs is used to bathe, or is passed through the blood vessels of, the tissue or organ containing the tumor. (Read about "Cancer Treatments")
An operation in which the uterus is removed. (Read about "Hysterectomy")
An x-ray of the uterus and fallopian tubes while contrast dye is injected through the cervix. Can be used in the diagnosis of uterine adhesions and fallopian tube obstruction that may be contributing to infertility. (Read about "X-rays" "Infertility")
I |
Surgical implantation of an Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator which monitors the heart's rhythm and uses an electrical shock to bring it back to normal when necessary. (Read about "Arrhythmia")
An opening into the ileum, part of the small intestine, from the outside of the body. An ileostomy provides a new path for waste material to leave the body after part of the intestine has been removed. Can be necessary due to treatment for Crohn's disease and other conditions. (Read about "Crohn's Disease")
A technique used to cause an immune response that results in resistance to a specific disease, especially an infectious disease. (Read about "Immunizations" "The Immune System")
An imaging procedure in which antibodies labeled with radioactive substances are given to the person. A picture is taken of sites in the body where the antibody localizes.
Suppression of the body's immune system (Read about "The Immune System") and its ability to fight infections or disease. Immunosuppression may be deliberately induced with drugs, as in preparation for bone marrow or other organ transplantation to prevent rejection of the donor tissue. (Read about "Transplants") It may also result from certain diseases such as AIDS or lymphoma or from anticancer drugs. (Read about "HIV / AIDS" "Lymphoma" "Cancer Treatments")
Treatment to stimulate or restore the ability of the immune system (Read about "The Immune System") to fight infection and disease. Also used to lessen side effects that may be caused by some cancer treatments. Also called biological therapy, biotherapy, or biological response modifier (BRM) therapy. (Read about "Cancer Treatments")
A procedure in which radioactive material sealed in needles, seeds, wires, or catheters is placed directly into or near a tumor. Also called brachytherapy, internal radiation, or interstitial radiation. (Read about "Cancer Treatments")
A surgical procedure in which a portion of a lump or suspicious area is removed for diagnosis. The tissue is then examined under a microscope. (Read about "Biopsy")
A method of putting fluids, including drugs, into the bloodstream. Also called intravenous infusion.
An operation in which the testicle is removed through an incision in the groin. Can be used in treatment of testicular cancer. (Read about "Testicular Cancer")
The introduction of fluids and drugs directly into the carotid artery, the main artery in the neck that carries blood from the heart to the brain. (Read about "The Brain")
Within the layer of cells that form the surface or lining of an organ.
Within the liver. (Read about "The Liver")
Injection into muscle.
IP. Within the peritoneal cavity (the area that contains the abdominal organs).
Within a blood vessel.
X-ray study of the kidneys, ureters, and bladder. The x-rays are taken after a d
This list of common medical procedures, treatments and tests is in alphabetical order. You can scroll the topics alphabetically. Or you can hit CTRL-F which, in most browsers, will give you a search box in which to type the term you want.