Laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy (LSH) is a minimally invasive procedure in which a surgeon removes the uterus while keeping the cervix in place. This procedure improved upon the radical hysterectomy or total abdominal hysterectomy, total laparoscopic hysterectomy, or laparoscopically...
Atrial septal defect (ASD) and patent foramen ovale (PFO) are congenital heart defects that sometimes require surgical intervention. An ASD is a hole in the wall or septum
that separates the two upper chambers of the heart, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The...
Sinus endoscopy, also referred to as endoscopic sinus surgery or sinoscopy, is used to remove blockages, swelling, and other conditions that hinder the patient’s ability to breathe freely.
Cardiac catheterization is a procedure used to diagnose and treat cardiovascular conditions. The procedure begins by inserting a catheter tube through a blood vessel in one of three regions—the arm, groin, or neck—and threading the tube through the heart. Live x-rays are used as a guide as the...
Breast ultrasound, also called breast sonography, is a noninvasive procedure that uses reflected sound waves to view and produce a picture of the breast’s internal structures. A handheld device called a transducer is passed over the breast, converting sound waves into electrical impulses....
Bone marrow is the soft, sponge-like material found inside bones that contains immature cells known as hematopoietic or blood-forming stem cells, according to the National Cancer Institute. Bone marrow transplantation is done to restore stem cells that have been destroyed with high doses of...
Pulmonary function testing (PFT) is a breathing test that helps measure how well a patient moves air in and out of his or her lungs, and how well oxygen is entering the body, according to the American Thoracic Society (ATS). PFTs are often used to gauge diseases such as asthma, chronic...
Flexible fiberoptic bronchoscopy involves the insertion of a flexible fiberoptic bronchoscope (FOB) to allow visual examination of the interior of the bronchi. Common reasons for bronchoscopy include recurrent lung collapse, bleeding, lung spots, and infections.
Virtual colonoscopy or computed tomography (CT) colonography is a technique that uses a CT scanner and computer software to look at the bowel or colon to detect polyps. Polyps are small growths in the colon that may become cancerous if not removed. The technique offers an alternative to...
A laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication (LNF) is a procedure commonly used to help patients who suffer from gastrointestinal esophageal reflux disease. The surgery reinforces the lower esophageal sphincter (the area between the esophagus and the stomach) to prevent backflow of gastric acids into...
