A sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) serves as a viable alternative to axillary dissection to help prevent the regional recurrence of breast cancer when cancer cells migrate to nearby lymph nodes. During an SLNB procedure, a surgeon injects a radioactive substance or dye (or both) near the tumor...
Patients who have degenerative disc disease that causes pain and makes it difficult to do everyday activities may find relief through nonsurgical treatment. Those who require alternative treatment methods have two options for back surgery: spinal fusion and artificial disc replacement (ADR).
Biofeedback is the process through which an individual learns how to change his or her physiological activity for the purposes of improving health and performance. In biofeedback, precise instruments measure physiological activity and report or “feed back” information to the individual. These...
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...
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.
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...
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...
Prostate cryosurgery (also known as cryoablation, cryotherapy, or cryo) is a minimally invasive procedure that uses controlled freezing to destroy cancerous cells in the prostate gland, according to the American Urological Association (AUA). Cryotherapy was initially developed to treat tumors...
