Procedures
Rows Returned: 50
| Procedure | Definition | Translation | Sound Clip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Abortion | deliberate termination of a pregnancy usually performed within the first 28 weeks | ||
| Arthroscopy | A procedure which allows the surgeon to view inside a joint. Arthroscopy is performed by inserting a small video camera through an incision. | ||
| Aspiration | a drawing of something in, out, up, or through by or as if by suction: as the withdrawal of fluid or tissue from the body | ||
| Balloon angioplasty | A procedure which enlarges a narrowed artery. Balloon angioplasty is performed using a balloon-tipped catheter to enlarge a narrowed or blocked blood vessel which is brought into place using a guidewire and x-ray imaging. The balloon is inflated at the site of the narrowing/blockage and a stent is inserted to keep the blood vessel open. | ||
| Biopsy | Examination of tissue to determine the cause of disease. Most biopsy procedures use a needle to access the tissue. A biopsy to remove a sample of tissue is called an incisional biopsy; a biopsy performed to remove a lump or larger area of tissue is called an excisional biopsy. | ||
| Bronchoscopy | A procedure for viewing the inside of the airways to look for bleeding, tumors, inflammation or foreign bodies. A slender tube called a bronchoscope is inserted through the mouth or nose. This tube contains a light and viewing device and can accommodate medical instruments used to obtain a biopsy or to administer medication. | ||
| Cardiac catheterization | A procedure used to diagnose and treat conditions of the cardiovascular system. A catheter is a slender tube inserted via a large blood vessel in the neck, arm or groin that leads to the heart. Cardiac catheterization can be used to perform coronary angiography or arteriography or to insert a stent. | ||
| Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation | An emergency procedure involving chest compressions and ventilations given to patients in cardiac arrest to provide life support. | ||
| Cardioversion | a procedure using a defibrillator to treat arrhythmia when antiarrhythmic drugs are not effective. | ||
| Cataract extraction | A procedure for the removal of a clouded eye lens (cataract) and insertion of an artificial one. Cataracts are typically extracted via phacoemulsification, which involves making a small incision in the cornea, using ultrasound to break up the cataract then suctioning it out. An artificial lens is then inserted. | ||
| Cesarean section | A procedure for delivery of a baby via incision in the mother's abdomen or uterus. C-sections are typically done under regional anesthesia. An incision may be made below the naval and above the pubic bone or the lower part of the uterus. The baby and placenta are delivered through the incision which is then closed with sutures. | ||
| Colonoscopy | A colonoscopy allows the physician to examine the inside of the large intestine to look for tumors, polyps or other abnormalities. The procedure is performed after bowel prep, which empties the colon. A thin, flexible tube called a colonoscope is inserted through the rectum. A small video camera attached to the tube transfers images of the inside of the intestine to a computer screen. | ||
| Coronary artery bypass graft | A coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) is surgery to create an alternative route around blocked or narrowed arteries improving blood flow to the heart. During a CABG procedure the sternum is cut and tubes are placed in the heart to divert the blood to a bypass machine. Small incisions are made near the narrowing or blockage, grafts are sewn into place and the blood circulating through the bypass machine is directed once again through the heart. | ||
| Craniotomy | A surgical opening into the skull performed to remove a tumor or blood clot, relieve pressure inside the skull or perform a biopsy. The scalp is shaved and small holes are drilled into the skull. A saw is used to remove bone flaps and expose the brain. | ||
| Cystoscopy | A procedure that allows the doctor to view the bladder and urethra. A small tube called a cystoscope which contains a camera is inserted into the urethra and advanced to the bladder. | ||
| Dacryocystorhinostomy | Creation of an opening between the lacrimal sac and the nasal cavity to restore drainage when the nasolacrimal duct is blocked. The surgical approach may be an external incision or through the nose via endoscope. The nasolacrimal duct is bypassed and an opening is created from the lacrimal sac to the nose. A stent may be inserted to keep the duct open. | ||
| Dilation and curettage | A procedure to diagnose uterine disorders, remove tissue or to clear the lining of the uterus following abortion or miscarriage. A speculum is inserted into the vagina. Rods are used to dilate the cervix. A spoon shaped instrument and suctioning removes the uterine tissue. | ||
| Electrocardiogram | a test to determine the causes of the symptoms of heart disease and to check the heart's electrical activity | ||
| Electroconvulsive Therapy | electrically induced seizures used to provide relieve from psychiatric illnesses; shock therapy | ||
| Electroencephalogram | test to monitor the electrical activity of the brain; used to diagnose epilepsy, sleep disorders, coma and brain death | ||
| Esophagogastroduodenoscopy | Upper GI endoscopy; a procedure used to diagnose and treat diseases and disorders of the upper gastrointestinal tract. A long tube called an endoscope containing a video camera is inserted through the mouth and advanced through the throat, esophagus, stomach and duodenum. Images are transmitted to a computer. | ||
| Excisional biopsy | biopsy performed to remove a lump or larger area of tissue | ||
| Fracture Reduction | A procedure to set a broken bone without surgery. Pieces of broken bone are maneuvered into position by the hands (closed reduction) or using metal and screws inserted via an incision that keep the fragments in place (open reduction and internal fixation). The fracture is immobilized during healing by casting, splinting or traction. | ||
| Frozen Section | a procedure for removal of tissue for microscopic analysis | ||
| Hemodialysis | A procedure that removes waste products from the blood and maintain electrolyte imbalance used in the treatment of kidney failure. Two needles with tubes are attached to the arm. Blood flows out of one into a dialysis machine containing a filter. Filtered blood returns to the body via the second tube. | ||
| Hysterectomy | Removal of the uterus as treatment for uterine fibroids, uterine prolapse, cancer, endometriosis, abnormal bleeding or adenomyosis. The uterus may be removed via incision in the abdomen or vagina and with the assistance of a laparoscope. | ||
| Intrauterine Device | a contraceptive device consisting of a piece of bent plastic or metal which is inserted into the uterus via the vagina | ||
| Joint Replacement | Joint replacement involves the removal of a damaged joint and replacing it with a prosthetic one. Arthritis, tumors, or fractures may be reasons for joint replacement surgery. Hip, knee, and shoulder are commonly replaced joints. | ||
| Lumbar Puncture | removal of cerebrsopinal fluid for diagnostic testing | ||
| Mammoplasty | a procedure to change the appearance of a breast. Types include augmentation – increasing the shape and fullness of the breast; reduction – decreasing the size of large breasts; reconstruction – rebuilding the breasts of a mastectomy patient using implants or the patient's own tissue | ||
| Mastectomy | Removal of breast tissue for those with cancer or at high risk for developing breast cancer. Mastectomy is performed under general anesthesia. An elliptical incision is made around the breast. Breast tissue and lymph nodes may be removed. Reconstructive surgery and radiation may follow mastectomy. | ||
| Myringotomy | An incision into the eardrum to remove fluid and relieve pressure. A small incision is made in the ear drum and fluid is aspirated. Tympanostomy tubes may be inserted to prevent reaccumulation of fluid. | ||
| Open Biopsy | a biopsy performed via surgical incision | ||
| Open Heart Surgery | Surgery in which the chest is cut open with surgical procedures performed on the heart; coronary artery bypass surgery is a common form of open heart surgery | ||
| Pacemaker insertion | A pacemaker is a machine that sends impulses to the heart to regulate its contractions. A pacemaker generator and lead wires are inserted via incision under the collar bone. Wires are attached to the pacemaker and the heart using x-ray imaging. | ||
| Papanicolaou Smear | removal of cells for staining and early detection of cancer of the uterine cervix | ||
| Percussion and Auscultation | Percussion is striking a part of the body with short sharp taps of the fingers to determine the size, location and density of organs (usually heart and lungs); auscultation is listening to the sounds produced by percussion. | ||
| Prostatectomy | Removal of the prostate gland to treat prostate cancer or blocked urethra due to benign prostatic hypertrophy. The procedure may be performed robotically or laparoscopically. An incision is made typically in the lower abdominal area. The prostate is dissected and the incision is closed with sutures. A urinary catheter may be inserted and will remain in place for several days following surgery. | ||
| Refraction | a measurement of the ability of the eye to focus | ||
| Refraction | a test used to measure refractive error; see Refractive Error | ||
| Sigmoidoscopy | An exam of the intestines to check for causes of intestinal disorders. A tube called a sigmoidoscope containing a camera is inserted via the rectum. Air is pumped into the colon to inflate it and allow for better visualization. Images are sent to a computer screen. Sedation is usually not required. | ||
| Skin graft | A skin graft is an operation in which skin is transplanted from one area of the body to another. It is usually done to replace skin loss due to burns or other injuries and illnesses. | ||
| Soap Suds Enema | an enema of soapsuds and water injected into the colon to stimulate a bowel movement | ||
| Sympathectomy | A sympathectomy is a surgical procedure that destroys the nerves in the sympathetic nervous system. Its purpose is to increase blood flow thereby decreasing pain in diseases causing narrowed blood vessels or to decrease excessive sweating. | ||
| Thyroidectomy | Thyroidectomy is the surgical removal of part or all of the thyroid gland due to cancer, hyperthyroidism, or goiter. The patient may be required to take synthetic thyroid hormone following surgery. | ||
| Tonsillectomy | Tonsillectomy is the removal of the tonsils for chronic, recurrent tonsillitis or for breathing problems associated with sleep disorders. Tonsils may be removed with a scalpel or high energy heat or sound waves. A soft diet is required for several days following surgery. | ||
| Tonsillectomy and Adenoidectomy | |||
| Tracheostomy | A tracheostomy is a surgical opening in the trachea created to allow airflow when the windpipe is obstructed or damaged due to traumatic injury, cancer, paralysis, or prolonged use of a ventilator. | ||
| Tympanometry | a test of middle ear function which helps in the evaluation of hearing loss and distinguishing between sensorineural and conductive hearing loss | ||
| Tympanoplasty | Tympanoplasty is plastic repair of the eardrum or middle ear bones which are damaged due to chronic infection or trauma. |