What is multiple sclerosis? Multiple sclerosis causes the immune system to attack the central nervous system, specifically the myelin sheath that insulates and protects nerve fibers. Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the central nervous system (spinal cord and brain) by damaging and destroying the protective myelin sheath around …

What are splints? An ulnar gutter splint is a flexible splint that is used to support, stabilize, and immobilize injuries, dislocations and fractures of the hands, fingers, or wrists. Splints are usually applied to reduce movement and provide support and comfort by stabilizing an injury. They are primarily used during nonemergency injuries to the bones or ligaments until they can …

What is esophageal cancer? In an esophagectomy, a surgical procedure to remove esophageal cancer, some or all of the swallowing tube (esophagus) is removed and then reconstructed by using part of another organ. The esophagus is a long hollow muscular tube connecting the throat (pharynx) with the stomach. Esophageal cancer originates from any of the layers of the esophagus. It …

What is a single-port surgery? A single-port appendectomy technique involves the removal of the appendix (appendectomy) using a single-port laparoscopic surgery. A single-port surgery is performed through a single incision (cut) in the navel. It is less invasive surgery than traditional laparoscopic surgery. The major advantages of single-port surgery are minimal scarring, less discomfort, faster recovery and fewer complications. What …

What is a hemiarthroplasty of the shoulder? A hemiarthroplasty of the shoulder involves the replacement of the ball (humeral head) with the prosthesis, and the socket (glenoid) is left intact. A hemiarthroplasty is a surgical procedure that replaces one half of the shoulder joint. The shoulder is made up of three bones: the upper arm bone (humerus), shoulder blade (scapula), …

What is breast cancer? A lump in the breast or armpit, changes in breast skin and changes to the nipple are all potential early warning signs of breast cancer. When the cells of the breast tissue grow at an abnormal rate and their growth cannot be controlled by the body’s immune system, it is called breast cancer.  When the cancer …

What is a headache? There are more than 150 types of headache caused by various factors, either primary like migraines or tensions headaches, or secondary as a symptom of illnesses. Pain originating in any region of the face, head or neck is called headache. This pain can be dull or severe and localized to the face, skull or neck. The …

What is tube thoracostomy? Tube thoracostomy is a chest drain used to remove fluid from around the lungs, easing pressure on breathing. Tube thoracostomy, also known as open chest drainage, is a surgical procedure to drain the collection of pleural fluid, air, blood, or pus from the pleural cavity through a tube inserted in your chest. The pleural cavity is …

What is a transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS)? A transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) connects the hepatic vein and portal vein in the liver with a stent. A transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) is an artificial connection that is created by a radiologist between two veins (hepatic vein and portal vein) in the liver. These veins are connected by a …

What is ventilator management? There are six major types of ventilator support including continuous mandatory ventilation to noninvasive ventilation. Intubation is a procedure performed when the patient is unable to breathe by themselves. It may be a life-saving procedure in the emergency room (ER) or planned during the surgery when the patient is under general anesthesia.  The doctor inserts a …