What is transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM)? Transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) is used to remove polyps and early colorectal cancer. Transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) is an advanced surgical procedure performed through the anus to remove polyps and early cancers of the rectum (end of the large intestine or anal area) using specially designed microsurgical instruments through …

What is a sacroiliac joint? A sacroiliac (SI) joint injection is the injection of local anesthetics or corticosteroids into the SI joint to treat pain. A sacroiliac (SI) joint is a joint in the lower back that connects the bones of the spine and tailbone (sacrum) to the hip bones (iliac crests). The main function of the SI joint is …

What is pediatric extracorporeal membrane oxygenation? An ECMO system works by drawing blood from the patient’s body to artificially oxygenate the red blood cells in the blood and removes carbon dioxide from the blood. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), also called extracorporeal life support (ECLS), is a technique of providing prolonged cardiac and respiratory support to patients whose heart and lungs …

What is a trachea? Tracheal resection is a surgical procedure in which a part of the windpipe is removed. A trachea, also called a windpipe, is a tube about 4 inches long and less than an inch in diameter in most people. This tube connects the larynx (voice box) to the lungs. The trachea begins just under the voice box …

What is thoracentesis? Thoracentesis is a bedside medical procedure used to drain fluid from the space between your chest wall and lungs (the pleural cavity).  Your lungs are enclosed in a two-layered covering called the pleura. There is a thin space between the two layers of the pleura called the pleural space that contains a small amount of fluid called …

What is a thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) surgery? Thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that repairs the aorta Thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) is a procedure to repair the major blood vessel in the body called the aorta. It is a minimally invasive procedure in which a small incision is made for repairing the …

What is tendon transfer surgery? Tendon transfer surgery seeks to restore lost function of the hand due to conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis. Tendon transfer surgery is a type of hand surgery that is performed to improve the lost function of the hand. In this surgery, a functioning tendon is shifted from its original attachment to another site in the …

When are thoracic incisions performed? Through a thoracic incision, the surgeon can access the lungs, heart, food pipe (esophagus), thoracic aorta, or the spine. A thoracic incision is a surgical cut made on the chest (thorax) to get access to the space between the lungs and chest wall. Through a thoracic incision, the surgeon can get access to the organs …

What are splints? A thumb spica splint is used to minimize movement and support an injured thumb. A splint is a rigid or flexible device that maintains in position a displaced or movable part and protects it from any further damage. Splints are usually applied to reduce movement and provide support and comfort by stabilizing an injury.  Splints are primarily …

Facts you should know about scarlet fever Picture of rash on the arm due to scarlet fever. Source: CDC Scarlet fever is a bacterial infection caused by group A Streptococcus bacteria that results in a rash and fever. Group a beta hemolytic streptococci produce an erythrogenic toxin that causes scarlet fever. The incubation period for scarlet fever is about 12 …