What is sclerotherapy? Sclerotherapy involves injecting a sclerosing agent into varicose veins and other damaged blood vessels to improve their appearance and reduce itching and burning symptoms. Sclerotherapy is a procedure in which a solution called “sclerosing agent” is injected into the veins for treatment of small vessel varicose disease. Sclerotherapy is typically performed on …

What is endometriosis? Endometriosis is the implantation of uterine lining cells outside the uterus. It can lead to intense menstrual pain and infertility. The endometrium is the inner lining of the uterus, which changes  throughout the menstrual cycle, shedding during menstrual periods. Endometriosis is the presence of normal endometrial tissue abnormally implanted in locations other than the inner wall of …

What is PDA heart surgery? Ductus arteriosus is a normal connection or opening in a fetus between the descending thoracic aorta and the pulmonary artery. In normal development, the ductus arteriosus closes after birth. Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) closure surgery is a procedure to close this connection if it persists (remains patent) after birth. The procedure may be performed as …

What is a transradial heart catheterization procedure? Transradial cardiac catheterization is a minimally invasive procedure to diagnose and treat certain cardiovascular diseases. Transradial cardiac catheterization is a minimally invasive procedure to diagnose and treat certain cardiovascular diseases. A thin, flexible tube (catheter) is inserted through the radial artery in the hand and into the heart and its blood vessels. Ultrasound …

Is transradial cardiac catheterization painful? Transradial cardiac catheterization is performed using local anesthesia, and may take an hour or more, depending on the procedure performed. The patient usually feels nothing more than a short stinging pain from the initial numbing injection. The patient will be administered painkillers and mild sedation before the procedure. There might be a certain amount of …

How long does PDA surgery take? The PDA closure procedure may take up to three hours, depending on the type of procedure. It may take longer if the PDA closure is accompanied by other procedures to correct any additional heart defects. PDA stands for “patent ductus arteriosis,” which is a congenital failure of the heart to develop properly, leaving an …

What is a gastrectomy? A partial gastrectomy is the surgical removal of a portion of the stomach, as opposed to a total gastrectomy in which the entire stomach is removed. A gastrectomy may also be accompanied by a vagotomy (removal of the part of the vagus nerve that stimulates the stomach’s acid production for digestion). A partial gastrectomy is most …

How is a partial gastrectomy performed? A partial gastrectomy is usually performed with the patient under general anesthesia by a gastrointestinal surgeon. The surgery is performed in an operation theater, and may take up to five hours and require up to two weeks of recovery in the hospital. A partial gastrectomy is usually performed with the patient under general anesthesia …

What is percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography? Percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography is a minimally invasive diagnostic and/or therapeutic procedure to evaluate and treat obstruction in the biliary tract. The biliary tract is the drainage system for the liver and gallbladder. Percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography is a minimally invasive diagnostic and/or therapeutic procedure to evaluate and treat obstruction in the biliary tract. The biliary tract …

How long does a mitral valvuloplasty take to perform? A mitral valuloplasty is a procedure to improve function of the heart's mitral valve. A mitral balloon valvuloplasty — a procedure to improve the function of the heart's mitral valve — takes about an hour. The procedure requires a few hours for preparation before, and recovery after the procedure. The patient will undergo …