What is pyloroplasty? Pyloroplasty is a procedure to relax the pyloric sphincter, which controls the opening from the stomach into the small intestine. The pylorus is the lowermost part of the stomach, where it connects to the beginning of the small intestine (duodenum). Pyloroplasty is a surgical procedure to widen the pylorus by cutting and …

What is a vagotomy? Vagotomy is a surgical procedure to sever part of the nerve that controls digestion. The aim is to reduce stomach acid. The vagus nerve is responsible for sensory and motor functions of the internal organs such as heart, lungs and the gastrointestinal system. The vagus nerve runs from the brain, down the neck, alongside the esophagus, …

What is a laparoscopic appendectomy? The recovery time for a laparoscopic appendectomy is shorter than for an open appendectomy because it is less invasive. An appendectomy is the surgical removal of vermiform appendix, a finger-shaped sac attached to the beginning part of the colon (cecum). The appendix is located in the lower right abdomen. A laparoscopic appendectomy is a minimally …

What is a gastrojejunostomy procedure? Image shows about 10 inches of sutures on internal organs, the anastomosis (surgically created opening) from the stomach to the mid small intestine. Gastrojejunostomy is a surgical procedure to create a direct connection (anastomosis) from the stomach to the middle part of the small intestine (jejunum), bypassing or removing the beginning part of the small …

Is umbilical hernia repair major surgery? An umbilical hernia repair is a relatively routine surgery and takes about 20 to 30 minutes. It can be performed as an open surgery or a minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery. An open surgery might require two to three days of hospitalization, but with a laparoscopic surgery a patient may be able to go home …

Marfan syndrome definition and facts* Syringomas on the Eyelids of a Marfan Syndrome Patient. Marfan syndrome affects different people in different ways. The body systems most often affected by the syndrome are the skeleton, eyes, heart and blood vessels, nervous system, skin, and lungs. Image Source: Color Atlas of Pediatric Dermatology Samuel Weinberg, Neil S. Prose, Leonard Kristal Copyright 2008, 1998, …

How is a gastrojejunostomy performed? Recovery from a gastrojejunostomy procedure takes about six weeks. A gastrojejunostomy is a surgical procedure performed under general anesthesia by a gastrointestinal surgeon. The surgeon produces a direct connection (anastomosis) between the stomach and the jejunum, part of the small intestine. Preparation Prior to a gastrojejunostomy a patient may be required to Undergo blood, urine …

What does the heart look like and how does it work? Illustrations of Blood Flow to the Heart The heart is an amazing organ. It starts beating about 22 days after conception and continuously pumps oxygenated red blood cells and nutrient-rich blood and other compounds like platelets throughout your body to sustain the life of your organs. Its pumping power …

Kidney dysplasia facts* During normal development, the tubules that collect urine branch out throughout the baby's kidneys. In kidney dysplasia, the tubules fail to branch out, and urine has nowhere to go. The urine collects inside the kidney and forms cysts. *Facts written by John C. Cunha, DO. Kidney dysplasia is a condition in which the internal structures of one …

What is popliteal nerve block? This image is similar to what a doctor might see on an ultrasound when locating the popliteal nerve to administer anesthetic for a popliteal nerve block. Popliteal nerve block is a type of anesthetic procedure that blocks the sciatic nerve and blocks pain in the lower leg, including  the calf,  shin,  fibula,  ankle, and  foot.  …