cancer

What is a temporary abdominal closure done for? The techniques of TAC are varied, and each has its advantages and disadvantages. A temporary abdominal closure (TAC) is performed when abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) is the concern and the abdomen is left intentionally open during surgery. ACS is a condition that increases the pressure in the …

What is a transthoracic needle biopsy (TNB)? A transthoracic needle biopsy (TNB) removes a piece of lung tissue for examination and to diagnose lung conditions such as lung cancer. A transthoracic needle biopsy (TNB) is a method used by radiologists to remove a piece of lung tissue for examination. It involves inserting a long needle through the patient’s chest wall …

What is video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS)? A video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) is a minimally invasive thoracic surgery that provides adequate visualization despite limited access to the thorax. A video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) is a minimally invasive thoracic surgery that does not use a traditional open surgery approach. VATS provides adequate visualization despite limited access to the thorax.  The operating time …

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 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 TME surgery? Total mesorectal excision (TME) is a surgical procedure to remove cancer from the end of the anal area (rectum). Total mesorectal excision (TME) is a type of procedure to remove cancer from the end of the anal area (rectum). In this procedure, the surgeon removes the part of the rectum that contains cancer and some healthy …

What is tracheobronchial sleeve resection? Tracheobronchial sleeve resection is a surgery performed to save a part and function of the lungs, typically for non-small-cell lung cancer. Tracheobronchial sleeve resection or a sleeve lobectomy is a surgical procedure to remove a lobe of the lungs and part of the bronchi (airway) usually to eliminate a cancerous or aggressive tumor.  In this …

What is a transbronchial biopsy? A transbronchial biopsy takes a small lung tissue sample for further lung analysis. A transbronchial biopsy is a procedure that examines the lungs. In a transbronchial biopsy, the doctor passes a flexible telescope called a bronchoscope through the nose or mouth to cut a small piece of the lung tissue for further lung analysis. The procedure …

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 the anus.  This technique avoids …

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 …