What is a biliary stent? A biliary stent is a tube surgically placed to keep the bile duct open. A biliary stent is a plastic or metal tube inserted into a bile duct. Biliary stenting is a procedure that opens the obstructed bile duct. Obstructed bile duct leads to the accumulation of bile in the …
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What is diagnostic laparoscopy? Laparoscopy procedure usually takes 30 to 60 minutes. Diagnostic laparoscopy is a surgical procedure that evaluates the causes of pain, bleeding, lumps, or diseases in the abdomen. Diagnostic laparoscopy is also called exploratory laparoscopy. This procedure is done under local anesthesia. During the procedure, a few small incisions are made, a cannula (a narrow tube-like instrument) …
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What is a distal gastrectomy? A distal gastrectomy or antrectomy removes part of the stomach and stitches the remainder with an opening into the small intestine. Antrectomy (distal gastrectomy) is a procedure that involves surgical removal of the lower 30% of the stomach (antrum). Distal gastrectomy is a type of partial gastrectomy that involves the surgical removal of only a …
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What is cholangioscopy? SpyGlass cholangioscopy is a recently developed technique for the visualization of the bile ducts. Cholangioscopy is a procedure in which a flexible tube, called an endoscope, allows the doctor to visualize the inside of the bile ducts. It is used to treat related medical conditions, such as removal of bile duct stones. When coupled with the visualization …
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What is enteroenterostomy? Braun enterostomy is a type of anastomosis done following a major surgery like pancreaticoduodenectomy (removal of pancreas and a part of the intestine). Enteroenterostomy is an anastomosis (connection) between one part of the small bowel to another (jejunum or ileum). The entire small intestine is around 20 feet long and is divided into three parts. The first …
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What is peritoneal lavage? Diagnostic peritoneal lavage is used in unstable patients who have suffered severe physical trauma. Peritoneal lavage is a bedside procedure for evaluating bleeding in the abdominal cavity or a ruptured organ. In this procedure, a needle connected to a catheter, a tube-like structure, is inserted into your abdominal cavity. It is commonly known as diagnostic peritoneal …
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What is Nissen’s fundoplication? The surgery may take around three hours, after which a patient may take a few more hours to recover from anesthesia. A Nissen fundoplication is a surgical procedure that treats gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), commonly known as acid reflux disease or hiatus hernia. The surgery is named after the surgeon who first performed it, Dr. Rudolph Nissen. It may be performed …
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What does a chromoendoscopy mean? This Chromoendoscopy helps visualize the inner surface of the bowel (epithelia) during endoscopy. A chromoendoscopy is a diagnostic procedure in which a chemical substance (called a stain or pigment) is sprayed inside the gut to highlight specific areas or distinguish among the different types of cell layers. This helps visualize the inner surface of the …
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What is the spleen and what are its functions? A splenectomy is the total or partial surgical removal of the spleen. The spleen is an important part of the body's defense (immune) system that is situated under the left rib cage near the stomach. The spleen contains special white blood cells that can destroy bacteria. It helps the body fight infections and …
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What is a minimally invasive esophagectomy? A minimally invasive esophagectomy is a surgery that involves removing the entire esophagus or a part of it. The esophagus is a tubular organ that connects the throat to the stomach. A minimally invasive esophagectomy is a surgery that involves removing the entire esophagus or a part of it. After the esophagus is removed, …
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