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 …
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What is a unicompartmental knee arthroplasty? A unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) is a surgical procedure in which only the damaged parts of the knee are replaced in one of the knee compartments. A unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) is a surgical procedure used to relieve disease in one of the knee compartments. In UKA, only the damaged parts of the knee …
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What is congestive heart failure? Heart failure can cause edema when extra fluid seeps into the lung cavity or other cavities. Diuretics treat this symptom, but do not cure heart failure. Congestive heart failure is a condition in which the heart is unable to efficiently pump blood to meet the body’s oxygen and nutrient needs. This impairs normal blood circulation …
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What is a transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS)? A transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) connects the hepatic vein and portal vein in the liver with a stent. A transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) is an artificial connection that is created by a radiologist between two veins (hepatic vein and portal vein) in the liver. These veins are connected by a …
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What is multiple sclerosis? Multiple sclerosis causes the immune system to attack the central nervous system, specifically the myelin sheath that insulates and protects nerve fibers. Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the central nervous system (spinal cord and brain) by damaging and destroying the protective myelin sheath around the nerve fibers. Someone with …
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What is a single-port surgery? A single-port appendectomy technique involves the removal of the appendix (appendectomy) using a single-port laparoscopic surgery. A single-port surgery is performed through a single incision (cut) in the navel. It is less invasive surgery than traditional laparoscopic surgery. The major advantages of single-port surgery are minimal scarring, less discomfort, faster recovery and fewer complications. What …
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What is ventilator management? There are six major types of ventilator support including continuous mandatory ventilation to noninvasive ventilation. Intubation is a procedure performed when the patient is unable to breathe by themselves. It may be a life-saving procedure in the emergency room (ER) or planned during the surgery when the patient is under general anesthesia. The doctor inserts a …
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What is tube thoracostomy? Tube thoracostomy is a chest drain used to remove fluid from around the lungs, easing pressure on breathing. Tube thoracostomy, also known as open chest drainage, is a surgical procedure to drain the collection of pleural fluid, air, blood, or pus from the pleural cavity through a tube inserted in your chest. The pleural cavity is …
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What is hypothermia? Readers Comments 1 Share Your Story Picture of the stages of frostbite Hypothermia is defined as a body temperature (core, or internal body temperature) of less than about 95 F (35 C). Usually, hypothermia occurs when the body's temperature regulation is overwhelmed by a cold environment. However, in the medical and lay literature there are essentially two …
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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 …
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