How dangerous is percutaneous heart valve replacement surgery? Pictured is an artificial heart valve. Percutaneous (less-invasive) heart valve repair is widely performed and carries the typical surgical risks of a cardiac procedure. Percutaneous heart valve replacement techniques are still evolving. The associated risks are expected to decline with advancements in this field. A percutaneous valve …
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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 the legs for conditions such …
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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 …
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What is a percutaneous cholecystostomy procedure? A percutaneous cholecystostomy is a procedure to place a drainage catheter in the gallbladder through a tiny entry hole made in the stomach wall. The drainage tube will be connected to a collection bag which can be periodically emptied. The doctor usually removes the tube in about two to three weeks, after ensuring there …
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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 …
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What is a transjugular liver biopsy procedure? In a transjugular liver biopsy, the doctor inserts a catheter through the jugular vein in the neck and threads it down to the liver to collect a tissue sample. This is less invasive than a traditional liver biopsy. A transjugular liver biopsy is an intravenous technique to obtain liver tissue sample for a …
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What is a choledochojejunostomy? A choledochojejunostomy is a surgical procedure to make a connection (anastomosis) between the common bile duct and the jejunum. This technique is called the Roux-en-Y choledochojejunostomy. A choledochojejunostomy is a surgical procedure to make a connection (anastomosis) between the common bile duct and the jejunum, which is the middle portion of the small intestine. This technique …
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What is nasogastric intubation procedure? Nasogastric intubation, or inserting a tube through the nose and into the stomach, may be done to place a feeding tube or for diagnostic purposes (esophagoscopy or upper endoscopy). Nasogastric intubation is the insertion of a flexible tube into the nasal passage, through the throat and esophagus into the stomach. It is a minor procedure …
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Hidradenitis suppurativa (acne inversa) facts Share Your Story Hidradenitis suppurativa is a condition in which there are multiple abscesses that form under the armpits and often in the groin area. These areas are a result of local inflammation of the sweat glands. Hidradenitis suppurativa is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that most often affects the skin of the armpits and …
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What is laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication? Laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication is a surgical procedure to strengthen the esophageal muscle and cure severe GERD. Laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication is a minimally invasive procedure to treat severe gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication helps to strengthen the lower esophageal sphincter muscle by reducing the potential for stomach acid to move back up into the …
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