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. …
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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 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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What is the ileum? In conditions where the ileum is removed surgically, the duodenum is connected to the colon. This is called anastomosis. The entire small intestine is around 20 feet long and is divided into three parts. The first part is called the duodenum. The stomach opens into the duodenum. The middle part is called the jejunum. The third and final …
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What is intestinal anastomosis? An intestinal anastomosis is the opening between two parts of the gastrointestinal tract. Surgeons must sometimes remove diseased parts and reconnect the healthy parts with an opening for food to pass through. An anastomosis is a medical term used to describe connection or opening between two organs or tissues. When a part of the small or …
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What is rectal prolapse? A laparoscopic rectopexy is a minimally invasive technique to repair a prolapsed rectum. Rectal prolapse is a protrusion of the rectum (end chamber of the large intestine where feces collect before release by the anal sphincter) is called rectal prolapse. Rectal prolapse is thought to occur due to the loss or weakness of the normal support …
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What is an open appendectomy? An open appendectomy is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of the appendix. An appendix is a small, finger-like structure at the junction of the small and large intestine. The function of the appendix is largely unknown and its removal seems to not cause any observable problems. However, its infection can be painful. An …
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