What is the sentinel lymph node in breast cancer? The first nodes in the axilla affected by breast cancer are known as sentinel or guardian lymph nodes. A positive sentinel lymph node biopsy or SLNB indicates that the cancer is no longer in situ. Breast cancer can spread to other parts of the body. It first reaches the lymph nodes...
What Is Open Pleural Drainage?
A procedure that involves creating a permanent opening in the chest wall Open pleural drainage (also known as open chest drainage) is a surgical procedure that involves creating a permanent opening in the chest wall to drain air, fluid, or pus from your pleural cavity (area around the lungs). The pleural cavity is the space lying between the pleura (two...
What Is the First Sign of Malignant Hyperthermia?
If not treated right away, MH can lead to fatal complications. Malignant hyperthermia (MH) may present clinically either in the operating room (OR) or soon after surgery in the early postoperative period. Usually, there are no signs or symptoms of malignant hyperthermia susceptibility (MHS) until the person is exposed to certain drugs used for anesthesia. In rare cases, people at...
What Is Cervical Lymphadenectomy?
Cervical lymphadenectomy is the surgical procedure to remove the lymph nodes from the neck region. Lymph nodes are small glands (organs) that are part of the lymphatic system. They are involved with white blood cells or WBCs production and filtering of fluid called lymph. The lymph has a role in immunity and filtering toxins and wastes into the veins, and...
What Is Operative Laparoscopy?
What is operative laparoscopy? Operative laparoscopy diagnoses and treats abdominal issues. Operative laparoscopy is a type of minimally invasive surgery that is useful in the diagnosis and treatment of abdominal disorders. Laparoscopy involves the insertion of a thin, flexible, tube-like instrument into the patient’s abdomen. While performing operative laparoscopy, the physician inserts additional instruments, such as Probes Scissors Grasping instruments...
What Is Laparoscopic Hartmann Procedure Reversal?
What is laparoscopic Hartmann procedure reversal? Hartmann procedure reversal rejoins previously separated portions of the colon. The laparoscopic Hartmann procedure reversal is done to close the colostomy (large bowel opening onto the skin) that was previously done. This is followed by reconnecting the two parts of the intestine that were previously separated. Laparoscopic Hartman procedure: It is an operation in...
What Is High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)?
High blood pressure occurs due to the tightening or stiffness of very small arteries High blood pressure or hypertension affects around 80 million Americans. Hypertension is also known as “the silent killer” because it often goes unnoticed and may cause serious complications such as kidney diseases, heart diseases, heart failure, and stroke. As many as 16 million Americans are unaware...
What Is Embolization of a Tumor?
A tumor requires a continuous blood supply to grow and survive. A tumor requires a continuous blood supply to grow and survive. Embolization is a minimally invasive procedure that aims to block the blood supply to a tumor to reduce its size or cause complete cell death. This technique utilizes liquid, particles, or microspheres to obstruct blood vessels. Embolization is...
What Is Middle Ear Surgery? 4 Types, Causes & Is It Safe?
What are the four types of middle ear surgery? Middle ear surgery is a part of the series of surgical procedures to manage middle ear diseases. There are four different surgeries carried out to treat middle ear disorders, which include: Myringoplasty: It is a surgery to repair a hole in the eardrum. Ossiculoplasty: It involves rectification of the middle ear...
What Is Zidovudine Therapy?
Zidovudine was the first drug approved for the treatment of HIV. Zidovudine therapy is an antiretroviral therapy (ART) that is used to treat patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Zidovudine was the first drug approved for the treatment of HIV. Zidovudine greatly reduces the transmission of HIV from the mother to her child. It...