Archives: Treatments

A Blalock-Taussig shunt is a small tube for infants that connect the arterial circulation to the pulmonary circulation, to help more blood reach the lungs.

Ventriculostomy is a neurosurgical procedure that involves creating a hole within a cerebral ventricle for drainage. The procedure is performed on patients suffering from hydrocephalus. 

Radial Keratotomy was one of the common ways of treating nearsightedness, also known as myopia. However, with the rise of newer procedures, such as LASIK, it is now generally considered outdated. 

The Ross procedure, which is also known as the pulmonary autograft procedure, is a surgical technique meant to replace a diseased aortic valve. The procedure involves replacing the person’s aortic valve with a person’s own pulmonary valve. The pulmonary valve is next replaced with the person’s own pulmonary allograft.

Heller myotomy is a surgical procedure which is used for treating the symptoms of achalasia. Achalasia is a procedure that affects the ability of an individual to pass foods and liquids into the stomach. The procedure is a minimally invasive procedure since it uses multiple small incisions instead of a large one. The procedure has a very high success rate, and its effects are also generally permanent. A small number of patients might also require additional treatment. 

A bladder sling procedure can help men suffering from urinary incontinence, i.e. loss of bladder control. The procedure has some complications associated with it and is generally recommended for men with mild to moderate urinary incontinence. Urinary incontinence usually occurs after prostate surgery, particularly for the men, who require prostatectomy for prostate cancer.

The Nuss procedure is a procedure for treating pectus excavatum. It is a minimally invasive procedure, which was invented by Donald Nuss. Pectus excavatum is a structural deformity of the anterior thoracic wall in which the sternum and rib cage are abnormally shaped. This produces a caved-in or sunken appearance of the chest. It might be present at birth or develop after puberty. 

A corpectomy, also known as a vertebrectomy, is a surgical procedure. It involves removing all or parts of the vertebral body, to decompress the spinal cord and the nerves.

External Fixation is a surgical treatment. It involves rods being screwed into a bone and exited from the body, and then attached to a stabilizing structure on the outside of the body. It is an alternative to internal fixation, where the components for providing stability are completely within the body of the patient. 

Our heart muscle needs a steady flow of blood for functioning properly and staying healthy. Myocardial Perfusion Imaging (MPI) is a non-invasive method that lets your doctor evaluate this blood flow. The scans can also be used to look for damage after a heart attack and for determining if any previous treatment has helped. 

Electromyography (EMG) is a diagnostic procedure that can help assess the health of muscles and the nerve cells controlling them. This procedure can reveal muscle dysfunction, nerve dysfunction, or problems with nerve-to-muscle signal transmission. 

The dental bridge procedure is a type of restorative dental treatment for replacing any missing teeth. If you are having any teeth missing, your dentist can close or bridge the gaps in your smile with the help of dental bridges.

Discogram, also known as a discography, is an interventional diagnostic imaging test. It can help determine whether a specific intervertebral disc is the cause of your back pain. Spinal discs are cushions between the bones of the spine. They are made up of cartilage and a jellylike substance. Their purpose is to act as shock absorbers between the bones in your spine. 

A trabeculectomy is a surgical procedure that is used for treating glaucoma. Trabeculectomy can help to lower the intraocular pressure inside your eye, which can help in slowing or stopping the vision loss that occurs due to glaucoma. This procedure helps to create a new channel through which fluid is able to drain from the eye. Restoring the ability of the eye to drain fluid results in the IOP getting lower.

Capsule Endoscopy is a procedure that can let your doctor examine the lining of the middle part of the gastrointestinal tract, which includes the three parts of the small intestine. This procedure makes the use of a tiny wireless camera to take pictures of your digestive tract. The camera sits inside a vitamin-size capsule that you swallow, which travels through the digestive tract, and takes thousands of pictures that are transmitted to a recorder that you are able to wear on a belt around the waist. 

Intra Cytoplasmic Sperm Injection, which is known as ICSI, is a technique of injecting the sperm cell into the cytoplasm of the egg. This technique is a specialized form of In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) which is used for the treatment of severe cases of male-factor infertility. The treatment involves injecting a single sperm directly into a mature egg. This treatment is generally performed in parallel with IVF, where after suitable stimulation the retrieved eggs from a woman after mixed with the sperm of the partner. 

Arthroscopy is the examination of the interior of a joint by using an arthroscope, a flexible, small fiber-optic tube with a small camera connected to a monitor. This can allow a surgeon to get a magnified view of your joint. Specially designed arthroscopic surgical tools are also used to perform various types of minimally invasive joint surgery. Hip arthroscopy, which is known as a ‘hip-scope` is a minimally invasive procedure, in which an orthopedic surgeon examines the hip joint with the help of an arthroscope. 

Intensity-modulated radiation therapy, known as IMRT, is an advanced type of radiation therapy, which is used for treating cancer as well as noncancerous tumors. This procedure uses advanced technology in order to manipulate photon and proton beams of radiation to conform to the shape of a tumor. The goal of the procedure is to conform the radiation dose to the target while avoiding or reducing exposure of healthy tissue to limit the side effects of treatment.

Cystectomy, which is also known as bladder removal surgery, is a surgery for removing the urinary bladder. In men, having the entire bladder removed usually includes the removal of the prostate as well as seminal vesicles. In cases of women, cystectomy involves the removal of the uterus, ovaries, and parts of the vagina.

A ventricular assist device is a mechanical pump implanted inside the chest of a person, suffering from a weak heart or heart failure. It can help you pump blood from the lower chambers of your heart to the rest of the body. Though this device is mostly placed in the left ventricle, it can be placed in the right or even center.

Shoulder arthroscopy is a surgical procedure that uses a small camera known as an arthroscope. This camera helps to examine or repair the tissues inside or around the shoulder joint. The arthroscope is inserted through a small incision in your skin.

Endovascular aneurysm repair is a procedure for treating an aneurysm or abnormal enlargement of the abdominal aorta. When the abdominal aorta gets enlarged, there are generally two ways to perform surgery. It might be performed through an open incision or in a minimally-invasive procedure known as endovascular aneurysm repair.

Phacoemulsification is generally the most common form of cataract surgery performed. Cataract surgery is meant to restore vision for people whose vision becomes cloudy from cataracts, a clouding that forms on the lens of the eyes.

Hemispherectomy is a surgical treatment for epilepsy. In this procedure, one of the two cerebral hemispheres, which make up the majority of the human brain, is removed. There are generally many surgical procedures which can fall under the broad category of hemispherectomy.

Stereotactic radiosurgery is a form of radiation treatment that makes the use of focused delivery of radiation in high doses to precise locations in your body. It can be used to treat certain kinds of tumors and other abnormalities in the spine, brain, neck, lungs, or liver. 

In a robotic-assisted laparoscopic hysterectomy, the surgeon makes the use of a computer for controlling the surgical instruments. The computer is operated from an operating room. The surgeon controls the robot’s movements steadily and precisely with the help of the computer. This lets him/her get into smaller spaces more easily as compared with conventional laparoscopic surgery.

Laser resurfacing is a treatment for reducing facial wrinkles as well as skin irregularities such as blemishes or acne scars. This technique can help to decrease the appearance of fine lines on your face. It is able to treat loss of skin tone as well as improve complexion if you are having scars or sun damage. This procedure is also termed as lasabrasion, laser peel or laser vaporization.

Ileonala anastomosis surgery, which is commonly termed as a J-pouch surgery allows you to eliminate waste material normally after your entire large intestine is removed. The procedure involves constructing a J-pouch after your surgeon removes your colon and rectum. 

A Pneumonectomy is a type of lung surgery, in which one of your lungs is completely removed. Though this is done mostly due to cancer, it can also be done to treat some other conditions such as tuberculosis, severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or any trauma that interrupts major blood vessels near the lungs. 

An esophagectomy is a surgery for removing part of the esophagus, a tube that connects the throat to your stomach. Its purpose is to move food that has been swallowed by your stomach. The procedure can involve removing a part of the stomach as well.

A double chin removal surgery is a procedure that can help people who have problems getting rid of the excess fat under the chin. A double chin, which is also known as submental fat, is a condition which develops when a layer of fat forms below the chin.

Dental braces are dental tools which orthodontists use for correcting crowded, crooked or misaligned teeth and jaws. Generally, people go for dental braces during their early teenage years, though adults can also benefit from them. The goal of dental braces is to align your teeth and jaws to help you produce an even bite and a pleasing smile. 

A parathyroidectomy is the surgical removal of one or more of your parathyroid glands. The parathyroid glands are four rice-sized glands and they are located on the back of your neck’s thyroid gland. The parathyroid glands create the parathyroid hormone, which controls the calcium levels of the body. 

A stapedectomy is a procedure for the removal of the stapes bone in the ear. The stapes bone is the third of the three tiny bones in your middle ear as well as the one closest to the inner ear. 

Mediastinoscopy is a procedure which a doctor uses to look inside your mediastinum, the area behind the breastbone which lies between the lungs.

Virtual Colonoscopy also termed as CT colonography, is a procedure which is done to look for small polyps or other growths inside the colon.

Thymectomy is a surgery for removing the thymus gland, which is located in the upper portion of the chest, behind your breastbone. Removing the thymus is generally recommended for people over 60 years of years, who experience moderate to severe weakness from myasthenia gravis.

Laser ablation is minimally invasive neurosurgery which uses smarter technology for removing tumors in the brain. This treatment can be used for several diseases which include brain tumors. This treatment uses lasers to effectively target and destroy or ablate the tumor. Compared to traditional open surgery, i.e. craniotomy for removing a brain tumor, this procedure involves lesser pain and shorter recovery time.

Surgery to remove an adrenal gland is known as Adrenalectomy. It might be sometimes necessary to remove an adrenal gland if a tumor is producing excess hormones or is quite large in size, i.e. more than 2 inches or 4 to 5 centimeters.

 A cornea transplant also termed as keratoplasty, is a surgical procedure for replacing a part of your cornea with corneal tissue from a donor. This procedure is meant to restore vision, reduce your pain as well as improve the appearance of your cornea if it has been diseased or damaged. 

A foraminotomy is a surgical procedure which is performed for decompressing i.e. removing pressure on a spinal nerve root. The term comes from the spine’s foramen, which is the hollow nerve passageways, through which your nerve roots exit the spinal column. The procedure is performed in the thoracic spine, cervical spine as well as in the lumbar spine. 

Hysterosonogram, also termed as sonohysterography, is a procedure for using sound waves for producing pictures of the inside of a woman’s uterus. This can help to diagnose vaginal bleeding. Hysterosonogram is performed like a gynecologic exam and involves the insertion of the transducer into the vagina after the bladder is emptied. 

Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) is a procedure for opening and widening the upper airways by taking out any extra tissue in the throat. This procedure might be recommended for treating your snoring or sleep apnea, a condition affecting night time breathing. Generally, this procedure can effectively improve sleep apnea permanently as well as decrease snoring.

Cranioplasty is a procedure involving the surgical repair of skull fractures or deformities which can result from an injury or a previous neurosurgical operation that required access to the brain. Sometimes, the deformity can also be a birth defect.

Thoracoscopy is a procedure which helps a doctor to look at the space inside your chest, outside your lungs. This is done using an instrument known as a thoracoscope, a thin, flexible tube with a light attached with a small video camera on the end.

A pancreatectomy is the surgical removal of your pancreas. The pancreas is an important organ of your body and its functions are secreting digestive juices. It also secretes insulin and glucagon which are important for controlling blood sugar. 

Endometriosis is an ailment that causes tissue growing normally on the inside lining of the uterus to implant in other parts of the abdomen. Though surgery should be able to relieve your pain as well as improve your odds of conceiving, it can be difficult to know what to expect from surgery.

A polypectomy is a procedure which is for removing polyps from the inside of your colon, i.e. large intestine. An abnormal collection of tissue is termed as a polyp.

Laminotomy Laminotomy is a surgical procedure for removing part of the lamina of a vertebral arch for relieving pressure in the vertebral canal. This procedure

Breast lift or Mastopexy is a surgical procedure involving the repositioning of your breast higher to change its shape. The surgeon will tighten the surrounding tissue while removing any excess skin.

Women who undergo breast cancer surgery can choose breast reconstruction surgery for rebuilding the shape and look of their breast. The procedure can be done several months or even years, after going through surgery for breast cancer.

A pancreas transplant is a surgical procedure where a healthy pancreas is placed from a donor into a person whose pancreas no longer work properly. A pancreas transplant is often performed as a last resort and it has become a key treatment for people suffering from type 1 diabetes. This procedure is also sometimes carried out for people who need insulin therapy and suffer from type 2 diabetes, though this is less common.

Vulvectomy is a surgical procedure for removing some or all parts of the vulva. The outer portion of a woman’s genitals is known as the vulva. The surgery is performed to remove any diseased areas which might be cancerous, precancerous or be suffering from lichen sclerosus.  

Rotationplasty is a procedure which is used for the treatment of bone cancer (osteosarcoma), in the area of the knee or knee joint. This procedure is generally meant for children less than twelve years of age. In some cases, children who are older or adults might also be able to have rotationplasty.

Vertebroplasty is a procedure that can help to stabilize compression fractures in the spine. A special cement is injected into a fractured vertebra which can help in relieving the pain and restoring mobility. The procedure is helpful for people suffering from severe, disabling pain which can be caused by a compression fracture. People who undergo the procedure can find pain relief, increased mobility and reduced use of pain medications after the procedure.

A heart scan also termed as a coronary calcium scan, is a specialized X-ray test. It can provide pictures of your heart, which may help your doctor detect and measure calcium-containing plaque in your arteries.

Ankle replacement is a surgery for replacing the damaged bone and cartilage in the ankle joint. Artificial joint parts, i.e. prosthetics are used for replacing the bones. Ankle replacement surgeries can be of different types.

Radiofrequency Ablation is a minimally invasive procedure for destroying the nerve fibers that carry pain signals to your brain. It can provide relief to people who are suffering from chronic pain, especially in the lower back, neck or arthritis joints. If you are suffering from recurrent pain and you have experienced proper relief with a nerve block injection, you are likely a candidate for this procedure.

A mastoidectomy is a procedure for removing diseased mastoid air cells. The mastoid is part of your skull, located behind your ear. It’s filled with air cells which are made of bone and resemble a honeycomb. The diseased cells are generally caused by an ear infection that has spread into the skull.

Vaginal tightening also termed as vaginoplasty, is a procedure that is able to tighten up a vagina. Sometimes, as a result of aging or childbirth, many women can find their vaginal muscles weaken, loose and stretched. This can lead to making sexual intercourse less pleasurable for the woman and her partner. However, a vaginoplasty is able to help a woman tighten up the vaginal muscles and regain sexual pleasure. 

Gum surgery also termed as periodontal surgery, is performed for treating certain types of gum diseases and conditions like periodontitis and gingivitis. This procedure is able to remove bacteria from beneath the gums, make it easier for you to clean your teeth, prevent any future damage of the gums and reshape the bones that support your teeth.

Breast augmentation is an elective surgical procedure to make your breasts symmetrical or to enlarge them. The other name for this cosmetic procedure is augmentation mammoplasty. The doctor will perform Breast augmentation by transferring fat from one area of the body or through the insertion of breast implants surgically.

Fat Grafting also referred to as fat transfer, is a procedure for transferring fat from one area of the body to a different area. The goal of this procedure is to improve or augment the area where the fat is injected.

A dental filling is a form of restorative dental treatment, which is used to repair minor fractures in your teeth. It is used for repairing cracked or broken teeth, which may have been worn down.

Surgical thrombectomy is a surgery for removing a blood clot from one of your blood vessels. The blood clot might be in an artery or vein in your leg, arm or another part of your body and it might be blocking blood flow to your tissues or organs.

Whipple procedure or pancreaticoduodenectomy is a medical procedure involving the removal of the head of the pancreas, the duodenum (first part of the intestine), the bile duct and the gall bladder.

Tubal ligation reversal is a procedure that can help restore a woman’s fertility after she undergoes tubal ligation, a procedure for cutting or blocking the fallopian tubes in order to avoid pregnancy.

Fluoroscopy is a study of the moving structures of the body. It is an imaging test that uses X-rays for creating ‘real-time’ moving pictures of the body. It can allow your doctor to see your organs and tissues working on a video screen, which is similar to watching a movie. This procedure can help diagnose as well as treat several conditions of your bones, joints, blood vessels as well as digestive, respiratory, urinary and reproductive systems.

Dental bonding is a cosmetic procedure in which tooth-colored resin material is applied to your teeth. It is generally the most affordable treatment option for any patient with chipped, cracked or damaged teeth. The treatment is meant to improve your smile and the appearance of your teeth which are chipped, cracked, broken, stained or have any spaces between them.

Microdiscectomy also sometimes termed as microdiskectomy or microdecompression, is a minimally invasive surgical procedure performed on patients suffering from a herniated lumbar disc.

Gynecomastia surgery is a treatment for reducing breast size in men. Sometimes when a man’s breast grows overly large due to a condition known as gynecomastia, it might lead to embarrassment.

A splenectomy is a surgery for removing the entire spleen. The spleen is a delicate organ, which is about the size of your fist. It sits under the left rib cage near your stomach. This organ helps the body fight against infections, and it contains special white blood cells that can destroy bacteria. It helps in removing and filtering old red blood cells from the body’s circulation as well.

Prostatectomy is a procedure for removing part or all of the prostate gland. The prostate gland is responsible for carrying urine from the bladder to the penis. This gland is located in the male pelvis below the urinary bladder.

A partial knee replacement is a treatment for patients suffering from osteoarthritis. This surgery is an alternative to total knee replacement and can be done when the damage is confined to a particular compartment of the knee.

Surgically removing the foreskin, i.e. the skin covering the tip of the penis is known as circumcision. It is typically done on newborns, though in some cases older children or adults might also undergo the procedure. In some families circumcision is done due to religious reasons, though for others it can done due to family tradition, preventive healthcare or personal hygiene.

Sclerotherapy is a minimally invasive procedure for treating varicose veins and spider veins. Varicose veins are known to cause itching, pain, cramping as well as discoloration. Spider veins are smaller and compared to varicose veins, they are less severe.

A trigger point injection is an option for some patients, which is used for treating painful areas of muscle containing trigger points. A trigger point is a focal area of spasm and inflammation in skeletal muscle. Trigger points in areas such as the upper back and behind the shoulder can lead to neck pain, shoulder pain or headache.

A dental sealant is a thin plastic coating which is painted on the chewing surfaces of the teeth usually the back teeth, i.e. the premolars and molars. They can help in preventing decay. A sealant is able to bond quickly into the depressions and grooves of the teeth. They act as a protective shield over the enamel of each tooth.

Egg freezing which is also termed as mature oocyte cryopreservation, is a method meant for saving a woman’s ability to get pregnant in the future. Basically, it helps a woman to delay her pregnancy to a later stage.

Penile implants are devices which are implanted inside the penis so that men suffering from erectile dysfunction are able to get an erection. This treatment is recommended after the condition doesn’t respond well to any other type of treatment.

Proton treatment which is also termed as proton beam treatment, is a type of radiation treatment which uses high energy beams for treating various types of cancer. This treatment delivers external beams of radiation directly to the cancerous tissues.

A tummy tuck also termed as an abdominoplasty, is a cosmetic surgical procedure for flattening the abdomen by removing extra fat and skin; to improve its appearance. It tightens the walls in the abdominal area. Although it is different from liposuction, one can choose to get liposuction along with a tummy tuck.

Thoracentesis is a medical procedure performed to find out the cause of fluid accumulation and the amount of fluid accumulated around the lungs. The other name for the procedure is pleural tap. When excessive fluid accumulates in the pleural space, your doctor will recommend Thoracentesis. He or she will ask for a pleural fluid analysis to be performed in the lab to find out the root cause behind fluid accumulation around your lungs. Pleural space is a small space present between your lungs and your chest wall. Normally, it contains around 4 teaspoons of fluid.

Thrombolytic therapy commonly known as thrombolysis, is a treatment for dissolving dangerous clots in the blood vessels and for improving blood flow. It can also prevent damage to your tissues and organs.

A neck lift is a procedure that helps to enhance the appearance of your neck. It is also termed as a lower rhytidectomy or submental lipectomy. It is often combined with a face-lift. However, if you are comfortable with the appearance of your face, it can be performed independently. Sometimes it can also be combined with other procedures such as liposuction, needed to remove any excess fat or botox injections.

Vasectomy reversal is a surgical procedure to undo a vasectomy by reconnecting the male reproductive tract. It reconnects the tubes that carry sperm (vas deferens). Once this procedure is successful, sperms are again present in the semen and you can get your partner pregnant.

A dental crown is basically a covering or a cap for a tooth that has been damaged. It is made using a variety of materials, which can include porcelain or metal. The crown not only helps a tooth improve its appearance but also helps to restore its shape, strength and size.

A vasectomy is a small operation a man can get to prevent sperm from getting into his semen when he ejaculates. When no sperm enters a woman, this prevents pregnancy. However, one is still able to ejaculate and have an orgasm after the procedure. This procedure is considered a form of birth control and is known to be one of the most effective methods.

Dental veneers are thin, tooth-colored shells, made of tooth-colored materials. They are attached to the front surface of the teeth to improve their appearance. Usually, they are made of porcelain or resin-composite materials and they are bonded to your teeth permanently.

A sigmoidoscopy is a test where your doctor examines the rectum and lower part of the colon. The colon is your large intestine and its lower part is known as the sigmoid colon. The sigmoid colon ends in your rectum, where the waste is collected before it leaves your body when you are having a bowel movement.

Genetic testing is a procedure for examining your DNA. Your DNA is your chemical database which carries instructions for the functions of the body. Genetic testing can reveal any changes in your genes which can lead to any illness or disease.

Pap smear test also termed as a Pap test, is a procedure for testing cervical cancer in women. It involves collecting cells from the cervix, which is the lower narrow end of the uterus, which lies at the top of the vagina.

Hysteroscopy is a diagnostic procedure that involves the insertion of a device of smaller diameter into your uterus. The device has a small camera at the end and a light that allows your doctor to view inside your uterus. Usually used for diagnostic or surgical purposes, your doctor may recommend the procedure for several situations. If you are suffering from severe cramps or your doctor needs to evaluate your reproductive health, he or she may recommend this procedure. It will give them the overall condition of your uterus & cervix while allowing them to figure out the cause of the problem.

Shoulder replacement surgery is a treatment which is considered if your shoulder gets damaged seriously and you need surgery for replacing it. The procedure involves removing damaged areas of the shoulder and replacing them with artificial parts. This procedure helps relieve pain as well as improve mobility.

Dentures are a removable replacement for missing teeth. Dentures can help a person eat and speak much better as compared to missing teeth. It can also improve the appearance of your smile. Missing teeth also lead to sagging in the muscles of your face, making you appear older. Therefore, dentures also help in supporting your facial structure, making you look younger and also retaining the muscle tone in the face, neck and jaw.

A brow lift also termed as a forehead lift, is a cosmetic procedure that can rejuvenate the face above the eyes, giving one a more refreshed appearance. It removes any excess sagging, any excess skin on the forehead and repositions the underlying muscles and tissues.

Holter Monitoring involves measurement of the heart’s activities like rhythm and heart rate with the help of a small, battery-powered device called Holter Monitor. Your doctor may recommend using Holter Monitor to determine the functioning of your heart. Holter Monitoring is a 24-hour test that records your heart’s rhythm and rate for 24 hours continuously. For that, you may need to wear the Holter Monitor for around 48 hours while performing your routine activities. The medical device has electrical leads & electrodes and can pick up your chest pain or symptoms of arrhythmia & irregular heartbeats. Sometimes, it is referred to as ambulatory electrocardiography.

Blepharoplasty is a procedure for treating droopy eyelids. It is a type of plastic surgery, where your doctor removes skin, muscle and sometimes fat that may be causing sagging in the area around your eyes.

Vagus nerve stimulation is a type of treatment which is used for epilepsy and depression. It involves the use of a device that can stimulate the vagus nerve with the help of electrical impulses. A human body has two vagus nerves on each side. They run from the brainstem through the neck to the chest and abdomen.

Many people today, especially millennials, choose to have tattoos. However, later many of them can regret their decisions. In such cases, techniques such as laser surgery, surgical removal and dermabrasion can be used for tattoo removal.