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Arthroscopic: a minimally invasive surgical procedure in which a physical examination of the interior of a joint is performed using an arthroscope, a type of endoscope that is inserted into the joint through a small incision. Arthroscopic procedures can be performed either to evaluate, or to treat, many orthopaedic conditions including torn floating cartilage, torn surface cartilage, ACL reconstruction and trimming damaged cartilage. The advantage of arthroscopy over traditional knee endoscopies is that the joint does not have to be opened up fully. Instead, only two small incisions are made - one for the arthroscope and one for the surgical instruments. This reduces the recovery time of the patient and may increase the rate of surgical success due to less trauma to the connective tissue. It is especially useful for professional athletes, who frequently injure knee joints and require fast healing time. There is also less scarring, because of the smaller incisions.
(http://encyclopedia.thefreedictionary.com/arthroscopic)
Biopsy: the removal of cells or tissues for examination by a pathologist. The pathologist may study the tissue under a microscope or perform other tests on the cells or tissue. When only a sample of tissue is removed, the procedure is called an incisional biopsy. When an entire lump or suspicious area is removed, the procedure is called an excisional biopsy. When a sample of tissue or fluid is removed with a needle, the procedure is called a needle biopsy, core biopsy, or fine-needle aspiration. (http://cancernet.nci.nih.gov)
Debulk: to surgically remove a portion of a tumour to help reduce pain, symptoms associated with the tumour, or to improve quality of life. (http://info.cancer.ca/e/glossary/D/Debulk.htm)
Hysterectomy: an operation to remove a woman's uterus (womb). A “complete” or “total” hysterectomy removes the cervix as well as the uterus (this is the most common type). A “partial” or “subtotal” hysterectomy removes the upper part of the uterus and leaves the cervix in place. A “radical” hysterectomy removes the uterus, the cervix, the upper part of the vagina, and supporting tissues (this is done in some cases of cancer).
(http://womenshealth.gov/faq/hysterectomy.htm)
Laparotomy: a surgery of the abdomen. There are two types of laparotomy: open and endoscopic (laparoscopic). The open procedure requires a standard surgical incision. Endoscopic exploration (laparoscopy) is done through small, “key hole” incisions that allow passage of thin instruments that both “see” inside the abdomen and are able to manipulate organs. Several surgeries that previously required long open incisions, like gallbladder removal and tubal ligation, can now be done using this technique. A laparotomy is a diagnostic procedure used to assess disease in the abdomen. One of the more frequent reasons for a laparotomy is to determine the extent a cancer has spread. It is also used for acute situations in which the cause of the problem is unknown but the location is within the abdomen. Examples include perforated bowel, ectopic (outside the womb) pregnancy, endometriosis, appendicitis, bleeding, and inflammation of the pancreas. If the diagnosis made at laparotomy is amenable to further surgery, it is often done immediately.
(http://healthgate.partners.org)
Pleurodesis: the artificial obliteration of the pleural space (the two membranes that surround the lungs). It is done to prevent recurrence of pneumothorax or pleural effusion. It can be done chemically or surgically. Chemicals such as talc, bleomycin or tetracycline or povidone iodine can be introduced into the pleural space through a chest drain. The instilled chemicals cause irritation between the parietal and the visceral layers of the pleura, which closes off the space between them and prevents further fluid from accumulating. Chemical pleurodesis is a painful procedure, so patients are usually premedicated with a sedative. A local anesthetic is also instilled into the pleural space. (http://encyclopedia.thefreedictionary.com/pleurodesis)
Thoracentesis: an invasive procedure to remove fluid or air from the pleural space for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes. A cannula, or hollow needle, is carefully introduced into the thorax, generally after administration of local anesthesia. The procedure was first described in 1852. (http://encyclopedia.thefreedictionary.com/thoracentesis)
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