SURGICAL SPECIALTIES

Dental Procedures and Definitions

Dentistry is the science concerned with the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of diseases of the mouth and especially the teeth.

Dental Extractions- removal of teeth.

Dental Restorations- dental cleaning, filling in of cavities and general repair of teeth.

Incision and Drainage- surgical treatment of infections of teeth and gums.

Ears, Nose and Throat Procedures and Definitions

Otolaryngology is the branch of medicine concerned with the head and neck.

Adenoidectomy- removal of the adenoids. Adenoids are an accumulation of lymph tissue located in the back of the nose. The purpose of an adenoidectomy is to try to increase the airway, reduce the frequency of ear infections or eliminate a source of chronic infection and snoring.

Ear tubes (myringotomy)- A small incision is made in the eardrum and tubes are placed in the ear cannal. This is to allow fluid to drain and to ventlate the middle ear.

Rhinoplasty- correction of a nasal deformities for cosmetic reasons or to repair nasal fractures. This procedure can resize, reshape or straighten the nose.

Septoplasty- an operation on the septum in the nose. The purpose is to straighten the bone and cartilage of the septum to improve breathing.

Sinus Surgery an operation to remove diseased tissue (Endoscopic) of the sinus. The surgery is done with a telescope- like instrument. It allows the surgeon to see directly into the sinus.

Tonsillectomy- removal of the tonsils. Tonsils are made up of tissue similar to the glands found in the neck, groin and armpits. The purpose of a tonsillectomy is to decrease the amount of infections to the throat or ears. Also, to improve breathing and swallowing.

Turbinoplasty- to reduce the size of the turbinates. Turbinates are structures which protrude into the nasal airway from the inside wall of the nose. The surgery will help improve nasal breathing.

General Surgeries and Definitions

Anal Fistulectomy- removal of a tract between the anal canal and skin which is the result of an infection. The tract is opened and most packed with gauze, the incision left open to heal from the inside. Sometimes the wound is partially closed with a stitch.

Breast Biopsy- removal of tissue of the suspicious lesion or lump. The removed tissue is sent to the pathologist for diagnosis.

Hemorrhoidectomy- removal of hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids can be either external or internal. It is a varicose (dialated) vein which can cause bleeding and pain.

Hernia Surgery- Hernias are named by their site in the body. Examples are femoral, umbilical, ventral or incisional, and the most common type is inguina (groin). A hernia is a protrusion of a stucture, such as intestine or fat, through a weakened abdominal wall.

Lumpectomy- a surgical procedure in which only the cancerous tumor and an area of surrounding tissue is removed.

Mastectomy- surgical removal of the breast and some of its surrounding tissue. Breast cancer is a disease with many variables. There are approximately 15 types of breast cancer, many that require different surgical management and treatment.

Pilonidal Cystectomy- a variety of surgical approaches are used to heal this cyst. The cyst may be opened to drain or be totally removed. In both cases packing is inserted. Another approach is to remove the cyst and immediately close wound.

Varicose Vein Treatment - Over 25 million people suffer from symptoms associated with varicose veins. Methods of treatment include the traditional method of vein stripping and the alternative method called the Closure Procedure (www.vnus.com).

Gynecological Procedures and Definitions

Gynecology is a branch of medicine concerned with diseases and conditions affecting women.

Bartholin's Cyst- the Bartholin gland is located at the base of the labia, one on either side of the vagina. Chronic and acute infections can cause inflammation and intense pain. The surgeon may simply drain the abcess or excision of the cyst may be necessary.

Cervical Biopsy and a sample of tissue is removed from the Conization cervix and sent to the pathologist to be examined.

D and C- Dilation and Curettage is a surgical procedure where the cervix is dilated and the uterus is scraped and cleaned. Various different reasons exist for performing a D and C. For instance, to follow up on abnormal Pap smears, to treat or diagnose the cause of postmenopausal or irregular bleeding, or to remove retained intrauterine devices.

Endometrium- the mucous membrane lining the uterus that changes in thickness during the menstrual cycle.

Endometrial Ablation- involves the destruction of the endometrial uterine lining. The goal is to stop abnormal uterine bleeding that does not respond to medical treatment.

Endometriosis- the abnormal growth of endometrial tissue outside the uterus.

Hysteroscopy- a procedure that allows direct visualization of the uterine cavity. The purpose is for diagnosis, biopsy and treatment of abnormalities.

Laparoscopy- a diagnostic procedure to examine the interior of the abdomen by means of a telescopic instrument. . LEEP- Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure is the excision of tissue from the cervix following an abnormal pap smear.

Tubal Ligation- a surgical procedure for sterilization. The fallopian tubes can have clips or rings applied or may be cauterized (burned) to prevent an egg from becoming fertilized.  Essure Procedure (www.essure.com) is a new method of permanent birth control.

Opthalmic or Eye Surgeries and Definitions

Opthalmology is a branch of medicine concerned with the eye and its diseases.

Blepharoplasty- repair of the upper or lower lid to remove excessive skin that interferes with vision. It may be cosmetic or therapeutic.

Cataract- a gradual clouding of the lens of the eye which impairs visions.

Cataract Extraction- the cloudy lens is removed by phacoemulsion(the use of ultrasonic sound waves or vibrations). A lens implant is then inserted to replace the removed lens.

Ectropion Repair- repair of the outward turning of the eyelid.

Entropion Repair- repair of the inward turning of the eyelid, usually the lower lid.

Glaucoma- a disease which is characterized by an increase in pressure in the eye causing defects in the field of vision, pain and possible blindness

Iridectomy- removal of a portion of the iris in the treatment of glaucoma.

Ptosis Repair- the repair of a drooping upper eyelid.

Stabismus Repair- eye muscle surgery to repair either an inward or outward turning of the eye. It may affect one or both eyes.

Trabeculectomy- microsurgery of the eye in which small incisions are made to allow fluid to drain. It is a treatment for glaucoma.

Orthopaedic Procedures and Definitions

Orthopedics is the branch of medicine concerned with skeletal system of the body.

Arthritis- as we age, the cartilage covering bony surfaces wears down. This cartilage can become worn and roughened, interfering with smooth joint movement. During an arthroscopy, these roughened surfaces can be smoothed with power instruments.

Arthroscopy- a visual inspection of a joint through a lighted instrument. This a common procedure done in surgery centers. Diagnostic and surgical interventions of the knee, shoulder,wrist and ankle can performed.

Arthroscopically Aided Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Repair – the ACL is one of 4 ligaments in the knee which serves to stabilize the knee joint. Of the 4 ligaments, the ACL is the most frequently injured ligament.”

Carpal Tunnel Release- release of a nerve of the wrist that has been entrapped. The entrapment can be caused by thickening of fluid, trauma or from a muscle. Symptoms include pain and numbness in the hand.

Chondroplasty- smoothing of a roughness on the inner surface of the patella (knee cap).

De Quervain's Tendinitis- the tendon either becomes inflamed or becomes too tight to allow normal movement of the thumb. Pain or a "knot" on the wrist near the thumb is a common symptom.

Ganglion Cyst- cysts that are firm, fluid-filled growths that can be found anywhere on the front or back of the hand. These cysts are often painful and can make movements difficult.

Ligament- any band of fibrous tissue connecting bone.

Ligament Tears- an injury, such as a twist or blow, can partially or completely tear ligaments that help stabilize the knee or other joints.

Meniscus Injury or Tear- the meniscus is a curved fibrous cartilage in the knee. The removal of a torn piece of meniscus can be performed with specially designed instruments. The surgeon also can repair a torn meniscus during arthroscopy, using sutures.

Plica- folding of tissue. Removal of plica can be performed during an arthroscopy.

Synovial Membrane- a layer of membrane that secretes thick fluid to lubricate joints.

Trigger Finger- one type of tendonitis that occurs in the finger and thumb. It is often caused by repeatedly grasping an object. surgically, the tendon covering is cut to enlarge the space to release the swollen tendon.

American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons

Pediatric Surgeries

Adenoidectomy- removal of the adenoids. Adenoids are an accumulation of lymph tissue located in the back of the nose. The purpose of an adenoidectomy is to try to increase the airway, reduce the frequency of ear infections or eliminate a source of chronic infection and snoring.

Circumcision- surgical removal of the skin at the head of the penis.

Dental Extractions- removal of teeth.

Dental Restorations- dental cleaning, filling in of cavities and general repair of teeth.

Ear tubes (myringotomy)- A small incision is made in the eardrum and tubes are placed in the ear cannal. This is to allow fluid to drain and to ventlate the middle ear.

Hernia Surgery Hernias are named by their site in the body. Examples are femoral, umbilical, ventral or incisional, and the most common type is inguina (groin). A hernia is a protrusion of a stucture, such as intestine or fat, through a weakened area. Various parts of the abdominal wall can be affected.

Hydrocele- a collection of fuid in a sac. It is often found in the testicle or spermatic cord.

Hydrocelectomy- surgical repair of an opening passageway between the abdomen and the scrotum which causes fluid collection around the testicles.

Hypospadius- surgery to repair a birth defect of the male Repair urination tube (urethra). The normal opening is at the tip of the penis but with hypospadius the opening is on the under- side of the penis.

Orchiopexy- a surgical procedure where an undescended testicle is brought down into the normal position in the scrotum.

Stabismus Repair- eye muscle surgery to repair either an inward or outward turning of the eye. It may affect one or both eyes.

Tonsillectomy- removal of the tonsils. Tonsils are made up of tissue similar to the glands found in the neck, groin and armpits. The purpose of a tonsillectomy is to decrease the amount of infections to the throat or ears. Also, to improve breathing and swallowing.

Plastic Surgery and Definitions

Plastic surgery is a branch of medicine concerned with cosmetic surgeries.

Blepharoplasty- repair of the upper or lower lid to remove excessive skin that interferes with vision. It may be cosmetic or therapeutic.

Carpal Tunnel Release- release of a nerve of the wrist that has been entrapped. The entrapment can be caused by thickening of fluid, trauma or from a muscle.

De Quervain's Tendinitis- the tendon either becomes inflamed or becomes too tight to allow normal movement of the thumb. Pain or a "knot" on the wrist near the thumb is a common symptom.

Ectropion Repair- repair of the outward turning of the eyelid.

Entropion Repair- repair of the inward turning of the eyelid, usually the lower lid.

Ganglion Cyst- cysts that are firm, fluid-filled growths that can be found anywhere on the front or back of the hand. These cysts are often painful and can make movements difficult.

Podiatric Surgery and Definitions

Podiatry is the study and treatment of foot disease, injuries and defects.

Arthroplasty- surgical repair of a joint

Bunion- enlargement and inflammation of the great toe, usually causing toe to turn inward. Commonly seen in long term wearing of tight-fitting shoes.

Hallux- the great toe.

Hallux Valgus- displacement of the great toe towards the other toes. Often, it coexists with a bunion. The two terms are often used to mean the same but this is inaccurate.

Hammer Toe- a deformity a joint in the toe. The toe is bent downward.

Morton's Neuroma- Nerve entrapment in between the toes. This causes pain, especially with weight bearing.

Osteotomy- incision into a bone.

Plantar- regarding the sole of the foot.

Urologic Surgeries and Definitions

Urology is the branch of medicine concerned with diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the urinary tract in both males and females. It also deals with the genital organs in the male.

Circumcision- surgical removal of the skin at the head of the penis.

Hernia Repair- surgical repair of an abnormal bulging of internal organs through a weakness in the muscular wall.

Hydrocele- a collection of fuid in a sac. It is often found in the testicle or spermatic cord.

Hydrocelectomy- surgical repair of an open passageway between the abdomen and the scrotum which causes fluid collection around the testicles.

Hypospadius- surgery to repair a birth defect of the male Repair urination tube (urethra). The normal opening is at the tip of the penis but with hypospadius the opening is on the underside of the penis.

Orchiopexy- a surgical procedure where an undescended testicle is brought down into the normal position in the scrotum.

Vasectomy- removal of segment of the tubes (vas deferens) to cause permanent sterility by preventing the transport of sperm out of the testes. This does not affect a man's ability to achieve orgasm or to ejaculate. there is still a fluid to ejaculate but it contains no sperm.

Urinary Stress Incontinence Repair – a weakened pelvic muscle allows the bladder to “drop” and the control of urine is not as effective. The surgical goal of the repair is to strengthen this muscle allowing for increased control of urine flow.

Cystoscopies – for diagnosis and treatment of the urinary system such as bladder tumors or stones.

Neurosurgery/Orthopedic Surgeries and Definitions

Herniated Disc Repair – 10% of patients suffering from a herniated disc may require surgery. Symptoms of the herniated disc may include severe pain down the leg or weakness in the leg or foot. Surgical treatment includes a laminotomy with disc excision.

Pain Control – epidural injections, discography or nerve root blocks are completed to decrease pain experienced by spinal stenosis