HomeCategoriesMedicine & Health

Medicine & Health

Evidence-based definitions for medical conditions, treatments, drugs, anatomy, and public health — without the jargon.

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Total terms
10
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2 min
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55 terms
A
Amputation
Amputation is the surgical removal of a limb or part of a limb from the body. It is typically performed to treat severe injuries, infections, or diseases that cannot be managed by other means.
BeginnerSurgery & Procedures2 min
A
Anesthesia
A medical technique used to prevent pain during surgery or other procedures is called anesthesia. It can make a patient unconscious or numb a specific area of the body.
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Angioplasty
A procedure that opens narrowed or blocked blood vessels to improve blood flow is known as angioplasty. It is often used to treat conditions like coronary artery disease.
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Appendectomy
An appendectomy is a surgical procedure to remove the appendix, a small pouch attached to the large intestine. It is usually performed when the appendix becomes inflamed or infected, a condition known as appendicitis.
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A
Arthroscopy
A minimally invasive surgical technique used to diagnose and treat joint problems. It involves inserting a small camera and instruments into the joint through tiny incisions.
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B
Bariatric Surgery
A type of surgery designed to help people lose weight, Bariatric Surgery alters the digestive system to limit food intake or absorption. It is often recommended for individuals who are severely obese and have not had success with other weight loss methods.
BeginnerSurgery & Procedures2 min
B
Biopsy
A biopsy is a medical procedure that involves taking a small sample of tissue from the body for examination. It helps doctors diagnose diseases, including cancer, by analyzing the cells in the sample.
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B
Bone Marrow Transplant
A bone marrow transplant is a medical procedure that replaces damaged or destroyed bone marrow with healthy bone marrow. It is often used to treat certain types of cancer, blood disorders, and immune system conditions.
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B
Bronchoscopy
Bronchoscopy is a medical procedure that allows doctors to view the inside of a person's airways and lungs using a thin, flexible tube called a bronchoscope. It helps in diagnosing and treating various lung conditions by providing a direct look at the respiratory system.
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C
Cesarean Section (C-Section)
A Cesarean Section, or C-Section, is a surgical procedure used to deliver a baby through incisions made in the mother's abdomen and uterus. It is often performed when a vaginal delivery would pose risks to the mother or baby.
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C
Cholecystectomy
This procedure involves the surgical removal of the gallbladder, an organ that stores bile. It is commonly performed to treat gallstones and other gallbladder-related issues.
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C
Colonoscopy
A colonoscopy is a medical procedure that allows doctors to examine the inside of the colon and rectum using a flexible tube with a camera. It helps in diagnosing conditions like polyps, cancer, and inflammatory bowel disease.
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C
Complications (surgical)
Surgical complications are unexpected problems that arise during or after a surgical procedure. They can affect recovery and may require additional treatment to resolve.
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Conscious Sedation
It is a type of sedation that helps patients relax and feel comfortable during medical procedures while still being awake. This method allows for easier communication with the medical staff and reduces anxiety without putting the patient completely to sleep.
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C
Cornea Transplant
A cornea transplant is a surgical procedure that replaces a damaged or diseased cornea with a healthy one from a donor. This surgery can restore vision and improve the quality of life for individuals suffering from corneal conditions.
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Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG)
A Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG) is a surgical procedure that improves blood flow to the heart by creating a new path for blood to travel around blocked arteries. This is done by using a blood vessel from another part of the body to bypass the blockage. CABG is often performed on patients with severe coronary artery disease to relieve symptoms and reduce the risk of heart attacks.
BeginnerSurgery & Procedures2 min
C
Cystoscopy
A cystoscopy is a medical procedure that allows doctors to examine the bladder and urethra using a thin tube with a camera called a cystoscope. This procedure helps diagnose issues like infections, tumors, or blockages in the urinary system.
BeginnerSurgery & Procedures2 min
D
Debridement
Debridement is a medical procedure that involves removing dead, damaged, or infected tissue from a wound. This process helps promote healing and prevent infection, making it an important part of wound care.
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E
Endoscopy
A medical procedure that allows doctors to look inside the body using a thin, flexible tube called an endoscope. This tool is equipped with a camera and light, enabling visualization of internal organs and structures.
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E
Epidural
An epidural is a medical procedure that involves injecting anesthesia into the epidural space of the spine. This technique is commonly used to relieve pain during labor and certain surgeries.
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E
Episiotomy
An episiotomy is a surgical cut made in the perineum, the area between the vaginal opening and the anus, during childbirth. It is performed to enlarge the vaginal opening and facilitate delivery, especially in cases of distress or complications.
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E
Excision
Excision is a surgical procedure that involves removing tissue or a part of the body. It is commonly used to eliminate tumors, cysts, or other unwanted growths.
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F
Fine Needle Aspiration
A medical procedure that uses a thin needle to extract cells or fluid from a lump or mass in the body. It helps doctors diagnose conditions like cancer or infections with minimal discomfort.
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G
Gastric Bypass
A surgical procedure that helps people lose weight by changing how the stomach and small intestine handle food. It involves creating a small pouch from the stomach and connecting it directly to the small intestine.
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G
General Anesthesia
A medical technique used to induce a temporary state of unconsciousness and insensitivity to pain during surgery or other procedures. It involves a combination of medications that affect the brain and body, allowing patients to undergo operations without awareness or discomfort.
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H
Heart Transplant
A heart transplant is a surgical procedure where a diseased or damaged heart is replaced with a healthy heart from a deceased donor. This operation is typically performed on patients with severe heart conditions that cannot be treated with other methods.
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H
Hysterectomy
A hysterectomy is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of a woman's uterus. This procedure can be performed for various medical reasons, such as fibroids, endometriosis, or cancer.
BeginnerSurgery & Procedures1 min
I
ICU (Intensive Care Unit)
An Intensive Care Unit (ICU) is a specialized section of a hospital that provides intensive treatment and monitoring for patients with severe or life-threatening conditions. It is equipped with advanced medical technology and staffed by specially trained healthcare professionals to ensure the highest level of care.
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I
Implantable Defibrillator
An implantable defibrillator is a small device placed inside the body to monitor heart rhythms and deliver shocks if dangerous arrhythmias occur. It helps prevent sudden cardiac arrest by restoring a normal heartbeat when necessary.
BeginnerSurgery & Procedures1 min
I
Incision and Drainage
This medical procedure involves making a cut in the skin to drain pus or fluid from an infected area. It helps relieve pain and promotes healing by allowing the infection to clear out.
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Infection Control
Infection control refers to the practices and procedures used to prevent the spread of infections in healthcare settings. It is essential for protecting patients and healthcare workers from harmful pathogens during medical procedures and surgeries.
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I
Intubation
A medical procedure where a tube is inserted into the airway to help a person breathe. This is often done during surgeries or emergencies when someone cannot breathe on their own.
BeginnerSurgery & Procedures2 min
K
Kidney Transplant
A kidney transplant is a surgical procedure that replaces a diseased kidney with a healthy one from a donor. This procedure is often necessary for people with end-stage kidney disease who can no longer rely on dialysis.
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L
Laparoscopic Surgery
This is a minimally invasive surgical technique that uses small incisions and a camera to guide surgery. It allows for quicker recovery times and less pain compared to traditional open surgery.
BeginnerSurgery & Procedures1 min
L
Liver Transplant
A liver transplant is a surgical procedure that replaces a diseased or damaged liver with a healthy liver from a donor. This operation is crucial for individuals whose liver can no longer function properly due to conditions like cirrhosis or liver cancer.
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L
Local Anesthesia
It is a method of pain relief that temporarily numbs a specific area of the body. This allows medical procedures to be performed without causing discomfort to the patient.
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L
Lung Transplant
A lung transplant is a surgical procedure where a diseased or damaged lung is replaced with a healthy lung from a donor. This operation is often necessary for patients with severe lung diseases that cannot be treated with other methods.
BeginnerSurgery & Procedures2 min
M
Mastectomy
A mastectomy is a surgical procedure to remove one or both breasts, usually to treat or prevent breast cancer. This operation can help eliminate cancerous tissue and reduce the risk of cancer spreading.
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M
Minimally Invasive Surgery
This type of surgery uses small incisions and advanced technology to perform operations with less damage to the body. It typically results in quicker recovery times, less pain, and fewer complications compared to traditional surgery.
BeginnerSurgery & Procedures1 min
N
Nephrectomy
A nephrectomy is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of a kidney. This operation may be necessary due to kidney disease, tumors, or other medical conditions affecting kidney function.
BeginnerSurgery & Procedures1 min
O
Open Surgery
This type of surgery involves making large incisions to access the organs or tissues inside the body. It is often used for complex procedures where visibility and access are crucial for the surgeon.
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O
Organ Transplant
An organ transplant is a medical procedure where a healthy organ from a donor is placed into a patient whose organ is failing or damaged. This process can save lives and improve the quality of life for those with serious health issues.
BeginnerSurgery & Procedures2 min
P
Pacemaker
A pacemaker is a small device implanted in the chest to help regulate the heartbeat. It sends electrical signals to the heart to ensure it beats at a normal rate, especially when the heart's natural rhythm is too slow or irregular.
BeginnerSurgery & Procedures2 min
P
Post-Operative Care
Post-operative care refers to the support and monitoring provided to patients after they have undergone surgery. It ensures that patients recover safely and effectively, addressing any complications or needs that may arise during the healing process.
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P
Prostatectomy
A prostatectomy is a surgical procedure to remove all or part of the prostate gland. It is often performed to treat prostate cancer or other prostate-related issues.
BeginnerSurgery & Procedures2 min
R
Regional Anesthesia
This is a type of anesthesia that blocks sensation in a specific area of the body. It is commonly used during surgeries to manage pain without affecting the entire body.
BeginnerSurgery & Procedures2 min
R
Robotic Surgery
A type of surgery that uses robotic systems to assist surgeons during procedures. It allows for more precise movements and smaller incisions, leading to quicker recovery times for patients.
BeginnerSurgery & Procedures2 min
S
Skin Graft
A skin graft is a surgical procedure that involves taking a piece of skin from one area of the body and transplanting it to another area that has been damaged or lost skin. This technique helps in healing wounds, burns, or surgical sites by providing a new layer of skin.
BeginnerSurgery & Procedures2 min
S
Spinal Block
A spinal block is a medical procedure that involves injecting anesthetic into the spinal canal to block sensation and pain in the lower body. It is commonly used during surgeries, especially those involving the lower abdomen, pelvis, or legs.
BeginnerSurgery & Procedures2 min
S
Splenectomy
A splenectomy is a surgical procedure to remove the spleen, an organ that helps fight infections and filter blood. This operation can be necessary due to various medical conditions, including trauma or diseases affecting the spleen.
BeginnerSurgery & Procedures2 min
S
Stent
A stent is a small tube inserted into a blocked or narrowed passage in the body, often a blood vessel, to keep it open. It helps restore normal blood flow and can be used in various medical procedures.
BeginnerSurgery & Procedures2 min
S
Sterilization (medical)
Sterilization in a medical context refers to procedures that permanently prevent pregnancy by blocking or removing reproductive organs. It is a reliable form of contraception that is often chosen by individuals or couples who are certain they do not want children in the future.
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S
Surgery
A medical procedure involving the manual and instrumental treatment of a patient is known as surgery. It can involve cutting into the body to repair or remove tissue, and it is often necessary for diagnosing or treating various health conditions.
BeginnerSurgery & Procedures2 min
T
Thyroidectomy
A thyroidectomy is a surgical procedure to remove all or part of the thyroid gland, which is located in the neck and helps regulate metabolism. This surgery is often performed to treat conditions such as thyroid cancer, goiter, or hyperthyroidism. It can help alleviate symptoms and prevent further health issues related to thyroid disorders.
BeginnerSurgery & Procedures2 min
T
Transplant Surgery
This is a medical procedure where a failing or damaged organ is replaced with a healthy one from a donor. It can save lives and improve the quality of life for patients with severe organ issues.
BeginnerSurgery & Procedures2 min