Medical Procedures
A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | R | S | T | U | V | WWe acknowledge with thanks the input of the Royal Australian College of Surgeons to the development of these definitions. The same procedure may be listed under more than one heading to help you locate it easily.
A
Abdominal aortic aneurysm resection. Repair of an abnormal swelling of the wall of an artery (the aorta) caused by a weakening in the vessel wall.
Abdominal adhesions release/freeing. Release of bands of tissue that stick to other structures within the abdomen such as the abdominal wall.
Abdominoperineal resection. Removal of the lower part of the large bowel, including the anus.
Acromioplasty. Repair of the acromion, the highest point of the shoulder.
Adenoidectomy. Excision of the adenoids, a collection of lymph tissue at the back of the nose.
Anal fissure excision. Division of ring of muscle at the anus, associated with a painful tear at the anal opening.
Angioplasty. Dilating (stretching) narrowed or blocked blood vessels. The use of surgery to make damaged blood vessels function properly again. May involve widening or reconstructing the blood vessels. Balloon angioplasty is a technique that uses a balloon catheter to open arteries clogged by fatty deposits.
Anterior cruciate ligament repair/reconstruction. Repair or reconstruction of the ligament in front of the knee joint.
Anterior resection. Removal of the lower part of the large bowel, preserving the anus.
Aortic bifurcation graft. Insertion of a synthetic graft at the lower end of the aorta where it divides into the iliac arteries, to bypass narrowed areas in the blood vessels.
Apicectomy. Excision of the apex of the root of a tooth through an opening in overlying tissues of the jaw.
Appendicectomy. Removal of the appendix, a short tube-like structure that branches off the large intestine.
Arthrodesis. Immobilisation of a joint.
Arthroscopy. Examination of the inside of a joint using a narrow viewing tube or arthroscope.
Atrial-septal defect repair. Repair of a hole located in the wall between the two upper chambers of the heart.
B
Bat ears correction. Correction of ill-shaped, protruberant ears.
Bilateral intranasal ethmoidectomy. Removal of part of the ethmoid bone through both nostrils.
Biopsy. Obtaining tissue specimen for microscopic examination to establish a diagnosis.
Biopsy/conization of the cervix. Excising a cone of tissue off the cervix for diagnosis and/or therapy. Removal of pre-cancerous cells.
Bladder neck incision. Incision of the outlet of the bladder to relieve a blockage to the passage of urine.
Bowel resection. Complete or partial removal of a segment of bowel, usually as treatment of a tumour or a narrowing or blockage of the bowel.
Breast lump excision. Removal of a lump in the breast tissue.
Breast biopsy. Obtaining a specimen of breast tissue for microscopic examination for diagnosis.
Bronchoscopy. Use of a thin, flexible fibre-optic instrument (bronchoscope) to view the air passages of the lungs.
Bunion removal. Repair of a bony deformity of the joint of the big toe.
Bursa excision. Rremoval of a bursa, a small cushion (sac) between moving parts of the body. The sacs occasionally fill with excess fluid or calcium and have to be removed surgically.
Bypass graft. A surgical procedure to bypass a blockage of an artery of the heart by grafting a replacement vessel (usually a vein removed from the leg or an artery from the chest wall) around the blockage.
C
Cardiac catheterisation. Insertion of a catheter (thin tube) into the arteries of the heart to examine and detect blockages.
Carpal tunnel release. Release of pressure on the median nerve in the wrist that is causing soreness, tingling and numbness in the thumb, index and middle fingers.
Cataract extraction and lens insertion. Removal of lens from eye and insertion of an artificial lens.
Cervix biopsy/conization. Excision of a cone of tissue off the cervix for diagnosis and/or therapy. Removal of pre-cancerous cells.
Chalazion excision. Excision of a small cyst on the eyelid.
Cholecystectomy. Removal of the gall bladder. A cholangiogram (X-ray) of the bile duct is also performed.
Circumcision. Removal of the foreskin of the penis.
Cleft lip/palate correction. Repair of a birth defect where there is a split in the lip or the roof of the mouth (the palate).
Closure of colostomy/ileostomy. Rejoining of the bowel so that faeces can pass through the rectum.
Clubfoot release. Correction of a congenital deformity of the foot that is twisted and misshapen.
Cochlear implant. Insertion of an electronic device implanted beneath the skin with electrodes to the cochlea nerve to create sound sensations.
Coeliac plexus block. An injection to reduce pain to a complex network of nerve fibres located in the abdomen and surrounding the coeliac and superior mesenteric arteries.
Colectomy. The complete or partial surgical removal of the large bowel (colon) usually as treatment of a tumour, inflammation or a narrowing or blockage of the bowel.
Colonoscopy. Inspection of the inside of the large bowel (colon) using a long flexible fiber-optic viewing tube.
Colposcopy. Examination of the cervix through a magnifying device.
Colposuspension. A surgical procedure to recreate the correct angle of the neck of the bladder to correct incontinence.
Coronary Angioplasty. Method of dilating (stretching) narrowed or blocked blood vessels. The use of surgery to make damaged blood vessels function properly again. May involve widening or reconstructing the blood vessels. Balloon angioplasty is a technique that uses a balloon catheter to open arteries clogged by fatty deposits.
Coronary artery bypass graft. A surgical procedure to bypass a blockage of an artery of the heart by grafting a replacement vessel (usually a vein removed from the leg or an artery from the chest wall) around the blockage.
Correction of bat ears. Correction of ill-shaped, protruberant ears.
Correction of cleft lip/palate. Repair of a birth defect where there is a split in the lip or the roof of the mouth (the palate).
Correction of ectropion. Repair of an outward turning edge of the lower eyelid.
Correction of uretero-pelvic junction obstruction. Correction/removal of a narrowing of a ureter, the tube that carries urine from the kidney to the bladder where it joins the pelvis of the kidney.
Craniotomy. Opening of the skull to remove a growth, relieve pressure, remove a blood clot or to stop haemorrhage.
Cystectomy. Removal of the urinary bladder.
Cystocele, rectocele repair. Cystocele. Repair of herniation of the urinary bladder into the vagina. Rectocele. Surgical repair of herniation of part of the rectum into the vagina.
Cystoscopy. Examination of the bladder using a long thin tube (cystoscope).
D
Dacrocystorhinostomy. Surgical procedure to create an internal channel for the tear ducts to drain into the nose.
Dental extraction. Removal of a tooth.
Diagnostic laparoscopy. Examination of the abdominal cavity using a narrow tube (laparoscope) inserted into the abdomen through a small incision.
Diathermy of warts. Diathermy (heat) applied to destroy wart tissue (growth on the skin produced by a virus).
Dilatation and Curettage. Widening of the lining of the uterus and scrape it, for diagnosis and to treat disorders of the uterus.
Dilatation of oesophagus. Widening of the oesophagus (food pipe) to correct, remove or bypass a stricture (narrowing).
Dilatation of urethra. Stretching of a narrowing in the urethra (the tube by which urine is released from the bladder).
Diskectomy. Excision in part or whole of a herniated or displaced intervertebral (spine) disk.
Duct, naso/lacrimal probing. Probing of the passage between the nose and tear ducts.
Dupuytren's contracture. Release/repair of the thickening of the connective tissue in the palm of the hand that has led to difficulty in extending the fingers.
E
ECOG-IMPEBAP-electro-cochleography-implant evoked brain auditory procedure. Sensory testing for hearing impairment and for middle ear (cochlea) malfunction.
Ectropion, repair. Repair of an outward turning edge of the lower eyelid.
Endarterectomy. Removal of the thickened areas of the innermost coat of the artery.
Endometrial ablation. Removal by cautery of the lining of the uterus, using a flexible viewing instrument (endoscope).
Endoscopy. Inspection of internal structures of the body by means of a flexible viewing instrument (endoscope).
Epidural steroid injection. Injection of a steroid into the space surrounding the spinal cord to reduce pain.
Epigastric herniorrhaphy. See herniorrhaphy.
ERCP - Endoscopic retrograde cholangio-pancreatography. Diagnostic test to examine the gall bladder, bile ducts and pancreas.
Ethmoidectomy. Removal of the ethmoid bone in the nose.
Examination of eye under anaesthetic. Inspection of all parts of the eye and eyelids after the administration of an anaesthetic.
Excision of anal fissure. Division of ring of muscle at the margin of the anus to treat painful crack or tear.
Excision of breast lump. Removal of a lump in the breast tissue.
Excision of chalazion. Excision of a small cyst on the eyelid.
Excision of ovarian cyst. Excision of a cyst on the ovary.
Excision of pterygium. Excision of a superficial growth of vascular tissue radiating in a fan-like manner over the surface of the eye.
Excision lesion of pharynx. Excision of a growth in the pharynx, the cone-shaped cavity at the back of the mouth.
Exostosis repair. Removal of a benign growth from the surface of a bone.
F
Fallopian tube insufflation - Rubin's test. Passing air or gas into the fallopian tubes to check if tubes are patent (not blocked).
Female sterilisation. Cutting or tying the fallopian tubes to prevent pregnancy. Usually a permanent form of sterilisation.
Femoral herniorrhaphy. See herniorrhaphy.
Femoro-popliteal bypass graft. Inserting a graft from the femoral to the popliteal artery in the leg to bypass narrowed sections of the artery.
Fractured orbit reduction. Reducing or resetting the fractured cavity or socket of the skull where the eye is situated.
Fractured zygoma reduction. Reducing or resetting the fractured cheek bone (zygoma).
Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS). Sinus surgery performed through an endoscope.
Fundoplication. Wrapping the entrance of the stomach to prevent reflux and to repair hiatus hernia.
G
Ganglion excision. Removal of a cyst attached to a tendon, for example, in the wrist.
Gastroscopy. Inspecting the interior of the stomach with a gastroscope (a flexible fibre-optic viewing instrument).
Grommets. Tubes inserted into the eustachian tube of the ear to assist with drainage of fluid.
H
Haemorrhoidectomy. Removal of haemorrhoids (a bulging vein either at the opening of the anus or just inside the anus).
Hallux valgus bunion. Repair of a bony deformity of the joint of the big toe.
Hammertoe correction/repair. Correction or repair of an abnormality of the toe where the toe is bent upward like a claw. Most commonly seen in the second toe, the condition may be congenital or acquired (usually from tight shoes).
Heart valve replacement. Replacement of a faulty heart valve.
Hemicolectomy. Removal of part of the large bowel.
Hemi-mandibulectomy/mandibulectomy. Excision of part or all of the mandible (lower jaw).
Hemi-thyroidectomy/thyroidectomy. Partial or total removal of the thyroid gland.
Hernia. See herniorrhaphy.
Herniorrhaphy. Repairing a bulge through a weakened area in the muscle wall. Inguinal hernias occur in the groin. Femoral hernias also occur in the groin. Incisional hernias occur at the site of an incision. Umbilical hernias occur in the region of the umbilicus (navel). Epigastric hernias occur in the region around the stomach.
Hiatus Hernia. Type of hernia where the stomach bulges through an opening in the diaphragm.
Hip replacement/total hip replacement. Replacement of the hip joint with an artificial joint.
Hip tenotomy. Division of a tendon to correct a deformity caused by its shortening.
Hydrocele repair. Repair of a swelling of the scrotum caused by an accumulation of fluid around the testicle.
Hypospadias repair. Repair of a developmental anomaly in the male where the urinary opening (urethra) is on the underside of the penis or on the perineum (area between scrotum and anus).
Hysterectomy. Removal of the uterus.
Hysteroscopy. Examination of the inside of the uterus and the cervix using a flexible, fibre-optic viewing instrument.
I
Incisional hernia repair. See herniorrhaphy.
Ingrown toenail removal, wedge resection. Partial or total removal of the nail and nail plate of the big toe which has grown into the skin on either side, causing inflammation and/or infection.
Inguinal herniorrhaphy. See herniorrhaphy.
Insertion of PE tubes (grommets). Tubes inserted into the eustachian tube of the ear to assist with drainage of fluid.
Insertion of ureteric stent. Tube inserted into the ureters to maintain drainage from the kidneys and to prevent closure due to a stricture or external compression.
Insertion of ventricular shunt. Implantation of a tube to drain the cerebrospinal fluid from the ventricles of the brain into another area of the body.
Insufflation of fallopian tubes (Rubin's Test). Passing air or bas into the fallopian tubes to check if tubes are patent (not blocked).
Interdental wiring. Wiring of the teeth to immobilise the jaw following a fracture.
J
Joint replacement, eg. shoulder but not the hip or knee. Replacement of the joint with an artificial joint.
K
Knee cartilage menisectomy, repair. Removal of all or part of the cartilage of the knee joint.
Knee ligament - Anterior Cruciate Ligament - Repair/Reconstruction. Repair or reconstruction of the ligament in front of the knee.
Knee replacement/Total knee replacement. Replacement of the knee joint with an artificial joint.
L
Lacrimal/naso duct probing. Probing the passage between the nose and tear ducts.
Laminectomy. Removal of part of the vertebra to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or a nerve branching from the spinal cord.
Laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Removal of the gall bladder using keyhole surgery through via three or four small incisions.
Laparoscopy diagnostic. Examination of the abdominal cavity using a narrow tube (laparoscope) inserted into the abdomen through a small incision.
Laparoscopic sterilisation (female). The fallopian tubes are viewed through a laparoscope and the tubes are clipped to prevent pregnancy. Usually a permanent form of sterilisation.
Laparotomy. Incision of the abdominal wall, usually to explore the abdominal cavity.
Laryngectomy. Removal of all or part of the voice box (larynx).
Lithotripsy. Breaking up stones in the urinary tract using ultrasonic shock waves, so that they can easily be passed from the body.
Liver biopsy. See biopsy.
Lymph node excision. Excision of the lymph gland, usually for diagnostic purposes.
M
Mandibulectomy / hemi-mandibulectomy. Excision of part or all of the mandible (lower jaw).
Mastectomy. Removal of the breast.
Mastoidectomy. Excision of the mastoid cells or mastoid process of the temporal bone behind the ear, e.g. to treat chronic ear infections.
Meatoplasty. Re-fashioning of the urinary meatus (where urine exits the body), usually to enlarge it.
Menisectomy. Removal of all or part of the cartilage of the knee joint.
Microlaryngoscopy. Microscopic examination of the larynx and vocal cords.
Muscle biopsy. See biopsy.
Muscle or tendon length, change. Procedure to change the length of a muscle or tendon.
Myomectomy. Removal of a fibroid growth in the uterus.
Myringoplasty. Restoration of a perforated ear drum.
Myringotomy. Incision of the eardrum.
N
Nasal cautery. Application of a hot instrument or other agent to destroy tissue and stop bleeding from the nose.
Nasal polypectomy. Removal of polyps (a growth, usually benign, protruding from a mucous membrane/lining) from the nose.
Naso/lacrimal duct probing. Probing of the passage between the nose and tear ducts.
Neck, radical dissection. Procedure for head and neck cancer, including removal of muscle, lymph nodes, a vein, a nerve, the submandibular gland and most of the parotid gland. There are several variations.
Nephrectomy. Removal of the kidney.
Nerve decompression, release. Release of pressure on a nerve.
O
Orbit fractured, reduction. Reduction or resetting of the fractured cavity or socket of the skull in which the eye is situated.
Oesophagus, dilatation. Widening of the oesophagus (food pipe) to correct, remove or bypass a stricture (narrowing).
Orchidectomy. Removal of a testicle.
Orchidopexy. Moving of the testes from an abnormal location into the scrotum.
Osteotomy of ankle, foot, arm, hip, femur, tibia, shoulder or face. Cutting of a bone and realignment of the ends to allow healing in better alignment.
Ovarian cyst, excision. Excision of a cyst on the ovary.
P
Patent ductus arteriosus, repair. Repair of a condition where the normal channel between the pulmonary artery and the aorta fails to close at birth.
Pelvic floor, repair. Repair of the soft muscles of the pelvic floor which support the bladder, urethra, rectum and, in women, the vagina and uterus.
Pharynx lesion, excision. Excision of a growth in the pharynx (cavity at the back of the mouth).
Pharyngoplasty. Repair to the pharynx.
Pilonidal sinus. Excision of sinus caused by an ingrowing hair at the top of the buttocks, near the tail bone.
Pins and plates, removal. Removal of internal devices (metal plates and/or pins) used to hold a bone in proper alignment.
Pleurodesis. Production of adhesions between the parietal and visceral pleura (lungs) to prevent repeated lung collapse.
Polypectomy, nasal. Removal of a nasal polyp (a growth, usually benign) protruding from a mucous membrane/lining.
Probing naso/lacrimal duct. Probing of the passage between the nose and tear ducts.
Prostatectomy. Removal of the prostate gland. There are several different methods, such as open (through a cut in the abdominal wall) or endoscopic (via the penis) surgery.
Prostatic biopsy. See biopsy.
Pterygium, excision. Excision of a superficial growth of vascular tissue radiating in a fan-like manner over the surface of the eye.
Ptosis, repair. Repair of drooping of the upper eyelid.
Pulmonary Artery shunt. Surgically created anastomosis (a mesh of tubes or half-tubes) to form a shunt between the short wide vessel arising from the right lower chamber (ventricle) of the heart and conveying blood to the lungs.
Pyeloplasty. Repair of the pelvis of the kidney.
Pyloromyotomy. Incision of the muscles of the pylorus (junction of the stomach into the duodenum) to assist stomach emptying. This is usually performed in newborn babies.
R
Radical neck dissection. Procedure for head and neck cancer that includes removal of muscle, lymph nodes, a vein, a nerve, the submandibular gland and most of the parotid gland. There are several variations.
Rectocele/cystocele, repair. Rectocele. Repair of herniation of part of the rectum into the vagina. Cystocele. Repair of herniation of the urinary bladder into the vagina.
Reduction of fractured orbit. Reduction or resetting of the fractured cavity or socket of the skull in which the eye is situated.
Reduction of fractured zygoma. Reduction or resetting of the fractured cheek bone (zygoma).
Re-implantation of ureters. Re-implantation of the ureters (tubes passing from each kidney to the bladder for the conveyance of urine) on the bladder wall.
Release of carpal tunnel. Release of pressure on the median nerve in the wrist which causes soreness, tingling and numbness in the thumb, index and middle fingers.
Release of clubfoot. Correction of a congenital deformity of the foot where it is twisted and misshapen.
Release of tongue tie. Release of the shortened frenulum (membrane connecting the undersurface of the tongue and floor of the mouth).
Removal of bunion. Repair of a bony deformity of the joint of the big toe.
Removal ingrown toenail. Partial or total removal of the nail of the big toe which has grown into the skin on either side, causing inflammation and/or infection.
Removal of pins and plates. Removal of internal devices (metal plates and/or pins) used to hold the a bone in proper alignment.
Removal skin lesions. Removal of different types of lesions (an area of tissue that is injured or diseased such as a wound, abscess, sore, tumour, mole or cyst) from the skin.
Removal of stone from urinary tract. Removal of stones from the urinary tract (kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra).
Repair atrial-septal defect. Repair of a hole located in the wall between the two upper chambers of the heart.
Repair of cystocele/rectocele. Cystocele. Repair of herniation of the urinary bladder into the vagina. Rectocele. Repair of herniation of part of the rectum into the vagina.
Repair of Dupuytren's contracture. Release/repair of the thickening of the connective tissue in the palm of the hand that has caused difficulty in extending the fingers.
Repair of epigastric hernia. See herniorrhaphy.
Repair of exostosis. Removal of a benign growth from the surface of a bone.
Repair of femoral hernia. See herniorrhaphy.
Repair of hiatus hernia. Repair of hernia, where the stomach bulges through an opening in the diaphragm.
Repair of hydrocele. Repair at the swelling of the scrotum caused by an accumulation of fluid around the testicle.
Repair of incisional hernia. See herniorrhaphy.
Repair of inguinal hernia. See herniorrhaphy.
Repair of knee cartilage - menisectomy, repair. Removal of all or part of the cartilage of the knee joint.
Repair of knee ligament. Repair or reconstruction of the ligament in the knee.
Repair of patent-ductus arteriosus. Repair of a condition where the normal channel between the pulmonary artery and the aorta fails to close at birth.
Repair of rotator cuff. Repair of the rotator cuff which is a tendon formed by three distinct muscles which stabilise the head of the humerus within the shoulder joint.
Repair of squint, strabismus. Procedure for correcting a deviation of the eye (cross-eyed).
Repair of umbilical hernia. See herniorrhaphy.
Repair of ventricular-septal defect. Repair of a hole located in the wall between the two lower chambers of the heart.
Replacement/removal of ventricular shunt. See insertion of ventricular shunt. This procedure removes or replaces same.
Retrograde pyelogram. X-ray study of the kidney following the introduction of a contrast medium (dye) through the ureter.
Revision of scar. Improving a mark or blemish in the skin or flesh made by a wound or lesion that has remained after the wound or lesion has healed.
Rhinoplasty. Plastic plastic reconstruction of the nose.
Rotator cuff, repair. Repair of the rotator cuff which is a tendon formed by three distinct muscles that stabilise the head of the humerus within the shoulder joint.
Rubin's test, insufflation of fallopian tubes. Passing air or gas into the fallopian tubes to check if tubes are patent (not blocked).
S
Salpingo-oophorectomy/Oophorectomy. Excision of the fallopian tube and ovary/excision of ovary(ies).
Scar, revision. Surgically improving a mark or blemish in the skin or flesh made by a wound or lesion that has remained after the wound or lesion has healed.
Septoplasty. Plastic reconstruction of the bone that divides the nasal cavity.
Shunt, ventricular - insertion. The cerebrospinal (in the brain) fluid is shunted from the ventricles of the brain into another area of the body via a surgically implanted tube.
Shunt, ventricular - removal replacement. Removal/replacement of drainage tube (shunt). See above.
Sigmoidoscopy. Procedure using a viewing tube (sigmoidoscope) that is inserted into the rectum for the purpose of inspecting the lower colon (sigmoid colon) and rectum.
Skin lesions, removal. Removal of different types of lesions (an area of tissue that is injured or diseased, such as a wound, abscess, sore, tumour, mole or cyst) from the skin.
Sleep studies. The study of sleep patterns or behaviours, especially abnormal sleep patterns, such as sleep apnoea.
SMR, Sub-mucosal resection. Resection of tissue located beneath the mucosa (lining) of the nose.
Sphincterotomy, anal. Surgical division of anal muscle fibres to treat a crack, fissure or tear in the lining of the anus.
Spinal fusion. Procedure that involves fusing two or more vertebrae using either bone grafts or metal rods.
Squint (Strabismus), repair. The operation for correcting a deviation of the eye (cross-eyed).
Stapedectomy. Surgical removal of the stapes (small bone in the middle ear).
Stent, ureteric - insertion. Insertion of a tube into the ureters to maintain drainage from the kidneys and to prevent closure due to a stricture or external compression.
Sterilisation, female. Procedure to cut or tie off the fallopian tubes to prevent pregnancy. Usually a permanent form of sterilisation.
Stone, urinary tract- removal. Removal of stones from the urinary tract, which includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra.
Strabismus (squint), repair. Procedure to correct a deviation of the eye (cross-eyed).
Submandibular gland, excision. Excision of the second largest of the salivary glands.
Sub-mucosal resection. Resection of tissue located beneath the mucosa (lining) of the nose.
Sympathectomy. Excision or interruption of a sympathetic nerve. The operation is used to improve circulation to the skin of an arm or leg, or to reduce sweating.
T
Tendon or muscle length change. Procedure to change the length of a muscle or tendon.
Tendon release. Release of a tightening of the tendon, which is a fibrous, strong, connective tissue that connects muscle to bone.
Tenotomy of hip. Division of a tendon, to correct a deformity caused by its shortening.
Thyroidectomy/hemi-thyroidectomy. Partial or total removal of the thyroid gland.
Toenail, ingrown - removal. Partial or total removal of the nail and nail plate of the big toe which has grown into the skin on either side, causing inflammation and/or infection.
Tongue tie, release. Release of the shortened frenulum (membrane connecting the undersurface of the tongue and floor of the mouth).
Tonsillectomy. Removal of the tonsils.
Total hip replacement. Replacement of the hip joint with an artificial joint (duplication).
Total knee replacement. Replacement of the knee joint with an artificial joint.
Trabeculectomy. Procedure for the treatment of glaucoma.
Trigger finger/thumb, release/repair. Straightening of the finger or thumb.
Turbinectomy. Removal of the turbinate bones (nose).
TURP - Transurethral resection of the prostate. Removal of prostate tissue, using a long narrow instrument that is passed through the penis.
Tubal ligation. Procedure to cut or tie off the fallopian tubes to prevent pregnancy. Usually a permanent form of sterilisation.
Tympanoplasty. Plastic reconstruction of the bones of the middle ear.
Tympanotomy. Incision of the eardrum.
U
Umbilical herniorrhaphy, umbilical hernia, repair. See herniorrhaphy.
Ureteric stent, insertion. Insertion of a tube into the ureters to maintain drainage from the kidneys and to prevent closure due to a stricture or external compression.
Uretero-pelvic junction correction. Correction/removal of a blockage of the ureter in the region where the ureter joins the pelvis of the kidney.
Ureters, re-implantation. Re-implantation of the ureters (tubes passing from each kidney to the bladder for the conveyance of urine) on the bladder wall.
Uretha, dilatation. Stretching of a narrowing in the urethra (the tube by which urine is released from the bladder).
Urinary tract stone, removal. Removal of stones from the urinary tract, which includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra.
Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP). Plastic repair to the uvula, palate and pharynx.
V
Vaginal repair. Repair of the vagina.
Varicose veins stripping and ligation. Repair of enlarged and twisted veins just below the surface of the skin, caused by defective valves in the veins.
Vasectomy. Sterilisation procedure performed in males where a segment of the vas deferens (duct that transports sperm) is removed to prevent sperm entering the semen.
Ventriculo-septal defect, repair. Repair of a hole located in the wall between the two lower chambers of the heart.
Ventricular shunt, insertion. Implantation of a tube to drain the cerebrospinal fluid from the ventricles of the brain into another area of the body.
Ventricular shunt, replacement/removal. Removal/replacement of drainage tube (shunt). See Ventricular shunt, insertion above.
W
Warts, diathermy. Diathermy (heat) applied to the wart tissue (growth on the skin produced by a virus).
Wedge resection of toenail. Partial or total removal of the nail and nail plate of the big toe which has grown into the skin on either side, causing inflammation and/or infection.
Wiring, interdental. Wiring of the teeth to immobilise the jaw following a fracture.
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