| genetic engineering technologies | See: recombinant DNAtechnologies. (09 Oct 1997) |
|---|---|
| recombinant DNA technologies | Procedures used to join together DNA segments in a cell-free system (an environment outside a cell ororganism). Under appropriate conditions, a recombinant DNA molecule canenter a cell and replicate there, either autonomously or after it hasbecome integrated into a cellular chromosome. (09 Oct 1997) |
| allied health occupations | Occupations of medical personnel who are not physicians, and are qualified by special training and, frequently, by licensure to work in supporting roles in the health care field. These occupations include, but are not limited to, medical technology, physical therapy, physician assistant, etc. (12 Dec 1998) |
| allied health personnel | Health care workers specially trained and licensed to assist and support the work of health professionals. Often used synonymously with paramedical personnel, the term generally refers to all health care workers who perform tasks which must otherwise be performed by a physician or other health professional. (12 Dec 1998) |
| allied health professional | An individual trained to perform services in the care of patients other than a physician or registered nurse; includes a variety of therapy technicians (e.g., pulmonary), radiology technicians, physical therapists, etc. (05 Mar 2000) |
| allied reflexes | Reflex's which, acting toward a common purpose, can traverse the final common path together. (05 Mar 2000) |
| cholangiopancreatography, endoscopic retrograde | Fibreoptic endoscopy designed for duodenal observation and cannulation of vater's ampulla, in order to visualise the pancreatic and biliary duct system by retrograde injection of contrast media. Endoscopic (vater) papillotomy (sphincterotomy, endoscopic) may be performed during this procedure. (12 Dec 1998) |
| haemostasis, endoscopic | Control of bleeding performed through the channel of the endoscope. Techniques include use of lasers, heater probes, bipolar electrocoagulation, and local injection. Endoscopic haemostasis is commonly used to treat bleeding oesophageal and gastrointestinal varices and ulcers. (12 Dec 1998) |
| sphincterotomy, endoscopic | Incision of oddi's sphincter or vater's ampulla performed by inserting a sphincterotome through an endoscope (duodenoscope) often following retrograde cholangiography (cholangiopancreatography, endoscopic retrograde). Endoscopic treatment by sphincterotomy is the preferred method of treatment for patients with retained or recurrent bile duct stones post-cholecystectomy, and for poor-surgical-risk patients that have the gallbladder still present. (12 Dec 1998) |
| surgical procedures, endoscopic | Surgery performed with the use of an endoscope. Operative techniques may include use of lasers or electrocautery. The procedure is guided via visualization using fibre optics, video and other remote transmission. Advantages are briefer anaesthesia and operative periods, reduced recovery time, shorter hospitalization, and generally less trauma for the patient. (12 Dec 1998) |
| endoscopic biopsy | Biopsy obtained by instruments passed through an endoscope or obtained by a needle introduced under endoscopic guidance. (05 Mar 2000) |
| endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatogram | A diagnostic procedure to examine diseases of the liver, bile ducts and pancreas. It is uncomfortable but not painful, is performed under intravenous sedation, usually without general anaesthesia, and has a low incidence of complications. ERCP provides important information unobtainable by other diagnostic means. Therapeutic measures can often be take at the time of ERCP to remove stones in the bile ducts or to relieve obstructions of the bile ducts. (12 Dec 1998) |
| endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography | <investigation, procedure> A diagnostic-therapeutic procedure that involves the X-ray of the pancreatic duct and biliary tree after the selective introduction of a contrast material into the common bile duct and pancreatic duct. In this procedure, a flexible endoscope is passed through the mouth and down into the duodenum. A catheter is then passed through the endoscope and inserted into the pancreatic and bile ducts. It is uncomfortable but not painful, is performed under intravenous sedation, usually without general anaesthesia, and has a low incidence of complications. A contrast agent is injected into the catheter which highlights the coarse and calibre of the ducts. Narrowing, stones or ductal tumours can be identified with this procedure. Therapeutic measures can often be take at the time of ERCP to remove stones in the bile ducts or to relieve obstructions of the bile ducts, so that traditional open surgeries can be avoided. ERCP is increasingly accepted as the diagnostic and therapeutic procedure of choice in identifying and removing gallstones in the bile ducts. Acronym: ERCP (12 Dec 1998) |
| ambulatory surgery | <surgery> Operative procedures performed on patients who are admitted to and discharged from a hospital on the same day. (05 Mar 2000) |
| aseptic surgery | The performance of an operation with sterilised hands, instruments, etc., and utilizing precautions against the introduction of infectious microorganisms from without. (05 Mar 2000) |