Search Thousands Of Articles & Procedures

In an orchiectomy, the scrotum is cut open (A). Testicle covering is cut to expose the testis and spermatic cord (B). The cord is tied and cut, removing the testis (C), and the wound is repaired (D). (Illustration by GGS Inc.)

In endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, an endoscope is introduced into the patient's mouth and fed through the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum (small intestine) (A). A dye is released into the ducts (B). A series of x rays is taken, and a tumor may be visible with the endoscope (C). (Illustration by GGS Inc.)

A large abdominal incision exposes abdominal and pelvic contents for pelvic exenteration (A). Contents of the lower abdominal cavity, including the rectosigmoid colon, prostate and seminal vesicles (if male), bladder, and any pelvic tumors are removed (B). (Illustration by GGS Inc.)

At the site of a previous cancer removal, a radionuclide dye is injected (A and B). The area of maximum radioactivity is traced to a lymph node under the arm (C). The area is cut open, and the lymph node is identified by its blue dye (D). After the lymph node is removed, the area is checked for further radioactivity (E). (Illustration by GGS Inc.)

An enlarged prostate can cause urinary problems due to its location around the male urethra (A). In TURP, the physician uses a cystoscope to gain access to the prostate through the urethra (B). The prostate material that has been restricting urine flow is cut off in pieces, which are washed into the bladder with water from the scope (B). (Illustration by GGS Inc.)

During a digital rectal exam (B), the doctor may feel an enlargement of the prostate that can be benign or cancerous. If an open prostatectomy is needed, an incision may made the lower abdomen (C) or the perineal area (D). In either case, the prostate and any cancer is removed (E). (Illustration by GGS Inc.)