Medical procedures

Knowing what to expect during and after a medical procedure can help you prepare, whether you go to hospital or to an outpatient clinic. Non-surgical procedures are available to treat a range of conditions.

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Topic: Diagnostic procedures

Arthroscopy

Most people can resume normal activities around three weeks after an arthroscopy.

Biopsy

Before a biopsy, you need to discuss a range of issues with your doctor or surgeon.

Colonoscopy

A colonoscopy can be used to look for cancer of the colon (bowel cancer) or colon polyps, which are growths on the lining of the colon.

Endoscopy

An endoscope or fibrescope is a long, usually flexible tube with a lens at one end and a video camera at the other.

Laparoscopy

The advantage of laparoscopy is that only a small incision is required, which is why it is also known as 'keyhole surgery'.

Laparotomy

A laparotomy is a surgical incision into the abdominal cavity used to examine the abdominal organs and aid diagnosis.