Internal Medicine Procedures

SPINAL FLUID TAP

A spinal tap is commonly used to diagnose potentially life-threatening infections of the central nervous system. Diagnosing meningitis (inflammation of the membranes around the brain and spinal cord) is the most common reason for a lumbar puncture…

RYLES TUBE PLACEMENT AND FEEDING

A nasogastric tube placed into the stomach allows for access to the inside of the stomach. Sometimes the tube is passed into the small intestine to allow enteric feeding…

FOLEYS CATHETERISATION

Insertion of an indwelling urethral catheter (IDC) is an invasive procedure that should only be carried out using aseptic technique, Insertion of an indwelling urethral catheter (IDC) is an invasive procedure that should only be carried using aseptic technique, either by a nurse, or doctor if complications or difficulties with insertion are anticipated…

CENTRAL LINE PLACEMENT

A central line is a tiny tube that is placed in a vein for long-term drug therapy. A central line is necessary when you need drugs given through your veins over a long period of time, or when you need kidney dialysis. In these cases, a central line is easier and less painful than having needles put in your veins each time you need therapy.

DIALYSIS SHEATH PLACEMENTS

Your kidneys’ main job is to remove toxins and extra fluid from your blood. If waste products build up in your body, it can be dangerous and even cause death. Hemodialysis (and other types of dialysis) does some of the job of the kidneys when they stop working well.

ASCITIC FLUID TAPPING

An ascitic tap is a medical procedure where a needle is used to drain fluid that is trapped in an internal body cavity, most commonly the abdomen (belly). Fluid may have to be drained from the abdomen for different reasons, such as if the fluid is stretching the abdomen and causing pain; if the fluid is infected; or if a doctor needs to analyse the fluid in a laboratory for the presence of any disease.

PLEURAL TAP

Diagnostic: Determine the cause of the pleural effusion.

Therapeutic: Remove excess pleural fluid to assist respiration and provide symptomatic relief.

INCISION AND DRAINAGE

Incision and drainage, I&D, is a minor surgical procedure usually done to drain pus or the pressure built up under the skin. It is commonly used as a primary treatment in most healthcare settings for the management of abscesses with or without the use of antibiotics.