General Surgery: Tests
Tests Conducted Prior to Surgery
General surgery involves treatment of the abdominal organs including the
stomach, esophagus, small bowel, pancreas, gallbladder, liver, thyroid
gland, and gallbladder. Various tests may be performed in preparation
for a surgical procedure at Washington Township Medical Foundation. These
tests provide your Fremont general surgeon with information about your
overall health and your body’s capacity to undergo an invasive surgical
procedure. Data from these tests may also serve to highlight any problems
that could occur, and which should be addressed prior to surgery.
For example:
- Chest X-rays
- Urinalysis
- Electrocardiogram (ECG / EKG)
- Glucose tests
- Sodium tests
- Potassium tests
Biopsy Procedures
A biopsy is a procedure that involves collecting a sample of tissue from
the body to be observed under a microscope for potential abnormalities
at the cellular level. The sample may also be tested in different ways
such as testing with a chemical reagent. Biopsies are frequently used
in diagnosing cancer, though there are many different types of conditions
that may be diagnosed using this method. A biopsy can be used to examine
inflammation of an organ such as the liver or kidney. It can also assess
the severity of a condition that has already been diagnosed. There are
different methods of biopsies including punch biopsies, endoscopic biopsies,
excisional biopsies, perioperative biopsies, and needle biopsies.
Additionally, there are many different types of biopsies such as:
- Abdominal biopsy
- Skin biopsy
- Muscle biopsy
- Bone biopsy
- Nerve biopsy
- Bone marrow biopsy
- Breast biopsy
- Endometrial biopsy
- Lymph node biopsy
- Kidney / renal biopsy
- Liver biopsy
- Lung biopsy / chest nodule biopsy
- Thyroid biopsy
Almost any organ in the body can undergo biopsy. Preparation and what to
expect during the procedure depend on the area being biopsied. Be sure
to ask your doctor at Washington Township Medical Foundation any questions
you may have leading up to the procedure.