Glossary

Category: L

  • Loop connection

    Leaf veins that do not reach the margin but connect one with another near the margin forming a series of partial loops.  

  • Lithotriptic

    An agent that can dissolve gall-, kidney and bladder stones.  

  • Lymphocytosis

    An excessive number of lymph cells. An increased number of lymphocytes in the blood. An increase in the number of lymphocytes in the blood. Lymphocytosis may occur in a wide variety of diseases, including chronic lymphocytic leukemia and infections due to viruses. An increase in the number of lymphocytes in the blood for example, in…

  • Lumpectomy

    Lumpectomy

    Removal of just the tumor from the breast. Surgical removal of a lump usually in the breast and immediate tissues surrounding the lump. A surgical operation to remove a hard mass of tissue such as a breast tumour, leaving the surrounding tissue intact. Surgical removal of a tumor without removal of much surrounding tissue or…

  • Lithotripsy

    Crushing of stones (e.g., kidney stones and gallstones). The process of breaking up kidney or gall bladder stones into small fragments that the body can eliminate them unaided. Procedure of shattering calculi via a high-frequency sound in the kidney, urinary tract, and gallbladder. Procedure to remove an embedded kidney stone through a percutaneous incision. A…

  • Leukocoria

    The appearance of a whitish “reflection” or mass in the pupillary area behind the lens of the eye. White or abnormal pupillary reflex. This reflex may be present in infants and children who have retinoblastoma, cataract, retinal detachment, and intraocular infections. Patients with this reflex should be referred to an ophthalmologist without delay. An atypical…

  • Lavage

    The cleaning out of a cavity with liquid. A washing out of a hollow organ, such as the stomach. The act of washing out or irrigating an organ such as the stomach. Process of washing out an organ, especially the stomach (gastric lavage), bladder, or paranasal sinuses. Washing out of a hollow organ using a…

  • Laser photocoagulation

    Coagulation of the blood vessels in the eye using a laser. Use of a laser to seal the retina to the tissue of the interior eye.  

  • Laser ablation

    Separation, detachment, destruction, or removal of a part using laser surgery.  

  • Laryngoscopy

    Visual examination of the larynx using a laryngoscope. Examination of the larynx and the upper portion of the trachea with a laryngoscope to diagnose a tumor or other abnormality or to remove a foreign body. An examination of the larynx (voice box) that includes the use of a slender, flexible medical instrument called a laryngoscope,…