Directory:Ask the Doctors

Appendectomy:

Surgical removal of the appendix.

Appendix:

The worm-shaped pouch near the beginning of the large intestine.

Computed tomography (CT) scan:

A procedure by which X rays are directed at a patient's body from various angles and the set of photographs thus obtained assembled by a computer program.

Computerized axial tomography (CAT) scan:

Another name for a computed tomography (CT) scan.

Laparoscopy:

A procedure in which a tube with a small light and viewing device is inserted through a small incision near the navel, allowing a surgeon to look directly into the patient's abdomen.

Laparotomy:

A surgical procedure that allows a surgeon to view the inside of the abdominal cavity.

Peritonitis:

Inflammation of the membranes that line the abdominal wall.

Androgen:

A male sex hormone found in both males and females.

Anti-androgen:

A drug that slows down the production of androgens.

Antibiotic:

A drug that kills bacteria.

Comedo:

A hard plug that develops in the pores of the skin composed of sebum and dead skin cells. The mildest form of acne.

Comedolytic:

Drugs that break up comedos and open clogged pores.

Isotretinoin:

A drug that decreases sebum production and dries up acne pimples.

Sebum:

An oily material produced by sebaceous glands that keeps the skin moist.

Tretinoin:

A drug that increases the rate at which skin cells are formed and die.