Irrigation
| Definition: |
The washing of a body cavity or surface by flowing solution which is inserted and then removed. Any drug in the irrigation solution may be absorbed. |
| Notes: |
IM only as general procedure; NIM for irrigation of specific organ or site; includes LAVAGE but GASTRIC LAVAGE & PERITONEAL LAVAGE are available as is BRONCHOALVEOLAR LAVAGE FLUID |
Irrigation Categories.
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Bronchoalveolar Lavage - Washing out of the lungs with saline or mucolytic agents for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes. It is very useful in the diagnosis of diffuse pulmonary infiltrates in immunosuppressed patients. |
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Gastric Lavage |
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Peritoneal Lavage - Washing out of the peritoneal cavity. The procedure is a diagnostic as well as a therapeutic technique following abdominal trauma or inflammation. |
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Vaginal Douching - The washing of the VAGINA cavity or surface with a solution. Agents or drugs can be added to the irrigation solution. |
Irrigation Definitions and Terms
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