Lavage

Lavage is a medical procedure that involves the cleaning of a body cavity or surface by washing with water or a medicated solution. It is frequently used in the treatment of poisoning, to cleanse wounds, or to treat an infection.

Types of Lavage

There are several types of lavage, each tailored for different purposes and applied to various areas of the body:

• Gastric lavage is a procedure involving the cleaning of the stomach to remove toxins or poisons. It is commonly employed in cases of drug overdose or poisoning.
• Bronchoalveolar lavage is a diagnostic procedure for lung diseases. It entails washing the bronchioles and alveoli to collect cells and other materials for laboratory examination.
• Nasal lavage is used to cleanse the nasal passages, often to alleviate conditions like sinusitis or other nasal disorders.
• Peritoneal lavage helps detect free-floating fluid in the abdominal cavity, most often blood, and is typically used in cases of abdominal trauma.
• Antral lavage is performed to irrigate the sinuses, primarily for sinus infections or blockages.
• Antiseptic lavage involves the use of antiseptic solutions to clean infected areas or prevent infection.
• Whole lung lavage is a specialized technique to wash the entire lung and is used in rare conditions like pulmonary alveolar proteinosis.
• Arthroscopic lavage is performed to clean a joint during procedures like arthroscopy to treat conditions such as arthritis.
• Ductal lavage is a diagnostic procedure used to collect cells from the milk ducts of the breast for cancer detection.
• Ear lavage is a method to clean the ear canal, often to remove earwax or foreign objects.
• Pulsed lavage involves the delivery of an irrigant (usually normal saline) under pressure, typically produced by an electrically powered device, to clean areas like chronic wounds.

Procedure

The procedure for lavage varies depending on the type being performed. Generally, it involves the introduction of a solution into the body cavity or surface, which is then drained or suctioned out. This process may be repeated several times to ensure thorough cleaning.

Risks and Complications

As with any medical procedure, there are risks and potential complications associated with lavage. These may include:

• Infection at the site of the procedure.
• Damage to the body cavity or surface being cleaned.
• Adverse reactions to the solution used.

See Also

• Douche
• Ear picking
• Enema
• Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
• Life extension
• Regenerative medicine
• Teeth cleaning

Lavage Resources
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