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 often used in the treatment of poisoning, to cleanse wounds, or to treat an infection.

Types of Lavage

There are several types of lavage, each used for different purposes and in different areas of the body.

• Gastric lavage is a procedure that involves the cleaning of the stomach to remove toxins or poisons. This is often used in cases of drug overdose or poisoning.

• Bronchoalveolar lavage is a procedure used to diagnose lung diseases. It involves washing out the bronchioles and alveoli in the lungs to collect cells and other materials for examination.

• Nasal lavage is a procedure used to cleanse the nasal passages, often to treat sinusitis or other nasal conditions.

• Peritoneal lavage is a procedure used to determine if there is free floating fluid, most often blood, in the abdominal cavity. This is often used in cases of trauma to the abdomen.

Procedure

The procedure for lavage varies depending on the type of lavage being performed. However, in general, 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, damage to the body cavity or surface being cleaned, and reactions to the solution used.

See Also

• Medical procedures
• Medical treatments
• Healthcare

Lavage Resources
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