Alphabetical List of Procedures

Aneurysms occur when the wall of a blood vessel becomes weak and a portion of the artery widens or balloons. The type of surgery needed to repair an aneurysm depends on the symptoms and size and type of aneurysm.

This category includes procedures that relieve pressure on the nerves in the spine, including laminectomy, discectomy, insertion or upgrade of a generator and lead, fusion, vertebrecomy, cordotomy, and excision of a spinal cord tumor.

A barium enema is a special x-ray of the large intestine, which includes the colon and rectum. Before x-rays are taken, a liquid called barium sulfate is placed in the rectum. Barium blocks x-rays providing an image that outlines the interior of the intestine.

Bone mineral density (BMD) tests are usually done with low dosage x-rays. Doctors conduct these tests to determine the health of your bones or to confirm a diagnosis of osteoporosis.

These hearing aids treat hearing loss by surgically implanting a system that allows sound to be conducted through the bone.

This surgical procedure removes all or part of the small or large intestine.

This category is made up of a large number of brain surgery procedures, including craniotomy, craniectomy, shunt insertion, ventriculostomy, deep brain stimulation, biopsy, CSF reservoir insertion, and excision of a pituitary tumor.

A Breast Biopsy (Needle Core) is the removal of a small amount of breast tissue to examine it for signs of breast cancer or other disorders. This procedure is performed in the mammography department. See Breast Biopsy (Needle Core) wait time

Breast cancer surgery includes mastectomy, lumpectomy, and breast reconstruction completed at the same time as mastectomy.

This surgical procedure reduces the size of breasts by removing fat, skin, and glandular tissue.

CHOICES is a voluntary program helping adolescents aged 13-19 dealing with problems around substance abuse and gambling through counselling and support. CHOICES has moved to a new location (1 Craigmore Drive, Halifax B3N 1M3) and can be reached at 902-491-2401.

Computed tomography (CT) is a diagnostic procedure that uses special x-ray equipment to obtain cross-sectional pictures of the body. The CT computer displays these pictures as detailed images of organs, bones, and other tissues.

Cardiac catheterization is when a thin flexible tube (catheter) is inserted into the heart, usually from the groin or the arm to allow an x-ray blocking dye to be injected to outline the blood vessels and heart.

This surgical procedure repairs or replaces diseased heart valves.

This surgical procedure removes deposits of fat, called plaque, from the carotid arteries in the neck.

Carpal tunnel release is surgery to treat carpal tunnel syndrome. In this procedure a ligament in the hand is cut to allow more space for the nerve and tendons.

Cataract surgery is the removal of a clouded lens (or cataract) from the eye to improve vision.

In this surgical procedure, a small cone-shaped sample of tissue is removed from a woman's cervix for examination under a microscope. The wait times shown are for cervical biopsies performed in an operating room.

A chest scope is a test that looks at the inside of the lungs. Chest scopes include procedures called bronchoscopy, thoracoscopy, pleuroscopy and mediastinoscopy. The wait times shown are for chest scopes performed under general anesthesia.

This surgery repairs birth defects of the upper lip and roof of the mouth (palate).

Community Based (Outpatient) Services is an accessible outreach, intervention, and treatment service delivered to individuals and groups who reside in their own communities. Services are based on client needs and commitment to change, and based on a bio-psycho-social assessment.

Coronary Artery Bypass Graft is provided at the Queen Elizabeth II Health Sciences Centre in Halifax.

This surgery includes extracting teeth or restructuring supporting bone.

During this surgery a doctor makes a small incision in the eardrum (Myringotomy) and places tubes inside the incision so that the middle ear space can clear fluid and equalize pressure.

Endometrial Ablation is a procedure to permanently remove the lining of the womb (endometrium) to permanently stop menstrual bleeding.

Surgery to remove the gall bladder.

Individuals seeking genetic services may have a personal and/or family history of a genetic condition. They may also be concerned that a condition in their family has a genetic cause, which could impact their health or the health of future generations. Maritime Medical Genetics Service serves patients of all ages from Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island. Members of our team include medical geneticists, genetic counsellors, metabolic nurses, a dietician, social worker and administrative support. This service offers diagnosis, treatment, education and counselling for families throughout the life cycle (prenatal, newborns, children, adults and families).

This surgery treats glaucoma by reducing eye pressure. Glaucoma can lead to damage of the optic nerve, often due to increased pressure in the eye.

This surgery repairs a hernia in the groin or diaphragm using a non-incisional surgery method. A hernia occurs when a piece of an organ sticks through the wall that should normally contain it. See “Hernia Repair - Incisional” for the wait times for incisional hernia repair.

This surgery repairs a hernia in the groin or diaphragm using an incisional surgery method. A hernia occurs when a piece of an organ sticks through the wall that should normally contain it. See “Hernia Repair” for the wait times for non-incisional hernia repair.

This surgery replaces the hip joint with an artificial joint or replaces a previously implanted artificial hip joint with a new one (hip revision).

A hysterectomy is surgery to remove a woman's uterus.

Nephrectomy is the removal of all or part of the kidney.

This surgery is to treat a kidney stone, which is a solid mass that forms in the kidney or ureter. Kidney stones are formed from certain mineral substances in urine that create small crystals that turn into stones.

This surgery replaces the knee joint with an artificial joint or replaces a previously implanted artificial knee joint with a new one (knee revision).

Knee arthroscopy is when a special narrow telescope is inserted inside the knee to check for problems. Surgery is often done at the same time as the arthroscopy.

During this procedure, a special narrow telescope is inserted inside the knee to check for problems. Additional surgery is often done at the same time, such as replacing the ligament in the centre of the knee with a new ligament (ACL repair).

This category includes lobectomy, mediastinoscopy/thoracotomy, pheumonectomy, thorascopy, sternotomy, decortications of the lung, and resections.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a non-invasive way of taking high-quality images of areas inside the body. Instead of x-rays, MRIs use powerful magnets, radio waves and computerized sensors to take readings that can be transformed into three-dimensional pictures.

This procedure removes the foreskin of the penis.

A diagnostic mammogram is an x-ray of a symptomatic woman's breasts to help in the early detection of breast cancer.

A screening mammogram is an x-ray of an asymptomatic woman's breasts to help in early detection of breast cancer.

This surgery corrects deformities of the teeth, face, or skull.

Medical Cancer Specialists or Oncologists are doctors that specialize in cancer care.

This surgical procedure to remove a melanoma lesion is performed in an operating room.

This surgery includes several procedures such as cervical laminectomy and sympathectomy, fusion, laminoplasty, cervical discectomy and open reduction and internal fixation.

This surgery includes tethered cord release of the spine and decompression, transposition, exploration, or repair of a nerve.

This surgery corrects the effects of Dupuytren's Disease, which causes fingers to bend towards the palm of the hand and not fully extend.

This operation opens narrowed or blocked blood vessels that supply blood to the heart. For this procedure a catheter with a small balloon tip is inserted into a narrow or blocked artery to widen it and restore blood flow. A 'stent', which is a small metal mesh tube, is often inserted to keep the artery open.

A Nuclear Medicine Scan is a test that uses a radioactive substance called a tracer to show how organs and tissues are working. For this procedure the tracer is injected into a vein. It travels through the patient's blood and settles into the organs and tissues. A scanner detects the amount of radiation given off by these tissues and can show abnormal concentrations or voids that may indicate the presence of cancer or inflammation.

This surgical procedure removes all or part of the prostate.

A Radiation Cancer Specialist is doctor specially trained in the use of radiation therapy for treating cancer.

In this cancer TR a beam of high-energy x-rays is targeted at the cancer site from a machine outside the body. The beam destroys the cancer cells while sparing the surrounding normal tissues. No radioactive sources are placed inside the patient's body.

This is a group of procedures that is commonly performed to treat rectal cancer, including anoplasty, removal of rectal tumours, and rectum resection.

This includes both types of procedures. Surgery to remove the ovaries is also called Oophorectomy and surgery to remove fallopian tubes is called Salpingectomy.

This surgical procedure corrects problems in the nasal septum, which is the wall inside the nose that separates the nostrils.

This procedure inserts a tiny camera (or scope) through a small cut in the skin to examine or repair tissues inside the shoulder.

This category includes acromioplasty, arthroplasty, and open shoulder repair.

Functional endoscopic sinus surgery is used to treat a variety of sinus problems, including sinusitis and nasal polyps. It is performed using nasal endoscopes, which are tiny cameras inserted through the nostrils to avoid cutting the skin.

This surgery corrects eye muscle problems that cause crossed (misaligned) eyes. The medical term for crossed eyes is strabismus.

Structured Treatment Program is an intensive time-limited group treatment service for clients who have successfully completed the withdrawal process. It provides bio-psycho-social assessment, education, counseling, and treatment in collaboration with other components of the Addiction Services continuum. It is offered in both residential and non-residential settings.

This surgery to reduce urinary incontinence includes fascia sling procedures and bladder suspension.

This surgery repairs the temporomandibular joint, which connects the lower jaw to the part of the skull immediately in front of the ear. Pain in this area is often called "TMJ", which is the name of the joint.

This surgery, also called thyroidectomy, removes all or part of the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland produces hormones that regulate metabolism.

These surgical procedures remove the tonsils or adenoids.

Tubal Ligation is also known as 'getting your tubes tied.' This operation is performed to block off a woman's fallopian tubes to prevent pregnancy.

An Ultrasound refers to a type of photo taken of organs or different parts of the body using high-frequency sound waves. Also known as sonograms, this procedure can make cross-sectional pictures of the underlying body structure by measuring the intensity of reflected (like an echo) sound waves.

An upper gastrointestinal series is a set of x-rays taken to examine the esophagus, stomach, and small intestine. For this procedure, the patient drinks a chalky liquid containing barium which outlines the interior of the organs as it passes through.

Vein stripping is surgery to remove varicose veins in the legs.

This surgery creates an alternate or additional route for blood flow by moving blood vessels or implanting synthetic tubing.

This surgery helps with weight loss by reducing the amount of food the stomach can hold. The wait time shown is for patients who were accepted into the obesity program at Capital Health, completed the preparation phase, and are ready to go on to surgery. The wait time for acceptance into the obesity program is significantly longer.

The residential component of the Withdrawal Management service is designed to meet the needs of individuals requiring inpatient treatment. It is a process designed to optimize the health of individuals harmfully involved with alcohol, drugs and/or gambling through the provision of a comprehensive range of integrated bio-psycho-social treatment services. These services include but are not limited to: assessment, medically-managed detoxification, treatment planning, therapeutic counseling and support, education, vocational and employability counselling, family counselling and support, and referrals.

Aneurysms occur when the wall of a blood vessel becomes weak and a portion of the artery widens or balloons. The type of surgery needed to repair an aneurysm depends on the symptoms and size and type of aneurysm.

This category includes procedures that relieve pressure on the nerves in the spine, including laminectomy, discectomy, insertion or upgrade of a generator and lead, fusion, vertebrecomy, cordotomy, and excision of a spinal cord tumor.

A barium enema is a special x-ray of the large intestine, which includes the colon and rectum. Before x-rays are taken, a liquid called barium sulfate is placed in the rectum. Barium blocks x-rays providing an image that outlines the interior of the intestine.

Bone mineral density (BMD) tests are usually done with low dosage x-rays. Doctors conduct these tests to determine the health of your bones or to confirm a diagnosis of osteoporosis.

These hearing aids treat hearing loss by surgically implanting a system that allows sound to be conducted through the bone.

This surgical procedure removes all or part of the small or large intestine.

This category is made up of a large number of brain surgery procedures, including craniotomy, craniectomy, shunt insertion, ventriculostomy, deep brain stimulation, biopsy, CSF reservoir insertion, and excision of a pituitary tumor.

A Breast Biopsy (Needle Core) is the removal of a small amount of breast tissue to examine it for signs of breast cancer or other disorders. This procedure is performed in the mammography department. See Breast Biopsy (Needle Core) wait time

Breast cancer surgery includes mastectomy, lumpectomy, and breast reconstruction completed at the same time as mastectomy.

This surgical procedure reduces the size of breasts by removing fat, skin, and glandular tissue.

CHOICES is a voluntary program helping adolescents aged 13-19 dealing with problems around substance abuse and gambling through counselling and support. CHOICES has moved to a new location (1 Craigmore Drive, Halifax B3N 1M3) and can be reached at 902-491-2401.

Computed tomography (CT) is a diagnostic procedure that uses special x-ray equipment to obtain cross-sectional pictures of the body. The CT computer displays these pictures as detailed images of organs, bones, and other tissues.

Cardiac catheterization is when a thin flexible tube (catheter) is inserted into the heart, usually from the groin or the arm to allow an x-ray blocking dye to be injected to outline the blood vessels and heart.

This surgical procedure repairs or replaces diseased heart valves.

This surgical procedure removes deposits of fat, called plaque, from the carotid arteries in the neck.

Carpal tunnel release is surgery to treat carpal tunnel syndrome. In this procedure a ligament in the hand is cut to allow more space for the nerve and tendons.

Cataract surgery is the removal of a clouded lens (or cataract) from the eye to improve vision.

In this surgical procedure, a small cone-shaped sample of tissue is removed from a woman's cervix for examination under a microscope. The wait times shown are for cervical biopsies performed in an operating room.

A chest scope is a test that looks at the inside of the lungs. Chest scopes include procedures called bronchoscopy, thoracoscopy, pleuroscopy and mediastinoscopy. The wait times shown are for chest scopes performed under general anesthesia.

This surgery repairs birth defects of the upper lip and roof of the mouth (palate).

Community Based (Outpatient) Services is an accessible outreach, intervention, and treatment service delivered to individuals and groups who reside in their own communities. Services are based on client needs and commitment to change, and based on a bio-psycho-social assessment.

Coronary Artery Bypass Graft is provided at the Queen Elizabeth II Health Sciences Centre in Halifax.

This surgery includes extracting teeth or restructuring supporting bone.

During this surgery a doctor makes a small incision in the eardrum (Myringotomy) and places tubes inside the incision so that the middle ear space can clear fluid and equalize pressure.

Endometrial Ablation is a procedure to permanently remove the lining of the womb (endometrium) to permanently stop menstrual bleeding.

Surgery to remove the gall bladder.

Individuals seeking genetic services may have a personal and/or family history of a genetic condition. They may also be concerned that a condition in their family has a genetic cause, which could impact their health or the health of future generations. Maritime Medical Genetics Service serves patients of all ages from Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island. Members of our team include medical geneticists, genetic counsellors, metabolic nurses, a dietician, social worker and administrative support. This service offers diagnosis, treatment, education and counselling for families throughout the life cycle (prenatal, newborns, children, adults and families).

This surgery treats glaucoma by reducing eye pressure. Glaucoma can lead to damage of the optic nerve, often due to increased pressure in the eye.

This surgery repairs a hernia in the groin or diaphragm using a non-incisional surgery method. A hernia occurs when a piece of an organ sticks through the wall that should normally contain it. See “Hernia Repair - Incisional” for the wait times for incisional hernia repair.

This surgery repairs a hernia in the groin or diaphragm using an incisional surgery method. A hernia occurs when a piece of an organ sticks through the wall that should normally contain it. See “Hernia Repair” for the wait times for non-incisional hernia repair.

This surgery replaces the hip joint with an artificial joint or replaces a previously implanted artificial hip joint with a new one (hip revision).

A hysterectomy is surgery to remove a woman's uterus.

Nephrectomy is the removal of all or part of the kidney.

This surgery is to treat a kidney stone, which is a solid mass that forms in the kidney or ureter. Kidney stones are formed from certain mineral substances in urine that create small crystals that turn into stones.

This surgery replaces the knee joint with an artificial joint or replaces a previously implanted artificial knee joint with a new one (knee revision).

Knee arthroscopy is when a special narrow telescope is inserted inside the knee to check for problems. Surgery is often done at the same time as the arthroscopy.

During this procedure, a special narrow telescope is inserted inside the knee to check for problems. Additional surgery is often done at the same time, such as replacing the ligament in the centre of the knee with a new ligament (ACL repair).

This category includes lobectomy, mediastinoscopy/thoracotomy, pheumonectomy, thorascopy, sternotomy, decortications of the lung, and resections.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a non-invasive way of taking high-quality images of areas inside the body. Instead of x-rays, MRIs use powerful magnets, radio waves and computerized sensors to take readings that can be transformed into three-dimensional pictures.

This procedure removes the foreskin of the penis.

A diagnostic mammogram is an x-ray of a symptomatic woman's breasts to help in the early detection of breast cancer.

A screening mammogram is an x-ray of an asymptomatic woman's breasts to help in early detection of breast cancer.

This surgery corrects deformities of the teeth, face, or skull.

Medical Cancer Specialists or Oncologists are doctors that specialize in cancer care.

This surgical procedure to remove a melanoma lesion is performed in an operating room.

This surgery includes several procedures such as cervical laminectomy and sympathectomy, fusion, laminoplasty, cervical discectomy and open reduction and internal fixation.

This surgery includes tethered cord release of the spine and decompression, transposition, exploration, or repair of a nerve.

This surgery corrects the effects of Dupuytren's Disease, which causes fingers to bend towards the palm of the hand and not fully extend.

This operation opens narrowed or blocked blood vessels that supply blood to the heart. For this procedure a catheter with a small balloon tip is inserted into a narrow or blocked artery to widen it and restore blood flow. A 'stent', which is a small metal mesh tube, is often inserted to keep the artery open.

A Nuclear Medicine Scan is a test that uses a radioactive substance called a tracer to show how organs and tissues are working. For this procedure the tracer is injected into a vein. It travels through the patient's blood and settles into the organs and tissues. A scanner detects the amount of radiation given off by these tissues and can show abnormal concentrations or voids that may indicate the presence of cancer or inflammation.

This surgical procedure removes all or part of the prostate.

A Radiation Cancer Specialist is doctor specially trained in the use of radiation therapy for treating cancer.

In this cancer TR a beam of high-energy x-rays is targeted at the cancer site from a machine outside the body. The beam destroys the cancer cells while sparing the surrounding normal tissues. No radioactive sources are placed inside the patient's body.

This is a group of procedures that is commonly performed to treat rectal cancer, including anoplasty, removal of rectal tumours, and rectum resection.

This includes both types of procedures. Surgery to remove the ovaries is also called Oophorectomy and surgery to remove fallopian tubes is called Salpingectomy.

This surgical procedure corrects problems in the nasal septum, which is the wall inside the nose that separates the nostrils.

This procedure inserts a tiny camera (or scope) through a small cut in the skin to examine or repair tissues inside the shoulder.

This category includes acromioplasty, arthroplasty, and open shoulder repair.

Functional endoscopic sinus surgery is used to treat a variety of sinus problems, including sinusitis and nasal polyps. It is performed using nasal endoscopes, which are tiny cameras inserted through the nostrils to avoid cutting the skin.

This surgery corrects eye muscle problems that cause crossed (misaligned) eyes. The medical term for crossed eyes is strabismus.

Structured Treatment Program is an intensive time-limited group treatment service for clients who have successfully completed the withdrawal process. It provides bio-psycho-social assessment, education, counseling, and treatment in collaboration with other components of the Addiction Services continuum. It is offered in both residential and non-residential settings.

This surgery to reduce urinary incontinence includes fascia sling procedures and bladder suspension.

This surgery repairs the temporomandibular joint, which connects the lower jaw to the part of the skull immediately in front of the ear. Pain in this area is often called "TMJ", which is the name of the joint.

This surgery, also called thyroidectomy, removes all or part of the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland produces hormones that regulate metabolism.

These surgical procedures remove the tonsils or adenoids.

Tubal Ligation is also known as 'getting your tubes tied.' This operation is performed to block off a woman's fallopian tubes to prevent pregnancy.

An Ultrasound refers to a type of photo taken of organs or different parts of the body using high-frequency sound waves. Also known as sonograms, this procedure can make cross-sectional pictures of the underlying body structure by measuring the intensity of reflected (like an echo) sound waves.

An upper gastrointestinal series is a set of x-rays taken to examine the esophagus, stomach, and small intestine. For this procedure, the patient drinks a chalky liquid containing barium which outlines the interior of the organs as it passes through.

Vein stripping is surgery to remove varicose veins in the legs.

This surgery creates an alternate or additional route for blood flow by moving blood vessels or implanting synthetic tubing.

This surgery helps with weight loss by reducing the amount of food the stomach can hold. The wait time shown is for patients who were accepted into the obesity program at Capital Health, completed the preparation phase, and are ready to go on to surgery. The wait time for acceptance into the obesity program is significantly longer.

The residential component of the Withdrawal Management service is designed to meet the needs of individuals requiring inpatient treatment. It is a process designed to optimize the health of individuals harmfully involved with alcohol, drugs and/or gambling through the provision of a comprehensive range of integrated bio-psycho-social treatment services. These services include but are not limited to: assessment, medically-managed detoxification, treatment planning, therapeutic counseling and support, education, vocational and employability counselling, family counselling and support, and referrals.