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Procedures & Tests Beginning With O
6 procedures and tests in this guide begin with the letter O. Every name links to a plain-language page covering what the procedure is, how to prepare, what happens during it, and what recovery involves.
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P R S T U V W X
| Procedure / test | Category | What it is |
|---|---|---|
| Obstetric ultrasound (pregnancy scan) | Imaging & Scans | An obstetric ultrasound uses sound waves to picture the baby in the womb. Routine scans are usually offered in early pregnancy (the dating scan) and again around the middle of pregnancy (the anomaly scan), with extra scans if needed. |
| OCT scan (optical coherence tomography) | Eyes | OCT is a quick, non-contact scan that uses light waves to build a cross-section picture of the retina (and can also image the cornea and optic nerve), showing its layers in microscopic detail. |
| Oesophageal manometry and 24-hour pH study | Digestive | These are tests of how the gullet (oesophagus) works. Manometry measures the squeezing strength and coordination of the gullet muscles using a thin pressure-sensing tube. A 24-hour pH (or impedance-pH) study measures acid reflux over a full day using a fine tube or a small capsule attached to the gullet lining. |
| Open abdominal surgery (laparotomy) | General Surgery | A laparotomy is an operation through a larger cut in the abdomen (often vertical, in the midline) that allows the surgeon direct access to the abdominal organs. It may be planned (for major surgery) or emergency (exploratory laparotomy, when the diagnosis must be found and treated at once). |
| Orchidectomy (testicle removal) | Urology | An orchidectomy removes a testicle, usually through a cut in the groin (inguinal orchidectomy) so the cord is tied high — the standard first step in treating suspected testicular cancer. Simpler scrotal approaches are used for benign conditions or hormone treatment of advanced prostate cancer. |
| Ovarian cystectomy / oophorectomy | Women's Health | Ovarian cystectomy removes a cyst from the ovary while preserving the ovary; oophorectomy removes the whole ovary (with salpingectomy, the tube as well). Most are done by keyhole surgery. |
Please note: This page is educational information about a medical procedure or test. It does not replace the instructions of your own care team, who know your situation and whose preparation, fasting and medication advice you should follow if it differs from anything here. If you have symptoms that worry you, or an appointment you do not understand, contact your clinical team.