intrauterine growth retardation Abnormally slow growth of a fetus. When the baby is born, it appears small for its actual age. Intrauterine growth retardation is associated with an increased risk of illness and death in the newborn period.
intrauterine device A prescription contraceptive device that is inserted into the uterus by a physician to prevent conception or pregnancy. Abbreviated IUD. Some IUDs contain and release hormones. IUDs remain in place until they are removed by a physician and have one of the lowest failure rates of any contraceptive method.
intrauterine In the uterus.
intrathecal chemotherapy Treatment with drugs that are injected into the cerebrospinal fluid, which surrounds the brain and spinal cord, to kill cancer cells. For example, intrathecal chemotherapy is used to treat cancer that has spread to the spinal cord. See also chemotherapy.
intrastromal corneal ring A plastic ring that is designed to be implanted in the cornea, the transparent structure at the front of the eye, to flatten the cornea and thereby reduce the degree of nearsightedness (myopia). The ring is placed in the corneal stroma, the middle of the five layers of the cornea.
intraperitoneal chemotherapy Treatment in which anticancer drugs are put directly into the abdomen through a thin tube. See also chemotherapy.
intraperitoneal Within the peritoneal cavity, the area that contains the abdominal organs.
intraoperative radiation therapy Radiation treatment given during surgery. Abbreviated IORT. See also radiation therapy.
intraoperative blood salvage The recovery of blood lost into a body cavity during surgery or because of trauma. The blood is recovered in a sterile fashion and stored in a collection bag. This blood can then be reintroduced into the patient’s circulation by an intravenous infusion, reducing the need for donor blood transfusion.
intraoperative During surgery.
intraocular pressure The pressure created by the continual renewal of fluids within the eye. Intraocular pressure is increased in glaucoma. In acute angle-closure glaucoma, intraocular pressure rises because the canal into which the fluid in the front part of the eye normally drains is suddenly blocked. In chronic glaucoma, there is a gradual imbalance between…
intraocular lens An artificial lens made of plastic, silicone, acrylic or other material that is implanted in the eye during cataract surgery. Abbreviated IOL.