Surgery Glossary

Bands of fibrous scar tissue that form between internal organs and tissues, commonly occurring after abdominal surgery. Adhesions can cause bowel obstruction, chronic pain, and infertility.

The absence or relief of pain without loss of consciousness, achieved through medications (opioids, NSAIDs, local anesthetics, acetaminophen) or procedures (nerve blocks, epidural catheters).

A surgical connection made between two tubular structures, such as segments of bowel, blood vessels, or ureters, to restore continuity after resection or bypass.

The removal of a sample of tissue from the body for examination under a microscope to determine the presence, nature, or extent of a disease, especially cancer.

The use of heat (thermal cautery), electric current (electrocautery), or chemicals to burn, seal, or destroy tissue, most commonly used during surgery to stop bleeding from small vessels.

The removal of dead, damaged, or infected tissue from a wound to promote healing. Methods include sharp (scalpel), mechanical, enzymatic, and autolytic debridement.

The partial or complete separation of a closed surgical wound, ranging from superficial skin separation to full-thickness fascial disruption (evisceration) where abdominal contents protrude through the wound.

The surgical removal of tissue, an organ, or a structure by cutting it out of the body, typically using a scalpel or similar sharp instrument.

An emergency surgical procedure in which the fascia (fibrous tissue enclosing a muscle compartment) is cut to relieve dangerously elevated intra-compartmental pressure and restore perfusion.

A localized collection of blood outside of blood vessels, usually occurring in tissue planes at or near a surgical site due to inadequate hemostasis or postoperative bleeding.

The cessation of bleeding, achieved surgically through ligation (tying off vessels), electrocautery, application of hemostatic agents, or direct pressure.

The introduction of gas (typically carbon dioxide) into a body cavity to create space for visualization and instrument manipulation, most commonly used to establish pneumoperitoneum for laparoscopic surgery.

An inadequate blood supply to a tissue or organ, resulting in oxygen deprivation. Prolonged ischemia leads to tissue necrosis and is a critical concern in vascular surgery and organ transplantation.

A minimally invasive surgical technique in which a thin, lighted camera (laparoscope) is inserted through a small incision to visualize the abdominal or pelvic cavity, often combined with operative instruments through additional small incisions.

A surgical incision through the abdominal wall to gain access to the abdominal cavity, typically made along the midline (median laparotomy) for broad exposure.

The tying off of a blood vessel, duct, or other tubular anatomical structure using suture material or a clip to prevent blood flow or leakage of contents.

The entire time period surrounding a surgical procedure, encompassing preoperative (before surgery), intraoperative (during surgery), and postoperative (after surgery) phases.

Preventive treatment given before or during surgery to reduce the risk of complications, most commonly referring to antibiotic prophylaxis against surgical site infection or VTE prophylaxis against blood clots.

The surgical removal of part or all of an organ or structure, such as a bowel resection (removal of a segment of intestine) or pulmonary resection (removal of lung tissue).

A surgical instrument used to separate the edges of an incision or hold back underlying organs and tissues to expose the operative field. Examples include self-retaining (Balfour, Bookwalter) and handheld (Army-Navy, Richardson) retractors.

A collection of serous fluid that develops beneath the skin or in a body cavity at a surgical site, occurring when tissue planes are dissected and lymphatic or capillary fluid accumulates.

A surgically created opening on the body surface that connects an internal organ to the outside, such as a colostomy (colon to skin) or tracheostomy (trachea to skin).

A strand of material (absorbable or non-absorbable, natural or synthetic, monofilament or braided) used to hold tissue together after surgery or injury. Also refers to the act of stitching tissue.

The process of prioritizing patients for treatment based on the severity of their condition, urgency of intervention needed, and available resources, particularly important in trauma and emergency surgery.

A sharp-tipped instrument enclosed in a cannula, used to puncture the body wall and establish port access for laparoscopic instruments and the camera.