Glossary of Surgical Terms
When doctors and nurses talk about surgery, they can sound like they are speaking a foreign language. Instead of hunting for a translator, bone up on surgical terms here (presented to you in plain English).
Sex Change Operation Defined
Learn more about sex change surgery, what a sex change surgery is, why it is done and more.
Learn more about sex change surgery, what a sex change surgery is, why it is done and more.
Tumescent Anesthesia
Learn more about tumescent anesthesia, why tumescent anesthesia is used and when it is used.
Learn more about tumescent anesthesia, why tumescent anesthesia is used and when it is used.
Lap Band Definition
What is the Lap Band and why is it used? Learn about the Lap Band and weight loss surgery.
What is the Lap Band and why is it used? Learn about the Lap Band and weight loss surgery.
Rhinoplasty
Rhinoplasty. What is rhinoplasty and what does the word rhinoplasty mean?
Rhinoplasty. What is rhinoplasty and what does the word rhinoplasty mean?
Minimally Invasive Surgery
Minimally Invasive Surgery. What is it, why is it done, and how is minimally invasive surgery performed?
Minimally Invasive Surgery. What is it, why is it done, and how is minimally invasive surgery performed?
Debridement
Learn what debridement it, why it is done and the methods used for debridement in and out of surgery.
Learn what debridement it, why it is done and the methods used for debridement in and out of surgery.
Scrub Nurse
Looking for information about nursing careers including scrub nurse jobs? Wondering who will be in the operating room during your surgery? Find out more about scrub nurse jobs and the role they play in the operating room.
Looking for information about nursing careers including scrub nurse jobs? Wondering who will be in the operating room during your surgery? Find out more about scrub nurse jobs and the role they play in the operating room.
Circulating Nurse Definition
Wondering what a circulating nurse is, and what a circulating nurse does? Learn more about circulating nurse job duties and more.
Wondering what a circulating nurse is, and what a circulating nurse does? Learn more about circulating nurse job duties and more.
Ablation Defined
Ablation defined, surgical ablation explained.
Ablation defined, surgical ablation explained.
Abscess Defined
An explanation of abscess. The definition of abscess with examples.
An explanation of abscess. The definition of abscess with examples.
Acute Definition
Acute definition. Find out what acute means and why it matters in medicine.
Acute definition. Find out what acute means and why it matters in medicine.
Adenoids Defined
What are adenoids, where are they and what do they do.
What are adenoids, where are they and what do they do.
Analgesics and Analgesia Explained
Find out what analgesics are and what analgesia means. Learn more about analgesics here.
Find out what analgesics are and what analgesia means. Learn more about analgesics here.
Anastomosis Defined
The surgical term anastamosis explained in detail, with image.
The surgical term anastamosis explained in detail, with image.
Anesthesiology Defined
The definition of anesthesiology, including an explanation of the types of anesthesia.
The definition of anesthesiology, including an explanation of the types of anesthesia.
Anterior Defined
The definition of the word anterior, find out the meaning of anterior.
The definition of the word anterior, find out the meaning of anterior.
Antibiotics Explained
What exactly is an antibiotic? What do they treat, and what do they not treat? Learn more about antibiotic medications here.
What exactly is an antibiotic? What do they treat, and what do they not treat? Learn more about antibiotic medications here.
Anticoagulants Explained
Wondering about anticoagulants and surgery? Learn more about what anticoagulants are and why they are used for surgery patients.
Wondering about anticoagulants and surgery? Learn more about what anticoagulants are and why they are used for surgery patients.
Antifungal Drugs
Antifungal drugs are a category of medications. Find out more about antifungals, why they are used, how they are given here.
Antifungal drugs are a category of medications. Find out more about antifungals, why they are used, how they are given here.
Anxiolytic Drugs Explained
Learn more about anxiolytic drugs, including why anxiolytic medications are prescribed.
Learn more about anxiolytic drugs, including why anxiolytic medications are prescribed.
Apnea Definition
Find out what apnea is, what causes apnea and how apnea is diagnosed.
Find out what apnea is, what causes apnea and how apnea is diagnosed.
Appendectomy Defined
Appendectomy defined
Appendectomy defined
Artery Definition
Artery defined. Learn what artery means and how arterial blood differs from venous blood.
Artery defined. Learn what artery means and how arterial blood differs from venous blood.
Attending Surgeon Defined
Learn about the different education levels of physicians, including attending, fellow, resident, intern and medical student. Attending Defined. Who is an attending. Do I need an attending? Is an attending better than a non-attending?
Learn about the different education levels of physicians, including attending, fellow, resident, intern and medical student. Attending Defined. Who is an attending. Do I need an attending? Is an attending better than a non-attending?
Bacteremia Defined
What is bacteremia, how is it treated. More about bacteremia, sepsis and septic shock. Bacteremia explained.
What is bacteremia, how is it treated. More about bacteremia, sepsis and septic shock. Bacteremia explained.
Bariatrics Defined
The definition of bariatric.
The definition of bariatric.
Bilateral Defined
The definition of bilateral. An explanation of the term bilateral.
The definition of bilateral. An explanation of the term bilateral.
Biopsy Defined
What is a biopsy, why is a biopsy performed and what is the purpose of a biopsy.
What is a biopsy, why is a biopsy performed and what is the purpose of a biopsy.
Blood Poisoning Defined
Blood poisoning explained, including what blood poisoning is, how is it treated, who is at risk for blood poisoning.
Blood poisoning explained, including what blood poisoning is, how is it treated, who is at risk for blood poisoning.
Body Mass Index (BMI) Defined
Explaining what a body mass index means and how it is calculated.
Explaining what a body mass index means and how it is calculated.
Cardiac Defined
The definition of cardiac.
The definition of cardiac.
Cardiothoracic Defined
The definition of cardiothoracic, including surgical specialty and surgical procedures.
The definition of cardiothoracic, including surgical specialty and surgical procedures.
Catheter Definition
What is a catheter and why is it used, find out what a catheter is and why a catheter is used in medicine.
What is a catheter and why is it used, find out what a catheter is and why a catheter is used in medicine.
Cervical Defined
The definition of cervical, what does cervical mean, including cervical vertebrae and a woman's cervix,
The definition of cervical, what does cervical mean, including cervical vertebrae and a woman's cervix,
Cervix Defined
Definition of the cervix
Definition of the cervix
Cholecystectomy-Gallbladder Removal Defined
Cholecystectomy defined
Cholecystectomy defined
Clitoris Defined
What is the clitoris and where is it located? Understand the purpose of the clitoris, the location and more.
What is the clitoris and where is it located? Understand the purpose of the clitoris, the location and more.
Colon Rectal Surgery Defined - What is Colon Rectal Surgery
An explanation of the surgical specialty of colon rectal surgery.
An explanation of the surgical specialty of colon rectal surgery.
Congenital Definition - What Does Congenital Mean
An explanation of the term congenital, including congenital birth defects and congenital diseases.
An explanation of the term congenital, including congenital birth defects and congenital diseases.
Coronary Arteries Defined
Definition of coronary arteries
Definition of coronary arteries
Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG) Defined
Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) defined
Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) defined
Diurectic Drugs Explained
Find out what a diuretic drug is, how it works and why it is given.
Find out what a diuretic drug is, how it works and why it is given.
Dumping Syndrome Defined
The definition of dumping syndrome.
The definition of dumping syndrome.
Duodenum Defined
Duodenum defined.
Duodenum defined.
DVT: Deep Vein Thrombosis
Learn what a DVT, or deep vein thrombosis is, where they are commonly found and why they are more common after surgery.
Learn what a DVT, or deep vein thrombosis is, where they are commonly found and why they are more common after surgery.
Dyspnea Defined
What is dyspnea? What does the term dyspnea mean? Find out what dyspnea means.
What is dyspnea? What does the term dyspnea mean? Find out what dyspnea means.
Endotracheal Tube Defined
Endotracheal tube defined
Endotracheal tube defined
Escharotomy Defined
Explaining what an escharotomy is and why this surgical procedure is done for burn patients.
Explaining what an escharotomy is and why this surgical procedure is done for burn patients.
Excise, Excision Definition
Excise, or excision surgery, explained. Find out what excision means and how it applies to your surgery.
Excise, or excision surgery, explained. Find out what excision means and how it applies to your surgery.
Fallopian Tubes Defined
Fallopian tubes defined.
Fallopian tubes defined.
Fellowship Definition
What is a fellow? What is a surgical or medical fellowship? Learn more about how physicians are educated, what it means to be a fellow, and how a surgery fellowship plays a role in the training of new doctors.
What is a fellow? What is a surgical or medical fellowship? Learn more about how physicians are educated, what it means to be a fellow, and how a surgery fellowship plays a role in the training of new doctors.
Foley Catheter Definition
Need information about Foley Catheters? Wondering what a foley catheter is, why it is use and how a foley catheter is used? Learn all about Foley Catheters here.
Need information about Foley Catheters? Wondering what a foley catheter is, why it is use and how a foley catheter is used? Learn all about Foley Catheters here.
General Anesthesia Defined
Definition of general anesthesia
Definition of general anesthesia
General Surgery Defined
The definition of general surgery, with the practice of general surgeons explained.
The definition of general surgery, with the practice of general surgeons explained.
Gynecology Surgery Defined
The definition of gynecology surgery, including the types of procedures performed by surgeons specializing in gynecology.
The definition of gynecology surgery, including the types of procedures performed by surgeons specializing in gynecology.
Hemorrhage (Haemorrhage) Definition
What is hemorrhage, and when is bleeding technically a hemorrhage, or haemorrhage? Learn more about hemorrhage, how it is treated and when it is a medical emergency.
What is hemorrhage, and when is bleeding technically a hemorrhage, or haemorrhage? Learn more about hemorrhage, how it is treated and when it is a medical emergency.
Hepatic Defined
Hepatic explained in detail.
Hepatic explained in detail.
Hernia Defined
The definition of the word hernia.
The definition of the word hernia.
Ileum Defined
The Definition of Ileum
The Definition of Ileum
In Situ Definition
In situ definition, what in situ means.
In situ definition, what in situ means.
Inpatient Surgery Defined
Inpatient surgery defined.
Inpatient surgery defined.
Intern Definition
What is an intern? What kind of doctor is an intern? What does intern mean and why is it important? Find out what you need to know if you are being cared for by an intern.
What is an intern? What kind of doctor is an intern? What does intern mean and why is it important? Find out what you need to know if you are being cared for by an intern.
Intubation Defined
The definition of intubation, an explanation of why intubation is done and images of intubation.
The definition of intubation, an explanation of why intubation is done and images of intubation.
Jejunum Defined
The definition of jejunum.
The definition of jejunum.
Kidneys Defined
The kidneys are very important organs in the human body, without the kidneys a person will require dialysis.
The kidneys are very important organs in the human body, without the kidneys a person will require dialysis.
Laparoscope Defined
Laparoscope defined
Laparoscope defined
Laparoscopic Surgery
The definition of laparoscopic surgery
The definition of laparoscopic surgery
Local Anesthesia Defined
There are several types of anesthesia, local anesthesia is one of the types used for minor procedures.
There are several types of anesthesia, local anesthesia is one of the types used for minor procedures.
Lymph Nodes Defined
An explanation of the function of lymph nodes, their location and more.
An explanation of the function of lymph nodes, their location and more.
Malabsorptive Surgeries
Malabsorptive weight loss surgery defined.
Malabsorptive weight loss surgery defined.
Mammogram Defined
A mammogram is a test performed to examine breast tissue. Learn more about what a mammogram is, how it is performed and why.
A mammogram is a test performed to examine breast tissue. Learn more about what a mammogram is, how it is performed and why.
Mastectomy Defined
What is a mastectomy and why is a mastectomy performed. The definition of surgical mastectomy.
What is a mastectomy and why is a mastectomy performed. The definition of surgical mastectomy.
Maxillofacial Surgery Defined
Maxillofacial surgery defined.
Maxillofacial surgery defined.
Microsurgery Defined
An explanation of microsurgery. What is microsurgery and when is microsurgery appropriate.
An explanation of microsurgery. What is microsurgery and when is microsurgery appropriate.
MRI Defined
Learn what an MRI does, how it works and why you might need one.
Learn what an MRI does, how it works and why you might need one.
Necrosis Definition
Necrosis explained in detail, including the cause of necrosis.
Necrosis explained in detail, including the cause of necrosis.
Neurosurgery Definition
An explanation of the term neurosurgery.
An explanation of the term neurosurgery.
Obstetrics Defined
The definition of obstetrics, including surgery.
The definition of obstetrics, including surgery.
Oncology Surgery Defined
The definition of oncology surgery, or surgical oncology.
The definition of oncology surgery, or surgical oncology.
Open Surgery Defined
The definition of "open" surgery.
The definition of "open" surgery.
Operation Defined
What is an operation? What does operation mean? What is the difference between a surgery and an operation? Find out about operations and how to prepare for one.
What is an operation? What does operation mean? What is the difference between a surgery and an operation? Find out about operations and how to prepare for one.
Ophthalmology Defined
The definition of ophthalmology, including surgery.
The definition of ophthalmology, including surgery.
Oral Surgery Defined
The definition of oral surgery, including the practice of maxillofacial surgery. Includes the types of procedures performed by oral surgeons.
The definition of oral surgery, including the practice of maxillofacial surgery. Includes the types of procedures performed by oral surgeons.
Organ Transplant Surgery Defined
The definition of transplant surgery.
The definition of transplant surgery.
Orthopedic Surgery Defined - What is Orthopedic Surgery
The branch of orthopedic surgery explained.
The branch of orthopedic surgery explained.
Otolaryngology (Ear Nose and Throat) Defind
The definition of Otolaryngology.
The definition of Otolaryngology.
Outpatient Surgery
Outpatient procedure defined.
Outpatient procedure defined.
Ovary Defined
The definition of ovary.
The definition of ovary.
Palliative Care Definition
Learn more about palliative care and palliative medicine, find out what palliative care is, when it is appropriate and more.
Learn more about palliative care and palliative medicine, find out what palliative care is, when it is appropriate and more.
Pancreas Defined
Of all the organs in the human body, the pancreas is one of the least understood. Find out what the pancreas does, where it is and why it is so important.
Of all the organs in the human body, the pancreas is one of the least understood. Find out what the pancreas does, where it is and why it is so important.
Paralytic Drugs Explained
Learn more about paralytic medications and why they are used.
Learn more about paralytic medications and why they are used.
Patient Controlled Analgesia Explained
Patient Controlled Analgesia (PCA) explained.
Patient Controlled Analgesia (PCA) explained.
Patient Defined
What is the definition of patient? Who is a patient? Learn what a patient is, then find more information about being an informed patient.
What is the definition of patient? Who is a patient? Learn what a patient is, then find more information about being an informed patient.
Pediatric Surgery Defined
An explanation of the surgical specialty of pediatric surgery including when an adult may be treated by a pediatric surgeon.
An explanation of the surgical specialty of pediatric surgery including when an adult may be treated by a pediatric surgeon.
Perioperative Defined
Learn what perioperative means, how long the perioperative period lasts and what happens during the perioperative phase.
Learn what perioperative means, how long the perioperative period lasts and what happens during the perioperative phase.
Plastic, Reconstructive and Cosmetic Surgery Defined
The practice of plastic surgery defined, including areas of practice of plastic surgeons. Find out what reconstructive and cosmetic plastic surgery means.
The practice of plastic surgery defined, including areas of practice of plastic surgeons. Find out what reconstructive and cosmetic plastic surgery means.
Podiatry Defined - What is a Podiatrist
Podiatry explained. What is podiatry, what does a podiatrist do, when do you need a podiatrist.
Podiatry explained. What is podiatry, what does a podiatrist do, when do you need a podiatrist.
Post Operative Defined
What does post operative mean? When does the post operative period end? What happens during the post operative phase of surgery? Learn these things and more!
What does post operative mean? When does the post operative period end? What happens during the post operative phase of surgery? Learn these things and more!
Preoperative Definition
What does preoperative mean? How long is the preoperative phase of surgery? When does the preoperative period end? Find out the definition of preoperative and what you need to know in the preoperative phase of surgery.
What does preoperative mean? How long is the preoperative phase of surgery? When does the preoperative period end? Find out the definition of preoperative and what you need to know in the preoperative phase of surgery.
Prolapse Defined
Prolapse explained in detail, including uterine prolapse.
Prolapse explained in detail, including uterine prolapse.
Prophylactic Defined - The Meaning of Prophylactic
What does prophylactic mean? The definition of prophylactic, such as prophylactic mastectomy and prophylactic antibiotics. The definition of prophylactic.
What does prophylactic mean? The definition of prophylactic, such as prophylactic mastectomy and prophylactic antibiotics. The definition of prophylactic.
Pulmonary Defined
Pulmonary explained in detail
Pulmonary explained in detail
Pus Defined
An explanation of the term pus, including what pus is made of, what pus means and why pus is a problem after surgery.
An explanation of the term pus, including what pus is made of, what pus means and why pus is a problem after surgery.
Referred Pain Defined
Referred pain explained, learn more about referred pain.
Referred pain explained, learn more about referred pain.
Regional Anesthesia Defined
There are several types of anesthesia, regional anesthesia is one type used during minor procedures.
There are several types of anesthesia, regional anesthesia is one type used during minor procedures.
Resection Defined
Resection surgery explained in detail. Learn more about surgical resections.
Resection surgery explained in detail. Learn more about surgical resections.
Resident Defined-What is a Resident
An explanation of the different levels of education for doctors, including medical and surgical residents. Know who is taking care of your healthcare!
An explanation of the different levels of education for doctors, including medical and surgical residents. Know who is taking care of your healthcare!
Restrictive Weight Loss Surgery Defined
The definition of restrictive weight loss surgery.
The definition of restrictive weight loss surgery.
Scrub Tech Definition
Wondering what a scrub tech is, and what a surgical scrub does? Learn about surgical scrub technicians, what they do in surgery and how they function in an operating room.
Wondering what a scrub tech is, and what a surgical scrub does? Learn about surgical scrub technicians, what they do in surgery and how they function in an operating room.
Sepsis Defined
Sepsis after surgery can be a life-threatening complication. What is sepsis, what causes sepsis and what is done to treat sepsis. Understand when sepsis becomes septic shock and the treatments necessary.
Sepsis after surgery can be a life-threatening complication. What is sepsis, what causes sepsis and what is done to treat sepsis. Understand when sepsis becomes septic shock and the treatments necessary.
Shunt Defined
What is a shunt? What does shunting mean? Find out what a shunt it and what shunting means here.
What is a shunt? What does shunting mean? Find out what a shunt it and what shunting means here.
Spleen Explained
What does the spleen do and how does it function? Find out what the spleen does and why you can live without it.
What does the spleen do and how does it function? Find out what the spleen does and why you can live without it.
Surgeon Definition
Surgeon explained. The types of surgeons explained in detail. Learn about surgeons, types of surgeons and more.
Surgeon explained. The types of surgeons explained in detail. Learn about surgeons, types of surgeons and more.
Surgery Defined - What Does Surgery Mean
The definition of surgery, including what is surgery and what does surgery mean. Learn what surgery includes, what you need to know before having surgery and much more.
The definition of surgery, including what is surgery and what does surgery mean. Learn what surgery includes, what you need to know before having surgery and much more.
Surgical Defined
Surgical terminology, what does surgical mean? Surgical technology, surgical techniques, surgical procedures. Understand the meaning of surgical.
Surgical terminology, what does surgical mean? Surgical technology, surgical techniques, surgical procedures. Understand the meaning of surgical.
Sutures Defined
The definition of surgical sutures.
The definition of surgical sutures.
Thoracic Surgery Defined
An explanation of what thoracic surgery is, the structures a thoracic surgeon operates on and more.
An explanation of what thoracic surgery is, the structures a thoracic surgeon operates on and more.
Tonsillith or Tonsil Stone Defined
An explanation of the term tonsillith or tonsil stone.
An explanation of the term tonsillith or tonsil stone.
Tonsillitis Defined
What is tonsillitis, what causes tonsillitis and how is it treated.
What is tonsillitis, what causes tonsillitis and how is it treated.
Tonsils Defined
An explanation of what tonsils do, where they are and what they are.
An explanation of what tonsils do, where they are and what they are.
Trauma Surgery Defined
The definition of the surgical specialty of trauma.
The definition of the surgical specialty of trauma.
Twilight Sleep Defined
Twilight Sleep is a commonly used term to describe a type of anesthesia.
Twilight Sleep is a commonly used term to describe a type of anesthesia.
Ultrasound Definition
What is an ultrasound test, why is it done and how does it work.
What is an ultrasound test, why is it done and how does it work.
Umbilicus Defined
The definition of umbilicus, along with how it is created.
The definition of umbilicus, along with how it is created.
Uterus Defined
The definition of uterus.
The definition of uterus.
Vagina Defined
The definition of vagina
The definition of vagina
Vascular Surgery Defined
An explanation of the term vascular surgery.
An explanation of the term vascular surgery.
Ventilator Defined
Ventilators explained in detail. Why do you need a ventilator, why will a ventilator be used and how does it work.
Ventilators explained in detail. Why do you need a ventilator, why will a ventilator be used and how does it work.
What Is a Fistula?
Learn more about fistulas and how they happen.
Learn more about fistulas and how they happen.