Common Terminologies used in Surgery
A. Surgical Procedures and Techniques
These terms describe different types of surgeries, techniques, and approaches.
1. Laparotomy: A surgical incision into the abdominal cavity.
2. Laparoscopy: A minimally invasive surgical technique using small incisions and a
camera (laparoscope).
3. Thoracotomy: An incision into the chest wall to access the thoracic organs.
4. Craniotomy: A surgical opening into the skull to access the brain.
5. Arthroscopy: A minimally invasive procedure used to diagnose and treat joint
problems.
6. Resection: The surgical removal of part or all of an organ or tissue.
7. Excision: The removal of a diseased tissue or organ.
8. Debridement: The removal of damaged or infected tissue to improve healing.
9. Amputation: The surgical removal of a limb or part of a limb.
10. Anastomosis: A surgical connection between two structures, typically blood vessels
or segments of the intestine.
11. Biopsy: The removal of a small sample of tissue for diagnostic purposes.
12. Hemostasis: The process of stopping bleeding during surgery.
13. Suturing: The act of closing a wound with stitches.
14. Stapling: The use of surgical staples to close wounds or connect tissues.
15. Dissection: The careful separation of tissues during surgery.
16. Grafting: Transplanting tissue or organs from one part of the body to another.
17. Flap: A piece of tissue that is partially detached and moved to cover a wound or
defect while maintaining its original blood supply.
18. Ligation: The surgical tying of blood vessels or ducts to stop the flow of blood or
other fluids.
19. Cauterization: The process of burning tissue to stop bleeding or prevent infection.
20. Drainage: The removal of fluid, pus, or blood from a wound or body cavity using
tubes or drains.
B. Surgical Instruments
Common tools used in surgical procedures:
21. Scalpel: A small, sharp knife used for making incisions.
22. Forceps: Instruments used for grasping or holding tissues during surgery.
23. Retractor: A device used to hold back tissues or organs to provide better visibility
for the surgeon.
24. Clamp: A device used to compress blood vessels or tissues to prevent bleeding.
25. Hemostat: A type of clamp specifically used to control bleeding by clamping blood
vessels.
26. Suction: A device used to remove blood, fluid, or debris from a surgical field.
27. Curette: A spoon-shaped instrument used for scraping or removing tissue.
28. Bovie: An electrocautery device used to cut tissue or cauterize blood vessels.
29. Scissors: Used for cutting tissue, available in various sizes and designs.
a) Metzenbaum Scissors: Used for cutting delicate tissues.
b) Mayo Scissors: Used for cutting heavier tissues.
30. Needle Holder: A tool used for holding needles during suturing.
31. Trocar: A sharp-pointed surgical instrument used for making an entry into the body
cavity, often used in laparoscopy.
C. Surgical Positions
Patient positioning is critical during surgery to optimize access and minimize complications:
32. Supine Position: The patient lies flat on their back, commonly used for abdominal
and thoracic surgeries.
33. Prone Position: The patient lies face down, often used for spine surgeries.
34. Lateral Decubitus Position: The patient lies on their side, used for surgeries on the
lungs or kidneys.
35. Trendelenburg Position: The patient lies flat on their back with the feet elevated
higher than the head, used to improve access to the lower abdomen and pelvis.
36. Reverse Trendelenburg: The head is elevated higher than the feet, used in upper
abdominal surgeries.
37. Lithotomy Position: The patient lies on their back with the legs raised and supported
by stirrups, often used for gynecological and urological surgeries.
38. Fowler’s Position: The patient is seated in a semi-upright position, used in head,
neck, and chest surgeries.
D. Anesthesia and Related Terminologies
Terms related to the administration of anesthesia and patient management:
39. General Anesthesia: The patient is rendered unconscious and insensitive to pain for
the duration of the surgery.
40. Local Anesthesia: Numbing a small, specific area of the body while the patient
remains conscious.
41. Regional Anesthesia: Numbing a larger region of the body (e.g., spinal or epidural
anesthesia) while the patient is awake.
42. Sedation: The use of drugs to relax the patient, reduce anxiety, and sometimes induce
sleep without full anesthesia.
43. Intubation: The insertion of a tube into the airway to maintain breathing during
general anesthesia.
44. Extubation: The removal of the endotracheal tube after surgery when the patient is
ready to breathe on their own.
45. Analgesia: Pain relief or the absence of pain sensation.
46. Induction: The process of initiating general anesthesia in a patient before surgery.
47. Recovery: The phase following surgery when the patient wakes up from anesthesia
and is monitored for any complications.
E. Intraoperative Terminologies
Terms commonly used during surgery to describe steps, actions, or observations:
48. Incision: A cut made into the body during surgery.
49. Hemorrhage: Excessive bleeding during or after surgery.
50. Mobilization: Freeing up a structure or organ during surgery to facilitate
manipulation or removal.
51. Closure: The final step of surgery, where the incision is sutured or stapled.
52. Exploratory Surgery: A procedure done to examine the inside of the body to
diagnose a condition.
53. Margins: Refers to the edges of the tissue removed during surgery, which are
analyzed to ensure complete removal of diseased tissue (especially in cancer surgery).
F. Preoperative and Postoperative Terms
Terms related to patient care before and after surgery:
54. Preoperative: The period before surgery when preparations are made (e.g., fasting,
lab tests).
55. Postoperative: The period after surgery during which the patient recovers.
56. Informed Consent: The process by which a patient gives permission for surgery after
understanding the risks and benefits.
57. Recovery Room (PACU): Post-Anesthesia Care Unit where patients recover from
anesthesia immediately after surgery.
58. Postoperative Care: The monitoring and treatment of the patient after surgery to
manage pain, prevent infection, and promote healing.
