Medical Terminology - Ch 4 (Surgical Terms)

Surgical Terms in Medical Terminology

• Biopsy: Involves the removal of living tissue for microscopic examination to diagnose diseases.
• Dermatoautoplasty: Surgical procedure utilizing the patient's own skin for repair.
• Dermatoheteroplasty: Surgical method involving grafting skin from a donor to repair a defect.
• Dermatome: A specialized instrument designed for cutting the skin into thin layers, typically for skin grafting.
• Dermatoplasty: General term for any surgical repair of the skin, enhancing appearance or function.
• Onychectomy: Surgical removal of a nail, often performed due to ingrowth or other nail issues.
• Rhytidectomy: Commonly known as a facelift; this procedure involves the excision of wrinkles to enhance facial appearance.
• Rhytidoplasty: Refers to surgical techniques that repair or diminish the appearance of wrinkles.
• Cauterization: Process of using heat, cold, electric current, or chemicals to destroy tissue, often for sealing wounds or stopping bleeding.
• Cryosurgery: Technique that uses extreme cold to destroy abnormal tissues, often employing liquid nitrogen for effectiveness.
• Debridement: The removal of dead or contaminated tissue from a wound to promote healing and prevent infection.
• Dermabrasion: Cosmetic procedure that removes scars or skin imperfections using abrasive materials like sandpaper.
• Excision: Surgical removal of tissue or organ, can be performed for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes.
• Incision: A surgical cut made with a sharp instrument to access underlying tissues for examination or treatment.
• Incision and Drainage: A type of procedure involving surgical cuts to allow fluids to drain from wounds or lesions for relief.
• Laser Surgery: Advanced technique using focused light beams for cutting or vaporizing tissue, offering precision and reduced recovery time.
• Mohs Surgery: A meticulous surgical technique where skin cancer is removed layer by layer, ensuring complete excision while preserving healthy tissue.
• Suturing: The surgical practice of stitching the edges of a wound together to promote healing and reduce scarring.