Surgery - Glossary of Surgical Terminology

Abduct

Abduct means movement of an extremity away from the midline of the body.

Adduct

Adduct means movement of an extremity towards the midline of the body.

Adeno-

The prefix adeno- refers to glands or glandular tissue.

Afferent

Afferent means travelling or conducting towards a central structure.

Anastomosis

An anastomosis is a surgically created connection between two tubular structures, such as two segments of bowel or two blood vessels.

Angio-

The prefix angio- refers to blood vessels.

Anomalous

Anomalous means deviating from what is considered normal or expected.

Aseptic

Aseptic refers to the complete absence of disease-causing microorganisms or to measures used to prevent microbial contamination.

Atelectasis

Atelectasis refers to collapse of the alveoli, resulting in partial or complete loss of lung volume in the affected area.

Atresia

Atresia is the congenital absence or abnormal narrowing of a normal opening or lumen. The adjective is atretic.

Biopsy

A biopsy is a sample of tissue obtained from the body and sent for histopathological examination to establish a diagnosis.

Cachexia

Cachexia is generalized wasting and loss of body mass associated with chronic disease or malignancy. A patient affected by this condition may be described as cachectic.

Calculus

A calculus is a stone or solid concretion formed within the body, such as a renal or biliary calculus.

Calor

Calor is one of the classic signs of inflammation and refers to increased warmth in the affected area.

Caseation

Caseation is the breakdown of diseased tissue into a soft, cheese-like material. The adjective is caseous.

Caudal

Caudal means relating to or directed towards the lower part of the body.

Cephal-

The prefix cephal- refers to the head.

Cicatrix

A cicatrix is a scar formed after healing of damaged tissue.

Colic

Colic is pain that occurs in waves, usually due to contraction or obstruction of a hollow or tubular organ.

Curettage

Curettage is the scraping of the internal surface of an organ or body cavity using a spoon-shaped surgical instrument known as a curette.

Cyst

A cyst is an abnormal sac lined by epithelium and containing fluid or semi-solid material.

Diaphoresis

Diaphoresis refers to excessive or profuse sweating.

Diverticulum

A diverticulum is a small sac or pouch projecting from the wall of a hollow organ. A true diverticulum contains all the layers of the parent organ, as in Meckel’s diverticulum. A pseudodiverticulum contains only some of the normal wall layers, as commonly seen in diverticular disease of the colon.

Dolor

Dolor is one of the classic signs of inflammation and refers to pain.

Dysphagia

Dysphagia means difficulty swallowing. It should be distinguished from odynophagia, which means painful swallowing.

Ecchymosis

Ecchymosis refers to bruising caused by bleeding into the tissues beneath the skin.

-ectomy

The suffix -ectomy means surgical removal of an organ or structure. For example, parotidectomy is surgical removal of the parotid gland.

Epistaxis

Epistaxis means bleeding from the nose, commonly referred to as a nosebleed.

Excision Biopsy

An excision biopsy is a biopsy in which the entire lesion or tumour is removed for histopathological examination.

Fistula

A fistula is an abnormal epithelialized communication between two epithelial surfaces, organs, or body cavities.

Frequency

Urinary frequency refers to abnormally frequent urination.

Functio Laesa

Functio laesa is one of the classic signs of inflammation and refers to loss or impairment of function.

Haemangioma

A haemangioma is a benign tumour or proliferation of blood vessels.

Haematemesis

Haematemesis means vomiting of blood, usually indicating bleeding from the upper gastrointestinal tract.

Haematoma

A haematoma is a localized collection of blood within tissues that forms a swelling or mass. It may resolve spontaneously or may become secondarily infected.

Haematuria

Haematuria refers to the presence of blood in the urine.

Haemoptysis

Haemoptysis refers to coughing up blood originating from the respiratory tract.

Haemothorax

A haemothorax is the accumulation of blood within the pleural space.

Hesitancy

Urinary hesitancy refers to difficulty in initiating the flow of urine.

Icterus

Icterus is another term for jaundice, characterized by yellow discoloration of the skin, sclerae, and mucous membranes due to elevated bilirubin levels.

Incisional Biopsy

An incisional biopsy is a biopsy in which only part of a lesion or tumour is removed for histopathological examination rather than removing the entire lesion.

Induration

Induration refers to abnormal hardening of a tissue or organ, often caused by inflammation, infiltration, or fibrosis.

Intussusception

Intussusception occurs when one segment of the bowel telescopes into an adjacent segment of bowel, potentially causing intestinal obstruction and impairment of blood supply.

Laparoscopy

Laparoscopy is the visualization of the peritoneal cavity using a laparoscope inserted through small incisions. It uses optical technology to allow inspection and surgical procedures within the abdomen.

Laparotomy

A laparotomy is the surgical opening of the abdominal cavity through an incision.

Lumen

The lumen is the cavity or internal space within a tubular organ, such as the bowel or a blood vessel. The adjective is luminal.

Melaena

Melaena refers to black, tarry stools caused by digested blood, most commonly due to bleeding from the upper gastrointestinal tract.

Nocturia

Nocturia refers to abnormal urination during the night, typically requiring the patient to wake from sleep to pass urine.

Obstipation

Obstipation is the complete inability to pass either stool or flatus and may indicate severe intestinal obstruction.

Odynophagia

Odynophagia means painful swallowing.

Orchid-

The prefix orchid- refers to the testis or testicles.

-orrhaphy

The suffix -orrhaphy refers to surgical repair by suturing. For example, herniorrhaphy is the surgical repair of a hernia.

-ostomy

The suffix -ostomy refers to the surgical creation of an opening or stoma. For example, a colostomy is a surgically created opening of the colon onto the abdominal wall.

-otomy

The suffix -otomy refers to a surgical incision into an organ or structure. For example, a laparotomy involves making an incision into the abdominal cavity.

-pexy

The suffix -pexy refers to the surgical fixation of an organ or structure. For example, orchidopexy is surgical fixation of the testis.

Phlegmon

A phlegmon is a solid, swollen, inflamed mass of tissue. In pancreatitis, the term may be used to describe an inflammatory pancreatic mass.

Pneumaturia

Pneumaturia refers to the passage of gas or air in the urine. It may occur in conditions such as an enterovesical fistula.

Pneumothorax

A pneumothorax is the presence of air within the pleural space, which may cause partial or complete collapse of the affected lung.

Pus

Pus is a thick fluid produced during inflammation, particularly bacterial infection, and consists of inflammatory cells, microorganisms, and tissue debris. The correct adjective is purulent.

Rubor

Rubor is one of the classic signs of inflammation and refers to redness of the affected area.

Sinus

A sinus is an abnormal, blind-ending epithelialized tract that connects a deeper focus of disease to an epithelial surface.

Stenosis

Stenosis means abnormal narrowing of a lumen, passage, or opening.

Suppuration

Suppuration refers to the formation or discharge of pus.

Transection

Transection means transverse or complete division across a structure.

Volar

Volar refers to the surface of the palm of the hand or, in some anatomical contexts, the corresponding flexor surface.

Surgery - Surgical Abbreviations

General Symbols and Terms

# — Fracture.

1ry, 2ry, etc. — Primary, secondary, etc.

a/aa — Artery/arteries.

n/nn — Nerve/nerves.

v/vv — Vein/veins.

AA

AA — Alcoholics Anonymous.

ABG

ABG — Arterial blood gas.

ABPI

ABPI — Ankle-brachial pressure index.

Ab/AdPL/B

Ab/AdPL/B — Abductor/adductor pollicis longus/brevis.

Abx

Abx — Antibiotics.

AC

AC — Air conduction.

ACTH

ACTH — Adrenocorticotrophic hormone.

AF

AF — Atrial fibrillation.

AK[A]

AK[A] — Above knee [amputation].

AIDS

AIDS — Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.

ALP

ALP — Alkaline phosphatase.

Amp

Amp — Ampicillin.

AOE

AOE — Acute otitis externa.

AOM

AOM — Acute otitis media.

AP

AP — Antero-posterior X-ray.

aPTT

aPTT — Activated partial thromboplastin time.

ARDS

ARDS — Adult respiratory distress syndrome.

ASA

ASA — Amino-salicylic acid (aspirin).

ASD

ASD — Atrial septal defect.

ASIS

ASIS — Anterior superior iliac spine.

AST

AST — Aspartate aminotransferase.

AXR

AXR — Abdominal X-ray.

BC

BC — Bone conduction.

bd

bd — Bis die, meaning twice daily.

BE

BE — Below elbow.

BK[A]

BK[A] — Below knee [amputation].

BLS

BLS — Basic Life Support.

BP

BP — Blood pressure.

CA

CA — Carcinoma.

CABG

CABG — Coronary artery bypass graft, sometimes pronounced “cabbage”.

CCF

CCF — Congestive cardiac failure.

Cef

Cef — Cefuroxime.

chrm

chrm — Chromosome.

CIS

CIS — Carcinoma in situ.

CMV

CMV — Cytomegalovirus.

C/O

C/O — Complains of.

COPD

COPD — Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

CRP

CRP — C-reactive protein, an inflammatory marker.

CRT

CRT — Capillary refill time.

CSOM

CSOM — Chronic suppurative otitis media.

CT

CT — Computed tomography.

CVA

CVA — Cerebrovascular accident. The term “stroke” is generally preferred.

CVP

CVP — Central venous pressure.

CXR

CXR — Chest X-ray.

D5W

D5W — Dextrose 5% in water.

DHx

DHx — Drug history.

DIC

DIC — Disseminated intravascular coagulation.

DIPJ

DIPJ — Distal interphalangeal joint.

DM

DM — Diabetes mellitus.

DRE

DRE — Digital rectal examination.

DT

DT — Delirium tremens.

DVT

DVT — Deep vein thrombosis.

Dx

Dx — Diagnosis.

ECG

ECG — Electrocardiogram.

Echo

Echo — Echocardiogram.

ENT

ENT — Ear, nose and throat.

EPB/L

EPB/L — Extensor pollicis brevis/longus.

ESR

ESR — Erythrocyte sedimentation rate.

ETOH

ETOH — Alcohol.

EUA

EUA — Examination under anaesthesia.

Ex-Fix

Ex-Fix — External fixation.

FBC

FBC — Full blood count.

FDP

FDP — Fibrin degradation products.

FDP/S

FDP/S — Flexor digitorum profundus/superficialis.

FESS

FESS — Functional endoscopic sinus surgery.

FFP

FFP — Fresh frozen plasma.

FNA[C]

FNA[C] — Fine needle aspirate [cytology].

FOOSH

FOOSH — Fall on the outstretched hand.

FTSG

FTSG — Full thickness skin graft.

GA

GA — General anaesthetic.

GCS

GCS — Glasgow Coma Scale.

Gent

Gent — Gentamicin.

GP

GP — General Practitioner.

G&S

G&S — Group and save.

GTN

GTN — Glyceryl trinitrate.

GXM

GXM — Group and cross match.

HIV

HIV — Human immunodeficiency virus.

HPV

HPV — Human papilloma virus.

HTN

HTN — Hypertension.

HZO

HZO — Herpes zoster ophthalmicus.

ICP

ICP — Intracranial pressure.

I&D

I&D — Incision and drainage, commonly used for abscesses.

IHD

IHD — Ischaemic heart disease.

IMN

IMN — Intramedullary nailing.

IOP

IOP — Intra-ocular pressure.

ITU

ITU — Intensive Therapy Unit.

IVC

IVC — Inferior vena cava.

IVDU

IVDU — Intravenous drug user.

IVF

IVF — Intravenous fluids.

IVP/U

IVP/U — Intravenous pyelogram/urogram.

JVP

JVP — Jugular venous pressure.

KUB

KUB — Kidneys, ureters and bladder plain film.

LA

LA — Local anaesthetic.

lat

lat — Lateral X-ray.

LFT

LFT — Liver function test.

LUQ

LUQ — Left upper quadrant.

MAX FAX

MAX FAX — Maxillo-facial surgery.

MC

MC — Metacarpal.

M/C/S

M/C/S — Microscopy, culture and sensitivity.

Metro

Metro — Metronidazole.

MI

MI — Myocardial infarction.

MOF

MOF — Multiorgan failure.

MSU

MSU — Midstream urine.

MUA

MUA — Manipulation under anaesthetic.

N/A

N/A — Not applicable.

NAD

NAD — Nil abnormality detected.

NBM

NBM — Nil by mouth.

NGT

NGT — Nasogastric tube.

NOF

NOF — Neck of femur.

N/S

N/S — Normal saline.

NSAIDs

NSAIDs — Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

OA

OA — Osteoarthritis.

OCP

OCP — Oral contraceptive pill.

od

od — Omni die, meaning once daily.

qds

qds — Quater die sumendus, meaning to be taken four times daily.

OGD

OGD — Oesophagogastroduodenoscopy.

OPG

OPG — Orthopantomogram.

ORIF

ORIF — Open reduction and internal fixation.

OT

OT — Operating Theatre/Occupational Therapist.

PAN

PAN — Polyarteritis nodosum.

PCA

PCA — Patient-controlled analgesia.

PCWP

PCWP — Pulmonary capillary wedge pressure.

PDA

PDA — Patent ductus arteriosus.

PE

PE — Pulmonary embolism.

PEEP

PEEP — Positive end-expiratory pressure.

PERLA

PERLA — Pupils equal and reactive to light and accommodation.

PICU

PICU — Paediatric intensive therapy unit.

PIPJ

PIPJ — Proximal interphalangeal joint.

PMHx

PMHx — Past medical history.

PO

PO — Per os, meaning orally.

POP

POP — Plaster of Paris.

PR

PR — Per rectum, meaning rectally.

PRN

PRN — Pro re nata, meaning as needed.

PSIS

PSIS — Posterior superior iliac spine.

PT

PT — Prothrombin time.

PTCA

PTCA — Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty.

PUD

PUD — Peptic ulcer disease.

PV

PV — Per vaginum, meaning vaginally.

qxh

qxh — Every x hours. For example, q3h means every 3 hours.

RAPD

RAPD — Relative afferent pupillary defect.

RBS

RBS — Random blood sugar.

r/o

r/o — Rule out.

RTA

RTA — Road traffic accident.

RUQ

RUQ — Right upper quadrant.

Rx

Rx — Treatment.

SCC

SCC — Squamous cell carcinoma.

SIRS

SIRS — Systemic inflammatory response syndrome.

SLE

SLE — Systemic lupus erythematosus.

SNHL

SNHL — Sensorineural hearing loss.

SOB

SOB — Shortness of breath.

SSG

SSG — Split skin graft.

stat

stat — Immediately.

STD

STD — Sexually transmitted disease.

SVC

SVC — Superior vena cava.

Sx

Sx — Surgery.

SXR

SXR — Skull X-ray.

TB

TB — Tuberculosis.

tds

tds — Ter die sumendus, meaning to be taken three times daily.

TIA

TIA — Transient ischaemic attack.

TM

TM — Tympanic membrane.

TMJ

TMJ — Temporomandibular joint.

TOE

TOE — Transoesophageal echocardiogram.

TPN

TPN — Total parenteral nutrition.

TRAM

TRAM — Transverse rectus abdominis muscle.

TTE

TTE — Transthoracic echocardiogram.

UC

UC — Ulcerative colitis.

U&Es

U&Es — Urea and electrolytes, including creatinine.

U/O

U/O — Urine output.

URTI

URTI — Upper respiratory tract infection.

USS

USS — Ultrasound scan.

UTI

UTI — Urinary tract infection.

Vanc

Vanc — Vancomycin.

VE

VE — Vaginal examination.

VSD

VSD — Ventricular septal defect.

VUJ

VUJ — Vesico-ureteric junction.

WBC/WCC

WBC/WCC — White blood cells/white cell count.

Surgery-

Surgical Signs, Tests, Laws, Syndromes and Eponyms

Allen’s Test

Allen’s test is used to assess the circulation of the hand and the patency of the radial and ulnar arteries. The patient is asked to drain the hand of blood by forming a fist while the examiner compresses both the radial and ulnar arteries. The patient then opens the hand, which should appear blanched. One artery is released and the examiner observes for palmar flushing, indicating arterial patency. The procedure is then repeated for the other artery.

Argyll Robertson Pupil

Argyll Robertson pupil is a condition in which the pupil constricts or dilates appropriately during accommodation but does not respond to light. In other words, the accommodation reflex is preserved while the pupillary light reflex is absent. A useful mnemonic is ARP, PRA, which translates to Accommodation Reflex Present, Pupillary Response Absent.

Barton’s Fracture

Barton’s fracture is a fracture-dislocation of the distal radius and may sometimes be mistaken for a Colles’ fracture. The fracture line extends across the volar lip of the radius and into the wrist joint. The hand and the associated fragment of distal radius undergo proximal and volar displacement.

Battle’s Sign

Battle’s sign is ecchymosis over the mastoid or post-auricular region and is associated with a basal skull fracture. It is an important clinical sign indicating possible fracture of the base of the skull.

Beck’s Triad

Beck’s triad is classically seen in cardiac tamponade. It consists of jugular venous distension, muffled heart sounds, and decreased blood pressure or hypotension. These findings result from impaired cardiac filling due to pressure from fluid within the pericardial sac.

Bell’s Palsy

Bell’s palsy is an acute lower motor neurone facial nerve palsy of unknown aetiology. It produces weakness or paralysis of the muscles on one side of the face and is generally regarded as a diagnosis of exclusion.

Chvostek’s Sign

Chvostek’s sign is seen in hypocalcaemia. It is elicited by tapping over the facial nerve, which causes twitching or contraction of the facial muscles due to increased neuromuscular excitability.

Colles’ Fracture

A Colles’ fracture is a fracture of the distal approximately 2 cm of the radius with dorsal displacement of the distal fragment. This produces the characteristic dinner-fork deformity of the wrist.

Compartment Syndrome

Compartment syndrome is a condition in which pressure increases within a confined anatomical compartment. The rising pressure adversely affects circulation and threatens the function and viability of the muscles, nerves, and other tissues within that compartment.

Cushing’s Triad

Cushing’s triad is seen in raised intracranial pressure. It consists of increased blood pressure, bradycardia, and irregular respirations. These findings may indicate severe intracranial hypertension.

De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis

De Quervain’s tenosynovitis is inflammation of the extensor pollicis brevis (EPB) and abductor pollicis longus (AbPL) tendons, usually secondary to overuse. It causes pain around the radial side of the wrist and may be demonstrated clinically using Finkelstein’s test.

Finkelstein’s Test

Finkelstein’s test is used to assess for De Quervain’s tenosynovitis. The thumb is clenched within the fist and the wrist is moved in a way that stretches the extensor pollicis brevis and abductor pollicis longus tendons. Reproduction of pain over the radial aspect of the wrist supports the diagnosis.

Frey’s Syndrome

Frey’s syndrome is characterized by warmth, flushing, and sweating in the malar or parotid region of the face during eating, or even when thinking or talking about food. It is also known as gustatory sweating. It may follow damage in the parotid region caused by trauma, mumps, purulent infection, or parotidectomy. After the initial damage, autonomic fibres that previously supplied the salivary glands may regenerate incorrectly and connect with sweat glands. As a result, a stimulus that normally causes salivation instead causes sweating and flushing. Flushing has been described as more prevalent in females and sweating as more prevalent in males. Gustatory tears, also known as crocodile tears, may sometimes occur.

Galeazzi Fracture

A Galeazzi fracture is a fracture of the radial shaft associated with dislocation of the distal radioulnar joint. This disrupts the normal forearm axis. It is sometimes referred to as a reverse Monteggia fracture.

Gradenigo’s Syndrome

Gradenigo’s syndrome is seen as a complication of suppurative otitis media. It consists of signs of acute suppurative otitis media, ipsilateral abducens nerve palsy, and pain in the distribution of the ipsilateral trigeminal nerve.

Hitselberger’s Sign

Hitselberger’s sign is an abnormal sensory change involving the posterior external auditory canal, classically associated with acoustic neuroma. It may occur together with ipsilateral hearing loss.

Horner’s Syndrome

Horner’s syndrome results from disruption of the ipsilateral sympathetic nerve supply to the eye and face. It is characterized by ipsilateral ptosis, miosis, anhidrosis, and apparent enophthalmos. A classic cause is a Pancoast tumour, which is a tumour arising from the upper part or apex of the lung.

Monteggia Fracture

A Monteggia fracture consists of dislocation of the radial head associated with a fracture of the proximal third of the ulna.

Osler–Rendu–Weber Syndrome

Osler–Rendu–Weber syndrome, also known as hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia, is a familial disorder characterized by telangiectasia affecting mucosal surfaces. These vascular lesions may be present in several areas, but a common presentation is recurrent epistaxis.

Pendred’s Syndrome

Pendred’s syndrome is an autosomal recessive disorder characterized by congenital sensorineural hearing loss and thyroid enlargement or goitre.

Pierre Robin Sequence

Pierre Robin sequence is characterized by a hypoplastic or small mandible, cleft palate, and glossoptosis. Glossoptosis refers to posterior or downward displacement of the tongue and may contribute to upper airway obstruction or obstructive sleep apnoea. External, middle, and inner ear problems may also occur.

Raccoon Eyes

Raccoon eyes are seen in basal skull fractures and consist of bilateral periorbital ecchymosis. The appearance is also known as panda eyes.

Refsum’s Disease

Refsum’s disease is characterized by retinitis pigmentosa, cerebellar ataxia, peripheral neuropathy, and sensorineural hearing loss. It is an inherited metabolic disorder with prominent neurological, ophthalmological, and auditory manifestations.

Ramsay Hunt Syndrome

Ramsay Hunt syndrome is a facial nerve palsy caused by herpes zoster infection involving the facial nerve. It presents with a lower motor neurone facial nerve palsy together with painful vesicular or haemorrhagic blistering involving the ipsilateral ear or tympanic membrane. It is also known as herpes zoster oticus.

Smith’s Fracture

A Smith’s fracture is a fracture of the distal radius that usually occurs when a patient lands on a flexed wrist. The distal radial fragment is displaced anteriorly or volarly. It is often referred to as a reverse Colles’ fracture.

Superior Vena Cava Syndrome

Superior vena cava syndrome is caused by obstruction of the superior vena cava, for example by a tumour or thrombosis. It produces venous congestion and engorgement of the face, neck, and upper chest veins in the distribution of the superior vena cava.

Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

Thoracic outlet syndrome occurs when structures passing through the thoracic outlet are compressed. Possible causes include a cervical rib. Depending on the structures affected, the patient may develop neurological or vascular symptoms involving the upper limb.

Thornwaldt’s Cyst

A Thornwaldt’s cyst is a benign cystic swelling of the nasopharynx and is uncommon, particularly in adults. It arises from the pharyngeal bursa and is located in the superoposterior nasopharynx. A sufficiently large cyst may contribute to obstruction in this region.

Treacher Collins Syndrome

Treacher Collins syndrome is an autosomal dominant craniofacial disorder characterized by hypoplasia of the maxilla and mandible. Patients may also have microtia, meaning small or underdeveloped ears, together with abnormalities of the external, middle, or inner ear and associated hearing problems.

Trousseau’s Sign

Trousseau’s sign is seen in hypocalcaemia. It is demonstrated by producing temporary blood-flow occlusion with a blood pressure cuff, which causes carpopedal spasm due to increased neuromuscular excitability.

Waardenburg Syndrome

Waardenburg syndrome is an inherited disorder characterized by abnormalities of pigmentation and hearing. Features include telecanthus, pigment abnormalities such as a white forelock and heterochromia iridis, and sensorineural hearing loss. Telecanthus refers to an increased distance between the inner corners of the eyes.