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dissect

To cut apart or separate tissues carefully during surgery.

dy-SEKT, or dih-SEKT verb

What it means

Surgeons dissect to separate tissue layers and expose the structure they need. Sharp dissection uses a scalpel or scissors; blunt dissection pushes tissues apart with a finger, a closed instrument or a small sponge on a clamp (a peanut or Kitner).

At a glance

Also writtendissected, dissects

Related terms

retractor

A surgical instrument that holds back tissue or organs so the surgeon can see and reach the operative site.

hemostat

A clamp with finger rings and a locking ratchet used in surgery to grasp and close off bleeding vessels.

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