Dictionary

Surgical

Terms from the operating room and the care of surgical clients.

cefazolinA first-generation cephalosporin antibiotic given by injection into a vein or muscle.

cesareanRelating to the birth of a baby through a surgical cut in the mother's abdomen and uterus.

cesarean birthBirth of a baby through surgical cuts in the belly and the uterus.

cholecystectomySurgery to remove the gallbladder.

circumcisionSurgery to remove the foreskin, the skin that covers the tip of the penis.

clampA device that squeezes something shut, such as a tube or blood vessel, to stop flow.

cleft lipA split or opening in the upper lip that is present at birth.

colectomySurgery to remove all or part of the colon.

colostomyA surgical opening that brings part of the colon through the belly wall, so stool leaves the body into a pouch.

common bile ductThe tube that carries bile from the liver and gallbladder into the small intestine.

compartment syndromeA buildup of pressure inside a closed group of muscles that cuts off their blood supply.

complicationA new health problem that develops during or after an illness, procedure or treatment.

continuous bladder irrigationA steady flow of sterile fluid run into the bladder and drained back out through a three-way catheter.

craniotomySurgery in which a piece of the skull is removed to reach the brain, and usually put back at the end.

CSTCertified Surgical Technologist, a credential for surgical technologists; in maternity care, contraction stress test.

curetteA surgical instrument with a small spoon- or loop-shaped tip used to scrape tissue.