Dictionary

Surgical

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

radiopaqueBlocking x-rays, so the material shows up white on an x-ray image.

recoveryThe process of getting better after an illness, injury, surgery or substance use, or the time just after anesthesia.

reprocessingThe steps that make a used reusable medical device safe to use on the next patient.

resectionSurgery to remove part of an organ or tissue.

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

reverse Trendelenburg positionA position lying on the back on a bed or table that is tilted so the head is higher than the feet, with the body kept straight.

rongeurA strong surgical instrument with sharp, cup-shaped jaws used to bite away small pieces of bone.