Plain-language definitions for terms relevant to the selected surgical field. Click any “See also” link to jump to a related term.
Select a specialty to see terms tailored to a surgical field. Common surgical terms are shown here.
Also called: lifting restrictions
Temporary limits on lifting, exercise, driving, or work while the body heals after surgery. The exact limits depend on the operation and your care team's instructions.
See also: Follow-up visit, Wound care
Also called: general anesthesia, regional anesthesia
Medicine used to prevent pain during a procedure. Some anesthesia makes you sleep, while other types numb part of the body.
See also: Recovery room
Also called: tissue sample
Removal of a small sample of tissue so it can be checked under a microscope.
See also: Pathology report
Also called: surgical complication
An unexpected problem related to surgery or recovery, such as infection, bleeding, fluid buildup, or delayed healing.
See also: Follow-up visit, Wound care
Also called: post-op visit, postoperative visit
A visit after surgery to check healing, review results, remove drains or stitches if needed, and answer recovery questions.
See also: Wound care, Complication
Also called: surgical cut
A cut made through the skin during surgery. Incisions need care while they heal.
See also: Wound care, Incision care
Also called: laparoscopic surgery, keyhole surgery
Surgery done through smaller openings using cameras or special instruments instead of one larger incision.
See also: Open surgery
Also called: traditional surgery
Surgery done through a larger incision so the surgeon can directly see and work on the area.
See also: Minimally invasive surgery
Also called: PACU, post-anesthesia care unit
The area where patients are closely monitored as they wake up after anesthesia.
See also: Anesthesia
Also called: drain, JP drain, Jackson-Pratt drain
A small tube used after some operations to remove fluid from the surgical area while healing begins.
See also: Seroma, Follow-up visit
Also called: incision care at home
Steps to keep a surgical area clean, protected, and watched for signs of infection while it heals.
See also: Incision, Follow-up visit