Terminology in surgery

How to describe an operation

The terminology used to describe all operations is a composite of basic Latin or Greek terms.

First describe the organ to be operated on

Examples:

• lapar-, abdomen (laparus = flank);
• nephro-, kidney;
• pyelo-, renal pelvis;
• cysto-, bladder;
• chole-, bile/the biliary system;
• col(on)-, large bowel;
• hystero-, uterus;
• thoraco-, chest;
• rhino-, nose;
• masto/mammo-, breast.

Second describe any other organs or things involved in the procedure

Examples:

• docho-, duct;
• angio-, vessel (blood- or bile-carrying);
• litho-, stone.

Third describe what is to be done

Examples:

• -otomy, to cut (open);
• -ectomy, to remove;
• -plasty, to change shape or size;
• -pexy, to change position;
• -raphy, to sew together;
• -oscopy, to look into;
• -ostomy, to create an opening in (stoma = mouth);
• -paxy, to crush;
• -graphy/gram, image (of).

Lastly add any terms to qualify how or where the procedure is done

Examples:

• percutaneous, via the skin;
• trans-, across;
• antegrade, forward;
• retrograde, backwards.

Examples of terms

• Choledochoduodenostomy an opening between the bile duct and the duodenum.
• Rhinoplasty nose reshaping.
• Pyelolithopaxy destruction of pelvicalyceal stones.
• Bilateral mastopexy breast lifts.
• Percutaneous arteriogram arterial tree imaging by direct puncture injection.
• Loop ileostomy external opening in the small bowel with two sides.
• Flexible cystourethroscopy internal bladder and urethral inspection.