Definition

Noun: 1. Surgical removal of part of a structure or organ: A medical procedure where a surgeon cuts out and removes a specific section of tissue, bone, or an organ.

Usage

The term "resection" is used almost exclusively in medical and surgical contexts. It describes a precise, planned removal of a portion of a bodily structure, often to treat disease, remove a tumor, or relieve an obstruction. It is a more specific term than general "removal" or "excision," implying the removal of a segment while potentially preserving the remaining structure.

Examples

• The patient underwent a bowel resection to remove the cancerous segment of the colon.
• A wedge resection of the lung was performed to obtain a tissue sample for biopsy.
• The surgical plan involved the resection of the damaged portion of the meniscus in the knee.

Advanced Usage

• En bloc resection: A surgical procedure where a tumor is removed in one piece along with a surrounding margin of healthy tissue and any nearby lymph nodes or structures to which it may have attached.
  • The sarcoma required an en bloc resection to ensure clear margins.
• Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP): A common surgery for an enlarged prostate where tissue is removed through the urethra.
  • His symptoms improved significantly after the transurethral resection.

Variants and Related Words

• Resect (verb): To perform a resection; to cut out part of an organ or structure.
  • The surgeon will resect the affected portion of the intestine.
• Resectable (adjective): Describing a tumor or lesion that is suitable for surgical removal by resection.
  • The scan showed the tumor was resectable.

Synonyms

• Excision: The act of cutting out. (Often used interchangeably, though "resection" can imply a more specific, segmental removal.)
• Ablation: The removal or destruction of body tissue. (Can be surgical, but also includes methods like radiofrequency or laser.)
• Extirpation: The complete removal or eradication of a body part, often a gland or growth.

Related Phrases

• Surgical resection: A phrase used to emphasize the procedural nature of the removal.
  • The treatment of choice was surgical resection of the tumor.
• Margin of resection: Refers to the border of healthy tissue removed along with the diseased tissue to ensure complete removal.
  • The pathology report confirmed a clear margin of resection.

Noun

1. surgical removal of part of a structure or organ