Introduction to Surgical Technology

A small and sharp knife used by surgeons.

A small and sharp knife used by surgeons.

"The surgeon used a sterilized scalpel to make the initial incision."

A drug used to prevent pain during surgery.

A drug used to prevent pain during surgery.

"The patient was given anesthesia before the operation began."

A surgical cut made in skin or flesh.

A surgical cut made in skin or flesh.

"The surgeon made a precise incision to access the organ."

A stitch or row of stitches holding together the edges of a wound or surgical incision.

A stitch or row of stitches holding together the edges of a wound or surgical incision.

"The doctor used sutures to close the wound."

The process of making something free from bacteria or other living microorganisms.

The process of making something free from bacteria or other living microorganisms.

"All surgical instruments are subjected to sterilization before use."

A person who assists surgeons during operations and maintains sterile conditions.

A person who assists surgeons during operations and maintains sterile conditions.

"The scrub nurse handed the instruments to the surgeon."

A pair of pincers or tweezers used in surgery or in a laboratory.

A pair of pincers or tweezers used in surgery or in a laboratory.

"The surgeon used forceps to remove the foreign object."

A surgical instrument used to separate the edges of a surgical incision or wound.

A surgical instrument used to separate the edges of a surgical incision or wound.

"The retractor helped to keep the incision open during the procedure."

The process of burning a part of a body to remove or close off a part of it.

The process of burning a part of a body to remove or close off a part of it.

"Cauterization was used to stop the bleeding."

A procedure that uses an endoscope to examine the interior of a hollow organ or body cavity.

A procedure that uses an endoscope to examine the interior of a hollow organ or body cavity.

"The doctor performed an endoscopy to view the patient’s stomach."

A surgical diagnostic procedure used to examine the organs inside the abdomen.

A surgical diagnostic procedure used to examine the organs inside the abdomen.

"A laparoscopy can be used to detect causes of abdominal pain."

The removal of tissue to examine it for disease.

The removal of tissue to examine it for disease.

"A biopsy was performed to diagnose the tumor."

The process of stopping bleeding, or the flow of blood.

The process of stopping bleeding, or the flow of blood.

"During surgery, hemostasis is crucial to control blood loss."

The insertion of a tube into a patient's airway to maintain an open airway or to administer certain drugs.

The insertion of a tube into a patient's airway to maintain an open airway or to administer certain drugs.

"Intubation is often necessary for patients under anesthesia."

A sterile room where surgical operations are carried out.

A sterile room where surgical operations are carried out.

"The patient was transported to the operating room for surgery."

The replaceable blade of a scalpel.

The replaceable blade of a scalpel.

"The nurse prepared a new scalpel blade for the surgeon."

A doctor who specializes in the administration of anesthesia.

A doctor who specializes in the administration of anesthesia.

"The anesthesiologist monitored the patient’s vital signs during surgery."

A thin, transparent fabric with a loose open weave, used for wound care.

A thin, transparent fabric with a loose open weave, used for wound care.

"Gauze was used to dress the surgical wound."

A tube used to drain or inject fluid through a body opening.

A tube used to drain or inject fluid through a body opening.

"A catheter was inserted to drain urine during the procedure."

A professional who assists in surgical operations under the supervision of surgeons, registered nurses, or other surgical personnel.

A professional who assists in surgical operations under the supervision of surgeons, registered nurses, or other surgical personnel.

"The surgical technologist ensured all necessary instruments were ready for the operation."