Acute Care Surgery Glossary

Urgent surgical opening of the abdomen to address life-threatening conditions.

Surgical incision into the small bowel, either intentional for access or inadvertent during operation.

Protrusion of abdominal contents through a dehisced surgical wound.

Surgical opening of the abdomen for diagnostic purposes when other methods are inconclusive.

Severe blood loss that threatens life, typically requiring immediate surgical intervention in acute care settings.

Separation or breakdown of the deep abdominal wall layer closure following surgery.

Surgical division of fascial compartments to relieve pressure and restore circulation.

Focused Assessment with Sonography in Trauma - bedside ultrasound examination for internal bleeding.

A rapid bedside ultrasound examination used to detect free fluid in the abdomen and pelvis of trauma patients.

Surgical resection of diseased colon with end colostomy and closure of rectal stump.

Continuous assessment of cardiovascular parameters to guide resuscitation and surgical decision-making in acute care pat...

Systematic adjustment of cardiovascular parameters to improve tissue perfusion and oxygen delivery.

Maintenance of adequate blood pressure and circulation to support organ perfusion.

Clinical condition characterized by inadequate circulation and tissue perfusion requiring immediate intervention.

The presence of blood within the peritoneal cavity, typically resulting from intra-abdominal bleeding.

Supplementary hemostatic agents or devices used alongside traditional surgical techniques to achieve bleeding control.

Achievement of bleeding control through physiological or surgical means during acute care procedures.

Controlled introduction of gas into body cavities, typically CO2 into the abdomen during laparoscopic surgery.

Delayed surgical removal of the appendix following successful non-operative management of complicated appendicitis.

Real-time specialist evaluation requested during surgery for complex decision-making or technical expertise beyond the p...

Abnormally low blood pressure occurring during surgical procedures, often indicating blood loss or physiologic compromis...

Surgical procedure combining wound cleansing with saline solution and removal of devitalized tissue.

Inadequate blood supply to tissues resulting in oxygen deprivation and potential cell death.

Intraoperative change from minimally invasive laparoscopic approach to open surgical technique.