Intermediate
Technical
IVT
En Bloc Excision
Pronunciation: ahn blahk ik-SIZH-un
Surgical removal of a tumor and surrounding tissue as a single, intact specimen.
Full Definition
En bloc excision refers to the complete surgical removal of a lesion along with a margin of surrounding normal tissue, all taken as one continuous piece. This technique is particularly important in dermatologic surgery for ensuring complete tumor removal while maintaining tissue architecture for accurate histopathological examination. The approach differs from piecemeal excision and is often preferred for malignant lesions where tissue continuity is critical for staging and margin assessment.
Usage
Usage note: Use 'en bloc' as two words in formal medical writing, not 'en-bloc' or 'enbloc'.
In Context
- "The pathology report confirmed clear margins following en bloc excision of the cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma." — Surgical pathology report
- "En bloc excision was performed to ensure adequate tissue architecture for histologic evaluation." — Operative note
Also known as
block excision
complete excision
Contrasted with
piecemeal excision
partial excision
Don't confuse with
staged excision
serial excision