Gastrointestinal Surgery Glossary
100 terms total — 24 showing — Last updated 15 Sep 2026
NOTES NOTES
Natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery, a minimally invasive approach using natural body openings.
abdominoperineal resection
Surgical removal of the rectum and anus through combined abdominal and perineal approaches.
adhesiolysis
Surgical division of adhesions (scar tissue) between organs or structures.
anastomosis
Surgical connection between two hollow organs or vessels to restore continuity.
appendectomy
Surgical removal of the vermiform appendix, typically for acute appendicitis.
billroth
Classification system for gastric reconstruction procedures following partial gastrectomy.
bowel anastomosis
Surgical connection between two segments of intestine to restore bowel continuity.
bowel resection
Surgical removal of a segment of intestine, followed by restoration of intestinal continuity through anastomosis.
Calot triangle
Anatomical landmark in cholecystectomy bounded by the cystic artery, common hepatic duct, and cystic duct.
CDH
Congenital diaphragmatic hernia; developmental defect allowing abdominal organs to herniate into the chest.
cecostomy
Surgical creation of an opening into the cecum for decompression or access to the colon.
cholecystoenteric anastomosis
A surgical connection between the gallbladder and intestine to bypass biliary obstruction when the bile duct cannot be r...
choledocholithiasis
Presence of stones within the common bile duct causing potential obstruction.
circular stapler
Surgical instrument that creates a circular anastomosis with concurrent resection.
colostomy
Surgical creation of an opening between the colon and abdominal wall for fecal diversion.
CVS
Critical view of safety, a laparoscopic landmark ensuring safe identification of structures before cholecystectomy.
diverting ileostomy
Temporary surgical diversion of small bowel contents to protect a distal anastomosis.
Duhamel procedure
Surgical treatment for Hirschsprung disease involving retrorectal pull-through of normal bowel.
duodenal atresia
Congenital obstruction of the duodenum, often presenting with the classic 'double bubble' sign on imaging.
duodenoduodenostomy
Surgical creation of an anastomosis between two portions of the duodenum.
duodenotomy
A surgical incision made into the duodenum to access its interior for examination or treatment.
EGD
Esophagogastroduodenoscopy; an endoscopic examination of the upper gastrointestinal tract including esophagus, stomach,...
enterocutaneous fistula
Abnormal communication between the bowel and skin surface allowing intestinal contents to drain externally.
enteroenterostomy
Surgical creation of an anastomosis between two segments of small intestine.
enterotomy
Surgical incision into the small bowel for access or repair.