Professional
Technical
In the Industry Vocabulary Test
salvage surgery
Surgical intervention performed after failure of primary non-surgical treatment.
Full Definition
Salvage surgery refers to surgical resection performed for persistent or recurrent disease following initial treatment with radiation therapy or chemoradiation. These procedures are technically challenging due to radiation-induced tissue changes including fibrosis, altered anatomy, and compromised healing. Salvage surgery often requires more extensive resection and complex reconstruction compared to primary surgical treatment. The decision for salvage intervention requires careful assessment of disease extent, patient performance status, and functional outcomes.
Usage
Usage note: Implies failure of prior non-surgical treatment; distinguish from revision surgery.
In Context
- "Salvage surgery was recommended for the recurrent hypopharyngeal carcinoma following chemoradiation failure." — tumor board discussion
- "The morbidity of salvage surgery must be weighed against potential survival benefit." — treatment decision note
Also known as
rescue surgery
secondary surgery
Contrasted with
primary surgery
initial treatment
Don't confuse with
revision surgery
secondary procedure