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Professional Technical In the Industry Vocabulary Test

cytoreductive surgery

Pronunciation: /ˌsaɪtoʊrɪˈdʌktɪv/

Surgical procedure aimed at reducing tumor burden by removing as much visible cancerous tissue as possible.

Full Definition

Cytoreductive surgery is a complex surgical approach designed to remove the maximum amount of visible tumor tissue, often used in cases of advanced cancer where complete resection may not be possible. The goal is to reduce tumor burden to enhance the effectiveness of subsequent treatments like chemotherapy or radiation. This procedure is commonly performed in ovarian cancer, peritoneal carcinomatosis, and other advanced malignancies where debulking can improve patient outcomes.

Usage

Usage note: Often abbreviated as CRS in surgical literature; distinguish from curative resection which aims for complete tumor removal.

In Context

  • "The surgical report indicated that cytoreductive surgery achieved optimal debulking with residual disease less than 1 cm." — Operative note
  • "Patient underwent cytoreductive surgery followed by heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC)." — Treatment summary

Also known as

debulking surgery tumor debulking

Contrasted with

tumor implantation

Don't confuse with

curative resection palliative surgery

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