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Intermediate Technical IVT

plication

Pronunciation: pli-KAY-shun

Surgical folding and suturing of tissues to reduce size, eliminate redundancy, or restore structural integrity.

Full Definition

Plication is a surgical technique involving the folding and permanent fixation of tissues using sutures to achieve volume reduction, structural reinforcement, or functional restoration. In reconstructive surgery, plication is commonly applied to repair diastasis recti by folding and suturing the separated rectus muscles to restore midline integrity. The technique is also used in various other procedures including bladder neck plication for incontinence, capsular plication for joint instability, and fascial plication for hernia repair. Proper plication requires understanding of tissue anatomy and appropriate suture selection.

Usage

Usage note: Context-dependent term used across multiple surgical specialties; ensure appropriate anatomical reference.

In Context

  • "Rectus plication was performed using permanent sutures to restore abdominal wall strength." — operative note
  • "Capsular plication effectively addressed the patient's shoulder instability without over-tightening." — orthopedic report

Also known as

tissue folding surgical tightening

Contrasted with

tissue expansion release

Don't confuse with

imbrication reconstruction

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