Introduction to General Surgery

These flashcards cover essential vocabulary and important concepts from the introductory lecture on general surgery, focusing on surgical procedures, anatomy, types of hernias, and relevant surgical terms.

Biliary system

Includes the gallbladder, cystic ducts, and cystic arteries.

Abdominal quadrants

Divided into four quadrants: right upper quadrant (RUQ), right lower quadrant (RLQ), left upper quadrant (LUQ), and left lower quadrant (LLQ).

Peritoneum

A membrane that covers the abdominal organs and provides lubrication through serous fluid.

Incision

A surgical cut made during a procedure to access internal structures.

Midline incision

A cut made down the middle of the abdomen from the xiphoid process to the pubic area.

Flank incision

An incision made on the side, generally used for kidney procedures.

Inguinal hernia

A type of hernia that occurs in the inguinal canal, more common in males.

Strangulated hernia

A hernia where tissue becomes trapped, losing blood supply and potentially dying off.

Pneumoperitoneum

The inflation of the abdominal cavity with gas (usually CO2) to provide better visual access during laparoscopic surgery.

Messentery

Extensions of the peritoneum that support and supply blood to the small intestine.

Omentum

A fold of peritoneum extending from the stomach and covering other abdominal organs.

Direct inguinal hernia

Occurs directly through Hesselbeck's triangle and rarely descends into the scrotum.

Indirect inguinal hernia

A hernia that passes through the inguinal canal, usually descending into the scrotum.

Suture types

Different sutures used in surgeries, including nonabsorbable (Proline) and absorbable (Vicryl).

Foley Catheter

A tube placed in the bladder to assist in drainage; often used in surgeries in the pelvic region.