Chapter 24. Surgical Supplies and Instrument

abscess

Localized collection of pus, which may be under the skin or deep in the body, that causes tissue destruction.

anesthetic

(an ehs THET ik)An agent that causes partial or complete loss of sensation.

cannula

(KAN yuh la)A rigid tube that surrounds a blunt trocar or a sharp, pointed trocar, which is inserted into the body; when the trocar is withdrawn, fluid may escape from the body through the cannula, depending on the insertion site.

caustic

(KAW stik)Capable of burning, corroding, or destroying living tissue.

curretage

(kyoo reh TAHZH)The act of scraping a body cavity with a surgical instrument, such as a curette.

dilation

(die LAY shuhn)The opening or widening of the circumference of a body orifice with a dilating instrument.

diluent

(DIL yoo uhnt)A liquid substance that dilutes or lessens the strength of a solution or mixture; it is added to vials of powdered medications to create a solution of the drug for injection.

dissect

To cut or separate tissue with a cutting instrument or scissors.

fornix

(FORE niks)A recess in the upper part of the vagina caused by protrusion of the cervix into the vaginal wall.

impervious

(im PUR vee uhs)Not permitting penetration.

infection

Invasion of body tissues by microorganisms, which then multiply and damage tissues.

obturator

(OB tuh rayt oar)A metal rod with a smooth, rounded tip that is placed in hollow instruments to reduce injury to body tissues during insertion.

patency

(PAT en see)Open condition of a body cavity or canal.

pathogen

A disease-causing organism.

permeable

(PUR mee uh buhl)Allowing for penetration.

spore

A thick-walled, dormant form of bacteria that is very resistant to disinfection measures.

stylus

(STIE luhs)A metal probe that is inserted into or passed through a catheter, needle, or tube used for clearing purposes or to facilitate passage into a body orifice.

transient

(TRAN zee uhnt)Not lasting, enduring, or permanent; transitory.

vasoconstriction

(vay zoh kuhn STRIK shuhn)Contraction of the muscles causing the narrowing of the inside tube of the vessel.