Glossary of Surgical Terms

Bilateral Salpingoophorectomy — Removal of both right and left ovaries and fallopian tubes (BSO)

Hysterectomy — Removal of the Uterus

Laparoscopy — Minimally invasive surgical approach characterized by:

• Multiple small incisions on the abdomen
• Camera inserted into the abdomen to visualize the abdominal cavity
• Small instruments used to perform the surgery

Laparotomy — Open abdominal surgery, characterized by:

• 6-12 inch incision on the abdomen {in cancer surgery usually vertical (up and down)}
• Necessary for large masses and/or access to the entire abdomen

Lymphadenectomy — Removal of lymph nodes or glands that run parallel to the large blood vessels in the pelvis or aorta

Omentectomy — Remove fatty apron of tissue attached to the transverse colon

Surgical Staging — Use of surgery to investigate and/or remove tissue to determine if microscopic cancer is present. Often involves Lymphadenectomy and/or Omentectomy

Radical Hysterectomy — remove the uterus, cervix and the tissue surrounding the cervix (called the parametria)

Radical Trachelectomy — remove the cervix and the surrounding tissues (parametria) and connecting the vagina to the uterus (usually performed for fertility sparing)

Salpingoophorectomy — Remove one ovary and associated fallopian tube

Supracervical Hysterectomy — removal of the body of the uterus and leaving the cervix. (aka partial hysterectomy or subtotal hysterectomy)

Total Hysterectomy — removal of the uterus and cervix

Trachelectomy — Remove the cervix and leave the body of the uterus

Tumor Debulking — Remove all visible tumor in the abdomen and may involve bowel resection.  Most often performed for advanced stage ovarian cancer.

Vulvectomy — Removal of all or part of the vulva