resection
rih-SEK-shuhn
/rɪˈsek.ʃən/
Surgical removal of a specific portion of an organ or tissue structure.
Implies partial removal (cutting out a section), whereas total removal is an amputation or complete ectomy.
The story behind the word. From Latin resectio, from resectus, past participle of resecare meaning 'to cut off or trim back'. Entered surgical English in the 19th century.
Word relationships
- excision: Excision means cutting out tissue entirely, while resection often involves reconnecting the remaining parts.
- extirpation: Extirpation usually implies complete eradication or destruction of tissue.
- grafting: Grafting attaches tissue to a site, whereas resection removes tissue.
Commonly confused with
- amputation: Amputation refers specifically to removing an entire external limb or digit, while resection cuts out internal organ sections.
Word family
- resect (verb): To cut off or cut out a portion of organ tissue.
Collocations
- bowel resection
- surgical resection
- liver resection
- complete resection
Example sentences
- "The patient underwent a bowel resection to remove the diseased segment of intestine." Gastrointestinal surgery unit
- "Successful liver resection required maintaining adequate tissue margins clear of malignant cells." Surgical oncology protocol
Memory hook
RE (again) + SECT (cut) = cutting out a section. Cutting out an organ section.
When not to use
Do not use when an entire organ is removed completely (e.g., total organ removal).
Fun facts
- In liver resection, surgeons can remove up to 70% of the organ, and it will regenerate back to full size within weeks.
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