Surgery Vocabulary Quiz
12 questions on surgery terms: surgeon, anaesthetic, incision, suture and the operating theatre. B1–B2 level.
Surgery Vocabulary — FAQ
A surgeon is a specially trained doctor who performs operations to treat injuries, diseases or deformities. Surgeons work in operating theatres and may specialise in areas such as the heart, brain, bones or general surgery.
An anaesthetic is a drug used to prevent pain during surgery. A local anaesthetic numbs only a small part of the body, while a general anaesthetic puts the patient into a controlled, sleep-like state so they feel nothing during the operation.
An incision is a clean cut made into the skin or tissue with a surgical instrument so the surgeon can reach the area that needs treatment. Surgeons aim to make incisions as small and precise as possible to speed up healing.
A suture is a stitch, or the thread used to make it, that holds the edges of a wound or incision together so it can heal. Sutures may be removed later or may be made of material that dissolves on its own.
The operating theatre, sometimes called the operating room, is the sterile room in a hospital where surgery is carried out. It contains specialised equipment, bright lights and a surgical team that keeps everything clean to prevent infection.
Keyhole surgery, also called minimally invasive or laparoscopic surgery, uses very small cuts and a tiny camera to guide the operation. Because the incisions are small, patients usually recover faster and have less scarring than with open surgery.
An anaesthetist is a doctor who gives anaesthetics and monitors the patient throughout an operation. They keep the patient unconscious or numb, control breathing and pain, and watch vital signs to make sure the patient stays safe.
A scalpel is a small, extremely sharp knife used by surgeons to make precise cuts in skin and tissue. It usually has a thin, replaceable blade fitted onto a handle, allowing clean and accurate incisions.
A prosthesis is an artificial device that replaces a missing or damaged body part, such as an artificial limb, joint or hip. Prostheses can restore movement and function and are often fitted during or after surgery.
Post-operative, often shortened to post-op, refers to the period after an operation. Post-operative care includes monitoring the patient, managing pain, watching for infection and helping them recover and return to normal activity.