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Surgery is the practice of using surgical techniques to treat medical conditions. Physicians and other health care professionals use various abbreviations for surgical procedures. Understanding these abbreviations is essential for healthcare workers and patients alike.

Common Abbreviations

The most common abbreviations used in the medical field for surgical procedures are as follows:

• AT: Amputation of the extremity (e.g. AT for amputation of the thigh)
• APE: Amputation of the part or portion (e.g. APE for an amputation of the elbow)
• AS: Anastomosis (e.g. AS for arterial anastomosis)
• BWA: Bariatric Weight Loss Surgery (e.g. BWA for Bariatric Weight Loss Surgery)
• DC: Decortication (e.g. DC for decortication of the pleura)
• D&C: Dilation and Curettage (e.g. D&C for Dilation and Curettage)
• EA: Excision of an abscess (e.g. EA for Excision of an abscess)
• E&A: Excision and anastomosis (e.g. E&A for exicision and anastomosis of the intestine)
• FFR: Femoral-Femoral Bypass (e.g. FFR for Femoral-Femoral Bypass)
• HR: Hemorrhoidectomy (e.g. HR for Hemorrhoidectomy)
• L4: Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy (e.g. L4 for Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy)
• KTP: Kidney Transplant Procedure (e.g. KTP for Kidney Transplant Procedure)
• LSC: Laparoscopic Splenectomy (e.g. LSC for Laparoscopic Splenectomy)
• RC: Reconstruction (e.g. RC for reconstruction of the bone)
• SR: Skin Grafting (e.g. SR for skin grafting of the arm)
• THR: Total Hip Replacement (e.g. THR for Total Hip Replacement)

These are only some of the more commonly used abbreviations for surgical procedures. Others may exist depending on the specialty or facility.

Understanding the Abbreviations

When a patient wishes to understand which abbreviation is being used for a specific procedure, it is important to take the time to ask questions. It is also helpful to review the dictionary of medical terms to familiarize oneself with the full meaning of the abbreviations.

For example, the abbreviation AT can stand for an Amputation of the extremity, APE can stand for an Amputation of the part or portion, and RC can stand for a Reconstruction. Different facilities or medical specialties may use other abbreviations for the same surgical procedure, so it is important to clarify what is being referred to.

Final Thoughts

It is important to understand the abbreviations used for surgical procedures, as this will help ensure that patients are informed about their medical care. It is also important to ask questions and get clarification on any medical abbreviations as required.