Glossary

Category: C

  • Cholecystogram

    A diagnostic radiographic study of the gallbladder. An X-ray photograph of the gall bladder. Radiological study of the gallbladder and bile ducts. A radiograph of the gallbladder. This procedure is being replaced by ultrasonography.  

  • Cholangiogram

    A diagnostic radiographic study of the gallbladder and bile ducts.  

  • Cheilectomy

    Surgical removal of abnormal bone around a joint; also refers to surgical removal of a lip. Surgical removal of osteophytes; the scraping away of bony irregularities. Surgical removal of abnormal bone around a joint to facilitate joint mobility.  

  • Cerclage

    Encircling of the cervix with a metal ring or suture ring to treat cervical incompetence during pregnancy to help prevent spontaneous abortion. The act of tying things together with a ring.  

  • Catatonic posturing

    A state of not being able to move, with the assumption of a rigid, often bizarre posture.  

  • Cardiac sphincter

    The circular muscle at the opening of the esophagus into the stomach. A muscular ring in the esophagus that prevents reflux of food from the stomach; also known as the lower esophageal sphincter.  

  • Cystectomy

    Removal of a cyst. Excision of the cystic duct and the gallbladder. Excision of all or part of the urinary bladder. A surgical operation to remove all or part of the urinary bladder. Surgical removal of the bladder. Bladder cancer, which invades the muscular bladder wall, is the most common reason for cystectomy. In men,…

  • Cyanosis

    Bluish discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes due to an increased proportion of unoxygenated hemoglobin in the blood. Bluish appearance of the skin and mucous membrane that usually indicates reduced hemoglobin levels in the blood. The presence of a blueness of the skin, especially the lips, caused by an insufficient supply of oxygen in…

  • Craniotomy

    Craniotomy

    Surgical incision through the cranium. Incision into the skull, usually to relieve pressure, to remove a lesion, or to control bleeding. A surgical opening made into the skull for the purpose of obtaining surgical access to the brain. A surgical operation on the skull, especially one cutting away part of the skull. Surgical opening into…

  • Cordotomy

    Surgical division of one or more of the lateral nerve pathways emerging from the spinal cord to relieve pain. An operation performed to divide bundles of nerve fibers within the spinal cord. Cordotomy is done to relieve persistent pain that has failed to respond to other measures, such as strong analgesic medication or tens (transcutaneous…