Category: G

A theory developed by Ludwig von Bertalanffy, which asserts that all living systems are open systems constantly exchanging information, matter, and energy with the environment. There are three levels of reference for systems: the system level on which one is focusing, such as a person; the suprasystems level above the focal system, such as the…

A swelling occurring in amyloid degeneration of tissues.  

Persistent functioning of a transplanted organ or tissue in a recipient of that organ. Survival rates of transplanted organs are influenced by many factors, including the age and health status of both the donor and the recipient of the graft, the immunological match between the donor and the recipient, the preparation of the organ before…

Any person, especially one not designated by the patient or not licensed to practice surgery, who replaces the patient’s chosen surgeon in performing an operation, without the patient’s consent. Ghosts may include surgical residents or representatives of pharmaceutical or biomedical engineering firms. The use of ghost surgeons is a violation of professional standards and ethics.…

Ovarian atrophy or aplasia; a finding in persons with Turner’s syndrome.  

A synthetic stone composed of carborundum and rubber used to polish dental restorations.  

Exposure to gases such as for maldehyde or ethylene oxide that destroy microorganisms.  

The surgical restriction of he outlet of the stomach (gastric cardia); used as a treatment for obesity in morbidly overweight patients. The procedure has many potential side effects, including esophagitis, vitamin deficiencies, and stenosis of the operative site.  

The area on the nasal mucosa that tends to bleed during menstruation.  

A spongy substance prepared from gelatin. This nonantigenic, readily absorbable material is used especially to stop internal bleeding (e.g., during surgery or during procedures in which blood vessels are occluded by embolization).