Glossary

General anaesthetic

Medicines that put you into a controlled sleep so you feel nothing during the operation, given and monitored by an anaesthetist.

Catheter

A thin, soft tube. A urinary catheter drains the bladder during and shortly after an operation.

Cervix

The neck of the womb — the lower part that opens into the vagina.

Laparoscopy (keyhole surgery)

Surgery performed through a few small cuts using a thin camera (laparoscope) and fine instruments, instead of one large cut.

Hysterectomy

An operation to remove the womb (uterus). A total hysterectomy removes the womb and cervix.

Oophorectomy

Removal of one or both ovaries. This is a separate decision from a hysterectomy and is discussed with you beforehand.

Salpingectomy

Removal of one or both fallopian tubes.

Thrombosis (blood clot / VTE)

A blood clot in a deep vein (usually the leg) or the lungs. Surgery temporarily raises this risk, so preventive measures are used.

This glossary grows as procedure pages are added. Terms are explained on first use within each page as well.