Author: Glossary

  • End-to-end anastomosis

    Anastomosis in which the ends of two structures are joined.  

  • Crucial anastomosis

    An arterial anastomosis on the back of the thigh, formed by the medial femoral circumflex, inferior gluteal, lateral femoral circumflex, and first perforating arteries.  

  • Biofragmentable anastomosis ring

    An absorbable (i.e., temporary) surgical implant used to join resected loops of bowel. The ring is composed of two parts polyglycolic acid (Dexon) and one part barium sulfate. It dissolves, or “fragments,” about 3 weeks after implantation, when major tissue healing has occurred. The ring is easy to use; postoperative complications may include leakage and,…

  • Antiperistaltic anastomosis

    Anastomosis between two parts of the intestine such that the peristaltic flow in one part is the opposite of that in the other.  

  • Anastole

    Shrinking away or retraction of the edges of a wound.  

  • Anaspadias

    Congenital opening of the urethra on the dorsum of the penis; or opening by separation of the labia minora and a fissure of the clitoris.  

  • Anapophysis

    An accessory spinal process of a vertebra, especially a thoracic or lumbar vertebra.  

  • Anaplasmosis

    Infection with species of Anaplasma. Although the disease is usually found in cattle, humans may sometimes contract it after a tick bite. Anaplasmosis is characterized by fevers, chills,  muscle aches, headache, and interstitial pneumonia.  

  • Anaplasma phagocytophilum

    A small gram-negative coccus that is an obligate intracellular parasite. It can be transmitted to humans by tick bite and is the cause of human granulocytic ehrlichiosis or human granulocytic anaplasmosis. It was formerly called Ehrlichia phagocytophila.  

  • Systemic anaphylaxis

    A reaction between IgE antibodies bound to mast cells and an allergen that causes the sudden release of immunological mediators in the skin, respiratory, cardiovascular, and gastrointestinal systems. The consequences may range from mild (e.g., itching, hives) to life-threatening (airway obstruction and shock).