Female Reproductive System Therapeutic Procedures

Question 1

Barrier Contraception

Answer 1

Prevention of a pregnancy using a device to prevent sperm from meeting an ovum. Examples include condoms, diaphragms, and cervical caps

Question 2

Hormonal Contraception

Answer 2

Use of hormones to block ovulation and prevent conception. May be in the form of a pill, a patch, an implant under the skin, or an injection

Question 3

Intrauterine Device (IUD)

Answer 3

Device inserted into the uterus by a physician for the purpose of contraception

Question 4

Amniotomy

Answer 4

Surgically cutting open the amnion; commonly referred to as ‘breaking the water.’

Question 5

Cervicectomy

Answer 5

Surgical removal of the cervix

Question 6

Cesarean Section (CS, C-section)

Answer 6

Surgical delivery of a baby through an incision into the abdominal and uterine walls. Legend has it that the Roman emperor, Julius Caesar, was the first person born by this method

Question 7

Conization

Answer 7

Surgical removal of a core of cervical tissue. Also refer to partial removal of the cervix

Question 8

Dilation and Curettage (D and C)

Answer 8

Surgical procedure in which the opening of the cervix is dilated and the uterus is scraped or suctioned of its lining or tissue. Often performed after a spontaneous abortion and to stop excessive bleeding from other causes

Question 9

Elective Abortion

Answer 9

Legal termination of a pregnancy for non-medical reasons

Question 10

Episiorrhaphy

Answer 10

To suture the perineum; procedure to repair an episiotomy postpartum. Note that the combining form
–episi/o– is used even though the perineum is not part of the vulva

Question 11

Episiotomy

Answer 11

Surgical incision of the perineum to facilitate the delivery process. Can prevent an irregular tearing of tissue during birth. Note that the combining form
–episi/o– is used even though the perineum is not part of the vulva

Question 12

Hymenectomy

Answer 12

Surgical removal of the hymen

Question 13

Hysterectomy

Answer 13

Surgical removal of the uterus

Question 14

Hysteropexy

Answer 14

To surgically anchor the uterus to its proper location in the pelvic cavity; a treatment for a prolapsed uterus

Question 15

Laparotomy

Answer 15

To cut open the abdomen; performed in order to complete other surgical procedures inside the abdomen or performed during a C-section

Question 16

Lumpectomy

Answer 16

Removal of only a breast tumor and the tissue immediately surrounding it

Question 17

Mammoplasty

Answer 17

Surgical repair or reconstruction of the breast

Question 18

Mastectomy

Answer 18

Surgical removal of the breast

Question 19

Oophorectomy

Answer 19

Surgical removal of the ovary

Question 20

Radical Mastectomy

Answer 20

Surgical removal of the breast tissue plus chest muscles and axillary lymph nodes

Question 21

Salpingectomy

Answer 21

Surgical removal of the uterine tube

Question 22

Simple Mastectomy

Answer 22

Surgical removal of the breast tissue

Question 23

Therapeutic Abortion

Answer 23

Termination of a pregnancy for the health of the mother or another medical reason

Question 24

Total Abdominal Hysterectomy–Bilateral Salpingo-Oophorectomy (TAH-BSO)

Answer 24

Removal of the entire uterus, cervix, both ovaries, and both uterine tubes

Question 25

Tubal Ligation

Answer 25

Surgical tying off of the uterine tubes to prevent conception from taking place. Results in sterilization of the female

Question 26

Vaginal Hysterectomy

Answer 26

Removal of the uterus through the vagina rather than through an abdominal incision