Medical Terminology Simplified

An ultrasound probe is inserted into the rectum to obtain an image of the prostate

gland and collect multiple needle biopsy specimens of the prostate gland tissues

where abnormalities are detected (See Fig. 8–20.)

High-frequency sound waves are recorded and transformed into video or photographic

images of the prostate gland. If cancer is identified, the physician will be able to grade the

cancer and determine its aggressiveness or likelihood of spreading.

Medical and Surgical Procedures

Female Reproductive System

Obstetric procedure in which a nonabsorbable suture is used for holding the cervix

closed to prevent spontaneous abortion in a woman who has an incompetent cervix

Surgical procedure that widens the cervical canal of the uterus (dilatation) so that the

endometrium of the uterus can be scraped (curettage)

D&C is performed to stop prolonged or heavy uterine bleeding, diagnose uterine abnor-

malities, and obtain tissue for microscopic examination. It is also performed to remove

tumors, rule out carcinoma of the uterus, remove retained placental fragments after de-

livery or after an incomplete abortion, and determine the cause of infertility.

Additional Medical Terms • CHAPTER 8 375

transrectal ultrasound

(TRUS) and biopsy of

the prostate

trans: across, through

rect: rectum

al: pertaining to

bi-: two

-opsy: view of

Biopsy needle

Prostate

Bladder

Anus

Rectum

Ultrasound probe Figure 8-20Transrectal ultrasound and biopsy of the prostate.

cerclage

sāir-KLŎZH

dilatation and curettage

(D&C)

DĬ-lă-tā-shŭn,

kū-rĕ-TĂZH