Get A Free Consultation
Share your name and phone number. Our team will call you back to plan your OPD visit.
Surgery and Hospital Terms Explained in English and Hindi
Doctors and hospital papers often use words that are hard to follow. Here we explain, in simple English and Hindi, the common terms you may hear at Dr. R.K. Thakur Hospital, Gopalganj. Where we have a detailed treatment page, we link to it.
This glossary is for awareness only. If anything about your own treatment is unclear, please ask your doctor or call us on +91 72739 94786.
- Abscess and I&D (फोड़ा और आई एंड डी)
- An abscess is a painful collection of pus under the skin or inside the body. Incision and drainage (I&D) is a small procedure in which the abscess is opened, the pus is drained and the wound is dressed until it heals. Read about this treatment
- Anal fissure (फिशर)
- A small tear in the lining of the anus, often caused by hard stools. It causes sharp, burning pain during and after passing stool, sometimes with a little blood. Most heal with softer stools, warm sitz baths and ointment; long-standing fissures may need a minor operation. Read about this treatment
- Appendectomy (अपेंडेक्टॉमी (अपेंडिक्स का ऑपरेशन))
- An operation to remove the appendix, a small finger-shaped tube attached to the large intestine. It is done when the appendix is inflamed (appendicitis), which usually causes pain that starts around the navel and moves to the lower right abdomen. Read about this treatment
- Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY (आयुष्मान भारत पीएम-जय)
- Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, the Government of India's health assurance scheme. It gives eligible families cover of up to ₹5 lakh per family per year for hospital treatment at empanelled hospitals. Please ask our Ayushman help desk whether your procedure is covered.
- Ayushman card (आयुष्मान कार्ड)
- The card that shows a person is eligible for treatment under PM-JAY. Bring it with your Aadhaar card and the mobile phone linked to Aadhaar, as an OTP may be needed. If you do not have a card, please ask at our Ayushman help desk.
- Biopsy (बायोप्सी)
- Taking a small piece of tissue from a lump, ulcer or organ so that it can be examined under a microscope. A biopsy is the usual way to confirm whether a growth is cancer or not. Read about this treatment
- CBD stones and CBD exploration (सीबीडी की पथरी और सीबीडी एक्सप्लोरेशन)
- The CBD (common bile duct) is the tube that carries bile from the liver to the intestine. Stones stuck in it can cause jaundice, fever and pain. CBD exploration is an operation to open the duct and remove these stones. Read about this treatment
- Cholecystectomy (कोलेसिस्टेक्टॉमी (पित्त की थैली निकालना))
- Removal of the gallbladder, usually because of gallstones. It is most often done by laparoscopy. People can live a normal life without a gallbladder. Read about this treatment
- Circumcision (खतना (सर्कमसीजन))
- An operation to remove the foreskin of the penis. It is advised for medical reasons such as phimosis (a foreskin too tight to pull back) or repeated infections, and may also be done for religious reasons. Read about this treatment
- Colonoscopy (कोलोनोस्कोपी)
- A camera test of the large intestine (colon), with a thin flexible tube passed through the back passage. It helps find the cause of bleeding from the back passage, a long-standing change in bowel habits, polyps or growths. The bowel must be cleaned with medicine beforehand. Read about this treatment
- Consent form (सहमति पत्र (कंसेंट फ़ॉर्म))
- A form that you, or your parent or guardian, sign before an operation or risky test, after the doctor explains what will be done, why, the main risks and the other options. Ask every question you have before you sign.
- CT scan (सीटी स्कैन)
- A scan in which an X-ray machine takes many images that a computer turns into detailed cross-section pictures of the body. It gives more detail than a plain X-ray but uses more radiation. Sometimes a contrast dye is given by mouth or injection to show organs more clearly.
- Cystoscopy (सिस्टोस्कोपी)
- A look inside the urethra and bladder with a thin telescope passed through the urinary passage. It helps find the cause of problems such as blood in the urine, a narrow passage or a growth in the bladder. It is done with local numbing or anaesthesia, as the doctor advises. Read about this treatment
- Diagnostic laparoscopy (डायग्नोस्टिक लेप्रोस्कोपी (जांच के लिए दूरबीन))
- A keyhole look inside the abdomen to find the cause of a problem, such as long-standing pain, when scans and tests have not given a clear answer. If possible, the surgeon may treat the problem or take a biopsy during the same procedure. Read about this treatment
- Digital X-ray (डिजिटल एक्स-रे)
- A quick test that uses a small dose of radiation to make pictures of bones, the chest or the abdomen. Digital X-ray images are ready quickly and can be viewed on a screen. Tell the staff if you are, or may be, pregnant.
- Discharge summary (डिस्चार्ज समरी (छुट्टी का पर्चा))
- A document given when you leave hospital. It lists your diagnosis, the operation or treatment done, test results, medicines to take at home and your follow-up date. Keep it safe and bring it to every follow-up visit.
- DJ stent (डीजे स्टेंट)
- A thin, soft tube placed inside the ureter, from the kidney to the bladder, to keep urine flowing, usually after stone surgery. It is temporary. It must be removed or changed by the date your doctor gives, because a stent left in too long can cause infection and blockage. Read about this treatment
- Drain (ड्रेन (नली))
- A thin tube placed near the operated area that lets extra fluid or blood flow out into a small bag. Staff measure what comes out, and the drain is usually removed after a few days when the flow becomes small.
- Dressing (ड्रेसिंग (पट्टी))
- A clean, sterile covering placed over a wound to protect it from dirt and infection. Keep it dry, do not open it yourself, and get it changed on the days the doctor advises.
- ECG (ईसीजी)
- Electrocardiogram: a quick test that records the heart's electrical signals through stickers placed on the chest, arms and legs. It helps detect heart rhythm problems and signs of a heart attack, and is part of most check-ups before surgery. Read about this treatment
- ECHO (echocardiography) (ईको (इकोकार्डियोग्राफ़ी))
- An ultrasound scan of the heart. It shows how well the heart pumps and whether the valves and chambers are working normally. It uses no radiation. Read about this treatment
- Enlarged prostate (BPH) (प्रोस्टेट बढ़ना (बीपीएच))
- Benign prostatic hyperplasia is a non-cancerous growth of the prostate gland, common in older men. It can cause a weak stream, passing urine often at night, difficulty starting, or a feeling that the bladder is not empty. Treatment may be medicines or surgery such as TURP. Read about this treatment
- Fasting (NPO) (खाली पेट रहना (एनपीओ))
- NPO means "nothing by mouth". Before an operation or some tests you must not eat or drink for a set time, usually 6 to 8 hours, so that the stomach is empty and anaesthesia is safer. Please follow the exact time our team gives you.
- Fistula-in-ano (भगंदर (फिस्टुला))
- An abnormal tunnel between the inside of the anal canal and the skin near the anus, usually after an abscess. It causes repeated pus or fluid discharge. Medicines alone do not usually heal it, so surgery or laser treatment is needed. Read about this treatment
- FNAC (एफ़एनएसी (सुई से गांठ की जांच))
- Fine needle aspiration cytology: a thin needle is put into a lump to draw out a few cells, which are then checked under a microscope. It is quick, needs no operation and helps decide whether a lump needs surgery.
- Gallstones (पित्त की थैली में पथरी)
- Stones that form in the gallbladder, a small pouch under the liver that stores bile. They can cause pain in the upper right part of the abdomen, often after oily food, and sometimes lead to infection, jaundice or pancreatitis. Read about this treatment
- General anaesthesia (जनरल एनेस्थीसिया (पूरी तरह बेहोश करना))
- Medicines given by an anaesthesia specialist that put you into a deep, controlled sleep so that you feel nothing during the operation. Your breathing is supported, and your heart rate, blood pressure and oxygen are watched throughout. Most laparoscopic operations are done under general anaesthesia.
- Haemorrhoids (piles) (बवासीर (पाइल्स))
- Swollen blood vessels inside or around the anus. They can cause bright red bleeding while passing stool, itching or a lump. Many cases improve with diet, fluids and medicines; larger or bleeding piles may need laser treatment or surgery. Read about this treatment
- Hernia (हर्निया)
- A bulge that appears when fat or part of the intestine pushes through a weak spot in the abdominal wall. Common types are inguinal (groin), umbilical (navel), incisional (at an old operation scar) and epigastric (upper abdomen). In adults a hernia does not go away on its own, and surgery is the usual treatment. Read about this treatment
- Histopathology (HPE) (हिस्टोपैथोलॉजी (एचपीई))
- Laboratory examination, under a microscope, of tissue removed during surgery or biopsy. The report confirms the diagnosis and guides further treatment. It can take several days, so keep the report safe and show it at your follow-up visit.
- Holter monitoring (होल्टर मॉनिटरिंग)
- A small portable ECG recorder worn for 24 hours or longer during normal daily life. It records every heartbeat and helps catch irregular heartbeats that come and go, such as those that cause palpitations or fainting. Read about this treatment
- Hydrocele (हाइड्रोसील)
- A collection of fluid around a testis that makes one side of the scrotum swell. It is usually not painful but can become large and uncomfortable. Hydrocele surgery removes the fluid and treats the sac so that it is less likely to fill again. Read about this treatment
- Hysterectomy (हिस्टेरेक्टॉमी (बच्चेदानी निकालना))
- An operation to remove the uterus (womb). It may be done by laparoscopy (TLH), through a cut in the abdomen (TAH) or through the vagina (VH). It is advised for problems such as fibroids, heavy bleeding that does not settle, or prolapse, when other treatments are not suitable. Read about this treatment
- ICU (आईसीयू)
- Intensive care unit: a special ward where very ill patients, and some patients after major surgery, are watched closely with monitors and extra nursing care. Visiting is usually limited to protect patients from infection.
- IPD (admission) (आईपीडी (भर्ती))
- Inpatient department: when you are admitted to a ward or room and stay in hospital, usually overnight or longer, for surgery, treatment or observation.
- Kidney stone (किडनी की पथरी (गुर्दे की पथरी))
- A hard stone that forms inside the kidney from minerals in the urine. A small stone may pass on its own, but a stone stuck in the ureter can cause severe pain in the side or back, vomiting or blood in the urine. Larger stones usually need a procedure such as PCNL or URSL. Read about this treatment
- Laparoscopy (लेप्रोस्कोपी (दूरबीन से ऑपरेशन))
- A way of operating through a few small cuts in the abdomen instead of one large cut. A thin telescope with a camera shows the inside on a screen, and the surgeon works with long, thin instruments. Most patients have less pain, smaller scars and a quicker return to work than after open surgery.
- Laparotomy (लैपरोटॉमी (पेट का खुला ऑपरेशन))
- An open operation on the abdomen through a larger cut. It is often needed in emergencies, such as a burst (perforated) or blocked intestine, or when keyhole surgery is not safe for the patient. Read about this treatment
- Laser treatment (लेज़र इलाज)
- Treatment that uses a focused beam of light energy to shrink, seal or close diseased tissue. At our hospital we use a diode laser for piles, fistula, fissure, pilonidal sinus and varicose veins. Suitable patients usually have smaller wounds and less pain than with open cutting; our surgeon decides if laser is right for you.
- Lipoma (लाइपोमा (चर्बी की गांठ))
- A soft, slow-growing lump of fat under the skin. It is almost always harmless. If it grows, causes discomfort or bothers the patient, it can be removed with a small operation, usually under local anaesthesia. Read about this treatment
- Local anaesthesia (लोकल एनेस्थीसिया (सिर्फ़ उस जगह को सुन्न करना))
- An injection or gel that numbs only a small area, so that a minor procedure such as removing a small lump, draining an abscess or putting in stitches can be done while you are fully awake.
- Mesh (मेश (जाली))
- A sterile, net-like medical material placed over the weak area during hernia repair. It strengthens the wall and lowers the chance of the hernia coming back. Over time, body tissue grows into it. Read about this treatment
- MIPH (stapler surgery for piles) (एमआईपीएच (स्टेपलर से बवासीर का ऑपरेशन))
- MIPH stands for minimally invasive procedure for haemorrhoids, also called stapler haemorrhoidopexy. A special circular stapler lifts the piles back into place and reduces their blood supply, without cutting the outer skin. For suitable patients it usually causes less pain than conventional piles surgery. Read about this treatment
- OPD (ओपीडी)
- Outpatient department: where you meet the doctor for consultation, tests and follow-up without being admitted. You usually go home the same day.
- PCNL (पीसीएनएल)
- Percutaneous nephrolithotomy: keyhole surgery for large kidney stones. Through a small cut in the back, a tube and telescope are passed into the kidney, and the stone is broken and removed. A DJ stent or a small tube may be left in for a short time afterwards. Read about this treatment
- Pilonidal sinus (पाइलोनिडल साइनस)
- A small tunnel or pocket in the skin near the top of the cleft between the buttocks, often containing hair. It can get infected and cause pain, swelling and pus discharge again and again. Read about this treatment
- Pre-anaesthetic check-up (PAC) (पीएसी (ऑपरेशन से पहले एनेस्थीसिया जांच))
- A check-up by the anaesthesia specialist before surgery. They ask about your health and medicines, examine you and look at tests such as blood tests, ECG and chest X-ray, to decide whether you are fit for anaesthesia and which type is safest.
- Sedation (सेडेशन (हल्की नींद की दवा))
- Medicine that makes you relaxed and drowsy, but not fully unconscious, during a test or short procedure such as endoscopy. After sedation, do not drive or make important decisions for the rest of that day.
- Spinal anaesthesia (स्पाइनल एनेस्थीसिया (कमर से नीचे सुन्न करना))
- An injection in the lower back that numbs the body below the waist for a few hours. You stay awake or lightly drowsy but should not feel pain in the operated area. It is often used for operations on the lower abdomen, groin, legs and urinary tract, and for piles.
- Sutures (stitches) (टांके)
- Threads, clips or staples used to close a wound after surgery. Some dissolve on their own. Others are removed at a follow-up visit, often 1 to 2 weeks after surgery, as the doctor advises.
- TMT (treadmill test) (टीएमटी (ट्रेडमिल टेस्ट))
- A stress test in which your ECG and blood pressure are recorded while you walk on a treadmill that gradually gets faster and steeper. It shows how the heart copes with exercise and can point to narrowed heart arteries. Read about this treatment
- Tubectomy (female sterilisation) (महिला नसबंदी (ट्यूबेक्टॉमी))
- A permanent family planning operation for women in which the fallopian tubes are closed so that the egg and sperm cannot meet. It is usually done by laparoscopy through small cuts. It should be chosen only when the family is complete. Read about this treatment
- TURBT (टीयूआरबीटी)
- Transurethral resection of bladder tumour: removal of a growth from the bladder through the urinary passage with a telescope. The removed tissue is sent for histopathology to find out what type of growth it is and to plan further treatment. Read about this treatment
- TURP (टीयूआरपी)
- Transurethral resection of the prostate: an operation for an enlarged prostate, done through the urinary passage with a telescope, with no cut on the abdomen. The part of the prostate that blocks the flow of urine is removed. A catheter is usually kept for a few days afterwards. Read about this treatment
- Ultrasound (USG) (अल्ट्रासाउंड (यूएसजी))
- A scan that uses sound waves to make pictures of organs such as the gallbladder, kidneys, liver, uterus and bladder. It uses no radiation. For an abdominal scan you may be asked to come fasting or with a full bladder.
- Upper GI endoscopy (एंडोस्कोपी (दूरबीन से पेट की जांच))
- A thin, flexible tube with a camera is passed through the mouth to see the food pipe, stomach and first part of the small intestine. It can find ulcers, bleeding or growths, take a biopsy and remove swallowed objects such as coins. You need to come on an empty stomach. Read about this treatment
- Urinary catheter (कैथेटर (पेशाब की नली))
- A thin, soft tube passed through the urinary passage into the bladder to drain urine into a bag. It is often used during and for a short time after surgery, and is removed when you can pass urine normally.
- URSL (ureteroscopy) (यूआरएसएल)
- Ureteroscopic lithotripsy: a thin telescope is passed through the urinary passage and bladder into the ureter, the tube that carries urine down from the kidney. The stone is broken into small pieces and removed. There is no cut on the skin. Read about this treatment
- Varicose veins (वैरिकोज़ वेन्स (नसों का फूलना))
- Swollen, twisted veins, usually in the legs, caused by weak valves inside the veins. They can cause heaviness, aching, itching or skin changes. In endovenous laser treatment, a thin laser fibre closes the faulty vein from inside. Read about this treatment
- VIU (for urethral stricture) (वीआईयू (पेशाब की नली सिकुड़ने का इलाज))
- A urethral stricture is a narrowing of the urinary passage that makes the stream thin and slow. Visual internal urethrotomy (VIU) cuts the narrow part from inside using a telescope, with no cut on the skin. Read about this treatment
Dr. Rajnish Kumar Thakur
Founder and Chief Surgeon: Laparoscopic, Laser, Urology and General Surgeon
MBBS, DA, MS (General Surgery)
View details