Glossary letter index
Terms starting with B
8 terms indexed.
Bariatric Surgery
A collective term for surgical procedures performed on the stomach or intestines to induce weight loss in patients with severe obesity, typically defined as a body mass index above 35–40. Common types include sleeve gastrectomy and gastric bypass, which work by restricting food intake and, in some cases, altering nutrient absorption.
Baseline Imaging
Pre-operative imaging (X-ray, CT, MRI, ultrasound) obtained before a procedure to establish a reference point for post-operative comparison and surveillance. For implant procedures (joint replacement, breast augmentation), baseline imaging may be required for life-long surveillance and is part of the implant passport documentation.
Blastocyst
A fertilised egg that has developed over five to six days in culture to form a hollow ball of cells, comprising an inner cell mass that becomes the embryo and an outer layer that forms the placenta. Transfer of blastocysts in IVF cycles is associated with higher implantation rates compared to earlier-stage embryos.
Blepharoplasty
A surgical procedure to remove excess skin, muscle, or fat from the upper and/or lower eyelids, addressing drooping lids, puffiness, and under-eye bags. It may be performed for both cosmetic purposes and to correct functional visual impairment caused by severely hooded upper lids.
Board Certification
A voluntary credential awarded to a physician who has completed specialist training and passed rigorous examinations set by a recognised medical specialty board, demonstrating competency beyond the requirements for basic licensure. It is a widely used indicator of a surgeon's expertise when evaluating international providers.
Bone Graft
A surgical procedure in which bone tissue is transplanted to repair or augment areas of insufficient bone, commonly in the jaw prior to dental implant placement. The graft material may be sourced from the patient's own body (autograft), a donor (allograft), an animal (xenograft), or a synthetic substitute.
Bougie Size
In bariatric surgery, the bougie is a calibration tube passed into the stomach during a sleeve gastrectomy to standardise the diameter of the newly created gastric sleeve. A smaller bougie size creates a more restrictive sleeve, whilst a larger size leaves a wider pouch with different long-term restriction characteristics.
Bowel Prep
Pre-operative preparation of the bowel for procedures involving the abdomen, particularly colorectal or pelvic surgery. Mechanical bowel preparation (laxatives, enemas) and antibiotic bowel preparation reduce intra-operative contamination risk. Modern protocols vary substantially by procedure; enhanced-recovery (ERAS) protocols have moved away from routine aggressive bowel prep for many operations.