Excision vs. Resection — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on January 16, 2024
Excision is the surgical removal of part or all of a tissue, organ, or tumor. Resection is the surgical removal of a significant part or all of an organ, often in the context of cancer treatment or disease management.
Difference Between Excision and Resection
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Excision involves the cutting out or removal of tissue, an organ, or a tumor, often for diagnostic or treatment purposes. It is typically used for smaller areas or for removing growths like moles, lesions, or small tumors. Resection, however, refers to the surgical removal of a significant or substantial part of an organ or structure, often due to conditions like cancer or extensive disease. Resection is generally a more extensive procedure compared to excision.
In terms of scale, excision is usually less extensive and can often be performed as a minor surgical procedure. It is commonly used in dermatology, minor orthopedic surgery, or for superficial tumors. Resection is more complex and is typically associated with major surgical procedures, often involving organs such as the intestines, liver, or lungs.
The purpose of excision can range from diagnostic (such as biopsy) to curative, particularly in cases where the entire lesion or tumor can be removed. Resection is usually performed with the intention of curing or controlling a disease process that affects a significant part of an organ, and it may be accompanied by reconstructive procedures to restore function or anatomy.
Excision can often be performed on an outpatient basis with local anesthesia, depending on the size and location of the tissue being removed. Recovery time is generally shorter. Resection, on the other hand, often requires general anesthesia, hospitalization, and a longer recovery period due to its extensive nature and potential post-operative complications.
Comparison Chart
Definition
Surgical removal of part of a tissue or organ
Surgical removal of a significant part of an organ
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Procedure Scale
Typically less extensive, often minor
More complex and extensive
Purpose
Diagnostic, treatment of small areas
Cure/control disease in major organs
Anesthesia
Often local
Usually requires general anesthesia
Recovery
Generally shorter
Generally longer, more complex
Usage
Dermatology, minor surgery
Major surgery like organ resection
Technique
Simple cutting out
Involves cutting away and repair
Compare with Definitions
Excision
Surgical Removal
The surgeon performed an excision of the benign tumor.
Resection
Surgical Cutting
The resection of the tumor was complex.
Excision
Cutting Out
Excision is used to remove skin lesions.
Resection
Organ Part Removal
He underwent a partial liver resection.
Excision
Local Surgery
The dermatologist did an excision with local anesthesia.
Resection
Cancer Treatment
Lung cancer treatment may require resection.
Excision
Tissue Removal
The excision of the damaged tissue was successful.
Resection
Major Surgery
Resection is often a significant surgical procedure.
Excision
Minor Procedure
She had a mole excised in a quick procedure.
Resection
Invasive Procedure
Intestinal resection is a type of invasive surgery.
Excision
To remove by or as if by cutting
Excised the tumor.
Excised two scenes from the film.
Resection
Surgical removal of all or part of an organ, tissue, or structure.
Excision
The removal of some text during editing.
Resection
(medicine) The surgical removal of part or all of a tissue, organ, tumor, or body part.
Excision
(surgery) The removal of something (a tumor or body part) by cutting.
Resection
(surveying) A method of determining a position by using a map and compass bearings for two additional points.
Excision
(genetics) The removal of a gene from a section of genetic material.
Resection
A section of a tire that has had worn tread replaced.
Excision
(topology) The fact that, under certain hypotheses, the homology of a space relative to a subspace is unchanged by the identification of a subspace of the latter to a point.
Resection
(medicine) To excise part or all of a tissue or organ.
Excision
The act of excising or cutting out or off; extirpation; destruction.
Such conquerors are the instruments of vengeance on those nations that have . . . grown ripe for excision.
Resection
(surveying) To determine positions using compass bearings based on three or more known positions.
Excision
The act of cutting off from the church; excommunication.
Resection
(digital image processing) To estimate a camera projection matrix from known position data and image entities.
Excision
The removal, especially of small parts, with a cutting instrument.
Resection
To redivide into new sections.
Excision
The omission that is made when an editorial change shortens a written passage;
An editor's deletions frequently upset young authors
Both parties agreed on the excision of the proposed clause
Resection
(education) To transfer students into new class groupings or grade levels.
Excision
Surgical removal of a body part or tissue
Resection
(civil engineering) To deepen or widen a river or other natural watercourse for flood control, land drainage, or navigation.
Excision
The act of banishing a member of the Church from the communion of believers and the privileges of the Church; cutting a person off from a religious society
Resection
To remove material from the surface of a road in order to achieve a uniform thickness.
Excision
The act of pulling up or out; uprooting; cutting off from existence
Resection
To thinly slice a specimen as part of its preparation, such as when preparing a microscope slide.
Resection
To replace a worn section of tire with new tread.
Resection
To readmit involuntarily into a mental hospital.
Resection
The act of cutting or paring off.
Resection
The removal of the articular extremity of a bone, or of the ends of the bones in a false articulation.
Resection
Surgical removal of part of a structure or organ
Common Curiosities
What conditions might require resection?
Resection is often required for conditions like cancer or serious organ damage.
How long does recovery from excision typically take?
Recovery from excision is usually quick, depending on the size and location of the excised area.
Is excision considered major surgery?
Excision is generally not considered major surgery; it's often a minor procedure.
Are there risks associated with resection?
Yes, resection carries risks like infection, bleeding, and complications related to the organ involved.
Is hospitalization required for resection procedures?
Yes, hospitalization is generally required for resection due to its complexity.
Do both excision and resection leave scars?
Both can leave scars, but the extent varies based on the procedure and location.
What is the main purpose of excision in surgery?
Excision is primarily used to remove a small area of tissue, often for diagnostic or treatment purposes.
What does resection involve in medical terms?
Resection involves removing a significant part of an organ or tissue, usually to treat or control a disease.
What type of anesthesia is used for excision?
Local anesthesia is often used for excision, depending on the procedure's extent.
How is resection different from amputation?
Resection involves removing part of an organ or tissue, while amputation refers to the complete removal of a limb or extremity.
Can excision completely remove a tumor?
Excision can completely remove a tumor if it's localized and small.
Is post-operative care different for excision and resection?
Yes, resection usually requires more extensive post-operative care due to its complexity.
Can both excision and resection be performed laparoscopically?
Yes, both can be performed laparoscopically in certain cases, depending on the location and size of the area.
Can excision be performed in a doctor's office?
Many excisions, especially minor ones, can be performed in a doctor's office.
Are excision and resection procedures covered by insurance?
Coverage can vary, but many insurance plans cover these procedures when medically necessary.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
