What does ligating refer to in surgical practice?

• A. To suture a wound closed
• B. To bind or attach
• C. To remove tissue
• D. To clean the surgical area

Answer: (B)

In surgical practice, ligating refers to the process of binding or attaching tissues, often using a specific type of suture or device called a ligature. This technique is commonly utilized to control bleeding by constricting blood vessels or to secure tissues together during various surgical procedures. Ligating is essential for reducing the risk of excessive blood loss and ensuring the stability of the surgical site.

This term is distinct from other concepts in surgery. For example, suturing a wound closed specifically involves closing an incision or injury with stitches, while removing tissue pertains to surgical excision techniques. Cleaning the surgical area is related to preparing the surgical field to prevent infection but does not involve binding or securing tissues. Therefore, the definition of ligating as binding or attaching is crucial for understanding its role and importance in surgical practices.