What does anastomosis refer to in a surgical context?

Anastomosis in a surgical context specifically refers to the connection between two blood vessels. This process is often performed to restore blood flow or to create a new pathway for blood circulation, which can be crucial in various surgical procedures. For example, vascular surgeons may perform anastomosis during bypass surgery to connect arteries or veins, thereby reestablishing circulation after the blockage of vessels.

While the removal of an area of dead tissue is an important surgical procedure known as necrosis debridement or excision, it does not align with the definition of anastomosis. Similarly, the creation of an artificial opening, referred to as a stoma, and the joining of nerves, known as nerve repair or anastomosis of nerves, do not pertain to the specific vascular context of the term in question. Therefore, the focus on connecting blood vessels correctly defines anastomosis within the parameters of surgical terminology.