What does 'w/o' mean in medical abbreviations?

In medical abbreviations, 'w/o' is commonly used to denote 'without.' This abbreviation is derived from the Latin word "sine," which means "without," and is often utilized in a variety of contexts within healthcare documentation to succinctly indicate the absence of something. For example, a healthcare provider might use 'w/o' when noting a patient's condition, such as "patient is stable w/o complications," meaning that the patient is stable without any complications. This usage helps in maintaining clarity and brevity in medical records and communications, making it an essential term for professionals in the field.