How Do You Spell CANTHOTOMY?

Pronunciation: [kanθˈɒtəmɪ] (IPA)

The word "canthotomy" (kænˈθɑtəmi) refers to a surgical procedure involving the cutting of the canthus, the corner of the eye where the upper and lower eyelids meet. Its spelling is derived from the Greek words "kanthos," meaning corner or angle, and "tomos," meaning a cutting. The correct pronunciation of "canthotomy" is indicated by the International Phonetic Alphabet symbols /kænˈθɑtəmi/, with stress on the second syllable. Requiring precise eye surgery, spelling and pronunciation accuracy are crucial for medical professionals working in this area.

CANTHOTOMY Meaning and Definition

1. Canthotomy is a medical procedure used in ophthalmology to alleviate intraocular pressure by surgically incising the lateral canthus of the eye. The lateral canthus refers to the outer corner of the eye where the upper and lower eyelids meet. Canthotomy involves making a precise incision along the lateral canthal tendon, which allows the eyelids to separate and release tension on the eyeball.

   This procedure is typically performed in emergency situations, most commonly in cases of orbital compartment syndrome or retrobulbar hematoma. Orbital compartment syndrome occurs when there is an increase in pressure within the orbit, the bony cavity that houses the eye, resulting in decreased blood flow and potential damage to the optic nerve. Retrobulbar hematoma, on the other hand, is a condition where there is bleeding behind the eye, often causing severe pain, vision impairment, and eventual blindness if left untreated.

   By performing canthotomy, this surgical intervention helps to rapidly release pressure inside the eye, relieving the symptoms of these conditions in order to prevent further damage. While canthotomy is an effective method to relieve intraocular pressure, it is generally considered a temporary measure until further definitive treatment options, such as surgical decompression or management of the underlying cause, can be undertaken.

2. Slitting of the canthus, cantholysis, canthoplasty (1).

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Common Misspellings for CANTHOTOMY

• xanthotomy
• vanthotomy
• fanthotomy
• danthotomy
• cznthotomy
• csnthotomy
• cwnthotomy
• cqnthotomy
• cabthotomy
• camthotomy
• cajthotomy
• cahthotomy
• canrhotomy
• canfhotomy
• canghotomy
• canyhotomy
• can6hotomy
• can5hotomy
• cantgotomy
• cantbotomy

Etymology of CANTHOTOMY

The word "canthotomy" is derived from the Greek terms "kanthos" meaning "corner of the eye" and "tomē" meaning "incision" or "cutting". So, the etymology of "canthotomy" literally represents the act of making an incision or cut at the corner of the eye.

Plural form of CANTHOTOMY is CANTHOTOMIES