Capsulotomy is a medical procedure that involves making a small incision in the capsule of the eye's lens. The word is spelled with the IPA phonetic transcription /kap-suh-lot-uh-mee/, with emphasis on the second syllable (/suh/). The "c" is pronounced as a /k/ sound, while the "s" following the first syllable is pronounced as a /z/ sound, in line with English language phonetics. The "t" is pronounced as a /t/ sound, followed by the common "o" pronunciation in English. The final syllable is pronounced with an /ee/ sound.
Capsulotomy refers to a surgical procedure that involves making an incision or incisions in a capsule. A capsule is a structure that encloses an organ or tissue in the body. This procedure is typically performed to release or remove the capsule that has formed around an implanted medical device, such as an artificial joint or breast implant, or to treat certain medical conditions.
One common use of capsulotomy is in joint replacement surgery. After an artificial joint, such as a hip or knee replacement, is implanted, the body's natural response is to form a capsule of scar tissue around the joint. In some cases, this capsule can become thickened or contract, causing pain, stiffness, and limited joint mobility. A capsulotomy can be performed to release or remove this restrictive scar tissue, allowing for increased joint mobility and alleviating discomfort.
Capsulotomy may also be performed in other medical situations, such as to remove a capsule that has formed around a breast implant, to treat conditions such as Dupuytren's contracture (a condition where the fingers gradually bend into the palm), or as part of treatment for certain eye conditions.
Overall, capsulotomy is a surgical procedure that involves making incisions in a capsule to release or remove scar tissue or treat specific medical conditions associated with the presence of a capsule in the body.
Incision through a capsule, specifically through the capsule of the lens in a cataract operation.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "capsulotomy" is derived from the combination of two root words: "capsulo" and "otomy".
1. "Capsulo" comes from the Latin word "capsula", which translates to "small box" or "capsule". In the medical context, "capsula" refers to a membranous or fibrous covering that encloses a structure or organ.
2. "Otom y" is derived from the Greek word "tomḗ", which means "a cutting" or "incision". It is a suffix commonly used in medical terminology to signify a surgical procedure involving cutting or incision.
Therefore, "capsulotomy" can be understood as a surgical procedure involving the incision or cutting of a capsule-like structure.