Cholecystotomy (/ˌkɒləsɪsˈtɒtəmi/) is a medical term that refers to the surgical removal of the gallbladder. The word is derived from three Greek roots: chole, meaning bile; cyst, meaning bladder; and tomy, meaning a surgical incision. The spelling of this word follows the conventions of medical terminology, which often draws on ancient Greek and Latin to create compound words that accurately reflect the meaning of the medical condition or procedure being described.
Cholecystotomy is a medical procedure that involves making an incision or a surgical opening in the gallbladder. The gallbladder is a small organ located beneath the liver that stores bile, a substance produced by the liver to aid in the digestion and absorption of fats. Cholecystotomy is typically performed to remove gallstones, which are hardened deposits that can form in the gallbladder and cause pain and other complications.
During a cholecystotomy, the patient is placed under general anesthesia to ensure they remain unconscious and free from pain throughout the procedure. The surgeon then makes a small incision in the abdomen, usually just below the ribcage, to gain access to the gallbladder. Once the gallbladder is exposed, another incision is made on its surface, allowing the surgeon to remove the gallstones carefully. After the gallstones are extracted, the incisions are sutured closed, and the patient is monitored and provided with post-operative care to ensure a healthy recovery.
Cholecystotomy is typically considered when other less invasive treatments, such as medication or dietary changes, have failed to alleviate symptoms or complications caused by gallstones. It is generally considered a safe and effective procedure, but like any surgery, it carries some risks and potential complications such as infection, bleeding, or damage to nearby organs or structures. Continuous advancements in surgical techniques have made cholecystotomy a relatively routine procedure, with high success rates in treating gallstone-related issues.
Incision into the gall-bladder.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "cholecystotomy" is derived from two Greek roots: "chole" and "kystis" combined with the suffix "-tomy".
1. "Chole-" originates from the Greek word "khole" (χολή), which means "bile". When used as a prefix, "chole-" pertains to bile or the gallbladder.
2. "Kystis" (κύστις) in Greek denotes "a bladder" or "a sac". In medical terminology, it refers to a cyst or the gallbladder.
3. The suffix "-tomy" originates from the Greek "tomē" (τομή), meaning "cutting" or "incision". It is commonly used in medical terminology to refer to surgical procedures.