The word "choledocholithotomy" is a medical term used to describe a surgical procedure that involves the removal of stones from the bile duct. The spelling of the word can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) transcription, which represents the sound of each letter. The word is pronounced as /kəʊliːdəkəʊlɪˈθɒtəmi/, with the stress on the third syllable. The spelling is composed of Greek roots, with "choledocho" meaning "bile duct," "lithos" meaning "stone," and "tomia" meaning "cutting." Overall, it is a complex term used in the medical field for a specific type of surgical operation.
Choledocholithotomy is a surgical procedure performed to remove stones (choledocholiths) from the common bile duct (choledochus). The common bile duct is a narrow tube that carries bile from the liver to the small intestine, aiding in the digestion and absorption of fats. When stones or calculi form within this duct, it can cause several complications such as jaundice, gallstone pancreatitis, or infection.
During a choledocholithotomy, the patient is placed under general anesthesia. The surgeon creates an incision in the abdomen to access the common bile duct. Once the duct is exposed, it is carefully opened to remove the stones. The stones can be removed either by using specialized instruments or by flushing them out with a saline solution. The surgeon ensures that all stones are removed to prevent future complications.
Following the procedure, the incision is closed with sutures or staples, and the patient is usually required to stay in the hospital for a few days for monitoring. Antibiotics may be prescribed to prevent infection, and pain medication is provided to manage postoperative discomfort. Recovery time can vary depending on the individual, but most patients can resume their normal activities within a few weeks.
Choledocholithotomy is considered an effective treatment option for individuals with stones lodged in the common bile duct. By removing the stones, this procedure helps to alleviate symptoms, prevent further complications, and promote the normal flow of bile from the liver to the small intestine.
Incision of the common bileduct for the extraction of an impacted gallstone.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "choledocholithotomy" is derived from Greek roots.
The first part, "chole-" (from the Greek "chole"), refers to the bile or gall.
The second part, "docho-" (from the Greek "dochos"), refers to the duct or passage.
The third part, "-litho" (from the Greek "lithos"), refers to a stone or calculus.
And finally, "-tomy" (from the Greek "tomḗ") refers to an incision or cutting.
So, when combined, "choledocholithotomy" refers to the surgical procedure of making an incision or cutting into the bile duct to remove a stone or calculus.