Choledochostomy is a medical term that refers to a surgical procedure that involves the creation of an opening in the common bile duct. The pronunciation of the word is [ˌkoʊlədɑkəˈstɑmi]. The first two syllables "chole" means bile in Greek, while "doch" is the root word derived from the Greek word meaning duct. The suffix "-ostomy" means to create an opening in a tubular structure. The word might be challenging to spell, but phonetically breaking it down helps in understanding its pronunciation, making it easier to remember in the future.
Choledochostomy is a medical procedure that involves creating a surgical connection or anastomosis between the common bile duct (choledochus) and either the small intestine or another part of the digestive tract to establish an alternative route for bile drainage. This intervention is typically performed when the normal flow of bile from the liver to the small intestine is obstructed due to various conditions such as gallstones, tumor growth, trauma, or inflammation.
During choledochostomy, the surgeon makes an incision in the common bile duct and then attaches it to the desired location, allowing bile to bypass the blocked or damaged portion, thus maintaining the essential function of bile secretion and transportation. This procedure can provide relief from symptoms like jaundice, abdominal pain, and liver dysfunction caused by the obstruction.
Choledochostomy is usually carried out under general anesthesia and requires careful planning and surgical expertise due to the intricate nature of the bile duct system. The technique may be performed through open surgery or, more frequently, as a minimally invasive procedure using laparoscopic or robotic techniques, which offer several advantages, including smaller incisions, faster recovery, and reduced risk of complications.
The effectiveness of choledochostomy in alleviating symptoms and improving outcomes depends on various factors, including the underlying cause of the bile duct obstruction, the patient's general health condition, and the skill and experience of the surgical team. Postoperative care usually involves close monitoring, pain management, and dietary adjustments to ensure proper healing and optimal recovery.
The surgical establishment of a fistula into the common bile-duct.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "choledochostomy" is derived from two main components: "choledocho" and "stomy".
1. "Choledocho": The term "choledocho-" is derived from the Greek word "kholedochos", which means "bile duct" or "common bile duct". In medical terminology, "choledocho-" is used to refer to the common bile duct.
2. "-stomy": The suffix "-stomy" is commonly used in medicine to indicate the creation of an opening or surgical connection between two structures. It is derived from the Greek word "stoma", meaning "mouth" or "opening".
Combining these two components, "choledochostomy" literally means the surgical creation of an opening or connection involving the bile duct.