The word "cholelithotrity" is a complex medical term that refers to a specific kind of treatment for gallstones. It is spelled phonetically as /ˌkɒliˌlɪθəˈtraɪti/, which can be broken down into its individual sounds. "Cho" is pronounced as "ko," "le" is pronounced as "li," "tho" is pronounced as "thə," "tri" is pronounced as "traɪ," and "ty" is pronounced as "ti." The word may be difficult to pronounce and spell correctly, but it is essential for medical professionals to know this term to diagnose and treat patients accurately.
Cholelithotrity is a medical term that refers to the therapeutic procedure of fragmenting or crushing gallstones within the gallbladder or common bile duct. It involves the use of specialized instruments to break down the calculus into smaller particles, facilitating their passage through the biliary system and ultimately removal from the body. This procedure is typically performed in cases where the gallstones are too large to naturally pass through the bile duct or in individuals who are unable to undergo traditional gallstone removal methods such as cholecystectomy (surgical removal of the gallbladder).
Cholelithotrity is often performed through a minimally invasive technique known as endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), where an endoscope is inserted through the mouth and advanced into the small intestine to access the bile ducts. Once the gallstones are located, a specialized instrument such as a lithotriptor or laser is used to break them into smaller fragments, which can then be extracted or naturally eliminated.
This procedure is generally considered safe and effective, although it may carry risks such as infection, bleeding, or damage to the bile ducts. As with any medical intervention, careful consideration of the individual patient's condition, overall health, and potential risks is essential in determining the appropriateness of cholelithotrity as a treatment option.
Cholelithotripsy.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "cholelithotrity" is derived from three Greek roots: "chole" meaning bile, "litho" meaning stone, and "trity" meaning to crush or grind. When combined, these roots form "cholelithotrity", which refers to a medical procedure called lithotrity, where gallstones are crushed or fragmented using specialized instruments within the bile duct or the gallbladder.