Colocentesis is a medical procedure which involves the insertion of a needle into the colon to obtain a sample of the contents for diagnostic purposes. The spelling of the word "colocentesis" can be broken down into its individual phonetic components: /kəʊləʊsɛnˈtiːsɪs/. The first syllable, "co", is pronounced with a long o as in "cone". The second syllable, "lo", has a short o as in "lot". The third syllable, "cen", is pronounced with a soft c and a short e as in "center". The final syllable, "tesis", has a long e as in "feasible" and a short i as in "tip".
Colocentesis is a medical procedure that involves the insertion of a needle into the colon or large intestine to remove fluid or perform diagnostic tests. It is typically used for fluid analysis, such as collecting a sample of peritoneal fluid for laboratory examination to determine the cause of abdominal pain or inflammation.
During the procedure, a healthcare professional guides the needle through the abdominal wall and into the colon to extract a sample of fluid. Colocentesis can be performed in various clinical settings, including hospitals, outpatient clinics, or dedicated medical facilities equipped with the necessary tools and resources.
Colocentesis is primarily used as a diagnostic tool to identify the presence of infection, inflammation, or other abnormalities in the colon or adjacent areas. It can also aid in the detection and diagnosis of conditions such as diverticulitis, appendicitis, or certain types of cancer.
The procedure may be performed under local anesthesia to numb the surrounding area, or in some cases, general anesthesia may be used to ensure patient comfort. After the fluid sample is obtained, it is sent to a laboratory for further analysis, allowing healthcare professionals to make informed decisions about treatment or further investigations.
Colocentesis should only be performed by trained medical professionals who have experience in the procedure. Potential risks or complications associated with colocentesis include infection, bleeding, injury to surrounding organs, or discomfort during and after the procedure.
A puncture of the colon to relieve distention.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "colocentesis" is a medical term combining two Greek roots:
1. "Colo-" (from "kolon") meaning "colon". In medical terminology, this refers to the large intestine, specifically the portion between the cecum and the rectum.
2. "-centesis" derived from the Greek word "kentesis", meaning "piercing" or "puncture". This suffix is commonly used in medical terms to indicate a procedure that involves puncturing or tapping a body cavity or organ to remove fluid or obtain a sample.
Therefore, "colocentesis" refers to a medical procedure involving the puncture of the colon.