Diclidotomy is a medical term referring to the surgical removal of a frenulum, a small fold of tissue that attaches the tongue to the floor of the mouth or the penis to the foreskin. The spelling of this word can be confusing due to its somewhat complex pronunciation, which is represented in phonetic transcription as /daɪklɪˈdɒtəmi/. The word can be broken down into two parts: 'dicli' comes from the Greek word for frenulum, and '-tomy' refers to a cutting or incision.
Diclidotomy is a noun that refers to a medical procedure involving the division or splitting of a double uterus. More specifically, it involves the separation of the two uterine cavities that are present in certain cases of uterine malformation known as "uterus didelphys." This condition occurs when the uterus fails to fuse properly during embryonic development, resulting in the formation of two separate uterine cavities, each with its own cervix.
Diclidotomy is typically performed as a surgical intervention to correct potential complications associated with uterus didelphys, such as recurrent miscarriages, infertility issues, and difficulties during childbirth. The procedure involves making an incision or cut to divide the wall between the two uterine chambers, creating two separate uteri. This division aims to facilitate fertilization, implantation, and successful pregnancy outcomes.
The term diclidotomy originates from the combination of two Greek words: "diklon" (meaning "forked" or "double") and "tomē" (meaning "cutting" or "incision"). It is primarily used in medical literature and professional discussions among healthcare practitioners specializing in gynecology and reproductive medicine.
Overall, diclidotomy is a surgical technique performed on individuals with uterus didelphys to enhance their chances of achieving healthy pregnancies and minimizing complications related to the double uterine structure.
Operation of cutting a valve, especially incision of the rectal folds; valvotomy.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.