Exothyreopexy is a medical term used to describe a surgical procedure involving the repositioning of the thyroid gland. The word is pronounced as /ɛksəʊˌθaɪrəʊˈpɛksi/. The prefix exo- means outside or external, while thyreo- pertains to the thyroid gland. The suffix -pexy is a term used in surgery to mean a procedure that involves the fixation of an organ or tissue. Thus, exothyreopexy means a surgical procedure that involves fixing the external position of the thyroid gland.
Exothyreopexy is a medical term used to describe a surgical procedure involving the fixation or repositioning of the thyroid gland outside of its normal anatomical position within the neck.
The procedure typically involves the detachment of the thyroid gland from its native position and reattachment to another location within the neck or into the chest cavity. This may be necessary in cases where the thyroid gland is enlarged, palpable, or causing compression on nearby structures like the trachea or esophagus.
Exothyreopexy is often performed under general anesthesia, with the surgeon making an incision in the neck or chest to access the thyroid gland. Careful dissection is done to detach the gland from its original position, and depending on the case, it may be secured to another location or suspended using sutures or other fixation devices.
This surgical technique aims to alleviate symptoms associated with an enlarged thyroid gland, such as difficulty breathing or swallowing, while also preventing damage to adjacent structures. By repositioning the thyroid gland, unwanted compression and potential complications can be avoided.
Exothyreopexy is considered a specialized procedure that requires the expertise of a knowledgeable and experienced surgeon. As with any surgical intervention, there may be risks and potential complications associated with the procedure, such as infection, bleeding, or damage to nearby nerves. Therefore, a careful evaluation of the benefits and risks is necessary before considering exothyreopexy as a treatment option.
Suture of the thyroid gland into an external wound for the purpose of inducing atrophy.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "exothyreopexy" is a medical term that derives from the combination of several Greek roots.
1. "Exo-" is a prefix meaning "outside" or "external".
2. "Thyreos" is a Greek word meaning "thyroid gland".
3. "-Pexy" is a suffix that denotes "surgical fixation" or "suturing in place".
Therefore, when combined, "exothyreopexy" refers to a surgical procedure that involves the fixation or suturing of the thyroid gland in an external or outside position.