The Hotchkiss operation is a surgical procedure named after the American surgeon Edmund Otis Hotchkiss. The word "Hotchkiss" is pronounced /ˈhɑːtʃkɪs/ according to the IPA phonetic transcription. The first syllable begins with the "h" sound, followed by the "aa" vowel sound. The second syllable consists of the "ch" sound and the "ih" vowel sound. The final syllable includes the "s" sound. The Hotchkiss operation involves the removal of tumors from the bones of the upper extremities, such as the arm or shoulder.
The Hotchkiss operation is a surgical procedure used to treat chronic otitis media, a condition characterized by inflammation and infection of the middle ear. The surgery involves removing the damaged or diseased tissue within the ear.
During the Hotchkiss operation, an incision is made behind the ear to gain access to the middle ear. The surgeon carefully removes any necrotic or infected tissue present, including the tympanic membrane (eardrum), if necessary. In some cases, the surgeon may also reconstruct or replace the ossicles, tiny bones within the middle ear responsible for transmitting sound.
After removing the diseased tissue, the surgeon may clean the middle ear and apply antibiotic or antifungal medications to prevent further infection. In some instances, a ventilation tube may be inserted to promote drainage and equalize pressure within the middle ear.
The primary goal of the Hotchkiss operation is to eradicate the infection and restore proper function to the middle ear. It can help alleviate symptoms such as hearing loss, recurring infections, and ear pain.
Post-surgery, patients typically undergo a recovery period during which they must take precautions to avoid water exposure in the operated ear. Follow-up visits with the surgeon are necessary to monitor healing and ensure the success of the procedure.
An operation for epithelioma of the cheek; it includes resection of a lateral half of the mandible and, if necessary, of a portion of the maxilla and palate, the defect in the cheek being closed by the side of the tongue and a flap drawn up from the side of the neck.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The term "Hotchkiss operation" is named after its inventor, Henry Hotchkiss, an American orthopedic surgeon. The word "operation" refers to the surgical procedure that Hotchkiss developed. Hence, the etymology of the term comes from the combination of the inventor's name and the general term used for a medical procedure.