Lipostomy is a medical term used to describe a surgical procedure that involves the removal of fat tissues from the body. The word "lipostomy" is pronounced /lɪpɒstəmi/ (lih-paws-tuh-mee), with the stress on the second syllable. The "lipo-" prefix refers to fat, while "-stomy" refers to the creation of an opening through the body wall. The spelling of this term is derived from Greek and Latin roots, and demonstrates the importance of precise medical terminology for healthcare professionals.
Lipostomy is a surgical procedure that involves creating an opening or incision into the fatty tissue or adipose tissue of the body. This term combines the words "lipo," pertaining to fat, and "stomy," meaning an opening or surgical creation of an opening.
A lipostomy is typically performed for medical purposes, such as to drain excess fluid or remove a lipoma, which is a benign tumor composed of fat cells. It may also be undertaken as part of a liposuction procedure, which aims to remove localized pockets of fat for cosmetic purposes.
During a lipostomy procedure, a surgeon will make a small incision in the targeted area of fatty tissue. Then, the excess fluid or fat is carefully drained or suctioned out using a specialized surgical instrument or cannula. The incision is usually sutured or closed with sutures or surgical tape once the desired amount of fluid or fat has been removed.
Lipostomy requires the expertise of a trained surgeon and is generally considered safe with low risks when performed under sterile conditions with appropriate post-operative care. The procedure can help alleviate symptoms or improve the aesthetic appearance in certain cases. However, like any surgery, it may involve potential risks or complications, including infection, bleeding, or scarring.
Overall, lipostomy is a surgical procedure that involves creating a deliberate opening in the fatty tissue, typically performed for medical or cosmetic purposes, aiming to drain fluid, remove fat, or improve body contour.
Congenital absence or smallness of the mouth.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The term "lipostomy" does not have an established etymology within the English language. However, we can break down the word into its components to gain a better understanding:
1. "Lipo-" is derived from the Greek word "lipos", meaning "fat".
2. "-stomy" is derived from the Greek "stoma", meaning "mouth" or "opening".
Therefore, based on these components, "lipostomy" could be understood to mean "a surgical opening or incision into fat". However, it is important to note that "lipostomy" is not a commonly used or recognized medical term, so its usage and meaning may vary.