Lymphangioplasty is a medical procedure that involves restoring or widening a lymphatic vessel. The word comprises three morphemes: lymph- (referring to the lymphatic system), -angio- (meaning vessel), and -plasty (which indicates a surgical repair). Its IPA transcription is /lɪm.fæn.dʒi.oʊ.plæs.ti/. The /l/ sound at the beginning of the word is followed by the first syllable /ɪm/ that has a schwa sound, like in the word 'sit'. The remaining syllables /fæn.dʒi.o/ and /plæs.ti/ have the primary stress on the second-to-last syllable.
Lymphangioplasty is a medical procedure that involves the surgical reconstruction or repair of lymphatic vessels. The term "lymphangioplasty" is derived from "lymphatic," which refers to the system of vessels and glands that carry lymph fluid throughout the body, and "plasty," which means a surgical repair or reconstruction.
The lymphatic system plays a critical role in maintaining the body's immune function and fluid balance. It consists of a network of thin-walled vessels known as lymphatics, which parallel the blood vessels and collect excess tissue fluid, waste products, and pathogens, filtering them through lymph nodes. However, in some cases, lymphatic vessels may become damaged or obstructed, leading to lymphedema, a condition characterized by the abnormal accumulation of lymphatic fluid in the tissues.
Lymphangioplasty aims to alleviate or correct lymphatic vessel abnormalities and restore drainage function. During the procedure, a surgeon may utilize various techniques, such as dilation, stenting, or bypass grafting, to widen, bypass, or repair damaged lymphatic vessels. Lymphangioplasty may be performed using minimally invasive techniques, such as endoscopy, or through open surgery, depending on the severity and location of the lymphatic vessel abnormality.
Overall, lymphangioplasty is a surgical intervention designed to restore the effective functioning of the lymphatic system and alleviate symptoms associated with lymphedema. By improving lymphatic drainage, this procedure can help patients manage and reduce the swelling, discomfort, and complications that may arise from impaired lymphatic circulation.
The formation of artificial lymphatics by the introduction of buried silk threads, with the object of draining the tissues (e.g. of the "brawny arm" in cases of mammary carcinoma) when the lymphatic vessels are obliterated.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "lymphangioplasty" can be broken down into two parts: "lymphangio" and "plasty".
The term "lymphangio" is derived from two Greek words: "lympha", meaning water or fluid, and "angeion", which translates to vessel. Together, "lymphangio" refers to the lymphatic vessels that transport lymph fluid throughout the body.
The word "plasty" comes from the Greek word "plassein", meaning to shape or mold. In medical terminology, "plasty" often denotes a surgical procedure involving the reconstruction or repair of a specific body part or vessel.
Therefore, the word "lymphangioplasty" combines the components "lymphangio" and "plasty" to describe a surgical intervention to reshape or repair lymphatic vessels.