MEDIASTINOTOMY Meaning and
Definition
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Mediastinotomy is a medical procedure designed to gain access to the mediastinum, which is the anatomical region located between the two lungs, extending from the sternum (breastbone) to the spine. It involves the surgical opening of the mediastinal structures to allow for examination, biopsy, or the removal of abnormal growths or structures in this area. This procedure is typically performed when other diagnostic tests or less invasive techniques fail to provide sufficient information about mediastinal conditions.
During a mediastinotomy, an incision is made in the chest wall, usually under general anesthesia. This approach provides direct access to the mediastinum, allowing the surgeon to visualize and evaluate the organs, blood vessels, lymph nodes, and other structures within this region. It may be performed through different approaches, such as a sternotomy (incision through the breastbone) or a thoracotomy (incision between the ribs).
Mediastinotomy is commonly used in the diagnosis and staging of mediastinal tumors, lymphomas, or other conditions that affect the mediastinal space. Through this procedure, tissue samples can be collected for histopathological analysis, aiding in accurate diagnosis and subsequent treatment planning. It can also be performed to drain abscesses or infections in the mediastinum, alleviate mediastinal masses causing compression, or repair injuries to the mediastinal structures.
As with any surgical procedure, mediastinotomy carries certain risks, such as bleeding, infection, damage to nearby structures, or complications associated with general anesthesia. Therefore, it is essential to have a thorough understanding of the patient's condition, risks, benefits, and alternatives before opting for a mediastinotomy.
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Incision into the mediastinum.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for MEDIASTINOTOMY
- mediastinotomq
- mediastinotomx
- mediastiknowtomy
- mediastinotwomy
- m ediastinotomy
- me diastinotomy
- med iastinotomy
- medi astinotomy
- media stinotomy
- medias tinotomy
- mediast inotomy
- mediasti notomy
- mediastin otomy
- mediastino tomy
- mediastinot omy
- mediastinoto my
- mediastinotom y
Etymology of MEDIASTINOTOMY
The word "mediastinotomy" is derived from two Latin roots: "mediastinum" and "tomia".
1. "Mediastinum" refers to the central compartment of the thoracic cavity, located between the lungs. It is a region that contains vital organs such as the heart, major blood vessels, esophagus, and trachea. The term "mediastinum" originates from the Latin word "medius" meaning "middle", and "sternum" meaning "chest". Therefore, "mediastinum" can be loosely translated as "middle of the chest".
2. "Tomia" is derived from the Greek word "tomē", which means "incision" or "cutting". It is a suffix commonly used in medical terminology to describe a surgical procedure involving the division or opening of a specific body part.
