OPEN BIOPSY Meaning and
Definition
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Open biopsy is a surgical procedure performed to obtain a tissue sample from a specific area of the body for further examination and analysis. It involves the removal of a small piece of tissue or a whole organ through a surgical incision in order to make an accurate diagnosis and determine the presence of any abnormalities, such as cancerous or infectious cells.
During an open biopsy, the patient is usually placed under general anesthesia to ensure they are unconscious and do not experience any pain or discomfort during the procedure. A surgeon makes an incision on the skin to access the targeted tissue or organ. The incision is then expanded to provide enough space to remove tissue samples or the entire affected organ. The biopsied tissue is carefully collected and sent to a laboratory for thorough examination by a pathologist.
Open biopsy is commonly performed when other diagnostic methods, such as imaging or minimally invasive procedures like needle biopsies, have not provided sufficient information or when the area of concern is inaccessible using less invasive techniques. It is often used to investigate suspected malignancies or to confirm a diagnosis when the nature of a disease is uncertain.
While open biopsy is generally regarded as a safe procedure, potential risks and complications include infection, bleeding, damage to adjacent organs or structures, and adverse reactions to anesthesia. However, these risks are typically low and often outweighed by the potential benefits of obtaining an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan.
Etymology of OPEN BIOPSY
The word "open biopsy" combines two terms: "open" and "biopsy".
The word "open" derives from the Old English "openian", which means "uncover, disclose". It has roots in the Proto-Germanic word "opana", which also meant "open" or "unclosed". "Open" is a common term used to describe something that is unrestricted, accessible, or visible.
The word "biopsy" comes from the Greek roots "bio" meaning "life" and "opsis" meaning "a sight or view". It was originally used in medical contexts to describe the examination of living tissue under a microscope to diagnose or monitor a disease or condition.
Therefore, the term "open biopsy" refers to a medical procedure in which living tissue is accessed and examined by creating an incision or opening in the body.
