Ovariectomy, spelled /oʊˌvɛərɪˈɛktəmi/, is a medical procedure that involves the surgical removal of one or both ovaries of a female animal or human. The word is derived from two Greek roots, "ovario-" meaning ovary, and "-ectomy" meaning the surgical removal of a body part. The stress of the word falls on the second syllable, and the IPA phonetic transcription breaks down the word into its separate sounds, which helps in the accurate pronunciation of the term.
Ovariectomy, also known as an oophorectomy or surgical removal of the ovaries, is a medical procedure involving the complete removal of one or both ovaries. The ovaries are the primary reproductive organs in females responsible for producing eggs, producing hormones such as estrogen and progesterone, and regulating the menstrual cycle.
Ovariectomy is typically performed for various medical reasons. It may be conducted as a treatment for gynecological conditions such as ovarian cancer, ovarian cysts, or endometriosis. In some cases, it may also be recommended as a preventive measure for individuals at high risk of developing ovarian cancer, especially if they have a genetic predisposition.
The surgical procedure is usually performed under general anesthesia. The surgeon makes an incision in the lower abdomen or through laparoscopy to access the ovaries. The ovaries are carefully dissected and removed, ensuring the preservation of surrounding tissues and blood vessels. After the procedure, patients may experience temporary side effects such as pain, swelling, or hormonal imbalances, but these usually subside within a few weeks.
Ovariectomy can have significant physiological effects on a woman's body, as it permanently halts the ovarian functions. This can include the cessation of menstruation, menopausal symptoms, and a decrease in estrogen and progesterone levels.
Overall, ovariectomy is a surgical procedure in which one or both ovaries are removed, performed for various medical reasons such as treating ovarian conditions or preventing the development of ovarian cancer. It is a significant intervention that can have long-lasting effects on a woman's reproductive and hormonal health.
Oothecectomy.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "ovariectomy" is derived from two Latin roots: "ovarium" and "ectomia".
1. "Ovarium" comes from the Latin word "ovum", which means "egg". In anatomy, "ovarium" refers to the female reproductive organ that produces eggs (ova).
2. "Ectomia" is derived from the Greek word "ektomḗ", meaning "removal" or "excision". When combined with "ovarium", it forms the medical term "ovariectomy", which refers to the surgical removal of one or both ovaries.
In summary, the etymology of "ovariectomy" is a combination of the Latin word "ovarium" meaning "egg" and the Greek term "ectomia" meaning "removal" or "excision".