Ovariotomy is a medical term referring to the surgical removal of an ovary. The word can be broken down into three parts: "ovari" meaning ovary, "o" meaning of or pertaining to, and "tomy" meaning incision. The correct pronunciation of ovariotomy is /ˌəʊvəraɪˈɒtəmi/, with stress on the third syllable. The emphasis on the "i" sound in "-otomy" helps to distinguish it from similar-sounding words like "ovariotomy" or "ovariectomy," which involve different types of procedures for the removal of an ovary.
Ovariotomy is a medical term that refers to the surgical removal of one or both ovaries. The procedure involves the complete or partial removal of the ovaries, which are the female reproductive organs responsible for the production of eggs and the secretion of hormones like estrogen and progesterone.
Ovariotomy is usually performed for various reasons, such as the treatment of ovarian cysts, tumors, or cancer. In some cases, it may be necessary to remove the ovaries to prevent the spread of cancer cells or to alleviate symptoms caused by conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or endometriosis.
The surgery is typically done under general anesthesia and involves making an incision in the lower abdomen to access the ovaries. The diseased or affected organs are then carefully dissected and separated from adjacent tissues before being removed. The procedure may be performed through open surgery or minimally invasive techniques like laparoscopy, depending on the specific case and the surgeon's preference.
Ovariotomy has both potential benefits and risks, which should be assessed and discussed with a healthcare professional. While the removal of the ovaries may effectively treat certain conditions, it also results in infertility, early menopause, and a potential impact on a woman's hormonal balance. Prior to the surgery, careful consideration should be given to the patient's overall health, age, reproductive goals, and the potential impact of hormonal changes on their quality of life, as well as the need for alternative treatments or interventions.
1. The removal of one or both ovaries, oothecotomy. 2. The operative removal of an ovarian tumor.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "ovariotomy" is derived from two Greek roots - "ovario" and "tomy".
"Ovario" is related to the Greek word "ovarium", meaning "ovary". The term "ovary" comes from the Greek word "ovarion", which refers to the ovaries of a female animal.
The second part, "tomy", is derived from the Greek root "tomḗ", which means "to cut". This root is commonly used in medical terminology to indicate a surgical incision or the act of cutting open a specific organ.
Therefore, "ovariotomy" is a combination of "ovario" and "tomy", meaning "the cutting open or removal of an ovary through surgery".