Pancreatolithotomy is a medical term that refers to a surgical procedure to remove pancreatic calculi or stones. The word is spelled phonetically as /ˌpæn.kri.ə.tə.ˈlɪθ.ə.tɒm.i/, with stress on the third syllable. The first part of the term, 'pancreato', refers to the pancreas, while 'lithotomy' is derived from Greek meaning 'to cut stones.' The term combines these two elements with the suffix -tomy indicating a surgical procedure. Mastering complex medical terms like pancreatolithotomy requires a strong understanding of phonetics and language roots.
Pancreatolithotomy is a medical procedure used to remove calculi or stones present in the pancreas. The word is derived from the combination of three root words: "pancreato," which refers to the pancreas, "litho," meaning stone, and "tomy," indicating an incision or cutting.
Pancreatolithotomy is typically performed as a surgical intervention when other non-invasive treatments, such as medication or endoscopic methods, have failed to eliminate the pancreatic stones. The procedure involves making an incision in the abdomen, usually through laparotomy, to access and expose the pancreas. The surgeon then carefully excises the calculi or stones from the pancreatic ducts or their surrounding tissues. This process may include various techniques, such as irrigation, fragmentation, or extraction of the stones.
Pancreatic stones can form as a result of numerous conditions, including chronic pancreatitis, pancreatic trauma, or blockages within the pancreas. These stones can obstruct the pancreatic ducts, leading to inflammation, pain, and potentially severe complications. Pancreatolithotomy aims to relieve the blockage, alleviate symptoms, and improve the overall functioning of the pancreas.
As with any surgical procedure, pancreatolithotomy carries certain risks, including infection, bleeding, damage to surrounding organs or tissues, or adverse reactions to anesthesia. Therefore, the decision to undergo pancreatolithotomy is carefully made on a case-by-case basis, considering the patient's overall health, the severity of symptoms, and the potential benefits of the procedure.
In conclusion, pancreatolithotomy is a surgical procedure used to remove stones from the pancreas and restore its normal functioning. It involves making an incision in the abdomen, accessing the pancreas, and excising the calculi obstructing the pancreatic duct
Operation for the removal of a calculus from the pancreas.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "pancreatolithotomy" is derived from three different roots: "pancreato-", "litho-", and "-tomy".
1. "Pancreato-" comes from the Greek word "pankreas" (πάγκρεας), which means "pancreas". The combination of "pancreato-" refers to the pancreas in medical terminology.
2. "Litho-" comes from the Greek word "lithos" (λίθος), which means "stone" or "calculus". It is commonly used in medical terms when referring to the presence of a stone-like substance or a calculus.
3. "-tomy" is a suffix derived from the Greek word "tomḗ" (τομή), meaning "a cutting" or "a section". It is commonly used in medical terminology to indicate a surgical incision or procedure.