The spelling of "Percutaneous Discectomy" can be tricky because it contains several medical terms. In IPA phonetic transcription, it is pronounced as /pərkjuːˈteɪniəs dɪˈsɛktəmi/ with stress on the second syllable of both words. "Percutaneous" refers to a procedure that is done through the skin. "Discectomy" involves removing part of a vertebral disc to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or nerves. By understanding the meanings of these medical terms and their phonetic pronunciations, one can correctly spell and pronounce "Percutaneous Discectomy".
Percutaneous discectomy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to treat herniated or degenerated intervertebral discs in the spine. This procedure aims to remove or reduce pressure on the nerves by removing parts of the damaged disc material.
During a percutaneous discectomy, a small incision is made in the skin, usually less than one centimeter, and specialized instruments are used to access the affected disc. Using techniques such as endoscopy or fluoroscopy for visualization, the surgeon removes the damaged disc material, including the nucleus pulposus, which is the gel-like substance found in the center of the disc. This reduces the pressure exerted on the nerves and spinal cord, relieving pain and other symptoms associated with the herniated or degenerated disc.
The procedure is performed under local anesthesia and is typically completed on an outpatient basis, allowing for a faster recovery compared to traditional open surgery. Percutaneous discectomy is considered a safer alternative with fewer risks and complications. However, it is important to note that this procedure is not suitable for all cases of disc herniation and should be assessed and recommended by a qualified medical professional.
Overall, percutaneous discectomy is a minimally invasive surgical technique that aims to alleviate the symptoms of herniated or degenerated intervertebral discs by removing damaged disc material through a small incision in the skin.
The word "percutaneous" is formed from the Latin words "per" meaning "through" and "cutis" meaning "skin". It is derived from the Latin verb "percutere", which means "to pierce through". "Discectomy" is also derived from Latin, consisting of "dis-" meaning "apart" or "away" and "ectomia" meaning "excision" or "removal".
Therefore, the term "percutaneous discectomy" refers to a surgical procedure in which a disc in the spine is removed or excised through a minimally invasive approach that involves piercing through the skin.