How Do You Spell PERICARDIECTOMY?

Pronunciation: [pˌɛɹɪkɑːdˈa͡ɪktəmɪ] (IPA)

Pericardiectomy is a medical term that refers to the surgical procedure of removing the pericardium, the sac that surrounds the heart. The spelling of this word is determined by its pronunciation, which is /ˌperəkɑːrdiˈektəmi/. The first syllable is pronounced as "per-", followed by "i-", "car-" (with a hard "c" sound), "di-", "ectomy" (with emphasis on the "ek-" syllable). The IPA phonetic transcription offers a clear guide to help learners understand the correct spelling of this complex word.

PERICARDIECTOMY Meaning and Definition

1. Pericardiectomy is a medical procedure that involves the surgical removal or reduction of the pericardium, which is the sac-like membrane that surrounds the heart. The pericardium acts as a protective layer, providing support and preventing the heart from overexpanding. However, in certain situations, the pericardium can become thickened, scarred, or inflamed, leading to a condition called constrictive pericarditis. Constrictive pericarditis can restrict the heart's ability to expand and contract properly, resulting in a range of symptoms and potentially serious complications.

   A pericardiectomy is typically performed to relieve the symptoms of constrictive pericarditis and improve heart function. The procedure involves making an incision in the chest and removing part or all of the pericardium. This can allow the heart to beat more freely and enhance cardiac output.

   Pericardiectomy is considered a major surgical intervention and is typically performed under general anesthesia in an operating room. It demands a skilled surgeon and a specialized team. While the procedure can be highly effective in relieving symptoms and improving heart function, it also carries certain risks and complications, including bleeding, infection, damage to surrounding structures, and potential adverse reactions to anesthesia.

   Post-surgery, patients often require close monitoring in an intensive care unit (ICU) to ensure their stability and proper recovery. Rehabilitation and follow-up care may also be necessary to support the patient's recovery and provide long-term management of any underlying conditions.

2. Excision of a portion of the pericardium.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Common Misspellings for PERICARDIECTOMY

• Paricardectomy
• Pericarctomy
• Pericardectomey

Etymology of PERICARDIECTOMY

The word "pericardiectomy" is derived from two Greek roots: "peri-" meaning "around" and "cardia" meaning "heart". The suffix "-ectomy" comes from the Greek word "ektomē", which means "excision" or "removal". Therefore, the etymology of "pericardiectomy" breaks down as: "peri-" (around) + "cardia" (heart) + "-ectomy" (removal), indicating the surgical excision or removal of the pericardium, the sac-like membrane surrounding the heart.