PHARYNGECTOMY Meaning and
Definition
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Pharyngectomy is a surgical procedure involving the removal of all or part of the pharynx. The pharynx is a muscular tube-like structure situated behind the mouth and nasal cavity, connecting them to the esophagus. It serves as a passageway for both food and air.
Pharyngectomy is performed to treat various medical conditions, including cancerous or non-cancerous tumors in the pharyngeal region that cannot be effectively treated with other methods. The extent of the removal can vary depending on the location and size of the tumor.
This procedure can be done using different techniques such as laser surgery, open surgery, or endoscopic surgery. During the surgery, the surgeon carefully removes the affected portion of the pharynx, ensuring that nearby structures like the vocal cords or important blood vessels are not damaged.
After a pharyngectomy, patients may experience temporary or permanent changes in their ability to speak, swallow, or breathe. Rehabilitation, including speech therapy and swallowing exercises, is often necessary to regain these functions. In some cases, reconstructive surgery may also be performed to restore the structural integrity and function of the pharynx.
Overall, pharyngectomy is a significant surgical procedure that aims to eliminate or reduce the impact of certain pathological conditions affecting the pharynx. The specific approach and outcomes of the surgery depend on the individual's condition and the expertise of the medical team involved.
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Excision of a part of the pharynx.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for PHARYNGECTOMY
- oharyngectomy
- lharyngectomy
- 0haryngectomy
- pgaryngectomy
- pbaryngectomy
- pnaryngectomy
- pjaryngectomy
- puaryngectomy
- pyaryngectomy
- phzryngectomy
- phsryngectomy
- phwryngectomy
- phqryngectomy
- phaeyngectomy
- phadyngectomy
- phafyngectomy
- phatyngectomy
- pha5yngectomy
- pha4yngectomy
- phartngectomy
Etymology of PHARYNGECTOMY
The word "pharyngectomy" is derived from the combination of two Greek roots: "pharynx" and "ektomē".
1. "Pharynx" (φάρυγξ) is the Greek word for the throat. It refers to the part of the digestive tract that lies behind the nasal cavity, mouth, and larynx. The Greek word "pharynx" itself is thought to be derived from the verb "pharyggo" (φαρύγγω), meaning "to eat greedily". This indicates the function of the pharynx in swallowing food.
2. The suffix "-ektomē" (-εκτομή) in Greek means "excision" or "removal".
