The word "pneumonotomy" is a medical term that refers to the surgical removal of a portion of the lung. Its spelling can be a bit confusing for those unfamiliar with medical terminology. The first part of the word, "pneumono", is pronounced /nuːˈmɒnəʊ/, with the stress on the second syllable, and refers to the lungs. The second part, "tomy", is pronounced /ˈtɒmi/, with the stress on the first syllable, and refers to a surgical incision or cutting. Together, the word is spelled pneumonotomy, /nuːˈmɒnətɒmi/, and describes a lung surgery procedure.
Pneumonotomy is a surgical procedure that involves the incision or opening of the lung. It is a thoracic or pulmonary surgical technique used to gain access to the lung tissue for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes. This procedure can be performed for various reasons, such as the removal of lung tumors, treatment of lung infections, or to obtain a lung biopsy for further examination.
During a pneumonotomy, the surgeon makes a deliberate incision into the chest wall to access the lung. This may involve cutting through the ribs or muscles to reach the affected lung tissue. The incision allows the surgeon to directly visualize and manipulate the lung, enabling the removal of abnormal tissue, draining of fluids, or the placement of sutures if necessary.
Pneumonotomy is a complex and invasive surgical procedure that requires careful pre-operative evaluation and planning, as well as highly skilled and experienced surgeons. It may be performed under general anesthesia, and post-operative care and monitoring are crucial for a successful recovery.
Despite advances in less invasive techniques, such as video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS), pneumonotomy continues to be utilized in certain cases where a more extensive surgical approach is needed or if the location and size of the lesion make it difficult to access with minimally invasive methods.
It is essential to note that pneumonotomy is a high-risk procedure that may carry potential complications, such as bleeding, infection, air leakage, or respiratory complications. Close post-operative monitoring and appropriate care are required to minimize these risks.
Incision of the lung for the evacuation of an abscess or for any other purpose.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word pneumonotomy is derived from the Greek roots pneumon meaning lung and -otomy meaning incision or cutting. So, pneumonotomy literally translates to incision of the lung.