Rhinorrhaphy is a medical term that refers to the surgical procedure of repairing a nasal defect. The spelling of "rhinorrhaphy" reflects the complex combination of sounds present in the word. The IPA phonetic transcription of "rhinorrhaphy" is /raɪˈnɔːrəfi/. This reveals that the word contains the vowel sounds /aɪ/, /ɔː/ and /ə/, along with the consonants /r/, /n/, and /f/. This challenging spelling reflects the intricate nature of the procedure itself, which requires skill and precision to perform successfully.
Rhinorrhaphy is a noun that refers to a surgical procedure aimed at repairing or reconstructing the nose. Derived from the Greek words "rhis" meaning "nose" and "rhaphé" meaning "sutures," rhinorrhaphy literally translates to "suturing of the nose."
In this procedure, a surgeon employs various techniques to address structural deformities, correct functional issues, or enhance the aesthetic appearance of the nose. It can involve removing excess tissue, reshaping the nasal bones or cartilage, or altering the angle between the nose and upper lip. Rhinorrhaphy is commonly used to address congenital defects, injuries resulting from trauma, or nasal abnormalities that cause breathing difficulties or hinder one's self-confidence.
During rhinorrhaphy, an incision is made either externally, on the surface of the nose, or internally within the nasal passages. The surgeon then carefully manipulates the nasal structures, making the necessary adjustments, and secures them in their new position using sutures, grafts, or implants. After the procedure, the incisions are sutured closed, and the nose is typically protected with a splint or bandages to aid in healing and reduce swelling.
Rhinorrhaphy may be performed under general anesthesia in a hospital setting or as an outpatient procedure with local anesthesia depending on the complexity and individual circumstances. While the procedure aims to correct functional issues, it can also provide significant improvements in nasal aesthetics.
Overall, rhinorrhaphy represents a surgical option for individuals seeking nasal reconstruction, offering relief from functional problems and enhancing the appearance of the nose.
Excision of an oval piece of skin from the bridge of the nose and union of the edges of the wound, so as to take up the slack, for the relief of epicanthus.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "rhinorrhaphy" is derived from two Greek roots: "rhino-" and "-rrhaphy".
"Rhino-" (ῥίς, rhis) means "nose" in Greek. It frequently appears in medical terms related to the nose, such as "rhinoplasty" (plastic surgery of the nose) or "rhinitis" (inflammation of the nasal passages).
The suffix "-rrhaphy" (-ρραφία, -rrhaphia) is of Greek origin and means "suturing" or "surgical repair". It is commonly used in medical terms to refer to the surgical procedure of suturing or repairing a specific organ or structure.
Combining these roots, "rhinorrhaphy" refers to the surgical repair or suturing of the nose, usually to correct deformities or injuries.