Septotome (sɛp.tə.təʊm) is a medical instrument used for precise incisions of soft tissues, especially in the nasal septum. The word is spelled as "septo" and "tome", with "septo" derived from the Latin "septum" meaning "a partition or wall". "Tome" comes from the Greek "tomos" meaning "a cutting or slice". Combining these roots, "septotome" refers to a tool for precise cuts in a partition or wall, which accurately describes its purpose in surgical procedures.
Septotome is a noun that refers to a specialized surgical instrument commonly used in septoplasty procedures. Derived from the Latin words "septo" meaning "a dividing wall" and "tome" meaning "a cutting instrument," a septotome is primarily designed to facilitate the precise and controlled division of the nasal septum.
This instrument typically consists of a thin, elongated handle with a specifically shaped cutting blade at one end. The blade is typically sharp and curved in nature, allowing surgeons to navigate through delicate nasal tissues while ensuring minimal trauma and bleeding. Septotomes may vary in size and curvature to accommodate different patient anatomies and surgical requirements.
During septoplasty, a surgical procedure aimed at correcting a deviated or crooked nasal septum, the septotome is introduced through one of the nostrils and guided along the septal cartilage. Its purpose is to make controlled incisions, removing or repositioning sections of the deviated septum to restore proper nasal alignment and improve airflow. The precision of the septotome's blade permits surgeons to perform this procedure with a high degree of accuracy and minimal disruption to other nearby structures, such as the nasal mucosa.
Due to its specialized function and applicability limited to septal surgery, the term septotome is primarily used within the medical field and may not be widely recognized outside of surgical or otolaryngology contexts.
An instrument for incising or removing a section of the nasal septum.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word septotome is derived from two Latin roots: septo, meaning to divide or partition, and tome, meaning a cutting instrument or a tool used to make incisions. Combined, septo and tome form septotome, which literally translates to an instrument used to make incisions or cuts for partitioning.