Septotomy is a medical term used to describe a surgical procedure that involves cutting a septum, which refers to the thin wall of tissue that separates two body cavities. The spelling of this word can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) as /ˌsɛpˈtɒtəmi/, where "sep" is pronounced as /sɛp/ and refers to the septum, "to" is pronounced as /tə/ and refers to the act of cutting, and "my" is pronounced as /mi/ and refers to the surgical procedure itself.
Septotomy is a medical term that refers to a surgical procedure performed to relieve a condition called septal deviation. The septum is a wall of tissue that separates the two nasal cavities in the human nose. In some individuals, the septum can be misaligned or deviated, leading to breathing difficulties, recurrent sinus infections, or nasal congestion.
A septotomy aims to correct this deviation by surgically modifying or repositioning the septum. This procedure is typically carried out by an otolaryngologist or an ENT (ear, nose, and throat) specialist. A septotomy can be performed using various techniques such as submucous resection, in which the surgeon makes an incision in the nasal lining and removes a specific portion of the deviated septum. Alternatively, a septoplasty may be performed, involving straightening and repositioning the septum without removing any tissue.
Septotomy is usually done under general anesthesia, and the surgeon may utilize specialized instruments like endoscopes to gain a better visual and access to the nasal passages. The primary goal of the procedure is to improve airflow through the nose by realigning the septum and restoring proper nasal function.
After the septotomy, patients may experience some discomfort, swelling, or bleeding, which can generally be managed with pain medications and saline nasal sprays. Recovery time varies but typically involves a few weeks of avoiding strenuous activities and ensuring appropriate nasal care. Septotomy has been shown to be an effective treatment for septal deviation, improving symptoms and enhancing overall nasal health.
Incision of a septum, specifically of the septum narium.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "septotomy" is derived from two root words: "septo-" and "-tomy".
1. "Septo-" comes from the Latin word "septum", which means "a fence" or "a partition". In medical terminology, "septum" refers to a dividing wall or a partition that separates two cavities or structures in the body. For example, the nasal septum is the cartilaginous partition that divides the two sides of the nose.
2. "-Tomy" is a suffix derived from the Greek word "tomḗ", which means "cutting" or "incision". It is commonly used in medical terms to denote a surgical procedure that involves cutting or incising a specific body part.