Sphenotripsy is a medical procedure used to treat chronic sinusitis. The word is comprised of three parts: "spheno" meaning "related to the sphenoid bone," "tripsy" meaning "to crush or break," and the suffix "-y" indicating "a process of." The phonetic transcription of "sphenotripsy" is /sfɛˈnɒtrɪpsi/ with emphasis on the second syllable. The spelling of this word may seem intimidating at first, but understanding its components can aid in pronunciation and comprehension of the term.
Sphenotripsy is a medical term derived from the Greek words "spheno," meaning wedge-shaped, and "tripsis," meaning crushing or grinding. It is a specialized surgical procedure used to fragment or crush a stone or calculus that has formed within the Sphenoid sinus, which is a hollow cavity situated behind the nasal cavity and between the eyes.
The technique of sphenotripsy involves accessing the Sphenoid sinus through an endoscopic approach. The surgeon inserts an endoscope, a thin tube with a light and a camera, into the nasal passage to gain a clear view of the sinus. Specialized instruments, such as forceps or laser technology, are then used to break down or crush the stone into smaller fragments. These fragments can be subsequently flushed out or removed using suction.
Sphenotripsy is primarily indicated for patients suffering from Sphenoid sinus calculi, which are mineral deposits or stones that obstruct the sinus, leading to discomfort, pain, and potential complications. The procedure is performed under general anesthesia and is considered a minimally invasive alternative to traditional open sinus surgery.
While generally safe and effective, sphenotripsy may carry certain risks and potential complications, including bleeding, infection, damage to surrounding tissues, or inadequate stone removal. Therefore, patients considering this procedure should consult with a qualified healthcare professional to determine their eligibility and discuss possible outcomes.
Overall, sphenotripsy is a specialized surgical technique used to crush and remove stones or calculi within the Sphenoid sinus, providing relief from associated symptoms and improving nasal and sinus function.
Crushing the base of the skull after sphenotresia.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "sphenotripsy" is derived from two Greek roots: "spheno" and "tripsy".
1. "Spheno" (σφήνα) is derived from the Greek word "sphen", meaning "wedge" or "wedge-shaped". It is commonly used in medical terminology to refer to any structure that has a wedge-like shape.
2. "Tripsy" (τρίψις) is derived from the Greek verb "tríbo", meaning "to rub" or "to crush". It is often used in medical terminology to indicate a surgical procedure involving crushing or fragmenting something.
Therefore, the word "sphenotripsy" combines these two roots and is used to describe a surgical procedure that involves crushing or fragmenting a wedge-shaped structure, particularly in the context of the sphenoid bone.