Splenotomy is a medical term used to describe the surgical procedure of opening the spleen. The spelling of "Splenotomy" can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). The word is comprised of five syllables: /spli/nə/tɒm/i/. The first syllable "spli" is pronounced with a "spl" sound followed by a short "i" vowel sound. The second syllable "nə" is pronounced with a schwa sound. The third syllable "tɒm" is pronounced with a "tom" sound, and the fourth syllable "i" has a short "i" vowel sound.
Splenotomy is a medical term that refers to a surgical procedure involving the incision or cutting of the spleen. The spleen is a vital organ located in the upper left abdomen, functioning as part of the immune system as well as a blood filter, producing and destroying blood cells, and storing certain substances. Splenotomy may be performed for various reasons, including diagnosis and treatment of conditions affecting the spleen.
During a splenotomy, a surgeon creates an incision on the abdomen in order to gain access to the spleen. The procedure may be conducted using traditional open surgery techniques or minimally invasive methods such as laparoscopy, depending on the underlying condition and the patient's individual circumstances. Once the spleen is exposed, the surgeon may perform further manipulations, such as partial or complete removal of the spleen (splenectomy), biopsy, or other necessary interventions.
Splenotomy is indicated for a range of medical conditions, including traumatic injuries to the spleen, splenic tumors or cysts, certain blood disorders, and in some cases, immune system disorders. The procedure aims to alleviate symptoms, remove potential sources of infection, or to examine the spleen for diagnostic purposes. As with any surgical procedure, splenotomy carries potential risks and complications, such as bleeding, infection, or damage to surrounding organs. Therefore, it is crucial for patients to discuss the potential benefits, risks, and alternatives with their healthcare provider before undergoing splenotomy.
1. Anatomy or dissection of the spleen. 2. A surgical operation on the spleen.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The term "splenotomy" is derived from two root words: "spleno" and "tomy".
1. "Spleno" comes from the Greek word "splḗn", which means "spleen". It can be traced back to the Proto-Indo-European root "*spleḱ", meaning "spleen".
2. "Tomy" is derived from the Greek word "tomḗ", which means "to cut" or "incision". It is derived from the Proto-Indo-European root "*temh₁-", which means "to cut" or "slice".
Therefore, "splenotomy" combines the Greek word for spleen, "spleno", with the suffix "-tomy" denoting an incision or cutting procedure. Thus, "splenotomy" refers to a surgical procedure involving the incision or opening of the spleen.