How Do You Spell STAPEDECTOMY?

Pronunciation: [ste͡ɪpdˈɛktəmɪ] (IPA)

The word "stapedectomy" (steɪpəˈdɛktəmi) is a medical term used to describe a surgical procedure that involves removing the stapes bone from the ear and replacing it with a prosthetic device. The spelling of this word can be confusing because of the combination of the letters "e" and "a" in the middle of the word. However, the "ea" combination is pronounced as a long "a" sound, which is similar to the pronunciation of the word "they". So, the correct pronunciation of "stapedectomy" is "stay-puh-dek-tuh-mee".

STAPEDECTOMY Meaning and Definition

1. A stapedectomy is a surgical procedure performed to treat hearing loss caused by a condition called otosclerosis. Otosclerosis involves abnormal growth of bone in the middle ear, specifically in the stapes bone. The stapes bone is a tiny bone that transmits sound vibrations to the inner ear.

   During a stapedectomy, the surgeon removes part or all of the damaged stapes bone and replaces it with a prosthesis. This artificial stapes allows sound vibrations to travel more effectively to the inner ear, restoring or improving hearing.

   The procedure is typically performed under general or local anesthesia. The surgeon gains access to the middle ear through a small incision behind the ear or through the ear canal. The damaged stapes bone is carefully removed using delicate instruments, and the prosthesis is placed in its position.

   Stapedectomy is considered a highly effective treatment for conductive hearing loss caused by otosclerosis, with success rates ranging from 80 to 95 percent. The procedure usually leads to substantial improvement in hearing, although individual outcomes may vary. It can also provide relief from associated symptoms such as tinnitus (ringing in the ear).

   As with any surgical procedure, there are risks involved, including infection, damage to the inner ear, and temporary or permanent loss of hearing. However, with the advancements in surgical techniques and technology, the risks have significantly decreased over the years. Post-operative care and follow-up appointments are vital for ensuring the best possible outcome.

2. Removal of the stapes, performed sometimes in cases of chronic catarrhal otitis media.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Common Misspellings for STAPEDECTOMY

• atapedectomy
• ztapedectomy
• xtapedectomy
• dtapedectomy
• etapedectomy
• wtapedectomy
• srapedectomy
• sfapedectomy
• sgapedectomy
• syapedectomy
• s6apedectomy
• s5apedectomy
• stzpedectomy
• stspedectomy
• stwpedectomy
• stqpedectomy
• staoedectomy
• staledectomy
• sta-edectomy

Etymology of STAPEDECTOMY

The word "stapedectomy" is derived from Latin and Greek roots.

The first part, "stapedo", is derived from the Latin word "stapes", meaning "stirrup". In the anatomy of the ear, the stapes is one of the three small bones that transmit sound vibrations from the eardrum to the inner ear.

The second part, "ectomy", comes from the Greek word "ektomē", meaning "excision" or "removal". It is commonly used in medical terminology to indicate the surgical removal or excision of a specific body part.

Therefore, "stapedectomy" refers to a surgical procedure in which the stapes bone is removed or excised from the middle ear. This procedure is typically performed to restore or improve hearing in cases of otosclerosis, a condition characterized by abnormal bone growth around the stapes, leading to hearing loss.