SUPRAPUBIC LITHOTOMY Meaning and
Definition
-
Suprapubic lithotomy is a medical procedure used to remove bladder stones, also known as urinary calculi, through a small incision made above the pubic bone. This surgical technique is typically performed under general anesthesia and involves creating a small opening in the lower abdomen to access the bladder.
During a suprapubic lithotomy, the surgeon incises the skin and underlying tissues to gain access to the abdominal cavity and subsequently the bladder. Once the bladder is exposed, it is carefully opened to remove the stones. This can be done either by manually extracting the calculi or using specialized instruments, such as forceps or stone baskets, to grasp and remove the stones.
Suprapubic lithotomy is often preferred when the size of the bladder stones is too large to be effectively treated with non-invasive procedures, or in cases where other techniques, such as transurethral lithotripsy, are contraindicated. This procedure provides direct access to the bladder, allowing for effective stone removal while minimizing the risk of damage to the urinary tract.
After the bladder stones have been successfully extracted, the bladder is closed with sutures or a catheter may be temporarily placed to facilitate healing. The incision in the lower abdomen is then closed with sutures or staples.
Although suprapubic lithotomy is generally considered safe, complications such as infection, bleeding, injury to surrounding structures, or urinary incontinence may occur. As with any surgical procedure, patients are advised to discuss the potential risks and benefits with their healthcare provider.
-
One in which the bladder is entered by an incision immediately above the symphysis pubis.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for SUPRAPUBIC LITHOTOMY
Etymology of SUPRAPUBIC LITHOTOMY
The word "suprapubic lithotomy" can be broken down into three parts: "suprapubic", "litho-", and "-tomy".
1. "Suprapubic" is derived from the Latin roots "supra" meaning "above" or "over", and "pubis" referring to the pubic bone. So, "suprapubic" literally means "above the pubic bone".
2. "Litho-" originates from the Greek word "lithos", which means "stone". It is commonly used as a prefix to indicate a procedure or condition related to stones, particularly in medical terms.
3. "-tomy" comes from the Greek word "tomḗ", meaning "a cutting" or "incision". It is used as a suffix in medical terminology to denote a procedure involving a surgical incision or opening.
