THYMECTOMY Meaning and
Definition
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Thymectomy is a medical procedure that involves the surgical removal of the thymus gland. The thymus gland is a small organ located behind the breastbone in the upper part of the chest, responsible for the development and maturation of certain immune cells called T cells. The thymus plays a critical role in the immune system, particularly during childhood and adolescence, as it helps T cells recognize and attack foreign substances in the body.
Thymectomy is most commonly performed to treat conditions associated with the thymus, as well as certain autoimmune disorders, such as Myasthenia Gravis. Myasthenia Gravis is a neuromuscular disorder that causes weakness and fatigue of voluntary muscles due to an abnormal immune response against the body's own tissues. In such cases, removing the thymus gland can help alleviate symptoms and reduce the immune system's attack on the muscles.
Thymectomy can be performed through various techniques, including open surgery or minimally invasive methods such as video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) or robotic-assisted surgery. These approaches aim to remove the thymus gland while minimizing trauma to surrounding tissues.
Recovery after thymectomy varies depending on the individual and the surgical technique used. Most patients experience some pain and discomfort in the chest area, but these symptoms usually subside over time. Thymectomy can lead to a temporary or permanent weakening of the immune system, which should be monitored after the procedure.
Overall, thymectomy is a surgical procedure that aims to remove the thymus gland, typically to treat conditions associated with this organ or certain autoimmune disorders.
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Operative removal of the thymus gland.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for THYMECTOMY
- thymectomie
- rhymectomy
- fhymectomy
- ghymectomy
- yhymectomy
- 6hymectomy
- 5hymectomy
- tgymectomy
- tbymectomy
- tnymectomy
- tjymectomy
- tuymectomy
- tyymectomy
- thtmectomy
- thgmectomy
- thhmectomy
- thumectomy
- th7mectomy
- th6mectomy
- thynectomy
Etymology of THYMECTOMY
The word "thymectomy" comes from the combination of two roots: "thymus" and "ectomy".
The term "thymus" refers to the gland located in the upper chest, behind the sternum (breastbone), which plays a crucial role in the development and maturation of certain immune cells, particularly T-cells. The word "thymus" originates from the Greek word "thumos", meaning "spirit" or "soul", as early Greek physicians believed the thymus gland to be the seat of spiritual and emotional activity.
The suffix "-ectomy" is derived from the Greek word "ektomē", meaning "cutting out" or "removal". It is commonly used in medical terminology to indicate the surgical removal of a particular organ or tissue.
Combining these elements, "thymectomy" literally translates to "surgical removal of the thymus gland".
