Ureterectomy is a medical term that refers to the surgical removal of a ureter. It is pronounced as /jʊˈriːtərɛktəmi/ (you-ri-tuh-rek-tuh-mee). The word is composed of three syllables: "ureter", "ectomy", and "y". "Ureter" is pronounced as /ˈjʊərɪtər/ (you-er-i-tuh), "ectomy" is pronounced as /ɛkˈtɒmɪ/ (ek-tuh-mee), and "y" is pronounced as /i/ (ee). The spelling of ureterectomy corresponds to the pronunciation of the three components, and thus helps medical professionals to accurately describe the procedure.
Ureterectomy is a medical term that refers to the surgical removal of all or a portion of one of the ureters in the human body. The ureter is a narrow tube that carries urine from the kidneys to the bladder. Ureterectomy is typically performed as a treatment for certain conditions or diseases affecting the ureter, such as ureteral cancer, severe trauma, or irreparable damage.
During a ureterectomy procedure, a surgeon makes an incision on the patient's abdomen or back, depending on the location of the affected ureter. The surgeon carefully disconnects the ureter from the kidney or bladder and then removes the diseased or damaged segment. In some cases, the entire ureter may need to be removed, necessitating reconstructive surgery to restore the flow of urine from the kidney to the bladder.
Ureterectomy carries potential risks and complications, including bleeding, infection, damage to surrounding structures, or urinary incontinence. After the surgery, patients may experience temporary or permanent alterations in urinary function that can require further medical management or adjustment to lifestyle.
The goal of a ureterectomy is to improve the patient's overall health and alleviate symptoms associated with the underlying condition. Prior to a ureterectomy, it is critical for patients to engage in a thorough discussion with their healthcare provider to fully understand the procedure's risks, benefits, and potential long-term outcomes.
Exsection of a segment or all of an ureter.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "ureterectomy" is derived from two main components:
1. Ureter: The term "ureter" originated from the Latin word "urina", meaning urine. The Latin term "ureter" specifically refers to the tube that carries urine from the kidneys to the bladder.
2. -ectomy: The suffix "-ectomy" is derived from the Greek word "ektomḗ", which means "excision" or "removal". It is commonly added to the end of a word to indicate a surgical removal or excision of a specific organ or tissue.
Therefore, when combined, "ureterectomy" refers to the surgical removal or excision of all or a part of the ureter.