Urethrectomy is a medical term referring to the surgical removal of the urethra. The word is spelled as [yoo-rih-threk-tuh-mee], with the stress on the second syllable. The first three letters "ure" come from the Latin word "urina" meaning urine, while the suffix "-ectomy" means removal. Urethrectomy is often performed to treat cancer or other conditions affecting the urethra. Proper pronunciation and spelling of medical terms like urethrectomy are crucial for healthcare professionals to communicate accurately with each other and avoid misunderstandings.
Urethrectomy is a medical procedure that involves the surgical removal of the urethra, which is a tubular structure responsible for conducting urine from the bladder to be excreted out of the body.
Urethrectomy may be performed as a treatment option for various conditions, including cancerous growths in the urethra, recurrent infections that cannot be resolved through other means, or severe damage or injury to the urethra. The procedure can be performed through different techniques, such as open surgery, where an incision is made in the perineum or lower abdomen, or minimally invasive procedures, such as laparoscopy or robotic surgery.
During the urethrectomy procedure, the surgeon removes the affected section of the urethra, and in some cases, adjacent tissues or lymph nodes may also be removed to ensure complete removal of the diseased tissue. Depending on the extent of the surgery, a urinary diversion method may be required to allow the patient to pass urine. This can involve creating a new pathway for urine to exit the body, such as a stoma or a connection of the remaining urethra to the skin.
Following a urethrectomy, patients may require a period of recovery, including pain management, catheterization, and potential rehabilitation to regain normal urination or adjust to a new urinary diversion method. It is important for patients to follow post-operative instructions and attend regular follow-up appointments to monitor healing and address any potential complications.
The word "urethrectomy" has its roots in two Greek terms, "urethra" and "ektome".
- "Urethra" (οὐρήθρα) refers to the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body.
- "Ektome" (ἐκτομή) translates to "excision" or "cutting out".
When these two words are combined, "urethrectomy" is formed, which refers to the surgical removal or excision of the urethra.