Urethrostomy is a medical term that refers to the surgical procedure of creating a new opening in the urethra. The spelling of this word may seem daunting due to its long, technical nature. However, it can be easily broken down using IPA phonetic transcription: /juːrɪˈθrɒstəmi/. The first syllable is pronounced like "you," followed by "rih" and "thross" to make up the main sound of the word. The final syllable, "tomy," is pronounced like "tuh-mee." Put together, the word is pronounced "you-rih-thross-tuh-mee."
Urethrostomy is a medical procedure in which a surgical opening is created in the urethra, the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the external body. This procedure is often performed to alleviate blockages or strictures in the urethra that could impede the flow of urine.
Urethrostomy can be necessitated by a variety of conditions, such as urinary tract infections, urinary stones, trauma, or congenital abnormalities. By creating an alternative passage for urine to pass through, urethrostomy aims to bypass or remove the obstruction, allowing urine to flow freely.
The surgical technique of urethrostomy may involve making an incision in the blocked or narrowed area of the urethra and creating a new opening or redirecting urine flow to an area of healthy tissue. This procedure is typically performed under general anesthesia and may require post-operative care and monitoring.
Urethrostomy can be performed in both human and veterinary medicine, although the specifics may differ. In human medicine, urethrostomy is often considered a last resort treatment when other conservative approaches have failed. In veterinary medicine, it may be a more common treatment option for certain conditions affecting animals, particularly in male cats who are prone to urethral blockages.
As with any surgical procedure, urethrostomy carries risks such as infection, bleeding, or scarring. It is crucial that patients undergo proper evaluation and consultation with a healthcare professional to determine the appropriateness and potential outcomes of urethrostomy.
Formation of a permanent opening into the membranous portion of the urethra through the perineum.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "urethrostomy" is formed by combining two roots: "urethro-" and "-stomy".
1. "Urethro-" is derived from the Greek word "ourethra", which means "urethra" or "the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the external opening". This root is commonly used in medical terminology related to the urethra.
2. "-Stomy" is a suffix that comes from the Greek word "stomos", meaning "mouth" or "opening". It is used in medical terminology to indicate the creation of a surgical opening or an anastomosis.
When combined, "urethrostomy" refers to a surgical procedure involving the creation of a new opening or anastomosis in the urethra.