The spelling of "uterotome" is based on the Greek words "hystera" (womb) and "tome" (a cutting). The correct pronunciation of this word is [juːtərətəʊm] in IPA phonetic transcription. The first syllable is pronounced like "you," followed by "tuh" and "ruh" in the second and third syllables respectively. The final syllable is pronounced as "tohm," with the emphasis on the first syllable. This word refers to a surgical instrument used to make an incision in the uterus during surgery.
An uterotome is a medical instrument primarily used in gynecological procedures to make incisions in the uterus. It is specifically designed for making precise and controlled cuts during surgeries such as Cesarean sections or myomectomies.
The uterotome typically consists of a slender, cylindrical handle that provides a firm grip for the surgeon. At one end of the handle, there is a sharp, thin, and curved blade. This blade is specifically designed to penetrate the uterine wall smoothly, allowing the surgeon to cut through the organ accurately.
During a uterine incision, the uterotome is carefully inserted into the uterus through a small opening. The surgeon then uses gentle and controlled movements to guide the blade through the uterine tissue. This process ensures that the incision is clean and well-controlled, minimizing the risk of excessive bleeding or damage to surrounding structures.
Uterotomes are designed to be efficient and accurate, allowing surgeons to perform intricate procedures with minimal complications. They are typically made from stainless steel or other durable materials to ensure that they remain sharp and can be used repeatedly after appropriate sterilization.
Overall, the uterotome is an essential tool in gynecological surgeries, providing surgeons with the means to make precise and controlled incisions in the uterus, promoting successful outcomes and patient safety.
Hysterotome.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "uterotome" is derived from two Greek roots: "utero" and "tome".
"Utero" comes from the Greek word "hyster" (ὑστέρᾱ), meaning "womb" or "uterus". The term "hyster" is also the source of words like "hysterectomy" (surgical removal of the uterus) and "hysteria" (a condition historically associated with women and attributed to abnormalities of the uterus).
"Tome" comes from the Greek word "tomos" (τόμος), which means "a cutting" or "incision". This root is often used in medical terminology to refer to instruments or procedures involving cutting or incising.