Vestibulotomy (/vɛs.tɪb.jəˈlɒ.tə.mi/) is a medical term used to describe a surgical procedure that involves making an incision in the vestibule of the nose. The word is spelled with the phonetic representation of each syllable: 'ves-ti-bu-lo-to-my'. The 'v' and 'b' consonants are pronounced with vibrating lips, while the 's' and 't' consonants are pronounced with a sharp release of air. The 'i' in the second syllable is pronounced with a short vowel sound, while the 'o' in the final syllable is pronounced with a long vowel sound.
Vestibulotomy is a medical procedure that involves making an incision into the vestibule, which is the entrance or opening of a body cavity or passageway. Specifically, it refers to the surgical incision made in the vestibule of the ear, known as the external auditory meatus, which is the part of the ear that leads to the eardrum.
The goal of vestibulotomy is to gain access to the inner parts of the ear, such as the middle ear or the cochlea, for various diagnostic or therapeutic purposes. It is commonly performed to treat certain ear conditions, such as an abscess, infection, or to remove foreign bodies lodged in the ear canal. This surgical approach allows the surgeon to directly visualize and address the problem area in the ear.
The procedure is typically performed under local or general anesthesia, depending on the individual case and the complexity of the condition being treated. The surgeon makes a small incision in the vestibule, carefully avoiding damage to surrounding structures, including the eardrum. Once the incision is made, the surgeon may use various instruments, such as a microscope or small surgical tools, to manipulate or remove the targeted tissues or foreign bodies.
Vestibulotomy carries some risks, including bleeding, infection, damage to surrounding structures, or temporary or permanent hearing loss. However, these risks are relatively low, and the procedure is generally considered safe and effective when performed by a skilled and experienced surgeon.
Operation for opening into the vestibule of the labyrinth; it is called superior or inferior according as the opening is made from above or from below.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "vestibulotomy" is derived from two main components: "vestibulo-" and "-tomy".
1. "Vestibulo-" is derived from the Latin word "vestibulum", meaning "vestibule" or "entrance hall". In medical terminology, it typically refers to the vestibule of the ear, a part of the inner ear involved in balance and spatial orientation.
2. "-tomy" is a suffix that indicates a surgical procedure involving incision or cutting. It comes from the Greek word "tomḗ", which means "cutting" or "incision".
Combining these components, "vestibulotomy" refers to a surgical procedure involving an incision or cutting in the vestibule of the ear.