-ectomy, -ectome, -ectomize

(Greek: a suffix; cut, excise, surgical removal of)

abdominal hysterectomy, abdomino-hysterectomy
The surgical removal of the uterus through an incision made in the abdominal wall, as opposed to a vaginal hysterectomy.

A vaginal hysterectomy refers to the removal of the uterus through a surgical incision within the vagina, as opposed to an abdominal hysterectomy. With a vaginal hysterectomy, the scar from the procedure is not outwardly visible.

abdominal nephrectomy
1. The surgical removal of a kidney through an abdominal incision.
2. Removal of the kidney by an incision through the anterior or front of the abdominal wall; performed by either a transperitoneal (across the smooth serous tissue membrane which lines the cavity of the abdomen) or extraperitoneal (outside the tissue membrane) technique.
Excision of the acetabulum (the hollow, cuplike portion of the pelvis into which the head of the thigh bone (femur) fits); also called, acetabular bone, cotyloid cavity, and os acetabuli.
The acetabulum bone
1. The partial or total surgical excision of the acromion.
2. Resection of the distal end of the acromion, done in the treatment of acromioclavicular arthritis.

The acromion is the lateral extension of the spine of the scapula, projecting over the shoulder joint and forming the highest point of the shoulder; also called the acromial process and acromion scapulae.

adenectomy, adenectomies
The surgical excision or removal of all or part of a gland.
Excision or ablation* of the adenohypophysis (the anterior lobe of the hypophysis (pituitary gland).

The part that secretes growth hormone, fibroblast growth hormone, corticotropin, β-endorphin, thyrotropin, follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, and prolactin; these are released by hypophysiotropic hormones, releasing hormones secreted by the hypothalamus, and they regulate the functioning of the thyroid gland, gonads, adrenal cortex, and other endocrine organs.

As a consequence, the hypothalamo-pituitary unit is of vital importance to the growth, maturation, and reproduction of the individual.

*Ablation is usually carried out surgically; for example, the surgical removal of the thyroid gland (a total thyroidectomy) is an ablation of the thyroid.

The word ablation comes from the Latin ablatum, "to carry away".

An operation to cut out the adenoids.
Adenoid removal is the surgical removal of the adenoid glands from the area between the nasal airway and the back of the throat (nasopharynx).

Adenoidectomy is frequently done in conjunction with surgical removal of tonsils (tonsillectomy).

While the patient is under general anesthesia, the ear-nose-throat (ENT) surgeon inserts a small instrument into the mouth to prop it open.

The adenoid tissue can be removed with an instrument; such as, a curette or a microdebrider. Some surgeons may opt to cauterize the adenoids instead of removing the tissue. Bleeding is controlled with packing and cauterization.

The patient will remain in the recovery room after surgery until he is awake and able to breathe easily, cough, and swallow. Most patients are allowed to go home several hours later.

The surgical removal of an adenoma (a benign epithelial tumor in which the cells form recognizable glandular structures or in which the cells are clearly derived from glandular epithelium: the covering of internal and external surfaces of the body, including the lining of vessels and other small cavities).
Operative removal of tonsils and adenoids.
The surgical removal of tonsils and adenoids
The excision of a mass of subcutaneous adipose (fat) tissue, as from the abdominal wall; also, lipectomy.
1. Excision of any adnexa.
2. In gynecology, excision of the fallopian tube and ovary if unilateral and excision of both tubes and ovaries (adnexa uteri) if bilateral.

This plural Latin word is used in medicine in reference to appendages; for example, in gynecology the adnexa are the appendages of the uterus, namely the ovaries, Fallopian tubes (ducts or canals which conduct the ova from the ovaries to the uterus), and ligaments that hold the uterus in place.

adrenalectomize (verb), adrenalectomizes; adrenalectomized; adrenalectomizing
To surgically remove the adrenal glands: In order to adrenalectomize during the operation, Dr. Miller explained that either the excision of one (unilateral adrenalectomy) or both (bilateral adrenalectomy) of the endoctrine glands, also called "suprarenal glands" and situated above each kidney, would be necessary.

Related cutting-word units: cast-; castrat-; -cise, -cide; mutil-; put-; sec-, seg-; temno-; -tomy; trunc-.

-Ectomy Word-Sources of Definitions