-ectomy, -ectome, -ectomize

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

abdominal hysterectomy (s) (noun), abdominal hysterectomies (pl)
The surgical removal of the uterus through an incision made in the abdominal wall: When an abdominal hysterectomy is performed, a transverse incision is accomplished by penetration near the pelvis area, which is comparable to the incision for a caesarean section.

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

abdominal nephrectomy (s) (noun), abdominal nephrectomies (pl)
The surgical removal of a kidney through an abdominal incision: An abdominal nephrectomy is made by cutting through the anterior or front of the abdominal wall which is performed either by a transperitoneal (across the smooth serous tissue membrane which lines the cavity of the abdomen) or by an extraperitoneal (outside the tissue membrane) technique.
abdominohysterectomy (s) (noun), abdominohysterectomies (pl)
Surgical removal of the uterus through an incision made in the abdominal wall: Dr. Anderson discussed Nancy's upcoming operation with her explaining that "vaginal hysterectomy" was the opposite of the abdominohysterectomy, which would be necessary in her case..
acetabulectomy
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
acromionectomy (s) (noun), acromionectomies (pl)
The partial or total surgical excision of the acromion: Acromionectomy refers to the 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. It is also called the "acromial process" and "acromion scapulae".

adenectomy (s) (noun), adenectomies (pl)
The surgical excision or removal of all or part of a gland: adenoidectomy: Because of her severe health issue, Dr. Martin said that an adenectomy of the affected gland should be performed as soon as possible.
adenohypophysectomy
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".

adenoidectomy
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.

adenoidectomy (s) (noun), adenoidectomies (pl)
An operation to cut out the adenoids: Adenoidectomy is the surgical removal of the growths in the nasopharynx and is often performed with tonsillectomy.
adenomectomy
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).
adenotonsillectomy
The surgical removal of tonsils and adenoids
adenotonsillectomy (s) (noun), adenotonsillectomies (pl)
Operative removal of tonsils and adenoids: Since Judy had reoccurring ailments with her tonsils, Dr. Samrt recommended that an adenotonsillectomy should be performed within a month.
adipectomy (s) (noun), adipectomies (pl)
The excision of a mass of subcutaneous adipose (fat) tissue: Adipectomy is usually the removal of a large amount of fat as from the abdominal wall, and normally the method of lipectomy is used with a suction device.
adnexectomy
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