-ectomy, -ectome, -ectomize

The removal of one or more adrenal glands: An adrenalectomy is a surgical operation regarding the adrenal glands which are part of the endocrine system and are located just above the kidneys.

Adrenalectomy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that is most often performed laparoscopically. A laparoscope is a device that allows the physician to see the surgical area with a small camera. Laparoscopic procedures use smaller incisions than traditional, open procedures.

Subtotal or complete excision of the alveolar process (portion of a bone in either the maxilla [upper jaw bone] or the mandible [jaw bone] which surrounds and supports the teeth) of the maxilla or mandible.

The surgical removal of the amygdala (the cerebellar tonsil, as well as the lymphatic tonsils; such as, pharyngeal, palatine, lingual, laryngeal, and tubal.

The amygdaloid nucleus in the brain; or the tonsils. These structures were so named because they appeared to be shaped like an almond. From the Greek amydale, "almond" plus the Greek eidos, "like".

A relatively complex surgical intervention; such as, invasive surgery, was previously required in order to eliminate the potential risk of a brain aneurysm (a bulge in a blood vessel that bursts usually near the brain).

In this operation, called clipping, a craniotomy was performed, and afterwards a titanium clip was attached around the aneurysm's neck.

This operation became the standard of care for the treatment of cerebral aneurysms as microneurosurgical techniques were refined in the 1980s and 1990s.

In the mid to late 1990s, a different method of aneurysm treatment was developed which allowed for treatment without open surgery; namely, coil embolization of cerebral aneurysms which involves the insertion of a catheter through the groin with a small microcatheter navigated to the aneurysm itself through the cerebral arteries.

Coils (known as GDCs) are then deployed into the aneurysm filling it from within and thus preventing blood from entering the aneurysm itself.

Not every type of aneurysm can be treated with the previously described method; for example, certain wide-necked and inaccessible aneurysms currently still require surgical intervention, even though new methods (that use a type of stent) are already being studied and tested.

Surgery is also usually required for venous aneurysms as introducing foreign material in the low flow veins can produce a high risk blood clotting environment.

Excision of an aneurysm (a sac formed by the dilatation of the wall of an artery, a vein, or the heart).

1. The excision or resection of a vessel.
2. Excision of all or part of a blood vessel; also known as, arteriectomy or a venectomy.

Excision of blood vessels and nerves.

1. Excision of any adnexa (bodily appendages).
2. In gynecology, excision of the fallopian tube and ovary if unilateral and excision of both tubes and ovaries (adnexa uteri) if bilateral.

1. Surgical removal of the walls of an antrum (the gastric portion before the outlet which is lined by mucosa which does not produce acid).
2. Excision of the antrum (distal half) of the stomach; often combined with bilateral excision of portions of the vagus nerve trunks (vagectomy) in the treatment of peptic ulcer.

Surgical removal of the antrum (a portion before the outlet of the stomach) and the ulcer-bearing part of the duodenum.

Excision of a portion of the aorta.

The aorta is the largest artery in the body which has its origin at the heart. It gives off branches to the extremities, neck, and major organs for the purpose of supplying oxygenated blood.

A previous term for the excision of the apical portion of a tooth through an opening made in the overlying labial, buccal, or palatal alveolar bone.

Excision of the apical (apex or tip) portion of a tooth through an opening made in the overlying labial (tooth surface next to lips), buccal (toward the cheek), or palatal (roof of the mouth) alveolar (sockets of the teeth) bone.

Excision of an aponeurosis (any of the thicker and denser of the deep fasciae which cover many muscles or fibrous tissue that separate different layers of tissues).

The surgical removal of an inflamed or infected appendix (appendicitis).

The appendix is a small, finger-shaped pouch of intestinal tissue extending from the cecum, which is the first part of the large intestine. Blockage of the opening of the appendix into the bowel by a hard small stool fragment (fecalith) is believed to be a frequent cause of appendicitis.

The infected appendix must be surgically removed (emergency appendectomy), because if it becomes perforated (leaks), this can lead to infection of the entire abdominal space (peritonitis), which can be fatal.

The surgery is done while the patient is unconscious and pain-free, using general anesthesia. A small incision is made in the right lower quadrant of the abdomen, and the appendix is removed.

Alternatively, the appendix may be removed laparoscopically with a smaller incision, using a tiny camera to visualize the area.

If a pocket of infection (an abscess) has formed, or the appendix has ruptured, the abdomen will be thoroughly washed out during surgery, and a small tube may be left in to help drain out fluids or pus.