How Do You Spell EXTERNAL URETHROTOMY?

1. External urethrotomy is a surgical procedure performed to treat a condition known as urethral stricture. This procedure involves making an incision or a cut on the external surface of the urethra, which is the tube responsible for the passage of urine from the bladder to the outside of the body. The purpose of this incision is to remove or widen the narrowed or blocked section of the urethra.

   Urethral strictures are usually caused by scar tissue that forms due to injury, infection, or inflammation. This scar tissue can cause a partial or complete blockage in the urethra, leading to difficulties in urination and potential complications such as urinary retention or infections. External urethrotomy aims to alleviate these symptoms by creating a wider passage for urine flow.

   During the procedure, the patient is usually placed under general anesthesia, and the surgeon makes an incision on the external surface of the urethra. The narrowed or blocked section is then exposed and carefully cut to create a larger opening. The incision is typically sutured or closed with temporary measures, allowing for better urine flow.

   After the surgery, patients may experience temporary discomfort, swelling, or bleeding. A catheter is often inserted into the urethra to assist with urine drainage. Recovery time can vary depending on the individual and the extent of the stricture. Follow-up care, including regular check-ups and potential removal of the catheter, is necessary to monitor healing and ensure the success of the procedure.

2. Division of a stricture of the membranous urethra by an incision through the perineum.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Common Misspellings for EXTERNAL URETHROTOMY

The word "etymology" refers to the origin and history of a word.

The term "external urethrotomy" is a medical term that can be broken down into its constituent parts for better understanding:

1. External: This term comes from the Latin word "externus", meaning "outside". It refers to something located or occurring outside of a particular structure or organism.

2. Urethra: This term comes from the Greek word "ourēthra", which means "urinary canal". The urethra is a tube that carries urine from the bladder to the external urinary opening.

3. -otomy: The suffix "-otomy" is derived from the Greek word "tomē", meaning "a cutting". It is used to indicate a surgical incision or cutting of a specific structure.