appendectomy etymology

Etymology

Appendectomy is derived from the following Greek words:

  • Appendix (meaning "appendage")
  • ectomy (meaning "surgical removal")

Meaning and Origin

An appendectomy is a surgical procedure to remove the appendix, a small, finger-shaped organ attached to the large intestine. The appendix serves no known function in humans and can become infected, leading to a condition called appendicitis.

History

The first successful appendectomy was performed in 1883 by Dr. Reginald Fitz, a Boston surgeon. Prior to this, appendicitis was often fatal as there was no effective treatment. The development of the appendectomy revolutionized the treatment of appendicitis, significantly reducing the mortality rate.

Medical Usage

Appendectomy is a common surgical procedure performed worldwide. It is typically done when a patient has appendicitis, which causes inflammation and pain in the lower right abdomen. Other indications for an appendectomy include:

  • Perforation of the appendix
  • Abscess formation
  • Obstruction of the appendix
  • Tumors or other lesions of the appendix

appendectomy relate terms

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