How Do You Spell CRICOIDECTOMY?

1. Cricoidectomy is a surgical procedure that involves the removal or partial removal of the cricoid cartilage in the neck. The cricoid cartilage is a ring-shaped structure that forms the lower part of the larynx, or voice box. It is located just above the trachea, or windpipe.

   A cricoidectomy is typically performed as a last resort when other treatments have failed or are not suitable for certain conditions affecting the airway. The procedure may be done as an emergency measure to establish an emergency airway in cases of severe airway obstruction or trauma.

   During a cricoidectomy, an incision is made in the neck to gain access to the front of the cricoid cartilage. The cartilage is then either partially or completely removed, depending on the specific needs of the patient. This allows for improved air flow through the trachea, bypassing any obstructions caused by the cricoid cartilage.

   Cricoidectomy may be performed as part of a larger surgical procedure, such as a laryngectomy (removal of the entire larynx), or as a standalone procedure. Following the surgery, patients may require a tracheostomy, where a tube is inserted through a hole in the neck directly into the trachea to aid breathing.

   Complications of cricoidectomy may include bleeding, infection, injury to nearby structures, and changes in the voice. In some cases, this procedure may be irreversible and can permanently alter the patient's ability to speak or swallow normally. A comprehensive evaluation and consultation with a healthcare professional is necessary to determine the appropriateness of this procedure for an individual patient.

2. Excision of the cricoid cartilage.

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

Common Misspellings for CRICOIDECTOMY

The word "cricoidectomy" is derived from the combination of two main root words: "cricoid" and "ectomy".

1. "Cricoid" comes from the Greek word "krikoeidēs", meaning "ring-shaped". It is a reference to the cricoid cartilage, which is a ring-shaped cartilage structure located at the lower part of the larynx (voice box) in the throat.

2. "Ectomy" is derived from the Greek word "ektomē", which means "excision" or "removal". It is commonly used as a suffix in medical terminology to indicate the surgical removal or excision of a specific organ or structure.

Therefore, "cricoidectomy" literally means the surgical removal or excision of the cricoid cartilage, typically performed to address certain conditions affecting the larynx or trachea.