CHORDOTOMY Meaning and
Definition
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Chordotomy is a surgical intervention or procedure aimed at relieving severe, intractable chronic pain by selectively interrupting or cutting certain pain-conducting bundles of nerve fibers within the spinal cord. It is typically conducted as a last resort after other conventional pain management strategies have failed to provide sufficient relief.
The procedure involves making an incision in the back and creating an opening in the vertebral column to access the spinal cord. Using specialized surgical techniques, the surgeon identifies and selectively severs specific pain pathways, called spinothalamic tracts, that transmit pain signals to the brain. By interrupting these tracts, the transmission of pain impulses from the damaged or malfunctioning areas of the body to the brain is disrupted, effectively reducing or eliminating the perception of pain.
Chordotomy is primarily indicated for individuals suffering from severe pain that is localized to a particular part of the body, such as pain due to terminal cancer or intractable pain syndromes. Although the procedure may provide substantial pain relief, it is important to note that chordotomy is irreversible, meaning that normal sensation may also be diminished or lost in the affected areas.
Due to the invasive nature and potential risks associated with chordotomy, including bleeding, infection, and adverse effects on motor function, the decision to undergo the procedure is carefully weighed by both the patient and their medical team. It may involve a comprehensive assessment of the individual's pain management history, consultation with pain specialists, and consideration of their overall health status.
Common Misspellings for CHORDOTOMY
- xhordotomy
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- dhordotomy
- cgordotomy
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- cnordotomy
- cjordotomy
- cuordotomy
- cyordotomy
- chirdotomy
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- choedotomy
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- chotdotomy
Etymology of CHORDOTOMY
The word "chordotomy" has its roots in Greek. It is derived from the combination of two Greek words: "chordon" (χορδον), meaning "string" or "chord", and "tomē" (τομή), meaning "cut" or "incision".
Therefore, "chordotomy" refers to a surgical procedure involving the cutting or incision of nerves or chord-like structures in the body, particularly in the spinal cord. It is commonly used to manage severe pain conditions, such as cancer-related pain or intractable pain from other sources.
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