Pronunciation: [kəstˈɒtəmɪ] (IPA) 
The word "costotomy" is spelled as /kɒstɒtəmi/, which is composed of two parts: "costo", meaning "rib", and "tomy", meaning "cutting or incision." When put together, the word refers to a surgical procedure involving the cutting of a rib. The IPA phonetic transcription helps to accurately show the pronunciation of the word and its components, helping to better understand the meaning and origin of the word.
Costotomy is a medical term that refers to a surgical procedure involving the incision or cutting of the ribs. It is derived from the combination of two words; "costo" which means "rib" and "tomy" which means "incision" or "cutting".
Costotomy is typically performed in cases where there is a need to gain direct access to the thoracic cavity or specific organs within it. The incision or cut is made through the rib(s) to allow the surgeon to reach and operate on the affected area. This procedure may also involve the removal of a portion or an entire rib(s) to facilitate the surgeon's access, depending on the specific medical condition being addressed.
This surgical technique is commonly used in different medical specialties, including cardiothoracic surgery, neurosurgery, and orthopedic surgery. It may be employed for various purposes such as the repair of a spinal cord injury, tumor removal, lung surgery, or certain procedures involving the heart or blood vessels.
Costotomy is considered an invasive method due to its involvement of cutting through the ribcage, which requires careful planning, skilled expertise, and appropriate post-operative care to minimize potential risks and complications. As with any surgical procedure, there are potential risks associated with costotomy, including infection, bleeding, damage to surrounding structures, pain, and the possibility of impaired respiratory function post-surgery.
Division or exsection of a rib; costectomy.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "costotomy" is a medical term that refers to a surgical incision made into the ribs (cost- means ribs and -tomy refers to a surgical incision). Its etymology can be broken down as follows:
1. "Costo-" comes from the Latin word "costa" which means "rib". This root can be found in various medical terms related to the ribs, such as "costal" (relating to the ribs), "intercostal" (between the ribs), or "subcostal" (below the ribs).
2. "-tomy" is a suffix derived from the Greek word "tomḗ" meaning "a cutting" or "incision". It is widely used in medical terminology to indicate a surgical procedure involving an incision or cutting.
