Appendectomy

/ˌæpənˈdɛktəmi/

Meaning & Definition

noun
a surgical operation to remove the appendix.
The doctor recommended an appendectomy as the best option for her severe appendicitis.
an emergency procedure commonly performed when a patient has appendicitis.
After experiencing intense abdominal pain, he was taken to the hospital for an appendectomy.
a common type of surgery performed on both children and adults.
Many patients recover quickly after an appendectomy with minimal complications.
the surgical procedure which may be done laparoscopically or via open surgery.
Her appendectomy was done laparoscopically, resulting in smaller scars and a shorter recovery time.

Etymology

From Latin 'appendix' meaning 'attached to' and Greek 'ektomē' meaning 'cutting out'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

pre-operative care:
Instructions and care provided before surgery.
post-operative recovery:
The recovery period following surgery.
laparoscopic appendectomy:
A minimally invasive surgical technique for appendectomy.

Related Words

Slang Meanings

Going under the knife.
He had a case of appendicitis and was going under the knife for an appendectomy.
Tummy tuck.
After my appendectomy, I joked that I got a tummy tuck.