-ectomy, -ectome, -ectomize

The excision, or cutting out, of tissue.

The surgical process of removing a hydrocele (the accumulation of fluid in the coat around the testis).

Small hydroceles tend to disappear by one year of age while larger hydroceles may persist and warrant surgery.

Excision of the hymen (the fold of muscous membrane often found at the orifice of the vagina; the vaginal membrane).

A surgical removal of the uterus, resulting in the inability to become pregnant (sterility).

It may be done through the abdomen or the vagina. It is also known as: vaginal hysterectomy; abdominal hysterectomy; laparoscopic hysterectomy; supracervical hysterectomy; radical hysterectomy; and removal of the uterus.

Hysterectomy is an operation that is commonly performed. There are many reasons a woman may need a hysterectomy; however, there are non-surgical approaches to treat many of these conditions.

During a hysterectomy, the uterus may be completely or partially removed. The fallopian tubes and ovaries may also be removed.

A partial (or supracervical) hysterectomy is removal of just the upper portion of the uterus, leaving the cervix intact.

A total hysterectomy is the removal of the entire uterus and the cervix. A radical hysterectomy is the removal of the uterus, the tissue on both sides of the cervix (parametrium), and the upper part of the vagina.

A hysterectomy may be done through an abdominal incision (abdominal hysterectomy), a vaginal incision (vaginal hysterectomy), or through laparoscopic incisions (small incisions on the abdomen or laparoscopic hysterectomy).

Removal of the entire uterus and the cervix is referred to as a total hysterectomy. Removal of the body of the uterus without removing the cervix is referred to as a subtotal hysterectomy.

James Blundell, a London obstetrician, performed the first successful hysterectomy in 1828. He also proposed doing a Caesarean hysterectomy (removing the uterus with the baby inside) to save the life of the mother (and the baby). Blundell is considered a founder of modern abdominal surgery.

Surgical removal of the uterus and vagina.

The surgical removal of a uterine myoma (benign fibroid or smooth-muscle tumor of the uterus).

The surgical removal of the uterus and the fallopian tubes.

Removal of the neck of the uterus.

Surgical removal of an infarct or a localized area of ischemic (inadequate blood) necrosis (dead tissue) produced by anoxia (lack of oxygen) following occlusion (closure) of the arterial supply or the venous drainage of the tissue, organ, or part.

Surgical excision of the infundibulum of any bodily structure or organ; especially, the heart.