Definition

1. Noun:
   • A natural or surgical connection between two tubular structures: An "anastomosis" is the joining of two channels, such as blood vessels, nerve fibers, or intestinal loops, allowing flow between them. This can occur naturally in the body or be created surgically.
   • The network formed by such connections: It can also refer to the interconnected network or meshwork resulting from these multiple joinings.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The surgeon performed an anastomosis to reconnect the patient's intestines after the resection.
  • A natural anastomosis between arteries provides an alternative route for blood flow.
  • The river delta is a complex anastomosis of waterways.

Advanced Usage

• "End-to-end anastomosis": A surgical technique where the two cut ends of a tube are joined directly together.
  • An end-to-end anastomosis was used to repair the severed blood vessel.
• "Side-to-side anastomosis": A surgical technique where the sides of two tubular structures are joined.
  • A side-to-side anastomosis created a larger opening between the two intestinal segments.

Variants and Related Words

• Anastomotic (adj): Relating to or involving an anastomosis.
  • The anastomotic site healed well without leakage.
• Anastomose (verb): To connect or join by anastomosis.
  • The surgeon will anastomose the two ends of the vessel.

Synonyms

• Connection: A general term for a point where two things are joined.
• Junction: A place where two or more things meet or are joined.
• Confluence: The meeting or flowing together of two streams (often used in a natural/geographical context).

Related Phrases

• Surgical anastomosis: Specifically refers to a connection created by a surgeon.
  • The success of the procedure depends on a secure surgical anastomosis.
• Arteriovenous anastomosis: A direct connection between an artery and a vein.
  • Arteriovenous anastomoses help in regulating body temperature.

Related Idioms

(This term is highly technical and specific; it is not commonly used in idiomatic expressions.)

Noun

1. a natural or surgical joining of parts or branches of tubular structures so as to make or become continuous