Definition

Noun: A surgical operation to remove the gallbladder. This procedure is typically performed to provide relief from pain and complications caused by gallstones.

Usage

The word "cholecystectomy" is a medical term used specifically to describe the surgical removal of the gallbladder. It is a countable noun. * The surgeon performed a cholecystectomy to alleviate the patient's chronic pain. * After her cholecystectomy, she followed a specific dietary plan. * Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a common minimally invasive technique.

Advanced Usage

• Elective cholecystectomy: A planned, non-emergency surgery.
  • The patient scheduled an elective cholecystectomy for the following month.
• Open cholecystectomy: A traditional surgical procedure involving a larger abdominal incision.
  • An open cholecystectomy was necessary due to complications.
• Laparoscopic cholecystectomy: A modern, minimally invasive surgery using small incisions and a camera.
  • He recovered quickly from the laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Variants and Related Words

• Cholecystectomy is the standard term. There are no common variants, but the procedure is often specified by its technique (e.g., laparoscopic, robotic, open).
• Cholecystitis (noun): Inflammation of the gallbladder, a common reason for a cholecystectomy.
• Cholelithiasis (noun): The medical term for the presence of gallstones.

Synonyms

• Gallbladder removal
• Gallbladder surgery

Antonyms

• Cholecystostomy (a surgical procedure to drain the gallbladder without removing it).

Notes

"Cholecystectomy" is a compound word derived from Greek roots: "chole-" (bile), "cyst-" (bladder), and "-ectomy" (surgical removal). It refers exclusively to the removal of the organ itself. The procedure to remove gallstones from the gallbladder or bile ducts is called a cholecystolithotomy or is part of other biliary procedures.

Noun

1. surgical removal of the gall bladder (usually for relief of gallstone pain)