embryotomy
Definition
Noun: - Surgical procedure: "embryotomy" refers to a surgical operation performed to dismember or cut a fetus in the uterus, typically to facilitate delivery when the fetus is dead or the birth is obstructed.
Usage Examples
- (A surgical cutting of the fetus in the womb.)
- (A procedure to remove a dead or impacted fetus by dismemberment.)
Advanced Usage
"Partial embryotomy": a less extensive version of the procedure involving only part of the fetus.
- A partial embryotomy was attempted to relieve the obstruction. (Only a portion of the fetus was cut.)
"Craniotomy": a related procedure specifically involving the crushing or cutting of the fetal skull; often grouped under embryotomy.
- The surgeon performed a craniotomy, a type of embryotomy, to reduce the head size. (A specific form of fetal dismemberment.)
Variants and Related Words
Embryotome (n): a surgical instrument used for performing an embryotomy.
- The embryotome was sterilized before the procedure. (The tool for cutting the fetus.)
Embryotomy (adj): relating to or involving the procedure.
- The embryotomy scissors were sharp and curved. (Scissors designed for fetal dismemberment.)
Synonyms
- Fetal dismemberment: the act of cutting apart a fetus in the uterus.
- Decapitation: removal of the fetal head, a specific type of embryotomy.
Related Idioms
"To perform an embryotomy": to carry out the surgical cutting of a fetus.
- The doctor had to perform an embryotomy to prevent maternal death. (To execute the procedure.)
"Embryotomy as a last resort": the procedure used only when other delivery methods fail.
- Embryotomy as a last resort was common before modern cesarean sections. (The final option for obstructed labor.)