laryngotomy

A surgeon performs a laryngotomy to open the patient's airway.

Definition

1. Noun (countable/uncountable):
   • Surgical incision into the larynx: "Laryngotomy" refers to a surgical procedure involving an incision made into the larynx (voice box), typically to create an airway or remove an obstruction.
   • Medical procedure: In medical terminology, "laryngotomy" is a specific type of surgical intervention performed on the larynx, often as an emergency measure or for diagnostic purposes.

Usage Examples

• (A surgical incision into the larynx was made to restore airflow.)
• (The procedure is used to remove obstructions in the larynx.)
• (The student learned about the surgical technique.)

Advanced Usage

• "Emergency laryngotomy": a laryngotomy performed urgently to bypass an upper airway obstruction.

  • The paramedic performed an emergency laryngotomy on the accident victim. (An immediate incision into the larynx was made to save the patient's life.)

• "Cricothyroidotomy": a specific type of laryngotomy performed through the cricothyroid membrane, often used as a quicker alternative.

  • Cricothyroidotomy is a common form of laryngotomy in emergency medicine. (This specific incision site is frequently used.)

Variants and Related Words

• Laryngotome (noun): a surgical instrument used for performing a laryngotomy.

  • The surgeon carefully handled the laryngotome during the procedure. (The instrument designed for laryngeal incisions.)

• Laryngeal (adjective): relating to the larynx.

  • The laryngeal tissue was examined after the laryngotomy. (Pertaining to the voice box.)

Synonyms

• Tracheotomy: a surgical incision into the trachea (windpipe), often confused with laryngotomy but performed at a lower location.

  • The doctor chose a tracheotomy over a laryngotomy for the patient's condition. (A different procedure on the trachea.)

• Cricothyroidotomy: a synonym for a specific type of laryngotomy, as noted above.

Related Idioms

Phrasal Verbs