vitrectomy
Noun: A surgical procedure in which the vitreous humor (the clear, gel-like substance that fills the center of the eye) is removed and typically replaced with a saline solution or other clear fluid. This is performed to treat various eye conditions that affect the retina and vitreous.
The word "vitrectomy" is a medical term used specifically in the context of ophthalmology (eye surgery). It refers to the procedure itself. * The surgeon performed a vitrectomy to repair the retinal detachment. * After the vitrectomy, the patient's vision gradually improved. * A vitrectomy is often necessary to remove blood from the vitreous cavity.
- Pars plana vitrectomy: This is the standard and most common technique for a vitrectomy, where surgical instruments are inserted into the eye through the pars plana (a specific area of the eye).
- The retinal specialist recommended a pars plana vitrectomy.
- The term can be modified to specify the reason for the procedure (e.g., a vitrectomy for macular hole, a vitrectomy for diabetic retinopathy).
- Vitreous (adj/n): Of, relating to, or constituting the vitreous humor. The gel-like substance removed during a vitrectomy.
- Vitreoretinal (adj): Pertaining to the vitreous and the retina, which is the surgical specialty that performs vitrectomies.
- Vitritis (n): Inflammation of the vitreous humor, a condition that might sometimes necessitate a vitrectomy.
- Vitreous surgery: A more general term that encompasses vitrectomy and related procedures on the vitreous humor.
"Vitrectomy" has only one specific meaning in modern English usage: the surgical removal of the vitreous humor. It does not have common idiomatic or non-medical meanings.
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a surgical procedure that removes the vitreous humor and replace it with saline solution
