How Do You Spell TYMPANOTOMY?

1. Tympanotomy is a medical term referring to a surgical procedure that involves making an incision or creating an opening in the tympanic membrane, which is commonly known as the eardrum. The eardrum is a thin, delicate tissue that separates the outer ear from the middle ear. This procedure is typically performed to treat various ear conditions and diseases that affect the middle ear.

   During a tympanotomy, a surgeon carefully makes an incision in the eardrum to gain access to the middle ear space. This may be done to relieve pressure or drain fluid that has accumulated in the middle ear, which can occur as a result of conditions such as chronic otitis media or a middle ear infection. By creating an opening in the eardrum, the surgeon can also directly visualize the middle ear structures, such as the ossicles (tiny bones responsible for transmitting sound vibrations), and assess and repair any damage or abnormalities.

   Tympanotomy is typically carried out under general or local anesthesia and can be performed using various techniques, including a microscopic or endoscopic approach. After the procedure, the eardrum usually heals naturally, allowing for normal hearing and functioning of the ear. However, in some cases, additional interventions, such as the placement of ear tubes (tympanostomy tubes), might be necessary to promote ventilation and prevent fluid accumulation in the middle ear. Tympanotomy is a commonly performed surgical procedure to address middle ear issues and restore hearing.

2. Incision of the membrana tympani, paracentesis tympani, myringotomy.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Common Misspellings for TYMPANOTOMY

The term "tympanotomy" is derived from the combination of two Greek words.

1. "Tympanon" - which refers to a drum, specifically the small drum-like structure in the middle ear called the tympanic membrane or eardrum. The word "tympanon" can also be translated as "kettledrum" or "tambourine".

2. "Tomḗ" (τομή) - means "incision" or "cutting" in Greek.

When combined, "tympanotomy" refers to the surgical procedure involving incision or cutting into the tympanic membrane. It is commonly used to describe the surgical opening of the eardrum for various medical purposes such as accessing the middle ear for treatment or performing a myringotomy (a small incision to relieve pressure or drain fluids).