Court Procedures

Colonoscopy is a medical procedure where a flexible tube with a camera is inserted through the rectum to examine the colon. It allows direct visualization, biopsy, and possible polyp removal. The term combines colon with the suffix -oscopy, indicating viewing the colon internally.

Craniotomy is a surgical procedure that involves removing a portion of the skull to access the brain. It is performed to treat brain injuries, tumors, or other cerebrovascular conditions, and may be done with the patient under anesthesia. The term emphasizes the skull (cranium) and the incision into brain-covering layers, distinguishing it from less invasive methods.

Cricothyrotomy is a surgical procedure that creates an opening through the skin and cricothyroid membrane to establish an emergency airway. It’s typically performed in urgent, life-threatening situations when other airway methods fail. The term combines anatomical roots and surgical action, conveying high-stakes, specialized medical procedure terminology.

Discectomy is a surgical procedure to remove herniated disc material pressing on a nerve root or spinal cord, typically via a small incision and specialized instruments. It aims to relieve pain, weakness, or numbness caused by disc compression. The term combines Latin roots for disc and surgical removal, reflecting its anatomical focus and procedural nature.

Endarterectomy is a surgical procedure to remove a buildup of cholesterol or other material from an artery to restore normal blood flow. It is commonly performed on the carotid artery to prevent stroke. The term combines a prefix meaning within or interior artery with terms meaning removing. It is a specialized medical noun used in surgical contexts and medical communication.

Endoscopy is a medical procedure that uses an endoscope to examine the interior surfaces of an organ or cavity. It involves inserting a flexible or rigid tube with a camera and light to visualize anatomy, obtain biopsies, or treat lesions. The term combines the Latin roots for inside (endo) and view (scopy).

Enucleation is the surgical removal of a body part, especially the eyeball, from its surrounding structures. In broader terms, it means to remove the core or nucleus of something. The term is used in medicine, biology, and anatomy to describe the deliberate excision of a central part while preserving surrounding tissues where possible.

Esophagogastroduodenoscopy is a diagnostic procedure that uses a flexible endoscope to visualize the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. The term refers to the combined regions examined: esophagus, stomach, and duodenum, typically performed to investigate symptoms or screen for GI conditions. The word is lengthy and often abbreviated as EGD in clinical settings.

Ileostomy is a surgical procedure creating an opening in the abdomen to divert the small intestine's contents into an external pouch. The term refers to the artificial ostomy (opening) of the ileum. It is a medical noun used in clinical discussions, patient education, and surgical planning, often described in terms of the stoma and its management.

Laminectomy is a medical procedure in which part of a vertebral bone (the lamina) is removed to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or nerves. The term combines the lamina with the Greek -ectomy meaning 'excision' or 'removal.' It is a specialized clinical noun used in neurosurgery and radiology contexts. Usage often appears in patient education and surgical planning discussions.

Laparoscopic is an adjective describing a minimally invasive surgical technique performed through small abdominal incisions using a laparoscope. It denotes procedures guided by a camera and specialized instruments, typically resulting in quicker recovery and less tissue trauma compared with open surgery. The term combines a medical prefix with a modern procedural suffix, signaling technique rather than anatomy alone.

Laparotomy is a surgical procedure involving a large incision through the abdominal wall to access the abdominal cavity. It is typically performed to diagnose or treat diseases, inspect organs, or perform operations. The term emphasizes the opening (otomy) of the laparotomy through an incision in the abdominal region.

Lithotripsy is a medical procedure that uses focused ultrasound, laser, or shock waves to break kidney stones into smaller pieces for easier passage. It is typically performed noninvasively and guided by imaging. The term can also refer more broadly to the breaking of calculi in other parts of the urinary or biliary tract under professional supervision.

Meniscectomy is a surgical procedure in which all or part of a torn meniscus in the knee is removed. It is typically performed to relieve pain and restore joint function when meniscal damage compromises mobility. The term combines medical roots and describes the operative removal of meniscal tissue.