The term [cholecystectomy] is composed by the combined root terms [-chole-] derived from the Greek word [χολή] (chol??) meaning "gall" or "bile, and the root term [-cyst-], also derived from the Greek [κύστη], meaning "bladder". The suffix [-ectomy] results from the combination of two Greek words and means "removal of". For more information of this suffix, click here.
A cholecystectomy is a surgical procedure to remove the gallbladder. It is usually performed because the patient has cholecystolithiasis, a condition where there are calculi (stones) in the gallbladder.
Cholecystectomies were initially made through an "open" procedure, where an incision was done in the abdomen. Today the procedure is performed laparoscopically through small incisions. The first laparoscopic cholecystectomy was performed by Dr. Eric Muhe (1938 - 2005) on September 12, 1985. He was followed by Francois Dubois in 1988, and others. Today with the exception of major emergencies or extremely large gallbladders most cholecystectomies are performed laparoscopically.
The accompanying YouTube video shows a laparoscopic cholecystectomy with a detailed demonstration of the instrumentation used in the procedure, courtesy of Ethicon.
Note: The links to Google Translate include an icon that will allow you to hear the Greek or Latin pronunciation of the word.
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