Choledocholithotomy

/ˌkoʊlədɑkoʊlɪˈθɑtəmi/ noun

Definition

A surgical procedure to cut open the common bile duct and remove stones from inside it.

Etymology

From choledoch + 'litho' (stone) + '-tomy' (cutting). This compound term precisely describes the surgical action: accessing and removing ductal stones.

Kelly Says

Surgeons perform this when stones get stuck in the bile duct—they make an opening, fish out the stones, and often leave a temporary drain to prevent infection during healing.

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