Embryoctony

/ˌɛmbrɪˈɑktəni/ noun

Definition

A surgical procedure that involves dividing or destroying an embryo to allow delivery.

Etymology

From Greek embryon (embryo) plus -otomy (cutting). This term developed in 19th-century obstetric literature to describe difficult delivery management.

Kelly Says

Embryoctony represents a dark chapter in medical history—when c-sections weren't reliably safe, doctors faced impossible choices. Modern cesarean delivery made this procedure obsolete, which is why most people have never heard of it.

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