Hepatectomy

/ˌhɛpətˈɛktoʊmi/ noun

Definition

A surgical operation in which part or all of the liver is removed, usually to treat cancer or severe liver disease.

Etymology

From Greek 'hepar' (liver) and '-ectomy' (surgical removal or excision). This term became standard medical vocabulary in the 20th century as liver surgery advanced.

Kelly Says

Hepatectomy transformed liver cancer from a death sentence into a potentially survivable diagnosis—modern techniques can remove tumors while preserving enough liver function to keep patients alive and healthy!

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