Hepaticostomy

/hɛˌpætɪˈkɒstəmi/ noun

Definition

A surgical procedure that creates an opening in or drainage from the liver, typically to treat infection or obstruction within the liver tissue itself.

Etymology

From hepatic- (liver) + -stomy (surgical opening). This more general term can refer to any procedure creating a liver opening, distinguished from the more specific terms that specify where the bile is drained to.

Kelly Says

The difference between hepaticostomy and something like hepaticoduodenostomy is like the difference between making a general exit hole versus a specific tunnel to a destination—one just relieves pressure, the other creates a functional new pathway.

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