Hepatorrhexis

/ˌhɛpətəˈrɛksɪs/ noun

Definition

A rupture or breaking open of the liver tissue, usually from trauma or disease.

Etymology

From Greek 'hepar' (liver) + 'rhexis' (rupture, breaking). This medical term specifically describes catastrophic liver failure, combining precise Greek roots to denote the severity of the condition.

Kelly Says

Hepatorrhexis is one of the most devastating abdominal emergencies—a ruptured liver can cause life-threatening internal bleeding within minutes, and historically it was almost always fatal before modern trauma surgery and blood transfusions were available.

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