Ectomies

Ectomies are surgical procedures in which all or part of an organ, gland, tissue, or structure is removed. The term derives from the Greek ek-tomē, meaning excision or cutting out. Ectomies are performed for a variety of reasons, including disease, obstruction, trauma, or to prevent progression of a condition. They may be curative, palliative, or occasionally diagnostic in scope, and the specific extent of removal can range from partial to total.

Common examples include appendectomy (removal of the appendix), gastrectomy (stomach), colectomy (colon), nephrectomy (kidney), hysterectomy (uterus), oophorectomy (ovary), thyroidectomy (thyroid), tonsillectomy (tonsils), mastectomy (breast), esophagectomy (esophagus), and lobectomy (lung). Some procedures target a single organ, while others may remove multiple structures, as in nephroureterectomy (kidney and ureter) or esophagectomy with reconstruction. The way an ectomy is performed can vary, with open surgery, laparoscopic techniques, or robotic-assisted approaches depending on the organ and patient factors.

Indications for ectomies include malignant disease, benign conditions causing symptoms or risk of complications, severe infection or inflammation, and traumatic injury. Outcomes depend on the organ involved and the amount removed; some ectomies are life-saving or curative, while others result in long-term changes to organ function or fertility. Recovery times and potential complications vary widely and can include infection, bleeding, injury to adjacent structures, anesthesia risks, and changes in bodily function.