Professional
Technical
In the Industry Vocabulary Test
commissurotomy
Pronunciation: kom-ih-shur-OT-oh-mee
Surgical division of the anterior or posterior vocal cord commissure, often for tumor access.
Full Definition
Commissurotomy involves the surgical incision or division of the commissures of the larynx, particularly the anterior commissure where the vocal cords meet. In head and neck oncology, this procedure may be necessary to adequately expose and resect tumors involving the anterior larynx or to achieve clear surgical margins. The procedure can significantly impact voice quality and may require subsequent voice rehabilitation. Careful documentation of commissure involvement is crucial for staging and treatment planning.
Usage
Usage note: Specify anterior or posterior commissurotomy for clarity in surgical documentation.
In Context
- "Anterior commissurotomy was performed to achieve adequate exposure of the subglottic tumor." — Operative report
- "The need for commissurotomy was discussed with the patient regarding potential voice outcomes." — Informed consent documentation
Also known as
commissure division
commissural incision
Contrasted with
commissure reconstruction
commissuroplasty
Don't confuse with
cordectomy
arytenoidectomy