Excavation

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Excavation (medicine)

Excavation (pronounced: eks-kuh-vey-shuhn) is a term used in various fields of medicine, including dentistry, ophthalmology, and pathology. It refers to the process of removing or hollowing out a part of a structure or organ.

Etymology

The term 'excavation' is derived from the Latin word 'excavare', which means 'to hollow out'. In a medical context, it is used to describe the process of removing or hollowing out a part of a structure or organ.

In Dentistry

In dentistry, excavation refers to the removal of carious material from a tooth. This is usually done using a dental drill or a hand instrument. The aim is to remove all the decayed tooth material without damaging the healthy tooth structure.

In Ophthalmology

In ophthalmology, excavation is a term used to describe a condition where there is a hollowing out of the optic disc. This is often seen in conditions such as glaucoma, where the increased pressure in the eye can lead to damage to the optic nerve and a subsequent hollowing out of the optic disc.

In Pathology

In pathology, excavation refers to the formation of a cavity or hole in an organ or tissue, usually as a result of disease or injury. This can occur in various organs, such as the lungs in cases of tuberculosis or the brain in cases of stroke.

Related Terms

  • Curettage: This is a similar process to excavation, but it is usually used to describe the scraping of the wall of a cavity or other surface to remove pathological tissue.
  • Debridement: This is the medical removal of dead, damaged, or infected tissue to improve the healing potential of the remaining healthy tissue.

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