chemonucleolysis

[kee-moh-noo-klee-ol-uh-sis, -nyoo-, kem-oh-]

noun

1. treatment for a herniated spinal disk in which chymopapain is injected into the disk to dissolve tissue.

Word History and Origins

Origin of chemonucleolysis¹

chemo- + nucleo- + -lysis

Example Sentences

Another advantage: a laminectomy can cost $9,000, compared with an expected $4,000 for chemonucleolysis.

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The new technique, called chemonucleolysis, may eliminate the need for up to 75% of such surgery.

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