thoracotomy

American  

[thawr-uh-kot-uh-mee, thohr-] / ˌθɔr əˈkɒt ə mi, ˌθoʊr- /

noun

Surgery.

plural

thoracotomies

1. incision into the chest cavity.

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thoracotomy British  

/ ˌθɔːrəˈkɒtəmɪ /

noun

1. surgical incision into the chest wall

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Etymology

Origin of thoracotomy

First recorded in 1855–60; thoraco- + -tomy

Compare meaning

How does thoracotomy compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• thoracotomy vs. thoracostomy

Example Sentences

Ms Davis had undergone a thoracotomy operation - a surgical procedure where the chest wall is opened - in the February before her death.

From BBC • Apr. 14, 2025

After the operation, he suffered from thoracotomy syndrome “where it feels like your nerves are on fire inside of you, they won’t meld together. It’s just horrible.”

From The Guardian • Oct. 3, 2019

They performed an emergency thoracotomy - an extreme procedure to open the chest as part of resuscitation.

From BBC • Nov. 23, 2016

The Children’s Hospital “babies” and the dummy simulating the thoracotomy at Mass General were created by people with an expertise in movie special effects.

From New York Times • Nov. 9, 2015

Prompt thoracotomy for drainage may save the patient's life if the mediastinum has not also been infected.

From Bronchoscopy and Esophagoscopy A Manual of Peroral Endoscopy and Laryngeal Surgery by Jackson, Chevalier