BACK TO thoracotomy

thoracotomy vs. thoracostomy

[ thawr-uh-kot-uh-mee, thohr- ]
noun,
  1. incision into the chest cavity.
[ thawr-uh-kos-tuh-mee, thohr- ]
noun,
  1. the construction of an artificial opening through the chest wall, usually for the drainage of fluid or the release of an abnormal accumulation of air.
  2. the opening so constructed.