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thoracotomy vs. thoracostomy

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

noun

Surgery.

plural

thoracotomies
  1. incision into the chest cavity.

[thawr-uh-kos-tuh-mee, thohr-] / ˌθɔr əˈkɒs tə mi, ˌθoʊr- /

noun

Surgery.

plural

thoracostomies
  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.