capsulotomy

capsulotomy /cap·su·lot·o·my/ (kap″su-lot´ah-me) incision of a capsule, as that of the lens, the kidney, or a joint.

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cap·su·lot·o·my (kps-lt-m)

n.

Incision into a capsule, especially that of the crystalline lens of the eye, as to remove cataracts.

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capsulotomy

[kap′səlot′əmē]

Etymology: L, capsula + Gk, temnein, to cut

an incision into a capsule, such as in an operation to remove a cataract.

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capsulotomy

incision of a capsule, as that of the lens or of a joint.

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capsulotomy 

Incision of the capsule of the crystalline lens. Capsulotomy of the anterior capsule is performed in extracapsular cataract extraction (anterior capsulotomy) to enable removal of opaque lens material. The cuts are made with a cystotome along the periphery of the lens in a circular, jagged configuration (called 'can-opener' capsulotomy). It is also performed on the posterior capsule (posterior capsulotomy) when it has become opaque following extracapsular extraction (manual or phacoemulsification) in order to regain the loss of visual acuity. The most common instrument used in this operation is the neodymium-yag laser. See after-cataract; crystalline lens capsule; capsulorhexis; extracapsular cataract extraction.

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capsulotomy

Breast surgery Closed capsulotomy Manual release of the capsule–Pt's own scar tissue–around a breast implant Neurosurgery Anterior capsulotomy A form of psychosurgery in which the presumed fronto-thalamic connections of the anterior limb of the internal capsule of the brain are interrupted–by thermocoagulation using a bipolar electrode system–at the point where the connections pass between the head of the caudate nucleus and putamen Indications Obsessive neurosis–ie, OCD, depression Complications Transient confusion, nocturnal incontinence, seizures, depression, excess fatigue, poor memory, slovenliness. See Psychosurgery Orthopedics An incision into the capsule of a ball joint–femur, humerus—to relieve pressure and ↓ risk of hematomas and bone necrosis. See Hip capsule.