Tumescent: meaning, definitions and examples
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tumescent
[ tjuːˈmɛsənt ]
medical condition
Tumescent refers to a state of being swollen or inflated, often due to an accumulation of fluid. In a medical context, it is notably used to describe a type of anesthesia known as tumescent anesthesia, which involves the injection of a large volume of a diluted local anesthetic into the subcutaneous tissue. This technique is commonly used in liposuction procedures to minimize pain and bleeding. The term can also describe other bodily states, such as those involving engorgement during sexual arousal or other physiological processes.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The tumescent tissue was a result of the inflammatory response.
- Doctors used tumescent anesthesia during the surgery.
- The tumescent appearance of the area raised concerns.
Etymology
The term 'tumescent' originates from the Latin word 'tumescere,' which means 'to swell' or 'to become swollen.' This Latin root reflects the characteristic it describes—an increase in volume due to the accumulation of fluids in tissues. The use of the term in medical contexts, particularly in relation to tumescent anesthesia, began to gain prominence in the late 20th century as new techniques in cosmetic surgery were developed. The application of this method has transformed practices in procedures like liposuction, providing safer alternatives for pain management and reducing complications associated with more traditional anesthetic methods. As medical terminology continues to evolve, the word 'tumescent' has established itself in both clinical and lay language to describe various swelling phenomena in the body.