Etymed
pharyngectomy
Definition
surgical removal of the pharynx
Clinical context
A 68-year-old man presents with a 6-month history of dysphagia and weight loss. CT scan reveals a large mass in the posterior pharyngeal wall with extension to adjacent structures. The patient undergoes emergency pharyngectomy due to airway compromise. Postoperatively, he requires tracheostomy and nutritional support via gastrostomy tube.
Mnemonic
Pharyngectomy = Pharynx removal, often done when pharynx is the problem