Definition

A surgical procedure that involves removing a part of the sympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for involuntary bodily functions.

Example

The doctor recommended a sympathectomy to help alleviate the patient's chronic pain.

Conversation

I heard you had a sympathectomy last week, how did it go?

It went well, actually! The doctors were really nice and explained everything to me.

That sounds reassuring, but what exactly is a sympathectomy?

It's a surgery to remove part of the sympathetic nervous system; it helped with my sweating issues.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Sympathectomy is formed from "sym-" (meaning together or with) and "patheia" (from Greek, meaning feeling or suffering) and "-ectomy" (from Greek "ektome", meaning excision or removal). The word refers to the surgical removal of a part of the sympathetic nervous system, which is involved in feelings and responses to stress.

Memory Tip

Think of 'sym-' meaning together with feelings ('patheia') and the act of removing ('-ectomy') — this helps you remember that sympathectomy involves the removal of parts related to feelings.

Visually Confused Words