Medical Terminology Simplified

8–140 Vas/ectomy, a sterilization procedure, involves bi/later/al cutting and

tying of the vas deferens to prevent the passage of sperm. This sterilization procedure

is most commonly performed at an outpatient surgery center using local an/esthesia.

(See Fig. 8–13.)

From the term vas/ectomy, construct the combining form that means vessel, vas

deferens, or duct.

__________ / _____

8–141 Identify the terms in Frame 8–140 that mean

without feeling:__________ / ____________________

pertaining to two sides:__________ / ____________________ / __________

excision of the vas deferens:__________ / ____________________

8–142 Vas/ectomy is also performed routinely before removal of the prostate

gland to prevent inflammation of the testes and epididymides. Potency is not af-

fected. (See Fig. 8–13.)

Inflammation of the prostate gland is called__________ / __________.

Frame 8–132to Frame 8–142

Male Reproductive System • CHAPTER 8 363

vas/o

an/esthesia

ăn-ĕs-THĒ-zē-ă

bi/later/al

bī-LĂT-ĕr-ăl

vas/ectomy

văs-ĔK-tō-mē

prostat/itis

prŏs-tă-TĪ-tĭs

Vas deferens

Scrotum Testes

An incision of vas

deferens on each side.

Excised segment of

vas deferens

The excised segment

of vas deferens is

withdrawn and ends

are tied (ligation).

Vas deferens is returned

and scrotum incision is

closed with sutures. This

procedure is performed

for both the right and

left vas deferens.

Figure 8-13Vasectomy.