Capsulotomy vs Capsulectomy: what is the difference?

Thank you for your question.  "Otomy" typically means to make a hole in that part of the body, for example, a Gastrotomy would be making a hole in the stomach, (for say, a feeding tube).  "Ectomy" means to take it out, (remove) that part of the body, or sections thereof, for example a Gastrectomy would be the removal of the stomach, or sections thereof.  A capsulotomy will make incisions in the capsule.  A capsulectomy will take the capsule, or sections thereof out.  "En-bloc: usually referes to taking whatever it is out in one piece.  Remember that it is important to be safe.  Sometimes the tissue may not allow this, (i.e.; thin tissue on the chest wall). Each surgeon is different as to use of drains.  It varies also by patient and case.  Please talk to your Board Certified Plastic Surgeon.  Ask them those questions that are on your mind.Jeffrey J. Roth, M.D., F.A.C.S.Board Certified Plastic SurgeonLas Vegas Plastic Surgery

Great question!  Medical and scientific vocabulary can be very confusing because so many terms sound so similar.  I will try to make it very simple:capsulotomy - cutting into or through the scar tissue, but NOT removing it.capsulectomy - removing scar tissue (in any way) and can be partial or complete depending on how much of the scar tissue is removeden bloc capsulectomy - removing ALL of the scar tissue and the implant simultaneously without opening the scar tissue to remove the implant.  This requires a much longer incision.capsulorrhaphy - suturing the scar tissue of the capsule in order to change the size or shape of the pocket.Ultimately, if you are happy with the results then it doesn't rally matter what was done with the scar tissue during your surgery.  It could also be a transcription error if your doctor dictated the operative note; those terms sound so much alike that the transcriptionist may have typed the word wrong.  I am unaware of any scientific, peer-reviewed articles that show a distinct benefit from an en block capsulectomy over leaving all the scar tissue in place.I hope this helps explain things.Richard H
Fryer, MD FACS
Board
Certified by American Board of Plastic Surgeons (ABPS)
member
American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS)
member
American Society of Plastic Surgery (ASPS)

I would suggest asking your surgeon about the specific details of surgery. He can explain how much of the capsule he was able to remove.