capsulotomy

1. Division of a capsule as around a breast implant. 2. Creation of an opening through a capsule; e.g., of a scar that might form around a foreign body. 3. Incision of the capsule of the lens in the extracapsular cataract operation. [L. capsula, capsule, + G. tome, a cutting]

- renal c. incision of the capsule of the kidney.

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cap·su·lot·o·my -'lät-ə-mē n, pl -mies incision of a capsule esp. of the crystalline lens (as in a cataract operation)

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n.

an incision into the capsule of the lens. In modern operations for cataract the lens capsule is not removed and tends, after months or years, to become opaque. Before the advent of laser surgery a tiny knife (cystitome) was inserted into the eye and a hole cut in the centre of the capsule, thus providing a clear path for light rays to reach the retina. Currently this procedure is routinely performed with a YAG laser at an out-patient clinic.

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cap·su·lot·o·my (kap″su-lotґə-me) [capsule + -tomy] the incision of a capsule, such as of the lens, the kidney, or a joint.