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Glite Dictionary
purse-string operation

purse-string operation

9.6
An operation that sews the lower part of the womb closed during pregnancy to prevent early birth
  • noun
  • /ˈpɜrsˌstrɪŋ ˌɑpəˈreɪʃən/
  • Specialized
translation icon : operación de cerclaje
  • The purse-string operation is often performed when the cervix is unable to stay closed during pregnancy.

Examples

  • The obstetrician recommended a purse-string operation to help maintain the pregnancy.

  • Many women benefit from a purse-string operation during pregnancy.

  • After undergoing a purse-string operation, she was advised to limit physical activity.

  • The doctor performed a purse-string operation successfully.

  • The obstetrician recommended a purse-string operation to help maintain the pregnancy.

  • After undergoing a purse-string operation, she was advised to limit physical activity.

  • The purse-string operation is often performed when the cervix is unable to stay closed during pregnancy.

Synonyms

purse string
vspurse-string operation
  • Specialized
1 6.1

A stitch that goes around an opening and pulls the edges together to close it

is a cervical closure used to prevent premature opening and pregnancy loss
Shirodkar's operation
vspurse-string operation
  • Specialized
9.9

A surgical operation that puts a stitch around the cervix to stop it opening too early in pregnancy

is the general cervical closure to stop early opening and pregnancy loss

Surface Forms

purse-string operation singular
purse-string operations plural

Morphology

purse-string + operation

The element 'purse-string' transparently evokes a drawstring that tightens a purse, and when combined with 'operation' it clearly denotes a surgical procedure that closes or tightens tissue using a drawstring-like suture. A B1 learner who knows 'purse', 'string' and 'operation' can infer this general closing/tightening meaning even if they lack the specific clinical context.

Etymology

Purse-string operation comes from the picture of a round stitch pulled tight like the string on a small purse, and in the surgery doctors place that stitch around the cervix and pull it closed. That's why the name describes a surgery that 'keeps the cervix closed' to help 'prevent early birth'.