chemonucleolysis

[ kee-moh-noo-klee-ol-uh-sis, -nyoo-, kem-oh- ]

noun

1. treatment for a herniated spinal disk in which chymopapain is injected into the disk to dissolve tissue.

Word History and Origins

Origin of chemonucleolysis¹

chemo- + nucleo- + -lysis

Example Sentences

Another advantage: a laminectomy can cost $9,000, compared with an expected $4,000 for chemonucleolysis.

From Time Magazine Archive

The new technique, called chemonucleolysis, may eliminate the need for up to 75% of such surgery.

From Time Magazine Archive