also -eo- (after Fr. -éo-, from stem συμφύσε- of Gr. σύμφυσις), combining form of next, in the foll. surgical terms. Symphysiorrhaphy, suture of a divided symphysis (Dorland, Med. Dict., 1901). Symphysiotome [Gr. -τομος cutting], a knife used in symphysiotomy (Knight, Dict. Mech., 1875). Symphysiotomist, an advocate of symphysiotomy. Symphysiotomy [Gr. -τομία cutting], the operation of cutting through the symphysis pubis to facilitate delivery.
1846. Brittan, trans. Malgaigne’s Man. Oper. Surg., 574. Symphysiotomy. There are two proceedings; one by ordinary, and the other by subcutaneous, incision.
1888. Buck’s Handbk. Med. Sci., VI. 700/2. The medical profession became divided into Symphysiotomists and Cæsareanists, each advocating the one plan of delivery to the disparaging of the other.
1893. Brit. Med. Jrnl., 29 April, 915/2. The zeal with which several former advocates of Cæsarean section … have taken up symphysiotomy.
