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Definition

noun

Surgical removal or resection of the maxilla or upper jaw bone.

Supplement

Maxillectomy may be total or limited. A total maxillectomy is the resection of the entire maxilla whereas a limited maxillectomy is only a partial resection, involving the removal of only the medial wall or the floor of the maxillary sinus.

Word origin: maxilla _ G. Ektome, excision