decompression

de·com·pres·sion   (dē'kəm-prěsh'ən)    n.   The act or process of decompressing. A surgical procedure used to relieve pressure on an organ or part, such as the abdomen, cranium, or spinal cord.

Main Entry: de·com·pres·sion
Pronunciation: -'presh-&n
Function: noun
: the act or process of releasing from pressure orcompression: as a : reduction of pressure: (1) : the decrease of ambient air pressure experienced in an air lock on return to atmospheric pressure after a period of breathingcompressed air (as in a diving bell or caisson) or experienced in ascent to a great altitude without a pressure suit or pressurized cabin (2) : the decrease of water pressure experienced by adiver when ascending rapidly b : an operation or technique used to relieve pressure upon an organ (as in fractures of the skull or spine) or within a hollow organ (as in intestinalobstruction)

decompression de·com·pres·sion (dē'kəm-prěsh'ən)
n.

1. The relief of pressure on a body part by surgery.

2. The restoration of deep sea divers and caisson workers to atmospheric pressure by means of a decompression chamber.