<procedure> An obsolete term for opening of any cavity to establish drainage. ... Origin: L. Caverna, cavern, + G. Stoma, mouth ... (05 Mar 2000) ... 
(kav″әr-nos´tә-me) operative incision into a cavity to allow drainage, such as the drainage of a pulmonary abscess.
cavernostomy A surgical procedure in which a body cavity is opened, usually to provide drainage, as in the case of a lung abscess.