Chapter 6: Digestive System Flashcards
Another name for the GI tract
alimentary canal
Primary function of the GI system
break down food, prepare it for absorption, and eliminate waste
What are the accessory organs of the GI system?
liver, gallbladder, and pancreas
Define bilirubin
Orange-yellow pigment formed during the destruction of erythrocytes that’s taken up by liver cells, and eventually excreted in the feces. Elevated bilirubin in the blood causes jaundice and can indicate liver disease.
Define bolus
Mass of masticated food ready for swallowing.
Define Exocrine gland
Type of gland that secretes its product through excretory ducts to the surface of an organ/tissue, or into a vessel.
Define sphincter
Circular band of muscle fibers that constricts a passage or closes a natural opening of the body.
Define triglycerides
Organic compound, a true fat, made of 1 glycerol and 3 fatty acids. In the blood, these form with proteins to make lipoproteins, which are synthesized by the liver and transported to other tissues where they’re stored for energy.
What’s the correct pathway of food through the body?
oral cavity (secretions from salivary glands) –> pharynx –> esophagus –> stomach –> duodenum (secretions come from liver, pancreas, and gallbladder) –> jejunum –> ileum –> cecum –> ascending colon –> transverse colon –> descending colon –> sigmoid colon –> rectum –> anus.
Facts about the mouth:
Also known as the oral cavity.
Where the process of digestion begins.
Acts as a receptacle for food.
Formed by cheeks (bucca), lips, teeth tongue, and hard and soft palates.
Food is broken down mechanically by teeth and chemically by saliva to form a “bolus”.
How many pairs of salivary glands are in the mouth?
3
Facts about teeth:
Mechanically break down food through mastication.
Covered by hard enamel, which gives them a smooth, white appearance.
3 layers of the teeth (from outermost to innermost):
1) Enamel
2) Dentin: main structure of the tooth.
3) Pulp: contains nerves and blood vessels.
What are the gums (gingiva)?
Pink, fleshy tissue, in which the teeth are embedded.
Functions of the tongue:
Assists in chewing by manipulating the bolus and moving it to the back of the mouth.
Aids in speech production and taste.
Another word for swallowing:
deglutition
Define papillae:
Rough projections on the surface of the tongue that contain taste buds.
4 basic taste sensations:
Sweet, sour, bitter, salty.
Note: taste is closely linked with the sensation of smell.
Function of the hard and soft palates:
Form the roof of the mouth.
Hard palate is the…
Anterior portion of the roof of the mouth.
Soft palate is the…
Posterior portion of the roof of the mouth that forms a partition between the mouth and the nasopharynx.
Pharynx is better known as the…
throat
Function of the uvula:
Guides food bolus down the pharynx.
Function of the pharynx:
Funnel-shaped structure that serves as a passageway to the respiratory and GI tracts and provides a resonating chamber for speech sounds.
The trachea is:
The portion of the pharynx that leads to the lungs
The esophagus is:
The portion of the pharynx that leads into the stomach.
Function of the epiglottis:
Small flap of cartilage that folds back to cover the trachea during deglutition, which forces food to enter the esophagus. At all other times, the epiglottis is upright to allow air to pass through the trachea.
Facts about the stomach:
Sac-like structure in the LUQ of the abdomen.
Acts as a food reservoir that continues chemical/mechanical digestion.
Lined with mucous membranes and rugae that unfold as the stomach fills.
Has a body (central portion), fundus (upper portion), which act as storage areas, and pylorus (lower portion).
Lower esophageal (cardiac) sphincter:
Composed of muscle fibers that constrict once food passes into the stomach, which prevents food from regurgitating into the esophagus.
Body of the stomach
Central portion
Fundus
Upper portion of the stomach
Pylorus
Terminal, funnel-shaped portion where digestion takes place.
Facts about rugae:
Macroscopic, longitudinal folds that unfold as the stomach fills.
Digestive glands within the rugae release hydrochloric acid (HCl) and enzymes. These, along with continued mechanical digestion turn the bolus into a semi-liquid form called chyme.
Chyme
Formed in the stomach; bolus turns into chyme as part of digestion.
pyloric sphincter
Regulates the speed and movement of chyme into the small intestine and prohibits backflow.
Define peristalsis
Process of propelling food through the GI tract by coordinated, rhythmic muscle contractions.
Small intestines
Coiled tube ~20 ft long that starts at the pyloric sphincter and ends at the large intestine; composed of the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum. Digestion is completed in the small intestine with enzymes secreted by the liver and pancreas.
Duodenum
Uppermost second of the small intestine ~10 in long.
Jejunum
Middle second of the small intestine ~8 ft long.
Ileum
Last section of the small intestine ~12 ft long.
Villi
Finger-like projections in the small intestine that absorb nutrients in chyme.
Ileocecal valve
A sphincter muscle at the end of the small intestine that allows undigested material to pass into the large intestine.
Large intestine
~5 ft long; starts at the end of the ileum and extends to the anus. Primary function is to absorb water and minerals and eliminate undigested material. No digestion takes place here; only secretion is mucous to lubricate fecal matter, which allows it to pass through the large intestine.
3 parts of the large intestine:
Cecum
Colon
Rectum
Cecum
First 2-3 in. of the large intestine; small pouch that hangs inferior to the ileocecal valve. Has a small pouch called the appendix.
Appendix
Small, worm-like structure that has no purpose. Can become inflamed (appendicitis) and need surgical removal (appendectomy)
Colon
Separated into the ascending colon, transverse colon, descending colon, and sigmoid colon.
Ascending colon
Extends from the cecum to the lower border of the liver; turns abruptly to form the hepatic flexure.
Transverse colon
Continues across the upper abdomen and turns abruptly below the spleen to form the splenic flexure.
Descending colon
After the splenic flexure, this continues down the left side of the abdomen until it forms the sigmoid colon.
Rectum
Last part of the GI tract, after the sigmoid colon, that terminates at the anus.
Liver
Largest glandular organ in the body, weighs ~3-4 lbs, located in the RUQ/LUQ beneath the diaphragm.
Functions of the liver:
Producing bile, which aids in the digestion of fat.
Removes glucose from the blood to synthesize glycogen (starch) to retain for later use.
Stores vitamins, such as B12, A, D, E, and K.
Destroys/transforms toxic products into less harmful compounds.
Maintains normal glucose levels in the blood.
Destroys old erythrocytes, releasing bilirubin.
Synthesizing proteins that circulate in the blood.
Functions are vital and death occurs if the liver ceases to function.
Pancreas
Elongated, somewhat flattened organ that’s posteroinferior to the stomach. Performs endocrine and exocrine functions.
Endocrine function of the pancreas:
Pancreas secretes insulin into the bloodstream to maintain normal glucose levels.
Exocrine function of the pancreas:
Produces digestive enzymes that pass into the duodenum through the pancreatic duct; extends along the pancreas and enters the duodenum along with the hepatic duct.
Gallbladder
Sac-like structure on the inferior surface of the liver that stores bile produced by the liver.
Common bile duct
Formed by the cystic duct (gallbladder) and hepatic duct (liver).
Hepatic duct
Formed by the right and left hepatic duct.
Cystic duct
Eventually merges with the hepatic duct to form the common bile duct.
How is bile produced?
Bile production is stimulated by hormone secretions produced in the duodenum when food enters the small intestine. Without bile, fat digestion isn’t possible.
or/o
stomat/o
mouth
or/al: pertaining to the mouth.
stomat/itis: inflammation of the mouth.
gloss/o
lingu/o
tongue
gloss/ectomy: removal of the tongue
lingu/al: pertaining to the tongue.
bucc/o
cheek
bucc/al: pertaining to the cheek
chiel/o
labi/o
lip
chiel/o/plasty: surgical repair of the lip.
labi/al: pertaining to the lip.
dent/o
odont/o
teeth
dent/ist: specialist of the teeth
orth/odont/ist: specialist in the straightening of teeth.
gingiv/o
gums
gingiv/ectomy: removal of the gum(s).
sial/o
saliva, salivary gland
sial/o/lith: stone of the salivary gland.
esophag/o
esophagus
esophag/o/scope: instrument used to examine the esophagus.
pharyng/o
pharynx/throat
pharyng/o/tonsil/itis: inflammation of the pharynx and tonsils.
gastr/o
stomach
gastr/itis: inflammation of the stomach.
pylor/o
pylorus
pylor/o/spasm: involuntary contraction of the pylorus.
duoden/o
duodenum
duoden/o/scopy: visual examination of the duodenum.
enter/o
intestine (usually the small intestine)
enter/o/pathy: disease of the small intestine.
jejun/o
jejunum
jejun/o/rrhaphy: suture of the jejunum
ile/o
ileum
ile/o/stomy: forming an opening in the ileum.
append/o
appendic/o
appendix
append/ectomy: removal of the appendix.
appendic/itis: inflammation of the appendix.
col/o
colon/o
colon
col/o/stomy: forming an opening in the colon.
colon/o/scopy: visual examination of the colon.
sigmoid/o
sigmoid colon
sigmoid/o/tomy: incision of the sigmoid colon.
rect/o
rectum
rect/o/cele: herniation of the rectum.
proct/o
anus, rectum
proct/o/logist: specialist in the study of the anus and rectum.
an/o
anus
peri/an/al: pertaining to around the anus.
hepat/o
liver
hepat/o/megaly: enlargement of the liver.
pancreat/o
pancreas
pancreat/o/lysis: destruction of the pancreas.
cholangi/o
bile vessel
cholangi/ole: bile vessel.
chol/e
bile, gall
chole/lith: gallstone
choledoch/o
bile duct
choledoch/o/plasty: surgical repair of the bile duct.
-emesis
vomit
hyper/emesis: excessive vomiting.
-iasis
abnormal condition (produced by something specified)
chole/lith/iasis: abnormal condition of gallstones.
-megaly
enlargement
hepat/o/megaly: enlargement of the liver.
-orexia
appetite
an/orexia: without appetite.
-pepsia
dys/pepsia: painful digestion.
-phagia
swallowing, eating
aer/o/phagia: swallowing air
-prandial
meal
post/prandial: after a meal.
-rrhea
discharge, flow
staet/o/rrhea: discharge of fat.
dia-
across, through
dia/rrhea: discharge across. Discharge or flow of fecal matter through the bowel.
peri-
around
peri/odont/itis: inflammation around the tooth.
sub-
under, below
sub/lingu/al: pertaining to below the tongue.
Define asymptomatic
A disease that does not present symptoms; some digestive disorders are like this.
Common side effects of digestive disorders:
nausea/vomiting, bleeding, pain, and weight loss.
Indications of a hepatic disorder:
Jaundice and edema.
GI disorders may cause…
…far-reaching metabolic or systemic problems that can be life-threatening.
Gastroenterology:
Branch of medicine concerned with digestive diseases.
Gastroenterologist:
Physician who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of digestive disorders. They don’t perform surgeries, however under the broad classification of surgery, they perform procedures such as liver biopsies and endoscopic procedures.
What is Peptic ulcer disease (PUD)?
Circumscribed, open sore on the mucous membranes of the digestive system; peptic ulcers are the most common type. May occur in the stomach and duodenum, and to a lesser extent, in the lower esophagus. These ulcers are named by their location.
Common causes for PUD:
Erosion of the mucous membrane caused by infection with the Helicobacter pylori bacteria. As the membrane erodes, the tissue beneath is exposed to strong acids and digestive enzymes, which eventually causes the ulcer.
Risk factors for PUD:
Smoking, chewing tobacco, stress, caffeine use, and use of steroids and NSAIDs. Smoking is a risk factor because it can increase the harmful effects of H. pylori, alters protective mechanisms, and reduces gastric blood flow.
Treatments for PUD:
1) Antibiotics to treat H. pylori.
2) Antacids to reduce stomach acids and allow the ulcer to heal.
3) If left untreated, mucosal destruction can produce a perforation in the wall of the stomach. This can cause stomach contents to leak into the abdominal cavity and cause peritonitis.
Define hernia:
Protrusion of any organ, tissue, or structure, through the wall that normally contains it. Although these occur most commonly in the abdomen, they may occur in the diaphragm.
Inguinal hernia
Develops in the groin where abdominal folds of flesh meet the thighs. May be hardly noticeable in the early stages and appear as a soft lump, no larger than a marble. As time passes, the size may increase.
Strangulated hernia
May develop if the blood supply to the hernia is cut off due to pressure, which can lead to necrosis and gangrene.
Umbilical hernia
Protrusion of part of the intestine at the navel. Occurs more commonly in obese women and those who have several pregnancies.
Congenital hernias
Occurs in newborn infants/early childhood. If the defect hasn’t corrected itself by age 2, it may be corrected surgically.
Treatment for hernias:
Hernioplasty: surgical repair of the hernia
Herniorrhaphy: suture of the abdominal wall.
Diaphragmatic hernia
congenital disorder
Hiatal hernia
Lower part of the esophagus and top of the stomach slide through an opening (hiatus) in the diaphragm into the thorax. May be asymptomatic, or this can cause stomach acid to back up into the esophagus, which can cause heartburn, GERD, chest pain, and dysphagia.
Hepatitis and its usual causes:
Inflammatory condition of the liver. Usual causes: 1) Exposure to toxic substances, especially alcohol. 2) Obstructions in the bile duct. 3) Metabolic diseases. 4) Autoimmune diseases. 5) Bacterial or viral infections.
Hepatitis Types
A-E; HAV, HBV, HCV, HDV, HEV.
Hepatitis A
infectious hepatitis; most common cause is ingestion of contaminated food, water, and milk.
Hepatitis B
Serum hepatitis; usually transmitted by blood transfusions or sexual contact. Increased risk for health care professionals to contract this, but there’s a vaccine available.
Define parenteral
Transmitted by routes other than the mouth.
Hepatitis C
Usually transmitted by blood transfusions or sexual contact; no vaccine available. Patients may be asymptomatic for years, or may only produce mild, flu-like symptoms.
Treatment for hepatitis:
Antiviral drugs; however, there’s no cure. As the disease progresses, liver scarring may become so severe that liver transplantation may be the only recourse.
Symptoms of liver disorders (2):
jaundice: yellowing of the skin.
icterus: yellowing of the sclera of the eyes.
These may occur because the liver is no longer able to remove bilirubin from the bloodstream after the destruction of erythrocytes. May also result when bile duct is blocked, causing bile to enter the bloodstream.
Diverticulosis
A condition in which small, blister-like pockets (diverticula) develop on the inner lining of the large intestine and may balloon through the intestinal wall. Occurs most commonly in the sigmoid colon. Usually doesn’t cause problems until the diverticula become inflamed.
Diverticulitis
Inflammation of diverticula.
Symptoms of diverticulitis:
1) Pain, commonly LLQ
2) Extreme constipation (obstipation), or diarrhea
3) Fever
4) Abdominal swelling
5) Occasional blood in bowel movements.
Treatments for diverticulitis:
Mild: rest, antibiotics, and diet changes.
Severe: May require surgical intervention, such as excision of the infected segment of the intestine.
Facts about stomach cancer:
1) Although stomach cancer is uncommon in the U.S., it’s prevalent in different areas of the world where food preservation is problematic.
2) High mortality rate.
3) Men are more susceptible than women.
4) Neoplasms nearly always develop from the epithelial/mucosal lining of the stomach in the form of a cancerous, glandular tumor, a gastric adenocarcinoma.
5) Persistent indigestion is one of the most common early warning signs of stomach cancer.
6) Other types of GI carcinomas are hepatocellular, esophageal, and pancreatic.
Colorectal cancer:
One of the most common types of intestinal cancer in the U.S. Originates in the epithelial lining of the colon/rectum and can occur anywhere in the large intestine.
Symptoms of colorectal cancer:
1) Depends largely on the location of the malignancy.
2) Changes in bowel habits.
3) Passage of blood and mucous in stools.
4) Rectal or abdominal pain.
5) Anemia
6) Weight loss
7) Obstructions; may be the first symptom of colorectal cancer.
8) perforations.
Anorexia
Lack or loss of appetite, resulting in the inability to eat. Not to be confused with anorexia nervosa, a psychogenic condition characterized by an all-consuming desire to be thin.
Appendicitis
Inflammation of the appendix, usually caused by obstruction or infection. Treatment includes an appendectomy.
Ascites
Abnormal condition of fluid in the abdominal cavity, usually as a result of chronic liver disease, a neoplasm, or an inflammatory disorder of the abdomen. Most commonly associated with cirrhosis, and treatment includes paracentesis to remove the fluid.
Borborygmus
Rumbling/gurgling noises that are audible at a distance and caused by the passage of gas through the liquid contents of the intestines.
cachexia
Physical wasting that includes weight loss and loss of muscle mass. Commonly associated with AIDS and cancer; also called wasting syndrome.
cholelithiasis
Presence or formation of gallstones in the gallbladder. May or may not produce symptoms.
cirrhosis
Scarring and dysfunction of the liver cause by chronic liver disease. Most commonly caused by chronic alcoholism, but may also be caused by toxins, infectious agents, metabolic diseases, and circulatory disorders.
Crohn disease
Form of IBS, usually of the ileum, also called regional enteritis. Chronic disease, usually distinguished from most bowel disorders by its distinct inflammatory pattern. May cause fever, cramping, diarrhea, and weight loss.
Dysentery
Inflammation of the intestine, especially the colon, that may be caused by ingesting food and water containing chemical irritants, bacteria, protozoa, or parasites, and results in bloody diarrhea. Common in areas where sanitary living conditions, clean food, and safe water are unavailable.
Flatus
Gas in the GI tract; expelling of air from a body orifice, especially the anus.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
Backflow of gastric contents into the esophagus as a result of a malfunction of the lower esophageal sphincter. May occur when pressure in the stomach is greater than that in the esophagus. May be associated with heartburn, esophagitis, hiatal hernia, or chest pain.
Halitosis
Foul-smelling breath. May result from poor oral hygiene, dental/oral infections, ingestion of certain foods, use of tobacco, or systemic disease.
Hematemesis
Vomiting blood from bleeding in the stomach or esophagus. May be caused by esophageal ulcer, esophageal varices, or a gastric ulcer. Treatment requires correction of the underlying cause.
Hemorrhoids
Swollen varicose veins in the anorectal region; categorized by internal or external. Usually caused by abdominal pressure, such as straining during bowel movements. Treatment of advances condition may include hemorrhoidectomy.
Intestinal obstruction
Mechanical or functional blockage of the intestines that occurs when contents of the intestines cannot move forward through the intestinal tract because of partial/complete blockage of the bowel.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Symptoms complex marked by abdominal pain and altered bowel function (typically constipation, diarrhea, or both) for which no organic cause can be determined; also called spastic colon. Aggravating factors may include anxiety and stress.
Malabsorption syndrome
Symptom complex of the small intestine characterized by the impaired passage of nutrients, minerals, or fluids through intestinal villi into the blood or lymph. May be caused by a number of diseases, surgery, or antibiotic therapy.
Melena
Dark, tar-like feces that contain digestive blood from bleeding in the esophagus or stomach. Treatment requires correction of the underlying cause of bleeding.
Obesity
Excessive accumulation of fat that exceeds the body’s skeletal and physical standards, usually an increase in 20% or more over ideal body weight. May arise from exogenous causes (excessive intake of food) or endogenous causes (metabolic//endocrine abnormalities).
Morbid obesity
BMI > 40, generally 100 lbs more than ideal body weight and may threaten body functions.
Obstipation
Severe constipation, which may be caused by intestinal obstruction.
Oral leukoplakia
Formation of white spots or patches on the mucous membrane of the tongue, lips, or cheek caused primarily by irritation. Pre-cancerous condition, usually associated with smoking or ill-fitting dentures.
Pancreatitis
Inflammation of the pancreas that occurs when digestive enzymes attack the pancreas. Most common cause is alcoholism, gallstone obstruction, drug toxicity, or infection of the pancreas.
Pyloric stenosis
Stricture or narrowing of the pyloric sphincter at the outlet of the stomach, causing obstruction that blocks the flow of food into the small intestine.
Regurgitation
Backward flow, as the return of solids/liquids to the mouth from the stomach.
Ulcerative colitis
Chronic inflammatory disease of the colon, commonly beginning in the rectum/sigmoid colon and extending upward into the entire colon. Characterized by profuse, watery diarrhea containing varying amounts of blood, mucous, and pus. Associated with increased risk of colon cancer.
Gastrointestinal endoscopy
Visual examination of the GI tract using an endoscope to identify abnormalities, including bleeding, ulcerations, and tumors.
Hepatitis panel
Panel of blood tests that identifies the specific virus - hepatitis A (HAV), hepatitis B (HBV), or hepatitis C (HCV) - that’s causing hepatitis by testing serum using antibodies to each of these antigens.
Liver Function Tests (LFTs)
Group of blood tests that evaluate liver injuries, liver function, and conditions commonly associated with the biliary tract. Evaluates liver enzymes, bilirubin, and proteins produced by the liver.
Serum bilirubin
Measurement of the level of bilirubin in the blood. Elevated serum bilirubin indicates excessive destruction of erythrocytes, liver disease, or biliary tract destruction.
Stool culture
Test to identify microorganisms or parasites in the feces that are causing a GI infection. Feces are examined microscopically after being placed in a growth medium.
Stool guaiac
Test that applies a substance called guaiac to a stool sample to detect the presence of hidden (occult) blood in the feces; also called Hemoccult. Helps detect colon cancers and bleeding associated with digestive disorders.
Computed tomography (CT)
Imaging technique achieved by rotating an x-ray emitter around the area to be examined and measuring the intensity of transmitted rays from different angles. Produces a detailed, cross-sectional image that appears as a slice. In GI, it visualizes the abdominal organs, and helps diagnose tumors, cysts, tumors, inflammation, abscesses, perforation, bleeding, and obstruction.
Lower gastrointestinal series
Radiographic images of the rectum/colon following administration of barium into the rectum; also called a lower GI series or barium enema. Helps diagnose obstructions, tumors, and other abnormalities of the colon.
Oral cholecystography
Radiographic images are taken of the gallbladder after administration of a contrast material containing iodine; usually in the form of a tablet. Evaluates gallbladder function and identifies the presence of disease or gallstones.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
Uses radio waves and a strong magnetic field to produce a highly-detailed, multiplanar, cross-sectional image of soft tissues.
Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography (MRCP)
Special MRI technique that produces a detailed image of the hepatobiliary and pancreatic systems, including the liver, gallbladder, bile ducts, pancreas, and pancreatic duct. Requires no contrast medium.
Ultrasonography (US)
Test in which high-frequency sound waves are directed at soft tissues and reflected as “echos” to produce an image on a monitor of an internal body structure.
Abdominal ultrasonography
US visualization of abdominal aorta, liver, gallbladder, bile ducts, pancreas, kidneys, ureters, and bladder. Helps diagnose conditions, track the progression of disease, and guide insertion of instruments during surgery.
Endoscopic ultrasonography
Combination of endoscopy and US that examines and obtains images of the digestive tract and the surrounding tissues and organs.
Upper gastrointestinal series (UGIS)
Radiographic images of the esophagus, stomach, and small intestine following oral administration of barium; also called a barium swallow. Most commonly performed on patients with dysphagia, because it helps identify obstructions.
Anastomosis
Surgical joining of 2 ducts, vessels, or bowel segments to allow flow from one to the other.
Ileorectal anastomosis
Surgical connection of the ileum and rectum after total colectomy, as is sometimes performed in the treatment of ulcerative colitis.
Intestinal anastomosis
Surgical connection of 2 portions of intestines.
Appendectomy
Excision of a disease appendix using an open or laparoscopic procedure. Delay in treatment may result in the rupture of the appendix, causing peritonitis as fecal matter enters the abdominal cavity.
Open: Excision of a diseased appendix through a 2”-3” incision in the RLQ.
Laparoscopic: Minimally invasive, uses 3 small abdominal incisions while monitoring an enlarged image of the surgical site projected onto a monitor. May slightly reduce recovery time, but the procedure takes longer and has a higher risk of the patient developing pneumoperitoneum (air in the abdominal cavity).
Bariatric surgery
Group of procedures that treat morbid obesity, a condition that arises from severe accumulation of excess weight and fatty tissue, and the resultant health problems.
Vertical banded gastroplasty
Bariatric surgery that involves vertical stapling of the upper stomach near the esophagus to reduce it to a small pouch and insertion of a band that restricts food consumption and delays its passage from the pouch, causing a feeling of fullness.
Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RGB)
Bariatric surgery that involves stapling of stomach to decrease its size then shortening the jejunum and connecting it to the small stomach pouch, causing the base of the duodenum leading from the non-functioning portion of the stomach to form a Y configuration, which decreases the pathway of food through the intestine, thus reducing absorption of calories and fats. Also called gastric bypass with gastroenterostomy. Most commonly performed weight loss surgery.
Colostomy
Surgical procedure in which the surgeon forms an opening (stoma) by drawing the healthy end of the colon through an incision in the anterior abdominal wall and suturing it into place. Diverts fecal flow into a colostomy bag and provides a new path for waste material to leave the body.
Lithotripsy
Procedure for crushing a stone and eliminating its fragments surgically or using ultrasonic shock waves.
Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL)
Use of shock waves as a non-invasive method to break up stones in the gallbladder or biliary ducts.
Paracentesis
Procedure to remove fluid from the abdominal cavity using a long, thin needle inserted into the belly; also called abdominocentesis. Fluid is sent to the lab to find the cause of fluid accumulation. May also relieve pain or pressure in patients with cirrhosis, cancer, or ascites.
Polypectomy
Excision of a polyp for microscopic examination to detect abnormal or cancerous cells.
Nasogastric intubation
Insertion of a nasogastric tube from the nose to the stomach to relieve gastric distention by removing gas, food, or gastric secretions, instilling food, medication, fluids; or to obtain a specimen for lab analysis.
Antacids
Counteract or neutralize acidity, usually in the stomach. Treat/prevent heartburn and acid reflux.
Calcium carbonate; Rolaids, Tums
Aluminum hydroxide and magnesium hydroxide; Maalox, Mylanta
Antidiarrheals
Control loose stools and relieve diarrhea by absorbing excess water in the bowel or slowing peristalsis in the digestive tract.
Loperamide; Imodium
Kaolin/Pectin, Donnagel-MB; Kapectolin
Antiemetics
Control nausea and vomiting by blocking nerve impulses to the vomiting center of the brain; some act by hastening the movement of food through the digestive tract.
Compazine; Compro
Ondasetron; Zofran
Antispasmodics
Decrease GI spasms by slowing peristalsis and motility throughout the GI tract; can also help treat IBS, spastic colon, and diverticulitis.
Glycopyrrolate; Rabinul
Dicyclomine; Bentyl
Histamine 2 (H-2) Blockers
Inhibit secretion of stomach acid from gastric cells by blocking the H2 receptors; treats acid reflux and gastric/duodenal ulcers.
Ranitidine; Zantac
Famotidine; Pepcid
Laxatives
Treat constipation by increasing peristaltic activity in the large intestine or increasing water and electrolyte secretion into the bowel to induce defecation.
Senna, sennosides; Senokat, Senolax
Psyllium metamucil; Natural Fiber Supplement
Proton Pump Inhibitors
Suppress basal and stimulated acid production by inhibiting the acid pump in gastric cells. Can treat gastric/duodenal ulcers and acid reflux. These drugs are more potent acid inhibitors than H2 blockers.
Omeprazole; Prilosec
Esomeprazole; Nexium
AIDS
Acquired Immune Deficiency Disorder
Ba
Barium
BaE, BE
Barium enema
BM
Bowel movement
BMI
Body mass index
CT
Computed tomography
EGD
Esophagogastroduodenoscopy
ESWL
Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy
GBS
Gallbladder series
GER
Gastroesophageal reflux
GERD
Gastroesophageal reflux disease
GI
Gastrointestinal
HAV
Hepatitis A virus
HBV
Hepatitis B virus
HCV
Hepatitis C virus
HDV
Hepatitis D virus
HEV
Hepatitis E virus
IBS
Irritable bowel syndrome
LFT
Liver function tests
LUQ
Left upper quadrant
MRCP
Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography
NG
Nasogastric
NSAID
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug
OCG
Oral cholecystography
PE
Physical examination; Pulmonary embolism; Pressure-equalizing (tube)
PUD
Peptic ulcer disease
R/O
rule out
RGB
Roux-en-Y gastric bypass
RUQ
Right upper quadrant
UGIS
Upper gastrointestinal series
US
Ultrasound; ultrasonography
