Gastro Intestinal Definitions Flashcards
Anorexia
Severe loss of appetite, the inability to eat
Anastomosis
A surgical connection between two structures of the body
Ascites
A large build up of fluid within the peritoneum
Enteral
Within or by way of the intestine, via the stomach or small intestine
Gastroparesis
A condition in which the muscles within the GI tract don’t work; paralysis of the GI tract
Hematemisis
Vomiting blood from the GI tract
Hematomegaly
An enlargement of the liver
Melena
Black tar like stool, indicating an internal bleed somewhere within the upper bowels
Jaundice
Yellowing tinge of the skin and sclera of the eyes due to an increased production of bilirubin in the liver.
Note: this indicates that the liver is shutting down or not working efficiently.
Spleenomegaly
The enlargement of the spleen
A Fistular
An unwelcome tunnel between to areas of the body that should not be there
Polopectomy
A surgical procedure in which intestinal polyps are removed from the intestine
Ileuostomy
A part of the small intestine most likely the duodenum is bought to the outside of the abdomen to form a stoma.
Note: this can be temporary or permanent
Colostomy
A part of the large bowel is bought through the abdominal wall to form a stoma on the outside of the stomach
Colonoscopy
A small camera is inserted into the rectum for investigative purposes
