Gastrointestinal Flashcards
abdominoplasty
“tummy tuck” cosmetic surgery procedure designed to tighten abdominal muscles and remove excess fat from the area for a more toned and flattened appearance.
acanthosis nigricans
condition that causes areas of dark thick velvety skin in body folds and creases. Typically affects armpits, groin, neck, in people with obesity/high blood insulin.
alpha-1-antitrypsin (AAT)
protein produced in the liver that protects body tissues from being damaged by infection-fighting agents released by immune system. If deficient, prone to destruction of lung tissues.
alpha-fetoprotein (AFP)
protein produced by liver and yolk sac of a fetus. Has no normal fxn in adults. Measures/diagnoses/monitors fetal distress or abnormalitis. Can also detect liver disorders and cancers in adults.
atheromatous
fatty material that clogs the arteries leading to plaque buildup and atherosclerosis
Bard Marlex mesh
hernia mesh that was known to lead to severe complications and mesh failure; recalled and no longer in use.
BICAP Bipolar circum-active probe
new endoscopiocally deliverable bipolar electrocoagulator; arrests GI bleeding.
choledocholithiasis
presence of 1(+) gallstone in the common bile duct. Stone may be made of bile pigments or calcium and cholesterol salts. Liver produces bile aiding in fat digestion.
Clostridium (C.) difficile
bacteria that causes infection of colon; diarrhead to life-threatening damage of colon. Illness often occurs after using antibiotics. Mostly affects people in care. Bacteria are not active outside of colon and can cross contaminate through food, water, soil, surfaces.
cystiopathy
bladder small fiber neuropathy; caused by diabetes type 2. Loss of bladder sensation, post-voic residual.
dehiscence
splitting or bursting open of a wound
detrusor muscle
contract during urination to push urine out of the bladder into the urethra. Relaxes to allow storage of urine in the bladder.
diastasis recti
linea alba is overstretched and doesn’t come back together. The left and right sides of the abdominals stay separated. Also called “Ab gap” or ab separation. Often a postpartum condition for vaginal delivery.
diverticulectomy “bowel resection”`
procedure removing the diverticulum from the wall of the intestine. Sometimes a small part of the intestine will also be removed; open ends of the intesting will be sewn or stapled back.
diverticula
small bulging sacs or pouches that form on the inner wall of the intestine. Occur when weak places in the colon give away under pressure. Diverticulitis = inflammation/infection of pouches. Often part of large intestine.
dyspareunia
gential pain during or after intercourse. Can be felt externally on the vulva or internally in vagina, uterus, or pelvis. Often from underlying medical conditions or infections.
hypoalbuminemia
body doesn’t produce enough albumin protein responsible for keeping fluid in the blood vessels. Often a symptom of nephrotic syndromes, hepatic cirrhosis, heart failure, malnutrition.
hypokalemia
low blood potassium levels; often due to excessive loss of potassium in digestive tract due to vomiting, diarrhea, or laxative use. Severe muscle weakness
ileitis
inflammation of the ileum; often by Chron’s disease or other infectious diseases. Abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea.
jejunostomy tube (J-tube)
soft plastic tube placed through the skin of the abdomen into the middle of the small intestine. Delivers food and medicine until patient is healthy enough to eat by mouth. Used when contraindiction for placement of gastrostomy tube.
menarche
refers to the first time menstruating. Light bleeding, cramping, mood swings. Marks capability of pregnancy.
ERCP endoscopic retrograde cholangio pancreatography
Type of xray that diagnoses and treats problems with the biliary system.
polypectomy
surgical removal of a polyp; via open abdominal surgery or during a colonoscopy. Snip off with forceps or use a snare that burns the base.
pseudomembranous colitis
severe inflammation of the inner lining of the large intestine. Manifests as antibiotic associated inflammatory complication. Most often from Clostridium difficile infection.