GI Terminology Flashcards
Adhesions
fibrous bands of tissue that band together normally separate anatomic structures
Anastomosis
joining of two ducts or blood vessels to allow flow from one to the other
Ascites
fluid in the peritoneal cavity, usually causing abdominal swelling
Barium
a substance that when taken can make the upper GI tract visible on x-ray
Colectomy
surgical removal of part or all of the colon
Colostomy
surgical creation of an opening from the colon through the abdominal wall
Endoscopy
method of physical examination using a lighted, flexible instrument that allows a physician to examine the inside of the GI tract
Endosonography
diagnostic tool used to visualize the GI organs
Enema
injection of fluid into the rectum and colon to induce a bowel movement
fecal diversion
surgical creation of an opening of part of the colon or small intestine to the surface of the skin to allow for stool to exit the body
fistula
abnormal or surgically made passage that forms between two internal organs or between two different parts of the intestine
helicobacter pylori
a type of bacterium that causes infection in the stomach and often the cause of peptic ulcers
Jaundice
a condition in which the skin and eyes turn yellow because of increased levels of bilirubin in the blood
Mesentery
a fold of the peritoneum that carries blood vessels and lymph glands and attaches to various abdominal organs
Paracentesis
removal of accumulated fluid from the abdomen
