The Digestive System Procedures

Question 1

Visual examination of the GI tract using a flexible fiberoptic instrument with a magnifying lens and a light source (endoscope) to identify abnormalities, including bleeding, ulcerations, and tumors.

Answer 1

Gastrointestinal endoscopy

Question 2

Panel of blood tests that identifies the specific virus–hepatitis A, B, or C–that is causing hepatitis by testing serum using antibodies to each of these antigens

Answer 2

Hepatitis panel

Question 3

Group of blood tests that evaluate liver injury, liver function, and conditions commonly associated with the biliary tract

Answer 3

Liver function tests (LFTs)

Question 4

Measurement of the level of bilirubin in the blood

Answer 4

Serum bilirubin

Question 5

Test to identify microorganisms or parasites present in feces that are causing a GI infection

Answer 5

Stool culture

Question 6

Test that applies a substance called guaiac to a stool sample to detect the presence of occult blood in the feces

Answer 6

Stool guaiac

Question 7

Imaging technique achieved by rotating an x-ray emitter around the area to be scanned and measuring the intensity of transmitted rays from different angles

Answer 7

Computed Tomography

Question 8

Radiographic images of the rectum and colon following administration of barium into the rectum

Answer 8

Lower Gastrointestinal series

Question 9

Radiographic images taken of the gallbladder after administration of a contrast material containing iodine, usually in the form of a tablet

Answer 9

Oral Cholecystography (OCG)

Question 10

Technique that uses radio waves and a strong magnetic field to produce highly detailed, multiplanar, cross-sectional views of soft tissues

Answer 10

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

Question 11

Special MRI technique that produces detailed images of the hepatobiliary and pancreatic systems, including the liver, gallbladder, bile ducts, pancreas, and pancreatic duct

Answer 11

Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography (MRCP)

Question 12

Test in which high-frequency sound waves are directed at soft tissue and reflected as “echoes” to produce an image on a monitor of an internal body structure

Answer 12

Ultrasonography (US)

Question 13

Ultrasound visualization of the abdominal aorta, liver, gallbladder, bile ducts, pancreas, kidneys, ureters, and bladder

Answer 13

Abdominal Ultrasonography

Question 14

Combination of endoscopy and ultrasound that examines and obtains images of the digestive tract and the surrounding tissues and organs

Answer 14

Endoscopic Ultrasonography

Question 15

Radiographic images of the esophagus, stomach, and small intestine following oral administration of barium

Answer 15

Upper gastrointestinal series (UGIS)

Question 16

Surgical joining of two ducts, vessels, or bowel segments to allow flow from one to another

Answer 16

anastomosis

Question 17

Surgical connection of the ileum and rectum after total colectomy, as is sometimes performed in the treatment of ulcerative colitis

Answer 17

Ileorectal anastomosis

Question 18

Surgical connection of two portions of the intestines

Answer 18

Intestinal anastomosis

Question 19

Excision of a diseased appendix using an open or laparoscopic procedure

Answer 19

Appendectomy

Question 20

Excision of a diseased appendix through a 2” to 3” incision in the right lower quadrant of the abdomen

Answer 20

Open appendectomy

Question 21

Minimally invasive appendectomy using three small abdominal incisions while monitoring an enlarged image of the surgical site projected on a monitor

Answer 21

Laparoscopic appendectomy

Question 22

Group of procedures that treat morbid obesity

Answer 22

Bariatric surgery

Question 23

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

Answer 23

Vertical banded gastroplasty

Question 24

Bariatric surgery that involves stapling the stomach to decrease its size and then shortening the jejunum and connecting it to the small stomach pouch, causing the base of the duodenum leading from the nonfunctioning 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.

Answer 24

Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RGBO)

Question 25

Surgical procedure in which a surgeon forms a stoma by drawing the healthy end of the colon through an incision in the anterior abdominal wall and suturing it into place

Answer 25

Colonstomy

Question 26

Procedure for crushing a stone and eliminating its fragments surgically or using ultrasonic shock waves

Answer 26

Lithotripsy

Question 27

Use of shock waves as a noninvasive method to break up stones in the gallbladder or biliary ducts

Answer 27

Extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy (ESWL)

Question 28

Procedure to remove fluid from the abdomen using a long, thin needle inserted through the belly

Answer 28

Paracentesis

Question 29

Excision of a polyp

Answer 29

Polypectomy

Question 30

Insertion of a nasogastric tube through the nose into the stomach to relieve gastric distention by removing gas, food, or gastric secretions; instill medication, food, or fluids; or obtain a specimen for laboratory analysis

Answer 30

Nasogastric intubation