adhesion
abnormal growing together of two peritoneal surfaces that normally are separate. This may occur after abdominal surgery.
celiac disease
malabsorption syndrome caused by an immune reaction to gluten, which may damage the lining of the small intestine that is responsible for the absorption of food into the blood stream
cirrhosis
chronic disease of the liver with gradual destruction of cells and formation of scar tissue; commonly caused by alcoholism and some types of hepatitis
Crohn's disease
chronic inflammation of the intestinal tract usually affecting the ileum and colon
gastroesophageal reflux disease
abnormal backward flow of the gastrointestinal contests into the esophagus, causing heartburn and the gradual breakdown of the mucous barrier of the esophagus
hematochromatosis
iron metabolism disorder that occurs when too much iron is absorbed from food, resulting in excessive deposits of iron in the tissue.
hemorrhoids
swollen or distended veins in the rectal area, which may be internal or external, and can be a source of rectal bleeding
ileus
non-mechanical obstruction of the intestine, often by failure of peristalus
intussusception
telescoping of the segment of the intestine
irritable bowel syndrome
periodic disturbances of bowel function, such as diarrhea and/or constipation, usually associated with abdominal pain.
obesity
excess body fat, not body weight
peptic ulcer
erosion of the mucous membrane of the stomach or duodenum with increased secretion of acid from the stomach, bacterial infection, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
polyp
tumor-like growth extending outward from a mucous membrane, usually benign; common sites are in the nose, throat, and intestines
ulcerative colitis
inflammation of the colon with the formation of ulcers that produces bloody diarrhea.
volvulus
twisting or kinking of the intestine, causing intestinal obstruction
abdominoperineal resection
removal of the distal colon and rectum through both abdominal and perineal approaches; performed to treat colorectal cancer and inflammatory disease of the lower large intestine
anastomosis
connection by surgically joining two structures, such a blood vessels or bowel segments
bariatric surgery
surgical reduction of gastric capacity to treat morbid obesity
hemorrhoidectomy
excision of hemorrhoids
vagotomy
cutting certain branches of the vagus nerve, performed with gastric surgery to reduce the amount of gastric acid produced and thus reduce the occurrence of ulcers
abdominal sonography
ultrasound test of the abdominal cavity in which the size and structure of organs can be visualized.
barium enema
series of radiographic images take of the large intestine after a contrast agent barium has been administered rectally
endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography
endoscopic procedure involving radiographic imaging of the biliary ducts and pancreatic ducts with contrast media, and flouroscopy
upper GI series
series of radiographic images take of the pharynx, esophagus, stomach, and duodenum after a contrast medium has been administered orally
endoscopic ultrasound
procedure using an endoscope fitted with an ultrasound probe that provides images of layers of the intestinal wall
fecal occult blood test
test to detect occult blood in the feces and used to screen for colon cancer or polyps
helicobactor pylori antibodies test
blood test to determine the presence of H. pylori bacteria and is found in the lining of the stomach and can cause peptic ulcers
ascites
abnormal collection of fluid in the peritoneal cavity
diarrhea
frequent discharge of liquid stool
dysentery
disorder that involves inflammation of the intestine (usually large) associated with diarrhea and abdominal pain
emesis
expelling matter from the stomach through the mouth (vomiting)
feces
waste from the digestive tract expelled through the rectum
flatus
gas in the digestive tract or expelled through the anus
gastric lavage
washing out the stomach
gavage
process of feeding a person through a nasogastric tube
hematemesis
vomiting blood
hematochezia
passage of bloody feces
malabsorption
impaired digestion or intestinal absorption of nutrients
melena
black, tarry stool that contains digested stool; usually as a result of bleeding in the upper GI tract
nausea
urge to vomit
palpate
to examine by hand, to feel
peristalsis
involuntary wavelike contractions that propel food along the digestive tract
reflux
abnormal backward flow.
stoma
surgical opening between an organ and the surface of the body, such as the opening established in the abdominal wall by colostomy ileostomy or a similar operation.
vomiting
expelling matter from the stomach through the mouth (emesis)
cholangiopancreatography
radiographic imaging of the biliary ducts and pancreatic ducts with contrast media
enema
a procedure in which liquid is injected into the rectum, typically to expel its contents, but also to introduce drugs or permit X-ray imaging
gastric ulcer
a sore that's on the inside of the stomach lining (peptic ulcer)
peritoneum
the serous membrane lining the cavity of the abdomen and covering the abdominal organs.