Term | Definition |
adhesions | Bands of scar tissue that bind together two anatomic surfaces that normally are separate. |
anastomosis | The surgical joining of two normally distinct organs. |
anorexia | A lack or loss of appetite for food. |
ascites | An abnormal collection of fluid containing high levels of protein and electrolytes in the peritoneal cavity. |
carcinogens | Substances or agents that cause the development of or increase the incidence of cancer. |
diaphoresis | The profuse excretion of sweat. |
endemic | A term describing a disease or microorganism that is specific to a particular geographic area. |
esophageal varices | Varicose veins of the esophagus, which occur as a result of portal hypertension; these vessels can easily hemorrhage. |
fecalith | A hard, impacted mass of feces in the colon. |
fissures | Narrow slits or clefts in the abdominal wall. |
fistula | An abnormal, tubelike passage between internal organs or from an internal organ to the body's surface. |
flatus | Gas expelled through the anus. |
gangrene | The death of body tissue as a result of loss of nutritive supply, followed by bacteria invasion and putrefaction. |
hematemesis | Vomiting of bright red blood, indicating rapid upper GI bleeding; associated with esophageal varices or peptic ulcer. |
hematocrit | The percentage by volume of packed red blood cells in a given sample of blood after centrifugation. |
hemoglobin | A protein found in erythrocytes that transports molecular oxygen in the blood. |
hepatomegaly | Abnormal enlargement of the liver. |
ileostomy | The surgical formation of an opening of the ileum onto the surface of the abdomen through which fecal material is emptied. |
jaundice | Yellowing of the skin and mucous membranes caused by the deposition of bile pigment; it is not a disease, but rather a sign of a number of diseases, especially liver disorders. |
lithotripsy | A procedure for eliminating a kidney stone or gallstone by crushing or dissolving it in situ through the use of high-intensity sound waves. |
lymphadenopathy | Any disorder of the lymph nodes or lymph vessels. |
polyps | Tumors or outgrowths found in the mucosal lining of the colon; they are considered precancerous. |
portal circulation | The pathway of blood flow through the portal vein from the GI system to the liver. |
portal hypertension | Increased venous pressure in the portal circulation caused by cirrhosis or compression of the hepatic vascular system. |
sclerotherapy | The treatment of hemorrhoids, varicose veins, or esophageal varices by means of injection of special solutions. |
Valsalva's maneuver | Occurs when a person strains; causes blood to become trapped in the great veins, and may lead to heart attack. |