Digestive System Procedures, Disorders, and Pharmacology

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering digestive system medical procedures, disorders, pharmacological terms, and endoscopy types based on the lecture material.

Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD)

Visual examination of the esophagus (esophagoscopy), stomach (gastroscopy), and duodenum (duodenoscopy) by using an endoscope; also called upper GI endoscopy.

Stool guaiac

Test performed on feces using the reagent gum guaiac to detect presence of blood in feces that is not apparent on visual inspection; also called Hemoccult test.

Bariatric surgery

Any of a group of procedures used to treat morbid obesity.

Vertical banded gastroplasty

Bariatric surgery in which the upper stomach near the esophagus is stapled vertically to reduce it to a small pouch and a band is inserted that restricts and delays food from leaving the pouch, causing a feeling of fullness.

Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RGB)

Bariatric surgery in which the stomach is first stapled to reduce it to a small pouch, and then the jejunum is shortened and connected 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, reducing absorption of calories and fats; also called gastric bypass with gastroenterostomy.

Colostomy

Excision of a diseased part of the colon and relocation of the remaining end of the healthy colon through the abdominal wall to divert fecal flow to a colostomy bag.

Lithotripsy

Eliminating a stone within the gallbladder or urinary system by crushing it surgically or by using a noninvasive method, such as ultrasonic shock waves, to shatter it.

Extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy (ESWL)

Use of shock waves as a noninvasive method to destroy stones in the gallbladder and biliary ducts.

Nasogastric intubation

Insertion of a soft plastic nasogastric tube through the nostrils, past the pharynx, and down the esophagus into the stomach to remove substances from the stomach; deliver medication, food, or fluids; or obtain a specimen for laboratory analysis.

Polypectomy

Excision of small, tumorlike, benign growths (polyps) that project from a mucous membrane surface.

Antacids

Pharmacological agents that neutralize acids in the stomach.

Antidiarrheals

Pharmacological agents that control loose stools and relieve diarrhea by absorbing excess water in the bowel or slowing peristalsis in the intestinal tract.

Antiemetics

Pharmacological agents that control nausea and vomiting by blocking nerve impulses to the vomiting center of the brain.

Laxatives

Pharmacological agents that relieve constipation and facilitate passage of feces through the lower GI tract.

Cholelithiasis

A common condition in which there is an abnormal presence of gallstones (choleliths) or calculi that form in the bile.

Acute cholecystitis

A severe inflammation of the interior wall of the gallbladder, most cases being a consequence of the obstruction of bile ducts by gallstones.

Choledocholithiasis

The condition in which calculi, or stones, are present in the common bile duct.

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Surgical treatment for symptomatic gallstone disease involving small incisions in the abdomen to insert a tiny video camera and surgical instruments to remove the gallbladder.

Endoscopy

A minimally invasive diagnostic procedure that uses an endoscope (rigid or flexible fiberoptic tube and a lighted optical system) to visually examine the GI tract.

Esophagoscopy

Visual examination of the esophagus.

Gastroscopy

Visual examination of the stomach.

Duodenoscopy

Visual examination of the duodenum.

Upper GI endoscopy

Endoscopic procedure using an endoscope inserted through the nose or mouth to visually examine the esophagus, stomach, and/or duodenum.

Gastroesophageal varices

Varicose veins or varicosities located in the lower esophagus and stomach.

Lower GI endoscopy

Endoscopy employing the use of an endoscope inserted through the rectum to examine conditions of the lower GI tract.

Colonoscopy

Visual examination of the colon using an endoscope.

Sigmoidoscopy

Visual examination of the sigmoid colon using an endoscope.

Proctoscopy

Visual examination of the rectum and anal canal using an endoscope.