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| This glossary contains: 19186 medical terms |
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Gastrointestinal stromal tumor
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Gastrointestinal stromal tumorGIST. A type of tumor that usually begins in cells in the wall of the gastrointestinal tract. It can be benign or malignant. Malignant GISTs can occur from the esophagus to the rectum, but occur most commonly in the stomach and small intestine. Treatment for GIST includes STI571 (Gleevec), the first approved drug to directly turn off the signal of a protein known to cause a cancer.
RELATED TERMS--------------------------------------
Tumor
Overgrowth of tissue.
Gastrointestinal
Having to do with the stomach and intestines.
Benign
Non-malignant; not life-threatening.
Malignant
Cancerous; life-threatening.
Esophagus
The organ that connects the mouth to the stomach. Also called gullet.
Rectum
An 8-inch chamber connected to the large intestine that receives solid waste (feces) from the descending colon to be expelled from the body. The rectum connects the colon to the anus. It is the rectum's job to receive stool from the colon, to let the person know that there is stool to be evacuated, and to hold the stool until evacuation happens.
Stomach
The organ between the esophagus and the small intestine. The stomach is where digestion of protein begins.
Intestine
The tube involved in digestion and extending from the stomach to the anus. Consists of the small intestine and the large intestine.
Protein
Any of a group of complex organic compounds which contain carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and usually sulfur, the characteristic element being nitrogen. Proteins, the principal constituents of the protoplasm of all cells, are of high molecular weight and consist essentially of combinations of a-amino acids in peptide linkages. Twenty different amino acids are commonly found in proteins, and each protein has a unique genetically defined amino acid sequence which determines its specific shape and function. Their roles include enzymatic catalysis, transport and storage, coordinated motion, nerve impulse generation and many others.
Cancer
Any malignant growth or tumor caused by abnormal and uncontrolled cell division; it may spread to other parts of the body through the lymphatic system or the blood stream.
SIMILAR TERMS--------------------------------------
Gastrectomy
An operation to remove all or part of the stomach.
Gastric
Related to the stomach.
Gastric atrophy
A condition in which the stomach muscles shrink and become weak. It results in a lack of digestive juices. Gastritis: Inflammation of the stomach.
Gastric banding
A surgically implanted device used to help a person lose weight. In a surgical procedure, a band is placed around the upper part of the stomach, creating a small pouch that can hold only a small amount of food. The narrowed opening between the stomach pouch and the rest of the stomach controls how quickly food passes from the pouch to the lower part of the stomach. The system helps the patient eat less by limiting the amount of food that can be eaten at one time and increasing the time it takes for food to be digested.
Gastric cancer
Cancer of the stomach, the major organ that holds food for digestion. Worldwide, stomach cancer is the second most frequent cancer and the second leading cause of death from cancer. It can develop in any part of the stomach and spread to other organs.
Gastric emptying study
A gastric emptying study evaluates the emptying of food from the stomach. For a gastric emptying study, a patient eats a meal in which the solid food, liquid food or both are mixed with a small amount of radioactive material. A scanner (acting like a Geiger counter) is placed over the stomach to monitor the amount of radioactivity in the stomach for several hours after the test meal. In patients with abnormal emptying of the stomach, the food and radioactive material stay in the stomach longer than normal (usually hours) before emptying into the small intestine.
Gastric juices
Liquids produced in the stomach to help break down food and kill bacteria.
Gastric MALT lymphoma
A low-grade malignant lymphoma of the stomach associated with chronic infection by the bacterium H. pylori. Three-quarters of gastric MALT lymphomas regress after the eradication of H. pylori with antibiotics. The one-quarter that are unresponsive to antibiotics carry a characteristic chromosomal translocation or are at an advanced stage. The translocation is of the t(11;18)(q21;q21) type.
Gastric outlet
The exit from the stomach through the pyloric channel and duodenum.
Gastric outlet obstruction
Any disease that mechanically impedes gastric emptying, the normal emptying of the stomach. There is obstruction of the channel of the pylorus and duodenum through which the stomach empties. The cause of the obstruction may be a benign or malignant disease. The most common malignancy that produces gastric outflow obstruction is pancreatic cancer. The benign causes of gastric outflow obstruction include pyloric ulcer and gastric polyps in adults, pyloric stenosis and congenital duodenal webs in children, and the ingestion of caustic substances in all age ranges. Gastric outlet obstruction may be abbreviated GOO.
Gastric resection
An operation to remove part or all of the stomach.
Gastric stapling
A surgical procedure that converts the upper part of the stomach into a very small pouch by stapling portions of the stomach together, forcing an obese person to eat only tiny portions yet still feel full. It is normally done only in severe cases, and in combination with diet and exercise. A similar operation is called gastric banding.
Gastric ulcer
See stomach ulcer.
Gastrin
A hormone released after eating, which causes the stomach to produce more acid.
Gastritis
An inflammation of the stomach lining.
Gastrocolic reflex
Increase of muscle movement in the gastrointestinal tract when food enters an empty stomach which may cause the urge to have a bowel movement right after eating.
Gastrocrom
Gastrocrom is a prescription or over-the-counter drug which is (or once was) approved in the United States and possibly in other countries. Active ingredient(s): cromolyn sodium.
Gastroenteritis
An infection or irritation of the stomach and intestines, which may be caused by bacteria or parasites from spoiled food or unclean water. Other causes include eating food that irritates the stomach lining and emotional upsets such as anger, fear, or stress. Symptoms include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal cramping. See also infectious diarrhea and travelers' diarrhea.
Gastroenterologist
A physician who specializes in digestive diseases.
Gastroenterology
The field of medicine concerned with the function and disorders of the digestive system.
Gastroesophageal
Pertaining to both the stomach and the esophagus, as in the gastroesophageal junction, the place where the esophagus connects to the stomach.
Gastroesophageal junction
The junction between the stomach and the esophagus; the place where the esophagus connects to the stomach.
Gastroesophageal reflux
The return of stomach contents back up into the esophagus This frequently causes heartburn because of irritation of the esophagus by stomach acid.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease refers to an esophageal irritation or inflammation often due to stomach acid that backs up into the esophagus.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
Flow of the stomach's contents back up into the esophagus, which happens when the muscle between the esophagus and the stomach (the lower esophageal sphincter) is weak or relaxes when it shouldn't. May cause esophagitis. Also called esophageal reflux or reflux esophagitis.
Gastrografin
Gastrografin is a prescription or over-the-counter drug which is (or once was) approved in the United States and possibly in other countries. Active ingredient(s): diatrizoate meglumine; diatrizoate sodium.
Gastrointestinal
Having to do with the stomach and intestines.
Gastrointestinal bleeding
Gastrointestinal bleeding refers to every form of hemorrhage (blood loss) in the gastrointestinal tract, from the pharynx to the rectum.
Gastrointestinal tract
The tube that extends from the mouth to the anus in which the movement of muscles and release of hormones and enzymes digest food. The gastrointestinal tract starts with the mouth and proceeds to the esophagus, stomach, duodenum, small intestine, large intestine (colon), rectum and, finally, the anus. Also called the alimentary canal, digestive tract and, perhaps most often in conversation, the GI tract.
Gastrointestinal tract (GIT)
The large, muscular tube that extends from the mouth to the anus, where the movement of muscles and release of hormones and enzymes digest food. Also called the alimentary canal or digestive tract.
Gastromark
Gastromark is a prescription or over-the-counter drug which is (or once was) approved in the United States and possibly in other countries. Active ingredient(s): ferumoxsil.
Gastroparesis
Nerve or muscle damage in the stomach. Causes slow digestion and emptying, vomiting, nausea, or bloating. Also called delayed gastric emptying.
Gastropathy
Disease of the stomach, as in hypoproteinemic hypertrophic gastropathy.
Gastroschisis
A birth defect in which there is a separation in the abdominal wall. Through this opening protrudes part of the intestines which are not covered by peritoneum (the membrane that normally lines the inside of the abdomen). The opening in the abdominal wall in gastroschisis is never at the site of the umbilicus (the navel or belly button). Rather, the umbilicus is characteristically to the left of the gastroschisis and is separated from it by a bridge of skin.
Gastroscope
A flexible, lighted instrument that is put through the mouth and down the esophagus to view the stomach. Tissue from the stomach can also be removed through the gastroscope.
Gastrostomy
An artificial opening from the stomach to a hole (stoma) in the abdomen where a feeding tube is inserted. See also enteral nutrition.
Gastrostomy, percutaneous endoscopic (PEG)
A surgical procedure for placing a feeding tube without having to perform an open laparotomy (operation on the abdomen). The aim of PEG is to feed those who cannot swallow. PEG may be done by a surgeon, otolaryngologist (ENT specialist) or gastroenterologist (GI specialist). It is done in a. hospital or outpatient surgical facility. Local anesthesia (usually lidocaine or another spray) is used to anesthetize the throat. An endoscope (a flexible, lighted instrument) is passed through the mouth, throat and esophagus to the stomach. The surgeon then makes a small incision (cut) in the skin of the abdomen and pushes an intravenous cannula (an IV tube) through the skin into the stomach and sutures (ties) it in place. The patient can usually go home the same day or the next morning. Possible complications include wound infection (as in any kind of surgery) and dislodging or malfunction of the tube. Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy may be a mouthful (as a term) but it describes the procedure accurately. A gastrostomy (a surgical opening into the stomach) is made percutaneously (through the skin) using an endoscope to put the feeding tube in place. PEG takes less time, carries less risk and costs less than a classic surgical gastrostomy which requires opening the abdomen.
Gastrovist
Gastrovist is a prescription or over-the-counter drug which is (or once was) approved in the United States and possibly in other countries. Active ingredient(s): diatrizoate meglumine; diatrizoate sodium.
PREVIOUS AND NEXT TERMS--------------------------------------
Gastric outlet obstruction
Any disease that mechanically impedes gastric emptying, the normal emptying of the stomach. There is obstruction of the channel of the pylorus and duodenum through which the stomach empties. The cause of the obstruction may be a benign or malignant disease. The most common malignancy that produces gastric outflow obstruction is pancreatic cancer. The benign causes of gastric outflow obstruction include pyloric ulcer and gastric polyps in adults, pyloric stenosis and congenital duodenal webs in children, and the ingestion of caustic substances in all age ranges. Gastric outlet obstruction may be abbreviated GOO.
Gastric stapling
A surgical procedure that converts the upper part of the stomach into a very small pouch by stapling portions of the stomach together, forcing an obese person to eat only tiny portions yet still feel full. It is normally done only in severe cases, and in combination with diet and exercise. A similar operation is called gastric banding.
Gastroesophageal
Pertaining to both the stomach and the esophagus, as in the gastroesophageal junction, the place where the esophagus connects to the stomach.
Gastroesophageal junction
The junction between the stomach and the esophagus; the place where the esophagus connects to the stomach.
Gastroesophageal reflux
The return of stomach contents back up into the esophagus This frequently causes heartburn because of irritation of the esophagus by stomach acid.
Gastrointestinal stromal tumor
Gastrointestinal tract
The tube that extends from the mouth to the anus in which the movement of muscles and release of hormones and enzymes digest food. The gastrointestinal tract starts with the mouth and proceeds to the esophagus, stomach, duodenum, small intestine, large intestine (colon), rectum and, finally, the anus. Also called the alimentary canal, digestive tract and, perhaps most often in conversation, the GI tract.
Gastropathy
Disease of the stomach, as in hypoproteinemic hypertrophic gastropathy.
Gastroschisis
A birth defect in which there is a separation in the abdominal wall. Through this opening protrudes part of the intestines which are not covered by peritoneum (the membrane that normally lines the inside of the abdomen). The opening in the abdominal wall in gastroschisis is never at the site of the umbilicus (the navel or belly button). Rather, the umbilicus is characteristically to the left of the gastroschisis and is separated from it by a bridge of skin.
Gastroscope
A flexible, lighted instrument that is put through the mouth and down the esophagus to view the stomach. Tissue from the stomach can also be removed through the gastroscope.
Gastrostomy, percutaneous endoscopic (PEG)
A surgical procedure for placing a feeding tube without having to perform an open laparotomy (operation on the abdomen). The aim of PEG is to feed those who cannot swallow. PEG may be done by a surgeon, otolaryngologist (ENT specialist) or gastroenterologist (GI specialist). It is done in a. hospital or outpatient surgical facility. Local anesthesia (usually lidocaine or another spray) is used to anesthetize the throat. An endoscope (a flexible, lighted instrument) is passed through the mouth, throat and esophagus to the stomach. The surgeon then makes a small incision (cut) in the skin of the abdomen and pushes an intravenous cannula (an IV tube) through the skin into the stomach and sutures (ties) it in place. The patient can usually go home the same day or the next morning. Possible complications include wound infection (as in any kind of surgery) and dislodging or malfunction of the tube. Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy may be a mouthful (as a term) but it describes the procedure accurately. A gastrostomy (a surgical opening into the stomach) is made percutaneously (through the skin) using an endoscope to put the feeding tube in place. PEG takes less time, carries less risk and costs less than a classic surgical gastrostomy which requires opening the abdomen.
RELATED TERMS--------------------------------------
Tumor
Overgrowth of tissue.
Gastrointestinal
Having to do with the stomach and intestines.
Benign
Non-malignant; not life-threatening.
Malignant
Cancerous; life-threatening.
Esophagus
The organ that connects the mouth to the stomach. Also called gullet.
Rectum
An 8-inch chamber connected to the large intestine that receives solid waste (feces) from the descending colon to be expelled from the body. The rectum connects the colon to the anus. It is the rectum's job to receive stool from the colon, to let the person know that there is stool to be evacuated, and to hold the stool until evacuation happens.
Stomach
The organ between the esophagus and the small intestine. The stomach is where digestion of protein begins.
Intestine
The tube involved in digestion and extending from the stomach to the anus. Consists of the small intestine and the large intestine.
Protein
Any of a group of complex organic compounds which contain carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and usually sulfur, the characteristic element being nitrogen. Proteins, the principal constituents of the protoplasm of all cells, are of high molecular weight and consist essentially of combinations of a-amino acids in peptide linkages. Twenty different amino acids are commonly found in proteins, and each protein has a unique genetically defined amino acid sequence which determines its specific shape and function. Their roles include enzymatic catalysis, transport and storage, coordinated motion, nerve impulse generation and many others.
Cancer
Any malignant growth or tumor caused by abnormal and uncontrolled cell division; it may spread to other parts of the body through the lymphatic system or the blood stream.
SIMILAR TERMS--------------------------------------
Gastrectomy
An operation to remove all or part of the stomach.
Gastric
Related to the stomach.
Gastric atrophy
A condition in which the stomach muscles shrink and become weak. It results in a lack of digestive juices. Gastritis: Inflammation of the stomach.
Gastric banding
A surgically implanted device used to help a person lose weight. In a surgical procedure, a band is placed around the upper part of the stomach, creating a small pouch that can hold only a small amount of food. The narrowed opening between the stomach pouch and the rest of the stomach controls how quickly food passes from the pouch to the lower part of the stomach. The system helps the patient eat less by limiting the amount of food that can be eaten at one time and increasing the time it takes for food to be digested.
Gastric cancer
Cancer of the stomach, the major organ that holds food for digestion. Worldwide, stomach cancer is the second most frequent cancer and the second leading cause of death from cancer. It can develop in any part of the stomach and spread to other organs.
Gastric emptying study
A gastric emptying study evaluates the emptying of food from the stomach. For a gastric emptying study, a patient eats a meal in which the solid food, liquid food or both are mixed with a small amount of radioactive material. A scanner (acting like a Geiger counter) is placed over the stomach to monitor the amount of radioactivity in the stomach for several hours after the test meal. In patients with abnormal emptying of the stomach, the food and radioactive material stay in the stomach longer than normal (usually hours) before emptying into the small intestine.
Gastric juices
Liquids produced in the stomach to help break down food and kill bacteria.
Gastric MALT lymphoma
A low-grade malignant lymphoma of the stomach associated with chronic infection by the bacterium H. pylori. Three-quarters of gastric MALT lymphomas regress after the eradication of H. pylori with antibiotics. The one-quarter that are unresponsive to antibiotics carry a characteristic chromosomal translocation or are at an advanced stage. The translocation is of the t(11;18)(q21;q21) type.
Gastric outlet
The exit from the stomach through the pyloric channel and duodenum.
Gastric outlet obstruction
Any disease that mechanically impedes gastric emptying, the normal emptying of the stomach. There is obstruction of the channel of the pylorus and duodenum through which the stomach empties. The cause of the obstruction may be a benign or malignant disease. The most common malignancy that produces gastric outflow obstruction is pancreatic cancer. The benign causes of gastric outflow obstruction include pyloric ulcer and gastric polyps in adults, pyloric stenosis and congenital duodenal webs in children, and the ingestion of caustic substances in all age ranges. Gastric outlet obstruction may be abbreviated GOO.
Gastric resection
An operation to remove part or all of the stomach.
Gastric stapling
A surgical procedure that converts the upper part of the stomach into a very small pouch by stapling portions of the stomach together, forcing an obese person to eat only tiny portions yet still feel full. It is normally done only in severe cases, and in combination with diet and exercise. A similar operation is called gastric banding.
Gastric ulcer
See stomach ulcer.
Gastrin
A hormone released after eating, which causes the stomach to produce more acid.
Gastritis
An inflammation of the stomach lining.
Gastrocolic reflex
Increase of muscle movement in the gastrointestinal tract when food enters an empty stomach which may cause the urge to have a bowel movement right after eating.
Gastrocrom
Gastrocrom is a prescription or over-the-counter drug which is (or once was) approved in the United States and possibly in other countries. Active ingredient(s): cromolyn sodium.
Gastroenteritis
An infection or irritation of the stomach and intestines, which may be caused by bacteria or parasites from spoiled food or unclean water. Other causes include eating food that irritates the stomach lining and emotional upsets such as anger, fear, or stress. Symptoms include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal cramping. See also infectious diarrhea and travelers' diarrhea.
Gastroenterologist
A physician who specializes in digestive diseases.
Gastroenterology
The field of medicine concerned with the function and disorders of the digestive system.
Gastroesophageal
Pertaining to both the stomach and the esophagus, as in the gastroesophageal junction, the place where the esophagus connects to the stomach.
Gastroesophageal junction
The junction between the stomach and the esophagus; the place where the esophagus connects to the stomach.
Gastroesophageal reflux
The return of stomach contents back up into the esophagus This frequently causes heartburn because of irritation of the esophagus by stomach acid.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease refers to an esophageal irritation or inflammation often due to stomach acid that backs up into the esophagus.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
Flow of the stomach's contents back up into the esophagus, which happens when the muscle between the esophagus and the stomach (the lower esophageal sphincter) is weak or relaxes when it shouldn't. May cause esophagitis. Also called esophageal reflux or reflux esophagitis.
Gastrografin
Gastrografin is a prescription or over-the-counter drug which is (or once was) approved in the United States and possibly in other countries. Active ingredient(s): diatrizoate meglumine; diatrizoate sodium.
Gastrointestinal
Having to do with the stomach and intestines.
Gastrointestinal bleeding
Gastrointestinal bleeding refers to every form of hemorrhage (blood loss) in the gastrointestinal tract, from the pharynx to the rectum.
Gastrointestinal tract
The tube that extends from the mouth to the anus in which the movement of muscles and release of hormones and enzymes digest food. The gastrointestinal tract starts with the mouth and proceeds to the esophagus, stomach, duodenum, small intestine, large intestine (colon), rectum and, finally, the anus. Also called the alimentary canal, digestive tract and, perhaps most often in conversation, the GI tract.
Gastrointestinal tract (GIT)
The large, muscular tube that extends from the mouth to the anus, where the movement of muscles and release of hormones and enzymes digest food. Also called the alimentary canal or digestive tract.
Gastromark
Gastromark is a prescription or over-the-counter drug which is (or once was) approved in the United States and possibly in other countries. Active ingredient(s): ferumoxsil.
Gastroparesis
Nerve or muscle damage in the stomach. Causes slow digestion and emptying, vomiting, nausea, or bloating. Also called delayed gastric emptying.
Gastropathy
Disease of the stomach, as in hypoproteinemic hypertrophic gastropathy.
Gastroschisis
A birth defect in which there is a separation in the abdominal wall. Through this opening protrudes part of the intestines which are not covered by peritoneum (the membrane that normally lines the inside of the abdomen). The opening in the abdominal wall in gastroschisis is never at the site of the umbilicus (the navel or belly button). Rather, the umbilicus is characteristically to the left of the gastroschisis and is separated from it by a bridge of skin.
Gastroscope
A flexible, lighted instrument that is put through the mouth and down the esophagus to view the stomach. Tissue from the stomach can also be removed through the gastroscope.
Gastrostomy
An artificial opening from the stomach to a hole (stoma) in the abdomen where a feeding tube is inserted. See also enteral nutrition.
Gastrostomy, percutaneous endoscopic (PEG)
A surgical procedure for placing a feeding tube without having to perform an open laparotomy (operation on the abdomen). The aim of PEG is to feed those who cannot swallow. PEG may be done by a surgeon, otolaryngologist (ENT specialist) or gastroenterologist (GI specialist). It is done in a. hospital or outpatient surgical facility. Local anesthesia (usually lidocaine or another spray) is used to anesthetize the throat. An endoscope (a flexible, lighted instrument) is passed through the mouth, throat and esophagus to the stomach. The surgeon then makes a small incision (cut) in the skin of the abdomen and pushes an intravenous cannula (an IV tube) through the skin into the stomach and sutures (ties) it in place. The patient can usually go home the same day or the next morning. Possible complications include wound infection (as in any kind of surgery) and dislodging or malfunction of the tube. Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy may be a mouthful (as a term) but it describes the procedure accurately. A gastrostomy (a surgical opening into the stomach) is made percutaneously (through the skin) using an endoscope to put the feeding tube in place. PEG takes less time, carries less risk and costs less than a classic surgical gastrostomy which requires opening the abdomen.
Gastrovist
Gastrovist is a prescription or over-the-counter drug which is (or once was) approved in the United States and possibly in other countries. Active ingredient(s): diatrizoate meglumine; diatrizoate sodium.
PREVIOUS AND NEXT TERMS--------------------------------------
Gastric outlet obstruction
Any disease that mechanically impedes gastric emptying, the normal emptying of the stomach. There is obstruction of the channel of the pylorus and duodenum through which the stomach empties. The cause of the obstruction may be a benign or malignant disease. The most common malignancy that produces gastric outflow obstruction is pancreatic cancer. The benign causes of gastric outflow obstruction include pyloric ulcer and gastric polyps in adults, pyloric stenosis and congenital duodenal webs in children, and the ingestion of caustic substances in all age ranges. Gastric outlet obstruction may be abbreviated GOO.
Gastric stapling
A surgical procedure that converts the upper part of the stomach into a very small pouch by stapling portions of the stomach together, forcing an obese person to eat only tiny portions yet still feel full. It is normally done only in severe cases, and in combination with diet and exercise. A similar operation is called gastric banding.
Gastroesophageal
Pertaining to both the stomach and the esophagus, as in the gastroesophageal junction, the place where the esophagus connects to the stomach.
Gastroesophageal junction
The junction between the stomach and the esophagus; the place where the esophagus connects to the stomach.
Gastroesophageal reflux
The return of stomach contents back up into the esophagus This frequently causes heartburn because of irritation of the esophagus by stomach acid.
Gastrointestinal stromal tumor
Gastrointestinal tract
The tube that extends from the mouth to the anus in which the movement of muscles and release of hormones and enzymes digest food. The gastrointestinal tract starts with the mouth and proceeds to the esophagus, stomach, duodenum, small intestine, large intestine (colon), rectum and, finally, the anus. Also called the alimentary canal, digestive tract and, perhaps most often in conversation, the GI tract.
Gastropathy
Disease of the stomach, as in hypoproteinemic hypertrophic gastropathy.
Gastroschisis
A birth defect in which there is a separation in the abdominal wall. Through this opening protrudes part of the intestines which are not covered by peritoneum (the membrane that normally lines the inside of the abdomen). The opening in the abdominal wall in gastroschisis is never at the site of the umbilicus (the navel or belly button). Rather, the umbilicus is characteristically to the left of the gastroschisis and is separated from it by a bridge of skin.
Gastroscope
A flexible, lighted instrument that is put through the mouth and down the esophagus to view the stomach. Tissue from the stomach can also be removed through the gastroscope.
Gastrostomy, percutaneous endoscopic (PEG)
A surgical procedure for placing a feeding tube without having to perform an open laparotomy (operation on the abdomen). The aim of PEG is to feed those who cannot swallow. PEG may be done by a surgeon, otolaryngologist (ENT specialist) or gastroenterologist (GI specialist). It is done in a. hospital or outpatient surgical facility. Local anesthesia (usually lidocaine or another spray) is used to anesthetize the throat. An endoscope (a flexible, lighted instrument) is passed through the mouth, throat and esophagus to the stomach. The surgeon then makes a small incision (cut) in the skin of the abdomen and pushes an intravenous cannula (an IV tube) through the skin into the stomach and sutures (ties) it in place. The patient can usually go home the same day or the next morning. Possible complications include wound infection (as in any kind of surgery) and dislodging or malfunction of the tube. Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy may be a mouthful (as a term) but it describes the procedure accurately. A gastrostomy (a surgical opening into the stomach) is made percutaneously (through the skin) using an endoscope to put the feeding tube in place. PEG takes less time, carries less risk and costs less than a classic surgical gastrostomy which requires opening the abdomen.
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This dictionary contains 19186 terms.
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