Medical Terminology: Hernia and Peptic Ulcer Disease

Hernia

• A protrusion of any organ, tissue, or structure through the wall of the cavity in which it is naturally contained
• Treatment consists of surgical repair (hernioplasty) with suture of the abdominal wall (herniorrhaphy)

Ulcer

• A circumscribed open sore on the skin or mucous membranes within the body
• Peptic Ulcer Disease (PUD): a circumscribed open sore on the mucous membranes develops in the parts of the GI tract exposed to hydrochloric acid and pepsin

Ulcerative Colitis

• A chronic inflammatory disease of the large intestine and rectum
• Commonly begins in the rectum or sigmoid colon and extends upward into the entire colon

Intestinal Obstruction

• A partial or complete blockage in the small or large intestine that prevents forward flow of digestive products

Hemorrhoids

• Enlarged veins in the mucous membrane of the anal canal, often bleeding, hurting, or itching
• May occur inside (internal) or outside (external) the rectal area
• Can be treated with hemorrhoidectomy: surgical removal of the hemorrhoidal condition

Diverticulosis

• A condition in which small, blister-like pockets (diverticula) develop in the inner lining of the large intestine and may balloon through the intestinal wall

Ascites

• Abnormal accumulation of fluid in the abdomen

Cirrhosis

• Scarring and dysfunction of the liver caused by chronic liver disease

Colic

• A spasm in any hollow or tubular soft organ, especially in the colon, accompanied by pain

Dysentery

• Inflammation of the intestine, especially the colon

Dyspepsia

• Epigastric discomfort felt after eating; also called indigestion

Dysphagia

• Inability or difficulty in swallowing; also called aphagia

Flatus

• Gas in the GI tract; expelling of air from a body orifice, especially the anus

Hematemesis

• Vomiting of blood from bleeding in the stomach or esophagus

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

• A symptom complex marked by abdominal pain and altered bowel function

Melena

• Passage of dark-colored, tarry stools, due to the presence of blood altered by intestinal juices

Peristalsis

• A progressive, wavelike movement that occurs involuntarily in hollow tubes of the body, especially the GI tract

Endoscopy

• Visual examination of a cavity or canal using a flexible fiber optic instrument called an endoscope

Barium Enema

• Radiographic examination of the rectum and colon following enema administration of barium sulfate (contrast medium) into the rectum; also called lower GI series

Barium Swallow

• Radiographic examination of the esophagus, stomach, and small intestine following oral administration of barium sulfate (contrast medium); also called esophagogram and upper GI series