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

This quiz covers the medical terminology related to hernia and peptic ulcer disease, including their definitions and treatment options. Test your knowledge of these important medical concepts.