Glossary

Abscess – A localized collection of pus in any part of the body that is surrounded by swelling (inflammation).

Anastomosis – Two ends of healthy intestine are joined together.

Barium x-rays – Barium, a white chalky liquid, is consumed and is monitored by x-ray as it makes its way down the digestive tract. This tests for swelling, narrowing, and other intestinal inflammation.

Bowel obstruction – Blockage of the intestine.

Capsule endoscopy – A capsule containing a camera is swallowed by the patient. As it follows the entire digestive tract it takes pictures of sections that are not easily reached by other endoscopic procedures.

Colectomy – A procedure in which the entire colon is removed.

Colonoscopy – Examines the entire colon, occasionally continuing to the end of the small intestine called the ileum.

Crohn’s disease – An inflammation of the gastrointestinal/digestive tract. It can occur anywhere in the digestive tract from the mouth to the anus and any layer of the intestinal walls.

Fistula – An abnormal connection with other parts of the intestine or other organs.

Gastrostomy tube (G-tube) – A surgically created opening through the abdominal wall going directly into the stomach, through which a feeding tube is passed.

Ileal-anal pouch surgery - This is when the entire colon and rectum are removed and the need to wear a bag is eliminated because the small intestine and anus are connected. 

Ileostomy – The end of the small intestine, the ileum, is brought through a hole, called a stoma, in the abdominal wall. This allows waste to drain out of the intestine into an external bag worn by the patient.

Nasogastric (NG) Tube – Receiving enteral nutrition through a tube placed through the nose to the stomach

Ostomy – An artificial opening of the intestine into the wall of the abdomen.

Parenteral nutrition – Intravenous infusion of some or all of a patient’s nutritional requirements through a catheter placed in a vein. 

Proctocolectomy – A surgery used to remove the colon and rectum. 

Restorative proctocolectomy - This procedure is done by removing the colon and rectum, then turning the ileum into a pouch and connecting it to the anus. 

Sigmoidoscopy - The sigmoid colon, or lower third of the large intestine, is examined in a similar procedure as the colonoscopy

Total parental nutrition (TPN) – A catheter is placed in a large blood vessel allowing one to obtain nutrients while being on bowel rest if need be.

Ulcerative colitis – An inflammation and ulceration of the colon mucosa, or innermost lining. Ulcerative colitis is a disease that causes inflammation and
sores, called ulcers, in the lining of the rectum and colon. When the
inflammation occurs in the rectum and lower part of the colon it is
called ulcerative proctitis. If the entire colon is affected it is
called pancolitis. If only the left side of the colon is affected it
is called limited or distal colitis. Generally, ulcerative colitis begins at the
rectum and progresses up the colon.

Upper endoscopy – The scope is inserted through your mouth and follows the tract to the stomach and upper small intestine. This procedure is done to look for bleeding, ulcers, and inflammation.

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