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A |
|
|
| Abdominoperineal
resection (APR) |
|
A surgical procedure in which some of
the organs of the abdomen are removed to prevent the further spread of
disease. |
| Abscess
|
|
A collection of Pus caused by an
infection in a closed space. |
| Acute |
|
Occurring suddenly or over a short
period of time. |
| Adhesion |
|
Scar tissue that binds connecting
surfaces; often causes complications, such as pain or blockages |
| Adjuvant Treatment |
|
A treatment which aids or assists
another. |
| Aetiology |
|
The study of the overall cause of a
disease. |
| Allergy |
|
An negative response to a substance.. |
| Anaemia |
|
A decrease in (a) the number of
circulating red blood cells or (b) the amount of haemoglobin in
the blood. |
| Anaesthetic |
|
A drug or agent that is used to
remove the sensation of pain. |
| Analgesic |
|
A drug that relieves or removes pain
without causing loss of consciousness. |
| Anastomosis |
|
Surgical join between hollow organs. |
| Antibiotic |
|
A drug that is used to treat diseases
caused by bacteria. |
| Antibody |
|
A substance produced by the body's
immune system that helps to defend the body against intruders. |
| Antiemetic |
|
An agent that prevents or reduces
nausea and vomiting. |
| Antifungal |
|
An agent that is effective against
fungal infections. |
| Antigen |
|
A substance which, when it enters the
body, stimulates the immune system to produce antibodies. |
| Appliance |
|
Collection device (pouch) |
| Aspiration |
|
The act of inhaling a liquid or solid
substance into the lungs. |
| |
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B |
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Back to Index |
| Benign |
|
Not malignant. Not cancerous. |
| Benign Tumour |
|
An abnormal swelling or growth that
is unlikely to recur after it has been removed. |
| Biopsy |
|
The removal of a sample of body
tissue for microscopic examination in order determine the nature of a
disease. |
| Bladder |
|
A muscular sac that stores urine. |
| Bowel |
|
The part of the gastro-intestinal
track between the stomach and anus. |
| Bowel Obstruction |
|
Blockage or clogging of the
intestine. |
| Bowen's Disease |
|
A non-invasive skin cancer that involves the skin in
and about the anus. |
| Brooke Ileostomy |
|
A technique of constructing a surgical connection
between the small intestine and the skin that was described by Sir Brian
Brooke in England. |
| |
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C |
|
Back to Index |
| Cancer
|
|
The uncontrolled growth of malignant
tissue which is characterized by invasion and distant spread
(metastasis). |
| CAT Scan
|
|
Computerized Axial Tomography.; An
computerized x-ray examination the permits detailed non-invasive
examinations of internal organs. |
| Cecum |
|
The first part of the large
intestine, located just after the junction of the small intestine with
the large intestine. |
| Chemotherapy
|
|
The administration of oral or
intravenous anticancer medications. |
| Chronic |
|
Persisting over a long period of
time. |
| Colectomy |
|
Partial or total removal of the
colon. |
| Colitis |
|
An inflammatory condition of the
large intestine. |
| Colon & Rectal Surgery
|
|
The medical and surgical treatment of
diseases of the small and large intestine, including the rectum and
anus. |
| Colon |
|
The large intestine, the final 3-4
feet of the gastrointestinal tract. Starts at the end f the small
intestine and continues to the rectum. |
| Colon Conduit |
|
This is a specific type of urinary
diversion. A segment of colon is used as a pipeline conduit) to divert
urine from the urethers and out through a stoma. |
| Colonoscope
|
|
The long flexible lighted instrument
used for performing Colonoscopy. |
| Colonoscopy |
|
An examination of the large intestine
(colon) utilizing a colonoscope for visual examination, tissue biopsy
and removal of small growths. |
| Colorectal |
|
See Bowel |
| Colostomy |
|
A surgical procedure which diverts
the colon to an artificial opening in the abdominal wall. This
permits elimination of faeces into special colostomy appliances
(pouches) |
| Congenital |
|
Present at birth. |
| Continent Ileostomy |
|
Internal reservoir, with a nipple
valve, constructed from the small intestine for collection of faecal
drainage. |
| Continent Urostomy |
|
Internal reservoir, with a nipple
valve, constructed from the small intestine for collection of urinary
drainage. |
| Convexity |
|
This is the outward curving of the
portion of the appliance that has contact with the skin. |
| Crohn's Disease
|
|
An inflammatory immune disease of the
intestinal tract that causes thickening of the intestinal wall and
inflammation of the intestinal lining (mucous membrane). Crohn's Disease
can cause problems from the mouth to the anus. |
| Cure |
|
The complete or permanent abolition
of a disease in an individual. |
| Cyst |
|
Any closed cavity or sac which
contains a liquid or semi-solid material. |
| Cystoscope |
|
An instrument that is passed into the
bladder, through the urethra, to allow visual examination of the inside
of the bladder. It can be used to take tissue for biopsy and to
remove small growths. |
|
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D |
|
Back to Index |
| Defacography
|
|
A specialized X-Ray examination of
the rectum. |
| Dehydration |
|
The loss of total body water |
| Discharge |
|
Generic term to refer to the output
from a stoma. |
| Diverticulitis |
|
Inflammation of the colon that occurs
in the region of existing diverticulosis. This results in intense pain
associated with fever, constipation or diarrhea. |
| Diverticulosis
|
|
A condition of the large intestines
characterized by the development of weakness in the intestinal wall that
permits herniation or outpouching of the intestinal lining. |
| Dysfunction
|
|
Lack of normal function |
| |
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E |
|
Back to Index |
| Electrolytes |
|
Salts and minerals needed by the body
for health |
| Enema |
|
A cleansing solution used for
preparation for examination of the large intestine. |
| Erythema |
|
Redness of the skin. |
| Erythrocyte |
|
A red blood cell, which owes its red
colour to haemoglobin. |
| |
|
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F |
|
Back to Index |
| Fiber |
|
Fresh fruits, vegetables and whole
grains. |
| Fissure-in-Ano
|
|
A tear or ulcer in the lining of the
anal canal |
| Fistula |
|
An abnormal connection between the
intestine and the skin |
| Fistula-in-Ano (Anal
Fistula). |
|
An abnormal connection between the
anal canal and the skin surrounding the anus. |
| |
|
|
|
G |
|
Back to Index |
| Gastro-intestinal tract |
|
Consists of the mouth, oesophagus,
stomach, bowel and anus |
| Granulocyte |
|
White blood cell. They help the body
fight infection. |
| |
|
|
|
H |
|
Back to Index |
| Healthcare
Professional |
|
Generic term to describe a lot of
different people involved in providing health care. eg Doctor, Stomal
Therapy Nurse, Oncologist, Pharmacist |
| Haemoglobin |
|
A substance in the blood which
carries oxygen from the lungs to the cells of the body |
| Hemorrhage |
|
Uncontrolled bleeding. |
| Hernia |
|
A defect in the abdominal wall.
|
| |
|
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|
I |
|
Back to Index |
| Ileal Conduit |
|
Ostomy created to bring urine to the
surface of the abdomen. Utilises portion of the ileum, into which
urethers have been transplanted. |
| Ileo-Anal
Reservoir |
|
Internal reservoir from small
intestine, attached to the anus. The procedure involves removal of colon
with the anus preserved but sphincter control is essential |
| Ileostomy |
|
A surgically constructed connection
between the small intestine (ileum) and the skin. This
permits elimination of intestinal waste. into special ileostomy appliances
(pouches) |
| Ileum |
|
Last section of the small intestine
before it connects to the colon. |
| Immune |
|
Referring to a complex series of
chemical events that occur in relation to an allergic reaction, the
result of which is inflammation. |
| Immune System |
|
The body's natural defence mechanism. |
| Immunology |
|
The branch of medicine dealing with
the immune system |
| Immunosuppression |
|
Suppressed functioning of the immune
system. A decrease in the body's natural defence mechanism. |
| Inflammatory Bowel
Disease (IBD) |
|
Ulcerative Colitis or Crohn's
Disease. |
| Inguinal |
|
Relating to the groin. |
| interferon |
|
A protein produced by the body in
response to viral infection |
| Intestinal Obstruction
|
|
Blockage of the small or large
intestine by tumor, inflammation or adhesions. |
| Irrigation |
|
Washing of a wound or cavity using a
stream of fluid. An enema. |
| Irritation |
|
Any inflammation or soreness. In
stoma care it is usually a skin irritation which has the skin reddened,
open and/or moist. |
| |
|
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|
J |
|
Back to Index |
| J-Pouch |
|
A surgically constructed
reservoir made from the small intestine and connected to the anal
sphincter muscles in order to restore intestinal continuity and maintain
continence in patients undergoing surgery for ulcerative colitis or
Familial Polyposis. |
| |
|
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|
K |
|
Back to Index |
| Kidney |
|
One of the two organs that sit in the
abdomen on either side of the spine, in the region of the small of the
back. The kidneys form urine by filtering waste products from the
blood. |
| Koch Pouch |
|
See Continent Ileostomy. |
| |
|
|
|
L |
|
Back to Index |
| Large Intestine |
|
The last part of the digestive tract
and is divided into the caecum, colon and rectum |
| Laparoscope
|
|
A lighted camera used to visualize
the organs in the abdominal cavity. |
| Laparoscopy
|
|
The technique of visualizing the
organs in the abdominal cavity using a camera and light source placed
through the abdominal wall via a cylindrical "port." |
| Laparotomy |
|
The surgical opening of the abdomen,
either to examine the internal organs or as a prelude to further
surgery. |
| Laser |
|
High energy light that is used for
cutting and/or destroying tissue in surgery. |
| Lesion |
|
An abnormality in tissue caused by
disease or injury. |
| |
|
|
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M |
|
Back to Index |
| Malignant |
|
Tending to spread and eventually
resulting in death if untreated. Cancerous |
| Mucous |
|
A viscous suspension that is normally
secreted by the body. Mucous in the bowel helps with lubrication.
may be seen in the discharge of a colostomy or urostomy. |
| |
|
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|
N |
|
Back to Index |
| Nausea |
|
A symptom resulting from the
inclination to vomit. |
| Nephrostomy |
|
Insertion of tube into kidney to
drain urine to the abdominal surface. |
| |
|
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|
O |
|
Back to Index |
| Occult |
|
Hidden. |
| Obstruction |
|
A blockage in a structure, often the
intestine. |
| Oncology |
|
The branch of medicine that studies
tumours. |
| Ostomate |
|
General term given to any one who has
a stoma. |
| Ostomist |
|
Modern version of Ostomate. |
| Ostomy |
|
A general term referring
to any surgical operation that creates a stoma or artificial opening. |
| |
|
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|
P |
|
Back to Index |
| Pelvic Extenteration |
|
Surgical removal of all the organs of
the pelvis. |
| Pelvis |
|
Area of the body surrounded by the
hips which includes the bladder, prostrate, uterus and other organs. |
| Perforation
|
|
A hole in the intestine that permits
the flow of intestinal contents into the abdominal cavity. |
| Perineal Wound |
|
Opening resulting from the removal of
the rectum. |
| Peristalsis |
|
Wave-like muscle contractions and
relaxations by which the contents of the intestine is propelled through
the entire intestinal tract. |
| Peristomal skin |
|
The skin immediately around the
stoma. |
| Pouch |
|
The appliance (bag) that collects the
discharge from the stoma |
| Proctocolectomy
|
|
The surgical removal of the colon and
rectum. |
| Procidentia. |
|
The protrusion of the rectum through
the anus. Usually caused by relaxation of the normal supporting
structures of the rectum. |
| Prolapse |
|
Outward telescoping of the stoma. |
| Pruritis Ani |
|
Itching of the anus and skin
surrounding the anus. |
| Pull-Through |
|
Attaching the small bowel to the top
of rectum stump after removing the colon and retaining the rectum. |
| |
|
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|
Q |
|
Back to Index |
| |
|
|
|
R |
|
Back to Index |
| Rectum |
|
The last part of the large intestine
leading to the anus. |
| Relapse |
|
the return of a disease after a
period of improvement or remission. |
| Remission |
|
The decrease or disappearance of
signs and symptoms of a disease. |
| Renal |
|
pertaining to the kidneys. |
| Resection |
|
The surgical removal of a part of an
organ or other structure. |
| Retraction |
|
A pulling down of the stoma so that
it is below skin level. |
| Reversal |
|
Surgical procedure the closes the
stoma and the patient returns to normal bowel procedures. |
| Revision |
|
Surgical relocation of the stoma to a
new site, or reconstruction of stoma at the present site. |
| |
|
|
|
S |
|
Back to Index |
| Sigmoid Colon |
|
this is the last part of the large
bowel before the rectum. |
| Sigmoidoscope
|
|
A rigid or flexible tube with a light
source that is used to examine the last 12-25 inches of the large
intestine. |
| Sigmoidoscopy
|
|
A visual examination of the lower
12-25 inches if the large intestine using a lighted scope. |
| Small Bowel |
|
The part of the gastro-intestinal
tract between the stomach and the colon. |
| Small Intestine |
|
See Small Bowel. |
| Sphincter |
|
The internal and external muscle that
surrounds the anus. The sphincter permits continence or control over
intestinal function. |
| Stenosis |
|
Narrowing or stricture of a duct or
canal. Narrowing or excessive tightness of the stoma |
| Stricture |
|
Abnormal narrowing of a bodily
passage. |
| STN (Stomal Therapy
Nurse) |
|
A nurse with specialised education in
the care of people with stomas. |
| Stoma |
|
A surgical created opening. This word
is sometimes interchanged with the word "ostomy". Stomas can be
created into the gastro-intestinal (bowel) or urinary system, or the
airways which is called a Tracheostomy, or other parts of the body as
required. |
| Stool |
|
Term used to define waste material
from the bowel. Also known as faeces. |
| |
|
|
|
T |
|
Back to Index |
| |
|
|
|
U |
|
Back to Index |
| Ulcerative Colitis
|
|
An Inflammatory Bowel Disease that
causes inflammation of the lining of the colon and typically causes
bloody diarrhea. |
| Ureter |
|
See Urinary Tract |
| Urethra |
|
See Urinary Tract |
| Urinary Diversion |
|
See Urostomy |
| Urinary Tract |
|
The group of body parts that
contribute to the production and storage or urine. From each kidney a
tube called a ureter carries urine into the bladder. From the
bladder, the urine goes down another tube called the urethra, to be
passed out of the body. |
| Urinary Tract
Infection (UTI) |
|
An infection that typically involves
the kidneys or bladder. Some warning signs of a urinary tract infection
include dark cloudy urine, strong smelling urine, back pain, fever, loss
of appetite, nausea and vomiting. |
| Urostomy |
|
A surgically created opening (usually
on the abdomen) that allows urine to flow out of the body. A Urostomy
may also be called a urinary diversion or ileal conduit. |
| |
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V |
|
Back to Index |
| |
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|
W |
|
Back to Index |
| White Blood Cells |
|
There are three major groups of
mature white blood cells, granulocytes, lymphocytes and monocytes.
Granulocytes and monocytes are formed in the bone marrow and lymphocytes
are formed in the lymph nodes. The white blood cells play a major
role in the body's defence against infection. |
| |
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|
X |
|
Back to Index |
| X-Ray |
|
Radiant energy of extremely short
wave length, used as a diagnostic tool. |
|
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Y |
|
Back to Index |
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Z |
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Back to Index |
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