 | Term | Definition |
| |
abdominal ultrasonography |
using ultrasound equipment for producing sound waves to create an image of the abdominal organs |
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alanine transaminase |
an enzyme normally present in the blood. Blood levels are increased in persons with liver disease. |
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aspartate transaminase |
an enzyme normally prsent in the blood. Blood levels are increased in persons with liver disease, a heart attack, or a skeletal muscle disease like muscular dystrophy |
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barium enema |
Radiographic examination of the small intestine, large intestine, or colon in which an enema containing barium is administered to the patient while x-ray pictures are taken |
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barium swallow |
A barium mixture swallowed while x-ray pictures are taken of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum; used to visulalize the upper gastrointestinal tract. Also called an upper GI series. |
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bite-wing x-ray |
x-ray taken with a part of the film holder hel beteen the teeth and parallel to the teeth |
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cholecystography |
The patient swallows a radiopaque dye so x-ray pictures can be taken that allow visualization of the gallbladder and its components |
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colonoscopy |
A flexible fiberscope passed through the anus, rectum, and colon is used to examine the upper portion of the colon. Polyps and small growths can be removed during this procedure. |
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endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography |
using an endoscope to visually examine the hepatic duct, common bile duct, and pancreatic duct. |
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endoscopy |
A general term for a procedure to visually examine the inside of a body cavity or a hollow organ using an instrument call and endoscope. |
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esophagogastroduodenoscopy |
Use of a flexilbe fiber-optic scope to visually examine the esophagus, stomach, and beginning of the duodenum. |
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esophagoscopy and biopsy |
the esophagus is visualized by passing an instrument down the esophagus. A tissue sample for biopsy may be taken. |
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fecal occult blood test (FOBT) |
Lab test on the feces to determine if microscoopic amounts of blood are present. |
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gastroscopy |
a flexible gasroscope is passed through the mouth and down the esophagus in order to visulalize inside the stomach. Used to diagnose peptic ulcers and gastric carcinoma. |
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intravenous cholangiography |
A dye is administered intravenously to the patient that allows for x-ray visualization of the bile ducts. |
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laparoscopy |
a laparoscope is passed through the abdominal wall through a small incision. The abdominal cavity is then examined for tumors and other conditions with this lighted instrument. |
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liver biopsy |
Excision of a small piece of liver tissue for microscopic examination. |
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liver scan |
a radioactive substance is administered to the patient by an intravenous route. This substance enters the liver cells, and this organ can then be visualized. |
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lower gastrointestinal series (lower GI series) |
X-ray image of the colon and rectum is taken agter the administration of barium by enema. |
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ova and parasites |
Laboratory examination of feces with a microscope for the presence of parasites or their eggs. |
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paracentesis |
Insertion of a needle into the abdominal cavity to withdraw fluid. |
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percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography |
A contrast medium is injected directly into the liver to visualize the bile ducts. |
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serum bilirubin |
blood test to determine the amount of waste product bilirubin in the bloodstream. Elevated levels indicate liver disease. |
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sigmoidoscopy |
Using a flexible sigmoidoscope to visually examine the sigmoid colon. |
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stool culture |
a lab test of feces to determine if any pathogenic bacteria are present. |
| Add or remove terms from this set |
