GASTROSTOMY Meaning and
Definition
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Gastrostomy is a medical procedure that involves the creation of an artificial opening in the stomach, known as a stoma, for the purpose of directly accessing and administering nutrition and medications. This is typically done when a person is unable to consume food or fluids orally due to various medical conditions such as dysphagia (difficulty swallowing), neurological disorders, or certain gastrointestinal diseases.
The procedure of gastrostomy is performed by a surgeon, who makes a small incision in the abdomen, usually with the assistance of endoscopic or laparoscopic techniques. Through this incision, a feeding tube — known as a gastrostomy tube or a G-tube — is inserted into the stomach and secured in place. The tube can be made of different materials, such as silicone or polyurethane, and may have various shapes and features depending on the individual's needs.
Once the gastrostomy tube is in place, liquid nutrition, such as formula or a specialized feeding mixture, can be directly introduced into the stomach through the tube. This method ensures that individuals with compromised oral intake receive the necessary nutrients and hydration to maintain their overall health.
In addition to providing nutrition, gastrostomy tubes can also serve as a route for administering certain medications directly into the stomach. This helps bypass the oral route and ensures medication absorption in cases where oral delivery is impractical or ineffective.
Gastrostomy is a relatively safe procedure, but like any surgical intervention, it carries certain risks, including infection, bleeding, and tube dislodgement. Regular cleaning and care of the gastrostomy site, as well as proper tube placement verification, are necessary to prevent complications and maintain good stoma health.
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The establishment of an artificial opening into the stomach.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for GASTROSTOMY
Etymology of GASTROSTOMY
The word "gastrostomy" is derived from two Greek roots: "gastro-" and "-stomy".
1. "Gastro-" is derived from the Greek word "gaster" (γαστήρ), which means "stomach". It is also related to the Latin word "gaster" and the Sanskrit word "hṛd", both meaning "stomach" or "belly".
2. "-stomy" is derived from the Greek word "stoma" (στόμα), which means "mouth" or "opening".
When these two roots are combined, "gastrostomy" is formed, which refers to the surgical procedure of creating a surgical opening (stoma) in the stomach (gastro-) for the purpose of feeding or drainage.
Similar spelling words for GASTROSTOMY
- gastrectomy,
- gastronomic,
- gasteromycetes,
- gastronome,
- gasterosteus,
- gastroscopy,
- gastritis,
- gastronomical,
- gastrophryne,
- gastroscope,
- gastrolobium,
- gastropod,
- gastronomy,
- gastromycetes,
- gastromycete,
- gastrocybe,
- gastromy,
- gastrocnemius,
- gasteromycete.
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