Medical dictionary

What is it?   Short bowel syndrome, or short gut syndrome, is a disorder caused by a functional loss of a portion of the small intestine - a fundamental organ for the absorption of nutrient substances during the digestive process. This, in turn, causes poor absorption of nutrients from food.   Short bowel syndrome may derive from the surgical removal of the intestin

  What is small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO)? Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) is a condition that affects the small intestine as a result of bacteria that normally grows in the gut (microbiome) becoming unbalanced and overgrows in the small intestine. Most of the gut bacteria are supposed to be found in the large intestine (colon) where

What is a stent? A stent or endoprosthesis is a small, flexible tube, and is usually made of biocompatible plastic material. It is used to repair or support arteries, veins, and ducts in the body. There are several models and brands of stent to suit the person’s needs and the type of surgery. Stent placement is aimed at strengthening the venous wall and facilitating proper blood supply

What is a stereoscopy? Stereoscopy or stereoscopic imaging is a technique used to collect three-dimensional (3D) images and create the illusion of depth through the stereographic image or stereogram. Two slightly offset images are shown separately to each eye of the viewer. Both images are the same but from a slightly different angle or perspective. The brain is then tricked into thinking that

What is stomach cancer?   Stomach cancer, also known as gastric cancer, is cancer that develops in the stomach or the stomach lining. There are different types of stomach cancer, including: Adenocarcinomas: Stomach cancer that develops in the gland in the inner lining of the stomach. Sometimes, it can also start at the junction of the gullet and the stomach, called gastr

What is gastroenteritis? Gastroenteritis, sometimes known as stomach flu, is an infection which causes inflammation of the intestines. This can lead to diarrhoea, dehydration, nausea, and vomiting.   Gastroenteritis is very common, especially in young children, though it can affect people of all ages. The cause of the infection is usually viral or bacterial.   What a

What is stomach reduction?A stomach reduction is an operation to reduce the size of the stomach. It is mainly performed in people who are morbidly obese. Different techniques exist, some of which involve removal of specific parts of the stomach.  Why is stomach reduction surgery performed?The operation is performed to eliminate excess weight in people who are morbidly obese. It is perfor

What is a stomach ulcer?A stomach ulcer, which is also known as a peptic or gastric ulcer, is a sore in the mucous membrane that lines the stomach or duodenum, the first segment of the small intestine.  The most common symptom is heartburn, which may happen after eating or during the night, and this can last for several hours.   What are the symptoms of stomach ulcers?The

What is stress? Stress is often defined as the way you feel when you are under a great deal of pressure. This can be work pressure, pressure within the family, money problems, or relationship stress, or it can be a cumulation of more than one of these things. Stress is normal, and is the body’s reaction to a situation, especially one that requires a physical, mental or emotional response