Medical dictionary

What is diverticulitis?  Diverticulitis is a condition affecting the large intestine or bowel. It is inflammation, occasionally infection, of diverticula, which are bulging pouches that can form in weak parts of the lining of the digestive system, most commonly in the large intestine. Diverticula are common and often harmless, normally located in the lower-left side of the colon but they c

What is double balloon enteroscopy? Double balloon enteroscopy (DBE) is an advanced endoscopic procedure which allows doctors to diagnose and treat conditions of the digestive system, and can be performed from either end of the digestive tract (mouth or rectum). It is notable in that it allows examination of the entire small bowel in real time without invasive surgical intervention. Also known

What is a drug-induced liver injury?   Drug-induced liver injury (or hepatic drug reaction) is an injury to the liver that is caused by prescription medication, over-the-counter medication, vitamins and herbs, recreational drugs, and environmental toxins.      What are the risk factors for drug-induced liver injury?   Risk factors for drug-ind

What is duodenal switch surgery? Duodenal switch, also known as the biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch, is a weight loss surgery procedure, which makes the stomach smaller, reroutes the intestines and removes the gallbladder. The result leaves patients feeling less hungry and enables them to lose a significant amount of excess weight within one year. How is the weight loss su

What is dysphagia? Dysphagia is the medical term for a person who has swallowing difficulties. Some people cannot swallow certain foods or liquids, whilst others have trouble swallowing at all. The condition is usually caused by nerve or muscle problems, and is more common in the older generation and babies. There are three different types: Oral dysphagia – which occurs in the

What are eating disorders?An eating disorder is when a person has a very unhealthy attitude to food, body weight, or shape. Eating disorders are serious illnesses that can prove fatal if not treated.The most common types of eating disorders are:Anorexia nervosa: When a person tries to keep their body weight as low as possible by not eating enough or exercising excessively, or both.Bulimia: Charact

What is endoscopic mucosal resection? Endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) is a minimally-invasive technique used to remove precancerous growths, early-stage cancer, and other abnormal lesions from the lining of the digestive system.      Why would you have endoscopic mucosal resection? EMR is used to remove early-stage cancer or other abnormalities in the digestive

What is endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD)? Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is an advanced endoscopic procedure used to remove tumours in the digestive tract that have not yet entered the muscle layer. The patient is sedated during the procedure and a local anaesthetic in the form of spray may be used to numb the throat if the ESD is performed via the mout

What is an endoscopic ultrasound (USE?) An endoscopic ultrasound is a procedure that combines endoscopy and ultrasound to allow a specialist to view the interior walls of various organs and their structures (such as the oesophagus, stomach, intestines), as well as obtain tissue samples and repair any lesions found. Why is it done? Endoscopic ultrasound helps your doctor to diagnose or