Medical dictionary

What is a gastric band?   Gastric band is a technique used in bariatric surgery (weight loss surgery). Bariatric surgery aims to reduce the amount of food or calories the patient eats via operations on the upper digestive system (particularly the stomach), which physically and psychologically affect the patient’s approach to food.   A gastric band is a device

What is gastric band removal? A gastric band is a form of bariatric surgery, designed to help obese patients lose weight. A gastric band is an adjustable band or ring placed around the top of the stomach, which restricts the amount of food the stomach can hold. This means that patients eat less and feel full quicker. Together, this helps patients to lose weight. However, in some cases, a

What is a gastric bypass? Gastric bypass surgery is a type of bariatric surgery. Bariatric surgery aims to reduce the patient’s food and/or calorie intake via operations on the upper digestive system (particularly the stomach), which physically and psychologically affect the patient’s approach to food. A gastric bypass involves dividing the stomach into two “pouches”, and connecting the smaller to

What is a gastric sleeve? Gastric sleeve (or sleeve gastrectomy) is a restrictive weight loss surgical procedure, where the capacity of the stomach is dramatically reduced by about 75% to aid in long-term weight loss. The procedure is called gastric sleeve as the surgeon removes part of the stomach and joins the remainder together, which resembles a ‘sleeve’ and is the size of a

What is gastrointestinal haemorrhage? Gastrointestinal haemorrhage, otherwise known as GI bleeding, is bleeding that occurs in the digestive system. Bleeding that occurs in the oesophagus, stomach or small intestine is known as an upper gastrointestinal haemorrhage, whereas bleeding in the rest of the small intestine, colon, rectum or anus is known as a lower gastrointestinal haemorrhage. Bleed

What is a gastrointestinal endoscopy?   A gastrointestinal endoscopy, also known as gastroscopy or digestive endoscopy, is a test that is used to diagnose and treat diseases of the upper digestive system. The upper digestive system comprises of the oesophagus, the stomach and the duodenum (the first part of the small intestine).     What does it consist of? &nb

What is a gastroscopy? A gastroscopy is a clinical diagnostic test. Using a thin tube (an endoscope), the inside of the oesophagus, the stomach and the first part of the small intestine (the duodenum) can be visualised. The tube has a light and a camera on the end which sends images to a monitor during the investigation. Hence, a gastroscopy might be used to diagnose conditions related to

What is halitosis? Halitosis is a common problem characterised by an unpleasant odour on a person's breath. Normally, halitosis is caused by poor oral hygiene, with bacteria breaking down pieces of food trapped in the teeth and releasing foul-smelling gases. Halitosis can affect the patient psychologically, due to the stigma of bad breath, and can lead to problems in their social life.

What is helicobacter pylori? Helicobacter pylori is a bug or bacterium that causes stomach infections. The bacterium affects two thirds of the world's population. It grows in the mucous layer of the stomach by secreting urease, an enzyme that converts urea (an important chemical compound for metabolism) into ammonia. As a result, it neutralises the acidity of the stomach and creates an