gastr-, gastro-, gaster-, gastero-, gastri-, -gastria-

Endoscopy of the upper alimentary tract.

For endoscopy, a flexible opitical instrument (the endoscope) is inserted through the mouth and advanced into the esophagus, the stomach, and the duodenum (the first part of the small intestine).

Pathologicl changes (diseases, if any) are also evaluated by inflating air into the digestive tract.

Plastic repair of the esophagus and stomach; cardioplasty: Dr. Robinson told Mrs. Hathaway that her ailment could be alleviated by esophagogastroplasty, an operation involving a plastic restoration of her stomach and esophagus.

Endoscopic health check of the esophagus and the stomach: In order to find out what the cause of Mrs. Black's ailment was, an esophagogastroscopy had to be performed and Mrs. Black had to stay in hospital for the examination.

Anastomosis of the esophagus to the stomach: An esophagogastrostomy is an operation that constructs a channel between the esophagus and the stomach, and which offen follows an esophagogastrectomy.

The surgical interposition of a segment of jejunum (part of the small intestine) between the esophagus and the stomach to preserve alimentary continuity.

Inflammation of the glands of the stomach: Gastradenitis is a very serious ailment and can be caused by acute poisoning with arsenic or phosphorus.

Stomach ache; neuralgia of the stomach; belly-ache: Deborah complained of her tummy hurting her, and since it persisted, her parents took her to Dr. Hathaway, who examined her and said she had a condition of gastralgia and said that it could be treated.

Surgery to remove part or all of the stomach.

An incision is made in the abdomen. A portion or all of the stomach (depending on the reason for the operation) is cut free from surrounding tissues, its blood supply is controlled and sewn shut, and then the stomach or part of it can be removed.

Depending on the type of operation, the intestine is then reconnected to the remaining stomach (in the case of a partial gastrectomy) or to the esophagus (in the case of a total gastrectomy).

A procedure used to remove the contents of the stomach by washing it out; for example, after ingestion or swallowing a toxic (poisonous) substance: Gastric lavage is performed by placing the patient down with his or her head below the level of the stomach and turned to one side; then a lubricated tube is passed down the esophagus into the stomach and a funnel is attached to the top and water is poured into it until the stomach is filled.

The top of the tube is then lowered, allowing the fluid in the stomach to drain into a bucket and this gastric lavage is repeated until the water shows up clear and clean.