Medical Terminology Simplified

Twisting of the bowel on itself, causing obstruction

Volvulus usually requires surgery to untwist the loop of bowel.

Diagnostic Procedures

Radiographic examination of the rectum and colon after administration of barium

(radiopaque contrast medium) into the rectum; also called lower GI series (See

Fig. 6–13.)

BE is used for diagnosis of obstructions, tumors, and other abnormalities of the colon.

Radiographic examination of the esophagus, stomach, and small intestine after oral

administration of barium (radiopaque contrast medium); also called upper GI series

Barium swallow is commonly performed in patients experiencing dysphagia. Structural

abnormalities of the esophagus, stomach, and small intestine may also be diagnosed

using this technique.

Tomography in which a narrow beam of x-rays rotates in a full arc around the

patient to acquire multiple views of the body, which a computer interprets to

produce cross-sectional images of an internal organ or tissue; also called computer-

ized axial tomography (CAT)

CT scans are used to view the gallbladder, liver, bile ducts, and pancreas and diagnose

tumors, cysts, inflammation, abscesses, perforation, bleeding, and obstructions.

A contrast material may be used to enhance the structures.

260 CHAPTER 6• Digestive System

volvulus

VŎL-vū-lŭs

barium enema (BE)

BĂ-rē-ŭm ĔN-ĕ-mă

barium swallow

BĂ-rē-ŭm

Figure 6-13Barium enema done poorly (A)and correctly (B).

AB

computed tomography

(CT)

kŏm-PŪ-tĕd tō-MŎG-

ră-fē

tom/o: to cut

-graphy: process of

recording