V Glossary

Anastomosis: A surgical connection between parts of the intestine.

Bowel obstruction: A mechanical blockage of intestinal contents by a mass, adhesion, hernia, impacted stool, or other physical blockage such as volvulus (i.e., twisting of the stomach or intestine) or intussusception (i.e., one segment of intestine telescopes inside another). Bowel obstructions block the normal passage of bodily fluids such as salivary, gastric, hepatobiliary, and enteric secretions, causing the fluids to build up, resulting in abdominal distension, pain, and nausea.

Enteral tubes: Tubes placed in the gastrointestinal tract.

Ileus: A nonmechanical decrease or stoppage of the flow of intestinal contents that is often an unavoidable consequence of abdominal or retroperitoneal surgery.

Nasogastric (NG) tube: A flexible plastic tube inserted through a nostril, down the posterior oropharynx, and into the stomach or the upper portion of the small intestine. It is typically used for decompression of the stomach for clients with an intestinal obstruction or ileus or for administration of nutrition or medication to clients who are unable to tolerate oral intake.

Stomach decompression: A medical term that refers to removing stomach contents by using suctioning. Stomach decompression is commonly used after surgery or trauma to reduce pressure from the buildup of fluids and gas that cause pain, nausea, and vomiting and can lead to potential aspiration of stomach contents into the lungs.