ENTEROPLEXY Meaning and
Definition
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Enteroplexy is a medical term used to describe a condition in which a portion of the intestine becomes twisted upon itself, resulting in an obstruction to the normal flow of digested food and fluids. It is a relatively rare condition that can occur in various parts of the gastrointestinal tract, including the small intestine or the colon.
The term itself is derived from the combination of two root words: "entero," referring to the intestines, and "plexy," meaning to twist or turn. Enteroplexy is typically classified as a form of intestinal volvulus, which is a broader term encompassing any abnormal twist or rotation of the intestines.
The exact cause of enteroplexy is not well understood, but it is often associated with certain predisposing factors such as congenital intestinal malrotation or adhesions, which can result from previous abdominal surgeries. Depending on the severity and location of the twist, enteroplexy can lead to symptoms such as severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, bloating, and constipation.
Diagnosis of enteroplexy typically involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, and imaging tests such as X-rays, computed tomography (CT) scans, or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Treatment usually involves surgical intervention to untwist the affected portion of the intestine and remove any adhesions if present.
If left untreated, enteroplexy can lead to a compromised blood supply to the affected area of the intestine, potentially resulting in tissue death and a life-threatening condition called intestinal necrosis. Therefore, early recognition and prompt medical intervention are crucial in managing enteroplexy effectively.
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Joining of the divided ends of the intestine.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for ENTEROPLEXY
- enteroperxy
- enteropexy
- wnteroplexy
- snteroplexy
- dnteroplexy
- rnteroplexy
- 4nteroplexy
- 3nteroplexy
- ebteroplexy
- emteroplexy
- ejteroplexy
- ehteroplexy
- enreroplexy
- enferoplexy
- engeroplexy
- enyeroplexy
- en6eroplexy
- en5eroplexy
- entwroplexy
- entsroplexy
Etymology of ENTEROPLEXY
The word "enteroplexy" is a medical term derived from two Greek roots: "entero-" and "-plexy".
The first part, "entero-", is derived from the Greek word "enteron", which means intestine. "Enteron" is ultimately derived from the Indo-European root *h₁énteros, meaning "within", or "intestine".
The second part, "-plexy", is derived from the Greek word "plexis", which means a binding or a striking. "Plexis" is derived from the Greek verb "plekō", which means "to braid" or "to twine".
Therefore, "enteroplexy" can be understood as combining "enteron" (intestine) with "-plexy" (a binding or striking), to describe a surgical procedure or technique where the intestine is secured or bound in a certain way.
