GASTRODUODENAL FISTULA Meaning and
Definition
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A gastroduodenal fistula is a rare medical condition characterized by the abnormal connection or passage between the stomach (gastro-) and the duodenum (-duodenal). It involves the formation of an unnatural opening, or fistula, that allows the content from the stomach to leak into the upper part of the small intestine.
This condition can occur due to various underlying factors such as severe peptic ulcers, Crohn's disease, gastric surgery complications, or prolonged intubation with a nasogastric tube. The constant irritation and erosion of the tissue in the stomach and duodenum can lead to the formation of a fistula, although the exact cause is often difficult to determine.
Symptoms of a gastroduodenal fistula may include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, and malnutrition. Additionally, patients may experience symptoms associated with the underlying condition.
Diagnosis of a gastroduodenal fistula typically involves various imaging tests, such as barium swallow or upper endoscopy, as well as a review of the patient's medical history and symptoms.
Treatment options for a gastroduodenal fistula depend on the severity of the condition and the patient's overall health. Non-surgical approaches, such as nutritional support and medication, may be attempted initially. However, surgical intervention is often necessary to close the fistula and repair the affected tissues. In some cases, a temporary diversion of the digestive tract may be required to allow the area to heal.
Prognosis can vary depending on the individual case and underlying factors. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can significantly improve the outcomes for patients with a gastroduodenal fistula.
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An abnormal opening between the stomach and the duodenum.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for GASTRODUODENAL FISTULA
- g astroduodenal fistula
- ga stroduodenal fistula
- gas troduodenal fistula
- gast roduodenal fistula
- gastr oduodenal fistula
- gastro duodenal fistula
- gastrod uodenal fistula
- gastrodu odenal fistula
- gastroduo denal fistula
- gastroduod enal fistula
- gastroduode nal fistula
- gastroduoden al fistula
- gastroduodena l fistula
- gastroduodenal f istula
- gastroduodenal fi stula
- gastroduodenal fis tula
- gastroduodenal fist ula
- gastroduodenal fistu la
- gastroduodenal fistul a
Etymology of GASTRODUODENAL FISTULA
The term "gastroduodenal fistula" can be broken down into two parts: "gastro-" and "duodenal", which are both derived from Latin and Greek roots.
1. "Gastro-" originates from the Greek word "gastḗr" (γαστήρ), meaning "stomach". It is a common prefix used in medical terminology to refer to the stomach.
2. "Duodenal" is derived from the Latin word "duodenum", which means "twelve fingers". The duodenum is a part of the small intestine, named so because it is about twelve finger-widths long.
"Fistula" comes from the Latin word "fístula", which means "pipe" or "tube". In medical terminology, a fistula refers to an abnormal opening or passage that forms between two organs or between an organ and the external body surface.
