What is an oral cholecystogram (OCG)? The oral cholecystogram, or OCG, is a radiologic procedure for diagnosing gallstones. An oral cholecystogram is in contrast to an intravenous cholangiogram (IVC). The oral cholecystogram is rarely used, as ultrasound or CT are more accurate, faster techniques for identifying gallstones without exposure to iodine. How is an oral...
What is laparoscopic cholecystectomy? The surgery to remove the gallbladder is called a cholecystectomy (chol-e-cys-tec-toe-mee). The gallbladder is removed through a 5- to 8-inch-long incision, or cut, in your abdomen. During an open cholecystectomy, the cut is made just below your ribs on the right side and goes to just below your waist. A less...
What is the medical definition of ascites? What should I know about it? Readers Comments 6 Share Your Story Kidney failure can cause acites. What is the medical definition of ascites? The medical definition of ascites is an abnormal accumulation of fluid within the (peritoneal) cavity. Ascites is caused by a variety of diseases and...
A male adult pointing to a liver outline and painted a gallbladder on his abdomen.Source: iStock Gallstone definition and facts Readers Comments 1 Share Your Story Gallstones are "stones" that form in the gallbladder or bile ducts. The common types of gallstones are cholesterol, black pigment, and brown pigment. The most common symptoms of gallstones...
What is appendicitis? Appendicitis is a condition in which the appendix becomes inflamed. The appendix is a finger or worm-shaped pouch that projects out from the cecum (the beginning of the colon). In most individuals, the appendix becomes inflamed because its tissues become infected with bacteria, and pus may develop within the lumen of the...
A female exeperiences constipation pain after eating.Source: iStock What is the definition of constipation? Readers Comments 3 Share Your Story Constipation is a common problem where people find it difficult to have bowel movements. Constipation medically is defined as less than three bowel movements per week. If a person has less than one bowel movement...
A woman on her bed experiencing abdominal pain.Source: iStock Abdominal pain definition and facts Readers Comments 76 Share Your Story Abdominal (belly) pain is pain or discomfort that is felt in the part of the trunk below the ribs and above the pelvis. It comes from organs within the abdomen or organs adjacent to the...
What is E. coli? Readers Comments 1 Share Your Story E. coli is a species of bacteria that are gram-stain negative and rod shaped. E. coli commonly live in the intestines of healthy individuals. The complete scientific name of the bacteria is termed Escherichia coli. Most E. coli are harmless to humans, but a few...
What is colitis? Share Your Story Colitis may or may not be contagious depending upon its cause. Colitis is a general term that can mean inflammation of the colon; however, more recently the term colitis has been used to include enteritis, proctitis, and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). There are many different causes of colitis, so...
A woman sits on the toilet while suffering from constipation.Source: Getty Images What facts should l know about constipation? Readers Comments 12 Share Your Story What is the medical definition of constipation? Constipation is defined medically as fewer than three stools per week and severe constipation is less than one stool per week. Some of...