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Glossary of Terms
Anal Sphincter
Circular muscles that, when relaxed, allow waste materials to pass
through the anal opening and, when contracted, close the opening.
Anus
The opening at the end of the bowel through which bowel movements
pass.
Appliance
A collection device worn by people with ostomies; usually a specially
made pouch or bag attached to the body to collect stool, also called
a "pouch."
Bowel
The small or large intestine.
Bowel Prep
The process of preparing the bowel for surgery. May include enemas,
drinking a special saline solution, liquid diet and antibiotics.
Colon
The large intestine, which stores digestible material and absorbs
water.
Dehydration
Excessive loss of fluid from the body.
Diarrhea
Frequent passage of loose, watery stool.
Electrolytes
Chemicals in body fluids and cells that are necessary to maintain
some body functions.
Enterostomal Therapy Nurse (ET Nurse)
A person who has been specially trained in teaching and caring for
people who have ostomies.
Enzymes
Proteins found in digestive juices that cause food substances to
break down into simpler forms to allow absorption.
Frequency
The regularity of bowel movements or other body functions.
Ileostomy
A surgically created opening from the small intestine to the abdominal
surface for the passage of stool.
Incision
The cut or opening a surgeon makes into body tissue using a scalpel.
Intravenous (I.V.)
Into a vein. An often referred -to method of providing fluids.
Nutrients
Substances supplied by food to nourish the body.
Ostomy
A surgical opening in which a portion of the bowel is brought to
the abdominal surface. A general term for all types of ostomies
(ileostomy, colostomy, urostomy).
Perianal
The area of skin surrounding the anus.
Peristomal Skin
Skin surface the stoma.
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