1. Chapter 8 Definitions of the following terms: Cachexia Colonoscopy Hematochezia Hernioplasty By: Litrina Valera
2. Cachexia Defined as: Loss of weight and generalized wasting that occurs during chronic disease.
3. Cachexia Cachexia causes weakness and loss of weight, fat and muscle. All of this is happening to a person who isn’t purposely trying to loose weight. Mostly seen in patients with cancer, AIDS, tuberculosis, and congestive heart failure.
4. Treatment for Cachexia There is no exact cure for Cachexia, nor are there any specific approved FDA approved drug. Some patients are prescribed steroids such as corticosteroids, or even drugs that act like progesterone, which increase appetite. Medical marijuana has been allowed for treatment in some states such as Michigan, Washington, Oregon, California and Colorado.
5. Colonoscopy Defined as: A flexible fiberscope passed thru the anus, rectum and colon. It is used to examine the upper part of the colon.
6. Reasons for A Colonoscopy If a patient has a gastrointestinal hemorrhage, or any unexplained changes in bowel habit. A colonoscopy is also used to diagnose colon cancer, but more used to diagnose inflammatory disease. Polyps or small growths can be removed during this procedure.
8. Causes of Hematochezia Most commonly caused by hemorrhoids . Can also be caused by colorectal cancer, which can be fatal. In newborns, hematochezia can be caused by swallowing the mothers blood at the time of delivery. Can be due to upper gastrointestinal bleeding.
10. Types of techniques Open “tension” repair – when the edges of the defect are sewn back together without any reinforcement or prosthesis. Not as effective because hernioplasty tends to reoccur. Open “tension-free” repair- placement of a synthetic mesh in or over the defect, to strengthen the region. Can cause chronic pain. Laparoscopic repair- similar to “tension-free”, but the mesh is placed WITHIN the space instead of in or over it. Lowest pain.
