Abnormalities of Fecal Elimination
diarrhea
an increased frequency of bowel movements or an increased amount of stool with altered consistency (i.e., increased liquidity) of stool
fistula
anatomically abnormal tract that arises between two internal organs or between an internal organ and the body surface
irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
chronic functional disorder characterized by recurrent abdominal pain that affects frequency of defecation and consistency of stool; is associated with no specific structural or biochemical alterations
hemorrhoids
dilated portions of the anal veins
steatorrhea
excess of fatty wastes in the feces
constipation
fewer than 3 bowel movements weekly or bowel movements that are hard, dry, small, or difficult to pass
inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
group of chronic disorders (ulcerative colitis and crohns disease) that result in inflammation or ulceration (or both) of the bowel lining
malabsorption
impaired transport across the mucosa
tenesmus
ineffective and sometimes painful straining and urge to eliminate either feces or urine
diverticulitis
inflammation of a diverticulum from obstruction by fecal matter resulting in abscess formation
peritonitis
inflammation of the lining of the abdominal cavity
fecal incontinence
involuntary passage of feces
abscess
localized collection of purulent material surrounded by inflamed tissues
fissure
normal or abnormal fold, groove, or crack in body tissue
gastrocolic reflex
peristaltic movements of the large bowel occurring five to six times daily that are triggered by distention of the stomach
diverticulosis
presence of several diverticula in the intestine
diverticulum
saclike out-pouching of the lining of the bowel protruding through the muscle of the intestinal wall
colostomy
surgical opening into the colon by means of a stoma to allow drainage of bowel contents; one type of fecal diversion
ileostomy
surgical opening into the ileum by means of a stoma to allow drainage of bowel contents; one type of fecal diversion
