Thin, dome-shaped muscle that separates the abdomen from the chest. When the muscle contracts, the dome flattens, increasing the volume of the chest.

A queasy feeling which leads to stomach distress, a distaste for food and an urge to vomit. Nausea is not a disease, but a symptom of many disorders. It can be brought on by systemic illnesses such as [..]

The joining between two veins to reduce pressure and stop bleeding varices.

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Surgical removal of the anus, rectum and sigmoid colon, resulting in the need for a permanent colostomy.

Glandular lesion thought to be the precursor to colorectal cancer.

A band of scar tissue that connects two surfaces of the body that are normally separate.

An X-ray examination of the entire large intestine (colon) and rectum in which barium and air are introduced gradually into the colon by a rectal tube. This test is recommended along with flexible sig [..]

A split or crack in the lining of the anal opening, usually caused by the passage of very hard or watery stools.

A surgical joining of two ducts, blood vessels or bowel segments to allow flow from one to the other.