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Gastroenterologist
(GAS-troh-EN-teh-RAH-loh-jist)
A doctor who has special training in diagnosing and treating disorders of the digestive system.
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Gastrointestinal
GAS-troh-in-TES-tih-nul
Refers to the stomach and intestines. Also called GI.
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Gastrointestinal stromal tumor
(GAS-troh-in-TES-tih-nul STROH-mul TOO-mer)
A type of tumor that usually begins in cells in the wall of the gastrointestinal tract. It can be benign or malignant. Also called GIST.
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Gastrointestinal tract
(GAS-troh-in-TES-tih-nul trakt)
The organs that food and liquids travel through when they are swallowed, digested, absorbed, and leave the body as feces. These organs include the mouth, pharynx (throat), esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, rectum, and anus. The gastrointestinal tract is part of the digestive system. Also called alimentary tract and digestive tract.
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Gastrostomy tube
(gas-TROS-toh-mee toob)
A tube inserted through the wall of the abdomen directly into the stomach. It allows air and fluid to leave the stomach and can be used to give drugs and liquids, including liquid food, to the patient. Giving food through a gastrostomy tube is a type of enteral nutrition. Also called PEG tube and percutaneous endoscopic tube.
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Gavage
(guh-VAZH)
A way of giving medicines and liquids, including liquid foods, through a small tube placed through the nose or mouth into the stomach or small intestine. Sometimes the tube is placed into the stomach or small intestine through an incision (cut) made on the outside of the abdomen. Gavage may be added to what a person is able to eat and drink, or it may be the only source of nutrition. It is a type of enteral nutrition. Also called tubefeeding.
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Gene
(jeen)
A piece of DNA that serves as the instructions to tell the cells of the body how to function. Most cells of the body have 2 copies of each gene, one passed down (inherited) from the mother and one from the father.
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Gene therapy
jeen THAYR-uh-pee
A type of experimental treatment in which foreign genetic material (DNA or RNA) is inserted into a person's cells to prevent or fight disease. Gene therapy is being studied in the treatment of certain types of cancer.
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General anesthesia
JEH-neh-rul A-nes-THEE-zhuh
A temporary loss of feeling and a complete loss of awareness that feels like a very deep sleep. It is caused by special drugs or other substances called anesthetics. General anesthesia keeps patients from feeling pain during surgery or other procedures.
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Generic
(jeh-NAYR-ik)
Official nonbrand names by which medicines are known. Generic names usually refer to the chemical name of the drug.
