|
return to top
-B-
Barium Enema –
Radiology test that places barium sulfate, a radiopaque
material, into the colon to provide an anatomic view
of the inside of the large intestine or colon.
Bilateral Salpingo-oophorectomy
- Removal of both ovaries and
fallopian tubes.
Biopsy –
A tissue sample which is usually removed for the purpose
of examining it by a pathologist under a microscope
for diagnosis.
Bowel Obstruction –
Blockage of the bowel (either small bowel or large bowel)
resulting in the inability of fecal matter to pass through
the intestines.
Broad Ligaments of the Uterus
– These are the peritoneum
folds attached to the uterus. These connect the fallopian
tubes and the ovaries to the pelvic wall.
return to top
-C-
CA 125 –
An Antigen produced by tissues. It was documented that
some women with high CA 125 were also diagnosed with
endometriosis. It was hoped that this would be a good
test indicator for endometriosis, but the test has since
been proved insufficiently sensitive to correctly diagnosis
the disease.
Candidiasis –
Candida (Yeast) is part of the normal flora found throughout
the body in the intestinal tract, mouth, skin and vaginal
area. When these species overpopulate an area of the
body, the condition, Candidiasis can develop.
Cauterization -
The passage of electrical current through tissue resulting
in coagulation. This is a type of electrical burn.
Cecum –
This is the first section of the large intestine joining
with the small intestine. The appendix arises from the
cecum.
Cholecystitis –
Inflammation of the Gallbladder.
Cholecystectomy –
Removal of the Gallbladder. This procedure is usually
performed through the laparoscope.
Coagulation -
The process by which cellular proteins are melted and
destroyed.
Coelomic Metaplasia Theory – The theory that embryonic
cells transform into endometriosis.
Colpotomy –
Making an incision through the vaginal wall.
Complete Hysterectomy
- A non-medical term used by lay
persons referring to a total abdominal hysterectomy
and a bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (removal of the
uterus, cervix, both ovaries and both fallopian tubes).
Cul-de-sac -
Literally means dead end. The female pelvis has an anterior
cul-de-sac and a posterior cul-de-sac. The anterior
cul-de-sac is the area between the pubic bone and the
uterus. The bladder is located at the bottom of the
anterior cul-de-sac. The posterior cul-de-sac is located
behind the uterus. The cervix, top of the vagina, the
rectum and the uterosacral ligaments all come together
at the bottom of the posterior cul-de-sac. Endometriosis,
especially deep invasive endometriosis, is frequently
found in this area.
CT Scan –
(CAT Scan) Stands for computed tomography or computed
axial tomography. This procedure involves computer analysis
of x-rays to generate pictures of the body.
Cyst -
A fluid filled structure.
Cystoscopy –
Visualization of the inside of the bladder using a cystoscope.
return to top
-D-
D and C (dilation and curettage)
– A surgical procedure done
by dilating the cervical canal of the uterus so that
a surface of the endometrium can be removed. The base
of the endometrium remains and regenerates as it normally
does after each menstrual cycle.
Dorsal Column Stimulator
– This procedure utilizes
a small electrode that sends an electrical stimulus
that in essence cancels the pain signal to the brain.
A trial period before permanent implantation is usually
performed as a diagnostic test to determine if this
is appropriate treatment for the patient. This is effective
in patients who have failed other forms of treatment,
including severe cases of interstitial cystitis. This
is also known as a spinal cord stimulator
Dyschezia -
Painful bowel movements
Dysmenorrhea -
Painful periods
Dyspareunia -
Painful intercourse
Dysplasia –
Tissue that has developed abnormally.
Dysuria -
Painful urination
return to top
-E-
Electrocautery –
The process of cauterizing the tissue with an electrically
charged instrument.
Endometrioma -
A collection of endometriosis in the ovary. This is
usually a cystic structure containing fluid resembling
chocolate syrup or old motor oil.
Endometriosis -
Defined as the presence of endometrium outside of the
uterus. The endometrial cells usually implant on the
peritoneum and can invade underlying tissue including
bowel and bladder. This disease can result in pelvic
pain, lower back pain, pain with intercourse, pain with
bowel movements and infertility.
Endometrium -
The layer of glands that line the inside of the uterus.
Most of the uterine wall is comprised of smooth muscle.
The endometrium responds to estrogen, growing thicker
during the first two weeks of the menstrual cycle. After
ovulation, the ovarian hormone production changes from
primarily estrogen to primarily progesterone. Progesterone
helps to mature the endometrium, preparing it for implantation
of an embryo. If pregnancy does not occur, the menstrual
cycle begins two weeks after ovulation. The theory of
retrograde menstruation states that endometriosis arises
from endometrium which implants inside of the body after
flowing back through the fallopian tubes during a woman's
menstrual cycle.
Excision -
To cut or remove
-F-
Fallopian Tube -
The tube that extends from the top of the uterus near
the ovary. The function of the fallopian tube is to
pick up the egg from the ovary, provide a location for
fertilization and acts as an incubator, nourishing the
embryo for the first couple of days of life, prior to
implantation in the uterus.
Fibroid –
A benign muscle tumor of the uterus. These are also
known as uterine leiomyoma. They can be located near
the inside of the endometrial cavity (submucus leiomyoma),
deep in the wall of the uterus (intramural leiomyoma),
near the outside surface of the uterus (subserosal leiomyoma)
or attached to the uterus by a stalk (pedunculated leimyoma).
Follicle -
A follicle is comprised of the egg, the support cells
and fluid produced by the support cells. Just prior
to ovulation, the follicle measures about one inch in
diameter.
Fulguration –
Surgical technique used to destroy tissue with a high
frequency current.
return to top
-G-
GnRH agonists -
A group of medicines used to treat endometriosis. GnRH
agonists block the release of GnRH from the brain. GnRH
stimulates the release of FSH (follicle stimulating
hormone) which acts on the ovaries to stimulate egg
production and the production of estrogen. GnRH agonists
basically creates a temporary menopause by turning off
estrogen production by the ovary.
return to top
-H-
hCG -
See human chorionic gonadotropin.
HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy)
– After menopause, either
natural or surgical, there is a dramatic decrease in
hormone production including estrogen, progesterone,
and even testosterone. Hormone replacement is aimed
at replacing an equivalent amount and type of hormone
in the body.
HSG
- See Hysterosalpingogram.
Hyperplasia –
Excessive growth of normal cells in normal tissue.
Hysterectomy -
Removal of the uterus. See Total Abdominal Hysterectomy,
Total Vaginal Hysterectomy and Complete Hysterectomy.
Hysterosalpingogram
- A radiographic diagnostic test
which evaluates the uterine cavity and the fallopian
tubes. This test evaluates the shape of the uterine
cavity (can be used to identify a T shaped uterus classic
of a DES Daughter), disease processes of the uterine
cavity (fibroids, polyps, septum, scar tissue, etc.)
and the size, shape and patency of the fallopian tube.
This test is also referred to as a HSG.
Hysteroscopy -
A small scope (similar to a small laparoscope) that
is inserted up the vagina and through the cervix into
the uterine cavity.
return
to top
-I-
Inguinal Hernias (direct and
indirect) – A hernia
is a defect in the wall that normally holds the structure
sourrounded by the wall. In this case the defect is
in the "wall" dividing the abdominal cavity
from the groin and leg. This can be a hole or a sac.
Inguinal hernias are a type of groin hernia. An indirect
inguinal hernia is located along the inguinal ligament.
The direct inguinal hernia protrudes directly through
the abdominal wall itself.
Interstitial Cystitis (I.C.)
– Chronic inflammation of
the bladder. This can be surgically diagnosed through
the Cystoscopy with Hydrodistention procedure. During
this procedure, the bladder is distended fully and drained.
Following distention of the bladder, individuals with
IC have gromerulations (small breaks in the capillaries
and bleeding) or the presence of Hunner’s ulcers.
The cause of IC is unknown and there is no known cure.
However, multiple forms of treatment are usually successful
in controlling the symptoms.
return to top
-L-
Laparoscope -
A surgical instrument that allows visualization of the
abdominal cavity and contents through a small incision.
Most laparoscopes vary in diameter from 1/4 to 1/2 inch
and are about a foot and a half long. A video camera
can be attached to the laparoscope, allowing videotaping
of the surgical procedure. The laparoscope is a surgical
telescope, magnifying objects at close range and minimizing
objects farther away.
Laparoscopic Uteroscaral Nerve
Ablation - Transection
(cutting) of the uterosacral ligaments (and nerves)
laparoscopically. The uterosacral ligaments (one on
each side) extend from the cervix to the lower back.
This procedure is of questionable efficacy.
Laparoscopy
- A surgical procedure that usually involves placing
the laparoscope through the belly button with one to
three 1/4 inch incisions just above the pubic bone.
This is the only method currently available to diagnose
endometriosis.
Laparotomy -
A surgical opening of the abdominal cavity. The skin
incision can be either transverse or vertical. The transverse
incision is usually an inch or so above the pubic bone.
This type of incision is also known as a bikini cut.
This is the most common type of incision used during
a C-Section. A vertical skin incision usually extends
from the pubic bone to the belly button.
Laser
- An instrument which delivers a very concentrated uniform
beam of light that contains a large amount of energy.
Lasar Vaporization –
Surgical technique that vaporizes tissue and turns it
into a gas. Liquid water is turned into vapor (like
steam) and the solid components of the cell are suspended
in the water vapor (as smoke). There is very little
or no conduction of heat with vaporization and thus
the tissue is neither "burned" nor melted.
Leiomyoma –
See Fibroids.
Lesion –
Open wound in the tissue.
LUNA –
See Laparoscopic Uterosacral Nerve Ablation
Lysis –
Removal of disease
return to top
-M-
Menorrhagia
- Excessively heavy menstrual bleeding
Metrorrhagia
- Irregular uterine bleeding or uterine bleeding during
times other than a normal menstrual cycle
MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)
– A diagnostic radiology
test that shows images of organs and tissues using strong
magnets and the absorption energy of atomic nuclei.
Myofascial Release Massage
– An internal physical therapy
technique that can stretch and massage the pelvic muscles
to decrease pelvic spasms.
Myomectomy –
Surgical removal of a myoma or fibroid while preserving
the uterus.
Myometrial –
Refers to the myometrium which is the muscle wall of
the uterus.
return
to top
.
-N-
Narcotics –
A group of strong pain medications that block opioid
pain receptors. This group of medications depress the
nervous system, and if used long enough, are habit-forming
Nocturia –
Having to get up to use the bathroom to urinate in the
middle of the night.
Nodule –
Small lump of tissues.
return to top
-O-
Oophorectomy –
Surgical procedure to remove one or both ovaries
Osteopenia -
Low bone mass. Defined as -1.00 to -2.49 standard deviations
below the average peak adult bone mass as determined
by a bone mineral density examination. A post menopausal
woman with osteopenia is at an increased risk of experiencing
a bone fracture.
Osteoporosis –
Defined as a bone mass that is >2.50 standard deviations
below the average peak adult bone mass as determined
by a bone mineral density examination. A post menopausal
woman with osteoporosis is at a marked increased risk
of experiencing a bone fracture.
Ovarian Fossa -
The area along the pelvic sidewall, lined with peritoneum,
underneath the ovary.
Ovarian Remnant Syndrome –
Presence of a piece of the ovary unintentionally left
after surgical removal of the ovary. This can result
in pain and cyclic symptoms, similar to those experienced
with a menstrual cycle, following theoretical removal
of the ovaries (usually with a hysterectomy)
Ovulation -
The process by which the egg is released from the ovary.
This usually occurs mid-cycle (around cycle day 14)
of a woman's menstrual cycle.
return
to top
-P-
Pain Receptors
– Nerve endings that are found throughout the
body. They are the first to respond to pain and injury.
Paracecal
– Next to the cecum.
Pararectal
– Next to the rectum. A common area that endometriosis
invades and may not be completely excised in some surgeries
due to the concern of damaging surrounding blood vessels
Parietex mesh
– A 3-dimensional polyester weave mesh used in
hernia repair.
Patient assisted laparoscopy
– Uses a small 2mm laparoscope while the patient
is
awake but under supervision of an anesthesiologist in
an operating room. The abdominal wall is numbed and
the laparoscope and a 2mm probe is carefully placed.
The probe to used to palpate the internal organs and
structures in order to re-create the pain. The patient
helps to locate the pain during the procedure.
Pelvic Congestion
– Dilation of the pelvic veins, usually including
the uterine veins. This can result in pressure and pain
in the pelvis.
Pelvic Inflammatory
Disease – Infection
of the pelvic area, usually the fallopian tubes. This
can result in long term pain and/or infertility.
Perineum
- The area which includes the vaginal opening, the anus
and the surrounding tissue
Peritoneum
- The tissue lining the inside of the abdominal cavity.
The body does not have skin inside, but peritoneum,
which one can think of as resembling saran wrap.
Peritoneal Fluid
– Fluid surrounding the organs of the abdomen.
Polyps
– Benign growth in the body characterized by finger-like
projections.
Peritonitis
– Inflammation of the peritoneum
Polycystic Ovarian Disease
– A disease process characterized by a hormone
imbalance, multiple small cysts in the ovary, excess
androgen and insulin resistance.
Presacral Neurectomy
- Cutting or removing a portion of the presacral nerve
plexus. This plexus or group of nerves conducts the
pain signal to and from the uterus and the brain. This
procedure is effective in controlling pain or cramping
in the middle of pelvis. This can be an effective procedure
for treating severe primary dysmenorrhea.
Prognosis
– Medical opinion regarding the course of a disease,
usually referring to the chance of improvement or cure
of the disease.
Pudendal Neuropathy
– Pain of the pudendal nerves.
return to top
-R-
Rectocele
– Protrusion of the vaginal wall into the wall
of the rectum and abdomen. The protrusion can be repaired
surgically.
Resection
– Surgical removal of tissue. Tissue can be resected
with the carbon 13 CO2 laser, scissors, and cutting
current electrosurgery.
return to top
-S-
Sampson’s Theory (Implantation)
– This is one theory as to the cause of endometriosis.
Dr. Sampson, a gynecologist from Albany, New York, theorized
in the 1920’s that during menstruation each month,
instead of all the menstrual blood flowing into the
vagina, some of it goes in reverse and flows out the
ends of the fallopian tubes. This menstrual blood carries
with it some living cells from the lining of the uterus.
These cells come to lie on the surfaces of the pelvis
where they attach, implant, grow, and develop into endometriosis.
This theory also postulated that endometriosis could
occur by implantation resulting from rupture and spread
of endometrioma cysts of the ovary.
Sonogram
- An instrument that uses sound waves to look inside
of the body. Also referred to as an Ultrasound.
Spinal Cord Stimulator
– see Dorsal Column
Stimulator
Subtotal Hysterectomy
– Another name for supracervical hysterectomy.
Supracervical Hysterectomy
- During a supracervical hysterectomy, the body of the
uterus is removed and the cervix is left in place. The
entire procedure is usually performed through the laparoscope
(Laparoscopic Supracervical Hysterectomy; LSH). The
uterus is removed from the abdomen with a morcellator.
Systemic
– Affecting the whole body.
return to top
-T-
T cells
– An immune system cell (a type of lymphocyte)
that differentiates in the thymus and protects against
intracellular organisms
Total Abdominal Hysterectomy
(TAH) - Removal of the
uterus and cervix through the abdominal cavity. This
definition does not refer to the removal of the ovaries
and should not be confused with the term occasionally
used by lay persons; a complete hysterectomy.
Total Vaginal Hysterectomy
(TVH) - Removal of the
uterus and cervix through the vagina.
return
to top
-U-
Ultrasound
- Another name for Sonogram
Ureter
- The tube which carries urine from the kidneys to the
bladder. The ureter courses through the pelvis under
the ovaries along the pelvic sidewall and passes just
lateral to the uterine blood vessels. Involvement of
the ureter with endometriosis can result in mid back
pain.
Urethra
– Tube that passes the urine from the bladder
to the outside of the body.
Uterine Suspension
- To suspend or raise the uterus in the pelvis. This
is most often done by plicating the round ligaments.
The round ligament is a support structure that runs
from the top of the uterus to the area of the groin.
A suture is run through the round ligament and then
tied, shortening up the round ligament.
Uterus
- An organ in the female reproductive tract which has
the appearance of an upside down pear. Most of the uterus
is made up of smooth muscle. The inside of the uterus
is lined with a thin layer of glandular tissue known
as the endometrium. The uterus holds the baby during
pregnancy and contracts during labor to deliver the
baby.
Uterine Prolapse
– Relaxation of the uterus from its normal position
in the pelvis down into the vagina. The descent can
be of varying degrees. In extreme cases, the uterus
can actually prolapse outside of the vagina.
return to top
-V-
Von Willebrand Disease
– This is a congenital bleeding disorder due to
a lack of coagulation factor VIII.
Vaporization
- To turn a solid or liquid into vapor (gas form). The
laser is commonly used to vaporize tissue. This is a
process in which the highly concentrated energy of the
laser beam instantaneously turns the water inside of
the cell into water vapor. This results in approximately
a 1500 fold increase in volume. The cell literally goes
up in smoke. Unlike electrocautery this does not "burn"
the tissue, nor is there significant heat conduction,
thus the surrounding tissue is not damaged.
Vascular Theory
– This theory states that endometriosis can arise
by transport of endometriosis via the vascular system.
This accounts for endometriosis that is discovered in
virtually every organ of the body instead of just the
pelvic area.
Viscera –
Pertaining to the internal organs of the body.
Visceral Hypersensitivity
– This condition is seen with irritable bowel
syndrome. Pressure and sensation that is normally non-painful
or not perceived is felt as intense pain.
return to top
Updated October 10, 2006
This page and all of
the contents are Copyright © 1996-2006 by VitalCare
Institute of Health
The information contained on this web page is considered
informational and is not intended as medical advice.
You should seek the advice and care of your local physician.
Information on this web site is subject to change without
any notice. The information on this web page may include
technical inaccuracies or typographical errors.
|
