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Gastrostomy for Dummies

noun

pronunciation: ɡæ'strɑstəmi

What does Gastrostomy really mean?

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Hey there! I see you're curious about the word "gastrostomy." No worries, I'll explain it to you in a way that's easy to understand, using simple words. So, let's dive in!

Gastrostomy is a word that comes from two smaller words - "gastro" and "stomy." "Gastro" refers to the stomach and "stomy" refers to a surgical opening or a way to create a hole. When we combine them, "gastrostomy" means creating an opening or a hole in the stomach.

You might be wondering, why in the world would anyone need to create a hole in their stomach? Well, sometimes when a person has difficulty eating or drinking, a gastrostomy can be done to help them. This is especially useful for people who have certain medical conditions that affect their ability to swallow or digest food properly.

Picture your stomach like a container that holds all the food and drink you consume. Usually, our body naturally takes in nutrients through our mouth and they travel through our food pipe into our stomach. However, for some individuals who struggle with swallowing or can't eat enough by mouth, a surgeon can create a gastrostomy. This surgical procedure allows a tube, called a gastrostomy tube, to be inserted through that hole directly into the stomach.

Now, this gastrostomy tube becomes a super helpful pathway for these individuals to receive nourishment without relying solely on eating and drinking by mouth. Feeding liquids or even special food can be directly delivered through this tube, making sure the person gets all the nutrients they need to stay healthy and strong.

Think of this gastrostomy tube as a magical straw connecting the outside world with the stomach, helping the person get the energy and nutrition they require. It's like a bypass road that helps overcome any obstacles that might exist on the regular eating and digestion route.

To sum it up, "gastrostomy" simply means creating a hole in the stomach to insert a special tube that facilitates feeding when someone experiences difficulty eating or drinking enough by mouth. It's a way to ensure proper nutrition and keep the person healthy and thriving.

Hope this explanation was helpful! If you have any more questions, feel free to ask! Learning new words can be fun, right?


Revised and Fact checked by Daniel Taylor on 2023-10-29 04:52:23

Gastrostomy In a sentece

Learn how to use Gastrostomy inside a sentece

  • A gastrostomy is a medical procedure where a small hole is made in the stomach and a tube is inserted to help someone eat when they have difficulty swallowing.
  • When a person cannot eat normal food by mouth, they may need a gastrostomy to get nutrition and medicines directly into their stomach through a tube.
  • If someone has a really bad injury or illness that makes it hard for them to eat, doctors may suggest a gastrostomy to make sure they get all the necessary nutrients.
  • A person with a condition called cerebral palsy may need a gastrostomy so that they can get the proper amount of food and fluids they need to grow and stay healthy.
  • Sometimes, babies who are born too early or are too sick to eat properly may require a gastrostomy to help them get the important nutrition they need.

Gastrostomy Hypernyms

Words that are more generic than the original word.

operation surgery surgical operation surgical procedure surgical process