GASTROGRAFIN Meaning and
Definition
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Gastrografin is a medical substance that is commonly used as a contrast agent for radiographic examinations and procedures of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. It is an aqueous solution containing iodine, and it belongs to the group of radiopaque contrast agents. This means that it is able to absorb and block X-rays, making the organs and structures in the GI tract more visible during imaging studies.
The primary purpose of using Gastrografin is to enhance the visualization of the GI tract during X-rays or computed tomography (CT) scans. It helps medical professionals identify and diagnose a variety of conditions and diseases such as gastrointestinal obstructions, leaks, perforations, ulcers, and strictures. It is commonly administered orally, but it can also be administered rectally or through an NG tube (nasogastric tube).
Gastrografin is a water-soluble contrast medium, meaning it can dissolve in water and is easily excreted from the body through urine. This characteristic makes it particularly useful in cases where there is a risk of bowel perforation or leakage, as it reduces the potential damage caused by an oil-based contrast medium that is more difficult to eliminate.
However, it is important to note that Gastrografin should be used with caution in patients with certain medical conditions, such as hypersensitivity to iodine, impaired renal function, or a history of thyroid disorders.
In conclusion, Gastrografin is a contrast agent used in radiographic imaging of the gastrointestinal tract, aiding in the diagnosis of various GI conditions by improving the visibility of the relevant organs and structures.
Common Misspellings for GASTROGRAFIN
- fastrografin
- vastrografin
- bastrografin
- hastrografin
- yastrografin
- tastrografin
- gzstrografin
- gsstrografin
- gwstrografin
- gqstrografin
- gaatrografin
- gaztrografin
- gaxtrografin
- gadtrografin
- gaetrografin
- gawtrografin
- gasrrografin
- gasfrografin
- gasgrografin
- gasyrografin
Etymology of GASTROGRAFIN
The word "Gastrografin" is derived from two components: "gastro" and "graphin".
The first part, "gastro", originates from the Greek word "gastēr" (γαστήρ), meaning "stomach" or "belly". It is commonly used as a prefix in medical terminology to refer to anything related to the stomach or digestive system. For example, "gastroenterology" is the medical specialty concerned with the study and treatment of diseases of the digestive tract.
The second part, "graphin", is derived from the Greek word "graphein" (γραφεῖν), meaning "to write" or "to record". In medical terminology, "graphin" often implies the use of imaging or diagnostic techniques to produce visual representations or records of the body.
