Chapter 8 : Digestive System

By: Sheralyn Sulit

CachexiaCachexia is a state of malnutrition andwasting . It is characterized by weightloss, muscle atrophy, fatigue, weakness,and a significant loss of appetite. The loss ofbody mass cannot be reversed with addednutrition which means there is an underlyingdisease. Cachexia increases the risk of deathdramatically. Cachexia is seen with manyillness such as cancer, metabolic acidosis,certain infectious diseases (e.g., tuberculosis,AIDS), and some autoimmune disorders oraddiction to drugs like amphetamines orcocaine.

Cachexia is commonly seen in theadvanced stages of cancer. Cancercauses the muscle loss and is notcaused by not eating. Cancer patientscan receive additional nutrition throughfeeding tubes or IV feedings and stillcan experience cachexia. It is best totreat the cancer in order to treatcachexia. Once the cancer treatment isno longer effect, it is difficult to treatcachexia directly.

AnastomosisAnastomosis is a surgical or pathologicalconnection of two tubular structures suchas blood vessels or sections of intestine.One example is with the intestines where asection of intestine is surgically removed,the two end left behind or sewn andstapled together or anastomosed. Eventhough an anastomosis is usually end toend it can also be side to side or end toside. Anastomosis can also be performedon arteries, veins, other areas of thegastrointestinal tract (e.g., esophagus, bileducts and pancreas), and the urinary tract.

Bite-wing X-ray

Bite-wings X-rays display the lower and upper back teeth and how they touchwhen the patient bites down. The main purpose of this procedure is to checkhow both rows of the teeth align, and for tooth decay in between the teeth.This x-ray can also show bone loss due to dental infections or gum disease. TheX-rays are called bite-wing because the X-rays film holder you have to bitedown on the surface of the X-ray secure it in place.

The crowns and part of the root of 2 or 3teeth can be seen as well as the immediateadjacent bone level. The x-rays also detectcheck the quality of prior dental repair suchas fillings. It is recommended to have dentalx-rays done yearly even though your in gooddental condition.

ExtractionA dental extraction is the removal of a tooth from the mouth. Extractions are performed for a range of reasons, including tooth decay that has destroyed enough tooth structure to avoid restoration. The most common reason for extraction is tooth damage due to breakage or decay. Other reasons could be from severe tooth decay or infection, extra teeth which are blocking other teeth from coming in, severe gum disease which may affect the supporting tissues and bone structures of teeth, teeth in the facture line, fractured teeth, or not enough space for the wisdom teeth to come in.

Extractions are usually classified as simple or surgical. Simple extractions are performed on teeth that are visible in the mouth, usually under local anaesthetic, and require only the use of instruments to elevate and/or grasp the visible portion of the tooth. During this procedure, the tooth is lifted with a dental instrument called an elevator, and is swayed back and forth until the ligament brakes and the tooth is loose enough to take out. A surgical extractions is used when the dentist cannot remove the tooth easily. This is due to broken teeth from under the gum line or the tooth has not emitted completely. The tooth may be broken into more than two pieces in order to remove the entire tooth. The dentist will only get rid of the tooth if it is extremely damaged from decay, trauma, or an infection. It can also be removed due to teeth being overly crowded.