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Ch. 23 The Digestive System
Marieb - Human Anatomy & Physiology 11th Edition
Marieb, Hoehn11th EditionHuman Anatomy & PhysiologyISBN: 9780136874034Not the one you use?Change textbook
All textbooksMarieb, Hoehn 11th EditionCh. 23 The Digestive SystemProblem 31
Chapter 23, Problem 31

Dr. Dolan used an endoscope to view Mr. Habib’s colon. He noted the presence of several polyps and removed them during the same procedure. What is an endoscope? Why did Dr. Dolan opt to remove the polyps immediately?

Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand what an endoscope is: It is a medical instrument consisting of a flexible tube with a light and camera attached, used to visually examine the interior of a hollow organ or cavity within the body, such as the colon.
Recognize the purpose of using an endoscope in this context: Dr. Dolan used it to inspect the colon for abnormalities, such as polyps, which are growths on the inner lining of the colon.
Learn why polyps are significant: Polyps can sometimes develop into cancer over time, so identifying and removing them early is important for preventing colorectal cancer.
Understand the rationale for immediate removal: Removing polyps during the same procedure reduces the need for additional invasive procedures, minimizes patient risk, and allows for immediate pathological examination.
Summarize the clinical benefit: Using the endoscope to both detect and remove polyps in one session is an efficient and effective approach to managing potential precancerous lesions in the colon.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Endoscope

An endoscope is a flexible or rigid medical instrument equipped with a camera and light, used to visually examine the interior of hollow organs or cavities in the body. It allows doctors to diagnose conditions and perform minor surgeries without large incisions, such as viewing the colon in a colonoscopy.

Colon Polyps

Colon polyps are abnormal growths of tissue on the inner lining of the colon. While many polyps are benign, some can develop into colorectal cancer over time, making their detection and removal important for preventing malignancy.

Polyp Removal During Endoscopy

Removing polyps immediately during an endoscopic procedure is common to prevent potential progression to cancer. This approach reduces the need for additional surgeries, allows for biopsy and diagnosis, and minimizes patient risk by addressing abnormalities promptly.
Related Practice
Textbook Question

Troy Francis, a middle-aged salesman, complains of a burning pain in the 'pit of his stomach,' usually beginning about two hours after eating and abating after drinking a glass of milk. When asked to indicate the site, he points to his epigastric region. The GI tract is examined by X-ray fluoroscopy. A gastric ulcer is visualized, and drug therapy using a proton pump inhibitor and antibiotics is recommended.

a. Why is this treatment suggested?

b. What are the possible consequences of nontreatment?

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Textbook Question

After a heavy meal rich with fried foods, Debby Collins, an overweight 45-year-old woman, was rushed to the emergency room with severe spasmodic pains in her epigastric region that radiated to the right side of her rib cage. She indicated that the attack came on suddenly, and her abdomen was found to be tender to the touch and somewhat rigid. What do you think is this patient's problem and why is her pain discontinuous (colicky)? What are the treatment options and what might happen if the problem is not resolved?

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Textbook Question

A baby is admitted to the hospital with a history of diarrhea and watery feces occurring over the last three days. The baby has sunken fontanelles (the not yet ossified spaces between skull bones in infants), indicating extreme dehydration. Tests indicate that the baby has a bacterium-induced colitis, and antibiotics are prescribed. Because of the baby's loss of intestinal juices, do you think that his blood pH would indicate acidosis or alkalosis? Explain your reasoning.

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Textbook Question

Mr. Holden has had severe diarrhea all day and is severely weakened. Explain why his nurse is concerned about his present condition.

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