Chapter 14 Fecal Incontinence Nick Cave Definition Fecal incontinence is defined as the inability to retain feces in the colon and rectum leading to uncontrolled leakage of fecal material at times…

Chapter 11 Diarrhea Stanley L. Marks Definition Diarrhea is an increase in the frequency, fluidity, or volume of feces1 that is best characterized by duration (acute versus chronic), pathophysiologic mechanism, and…

Chapter 6 Abdominal Pain Jean A. Hall Definition Abdominal pain is pain that originates from within the abdominal cavity. Acute abdomen is a term used to designate acute onset of abdominal…

Chapter 12 Dyschezia and Tenesmus Albert E. Jergens Definition Dyschezia and tenesmus are clinical signs usually associated with colorectal disease. Dyschezia is the term applied to difficult or painful defecation, which…

Chapter 10 Constipation Robert J. Washabau Definition Reviews of idiopathic megacolon have emphasized the importance of considering an extensive list of differential diagnoses (e.g., neuromuscular, mechanical, inflammatory, metabolic/endocrine, pharmacologic, environmental, and…

Chapter 8 Ascites Caroline Mansfield Definition Ascites is defined as fluid accumulation within the peritoneal cavity. Although any peritoneal fluid accumulation could be classified as ascites, the term is more often…

Chapter 9 Coagulopathy Mary Beth Callan Definition The hemostatic system (i.e., platelets, vascular endothelial cells, plasma coagulation factors) is a finely controlled mechanism that prevents excessive blood loss following vascular injury….

Chapter 7 Anorexia Kathryn E. Michel Definition Anorexia is the lack or loss of appetite for food. It is a common and nonspecific finding in sick or injured patients and a…