Glossary

Author: Glossary

  • Essiac

    A tea containing anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunostimulatory chemicals; it has been promoted as a treatment for cancer but has not been scientifically studied. Essiac was first used in the 1920s. Trials of its usefulness have not shown any evidence of efficacy; it is not approved for use in the U.S. by the Food and Drug…

  • Essential medicine

    A medicine used to meet the fundamental health care needs of a population.  

  • Foreign bodies in the esophagus

    Items trapped in the esophagus (typically fishbones, coins, or large unchewed pieces of food). Parenteral glucagon may help the material pass through the esophageal sphincter to the stomach, but endoscopic retrieval of the material is usually necessary.  

  • Esophagotracheal

    Concerning the esophagus and the trachea, or a communication between them.  

  • Esophagotome

    An instrument for forming an esophageal fistula.  

  • Esophagostenosis

    Stricture or narrowing of the esophagus.  

  • Esophagoptosia

    Relaxation and prolapse of the esophagus.  

  • Esophagoplication

    Division of the longitudinal and circular muscles of the distal esophagus.  

  • Esophagoplasty

    Repair of the esophagus by plastic surgery.  

  • Esophagomyotomy

    Cutting of the muscular coat of the esophagus, used to treat stenosis of the lower esophagus. A surgical procedure involving the deliberate division of the muscular tissue within the esophagus.