Glossary A

Abnormal growth of cells

In the lining of the bowel. Usually small begin to form - lumps called polyps. Commonly these lumps are referred to as tumours.

Anal fissure
A tear in the lining of the wall of the anus.

Anal fistula
An abnormal passage between the anal canal and outer skin around the anus.

Analgesics
Analgesic is the medical name for painkillers. An analgesic is any group of medicines used to relieve pain.

Analgesic medicines can be split into three groups:-

Opioids - analgesics are also known as narcotic analgesics or opiates. They are used to ease moderate to severe pain and are often prescribed to patients recovering from operations, serious injuries or to ease the pain of terminal illnesses such as cancer. Some opioid analgesics are:

• Codeine,
• Fentanyl,
• Meperidine,
• Methadone,
• Morphine,
• Pentazocine, and
• Tramadol.

Non-opioids - are also called non-narcotics. They are mainly used to ease mild to moderate pain from headaches, toothache, muscle and joint pains to period pains. Many non-opioid analgesics can be bought over-the-counter at chemists and supermarkets. Some non-opioids are:

• Etodolac,
• Fenoprofen,
• Ketoprofen,
• Ketorolac,
• Mefenamic acid,
• Paracetamol, and
• Piroxicam.

Some non-opioids also have anti-inflammatory properties; these are known as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS). There are over twenty types including:

• Aspirin (NSAID),
• Diclofenac (NSAID),
• Ibuprofen (NSAID),
• Indomethacin (NSAID), and
• Naproxen (NSAID).

Combined analgesics
Some analgesics combine both mild non-opioid drugs such as aspirin or paracetamol, with a small amount of opioid in a single tablet. These combination analgesics are often prescribed to people who are not benefiting from non-opioids, like paracetamol, alone.

People who experience migraines may use combination analgesics. Some combination analgesics are:

• Aspirin with codeine (opioid),
• Paracetamol with codeine (opioid),
• Dextropropoxyphene (opioid) with paracetamol,
• Dihydrocodeine (opioid) with paracetamol.

Some combination painkillers can be bought over-the-counter and contain smaller quantities of opioid painkiller than those available on prescription.

Anus
The anal canal ends at the anus (which opens the colon to the outside of the body). Closure is controlled by sphincter muscles. Faeces are expelled from the body through the anus.

APER-Abdomino perineal excision of rectum

The principal indication for APER is a rectal carcinoma situated in the lower third of the rectum. Other indications include recurrent or residual anal carcinoma following initial, usually definitive combination chemoradiotherapy. APERs involves removal of the anus, the rectum and part of the sigmoid colon along with the associated (regional) lymph nodes, through incisions made in the abdomen and perineum. The end of the remaining sigmoid colon is brought out permanently as an opening, called a colostomy, on the surface of the abdomen. The result is a scar in the area where the anus used to be and once this has healed there is no external opening.

Ascending Colon
Connects to the end of the small intestine and goes up (or ascends) the right side of the lower abdomen.