Barium enema - a diagnostic
procedure in which barium sulfate is given by enema and x-rays
are taken (barium sulfate is opaque to x-rays) to facilitate
viewing the colon and rectum.
Bile - secretions of the liver
that aid in digestion and nutrient absorption.
Biliary system - the gall bladder
and bile ducts.
Biopsy - the removal of a sample
of tissue for study, most often under a microscope.
Bowel - the small intestine,
which connects the stomach to the colon, and does much of
the work of nutrient absorption in the digestive process.
Bowel rest - a means to reduce
bowel inflammation wherein food is not taken by mouth, allowing
the bowel to rest because it is not required to perform its
normal digestive functions; all nutrients are given intravenously.
This information
is provided as a general educational service
and is not intended to recommend any particular treatment plan
or to replace the advice of physicians. It is important that patients
seek and rely on the advice of a healthcare professional
about their individual medical conditions.
