Gastrostomy is performed because a patient temporarily or permanently needs to be fed directly through a tube in the stomach. Reasons for feeding by gastrostomy include birth defects of the mouth, esophagus, or stomach, and problems sucking or swallowing. Gastrostomy is also performed to provide drainage for the stomach when it is necessary to bypass a long-standing obstruction of the stomach outlet into the small intestine. Obstructions may be caused by peptic ulcer scarring or a tumor.
Definition of vitalism. 1  1 : a doctrine that the functions of a living organism are due to a vital principle distinct from physicochemical forces. 2  2 : a doctrine that the processes of life are not explicable by the laws of physics and chemistry alone and that life is in some part self-determining.
Definition of NATALISM. : an attitude or policy favoring or encouraging population growth.