Acute Abdomen

Question 1

Pathologic changes associated with bowel obstruction

Answer 1

1. Decreased intraluminal fluid absorption
2. Increased intestinal secretion into lumen
3. motility 1st increases, then decreases
4. decreased mucosal blood flow

Question 2

obstruction vs. ileus

Answer 2

Obstruction = secondary to MECHANICAL process
Ileus = secondary to FUNCTIONAL process

Question 3

5 types of bowel obstruction

Answer 3

1. Incomplete
2. complete
3. closed loop
4. ischemic
5. strangulated

Question 4

Indications for surgery in case of bowel obstruction

Answer 4

1. strangulation (necrotic) or ischemic bowel
2. complete obstruction
3. Incomplete obstruction that fails to resolve w/ conservative management
   ALSO if Dx hernia, volvulus or malignancy