Acute Abdomen Flashcards
What is acute abdomen?
A combination of signs & symptoms that lead to a patient being referred for an urgent general surgical opinion
What should be considered in acute abdomen? (4)
Peritonitis
Intestinal Obstruction
Ischaemia
Non-surgical abdominal pain
What are the routes of infection in peritonitis?
Perforation of GI/biliary tract
Female genital tract
Penetration of abdominal wall
Haematogenous spread
What is characteristic in ischaemia?
Soft belly + pain
What is characteristic in intestinal obstruction?
Severe abdo pain not corresponding with abdo examination findings
6 parts of resuscitation in acute abdomen?
Correct fluid loss Ensure tissue perfusion Enhance tissue oxygenation Treat sepsis (antibiotic) Decompress gut Ensure adequate pain relief
3 types of intestinal obstruction
Inside lumen
Inside wall
External compression
5 features of intestinal obstruction
Pain Vomitting Distension Constipation Borborygmi
What does vomiting indicate in obstruction?
Small bowel
Ileocaecal valve not competent
What is borborygmi?
A rumbling or gurgling noise made by the movement of fluid and gas in the intestines
7 causes of peritonitis
Medical procedures Ruptured appendix Stomach ulcer Perforated colon Pancreatitis Diverticulitis Trauma
5 signs of peritonitis
Fever Fatigue Law urine output Constipation Abdo tender
6 symptoms of peritonitis
Abdo pain Bloating N&V Loss of appetite Diarrhoea Thirst
7 Investigations of peritonitis
WBC count CRP Blood culture X ray CT Ultrasound Peritoneal fluid analysis
2 treatments of peritonitis
Antibiotics
Surgery
