Benign Conditions of the Large Bowel Flashcards
What are diverticula?
An abnormal sac or pouch formed at a weak point in the wall of the alimentary tract.
What is diverticulosis?
This indicates the presence of diverticula
What is diverticulitis?
Inflamed diverticula
Diverticular disease is ________ most of the time and usually discovered ____________
Treatment is ______
asymptomatic
incidentally on colonoscopy or barium enema examination
dietary advice on increasing fibre
Management of uncomplicated diverticular disease?
Well balanced fibre diet
Diverticulitis most commonly occurs ____1_____. It presents with ___________2__________ Abdo exam shows __________3___________
1) in the sigmoid colon
2) severe pain in the left iliac fossa often accompanied by fever and constipation.
3) tenderness, guarding and rigidity on the left side of the abdomen, sometimes a palpable tender mass can be felt in the left iliac fossa
How is mild diverticulitis treated?
as outpatient with oral antibiotics (co-amoxiclav)
How is severe diverticulitis treated?
with IV fluids and IV antibiotics as well as bowel rest
How does ischaemic colitis normally present?
sudden onset of abdominal pain and the passage of bright red blood pr with or without diarrhoea
Who can ischaemic colitis present in?
Usually in elderly people
Can also happen in patients on the pill, nicorandil, thrombophilia or those with vasculitis
3 causes of bowel obstruction?
- Colorectal cancer
- Benign stricture (by IBD, postoperative etc.)
- Volvulus- obstruction caused by twisting
What is sigmoid volvulus?
This is when the bowel twists around itself due to the mesentery making it highly mobile
Treatment for sigmoid volvulus?
Flatus tube or surgical resection
What is intestinal pseudo-obstruction?
- Rare condition with symptoms that resemble those caused by a blockage, or obstruction, of the intestines, also called the bowel.
- Instead, the symptoms are due to nerve or muscle problems that affect the movement of food, fluid, and air through the intestines.
