bowel obstruction

Question 1

most common cause of small bowel obstruction

Answer 1

adhesions
then hernias

Question 2

features of bowel obstruction

Answer 2

diffuse central abdo pain
nause and vomiting
constipation
abdominal distension
tinkling bowel sounds

Question 3

investigations for small bowel obstruction

Answer 3

CT
abdo x-ray

Question 4

management of small bowel obstruction

Answer 4

initial:
- NBM
- IV fluids
- antiemetics- cyclizine
- NG tube with free drainage
some require surgery

Question 5

causes of large bowel obstruction

Answer 5

tumour- most common
volvulus
diverticular disease

Question 6

initial management of large bowel obstruction

Answer 6

NBM
IV fluids
NG tube with free drainage
IV antibiotics if signs of perforation
conservative management if stable patients with no signs of perforation or peritonitis

Question 7

surgical management of large bowel obstruction

Answer 7

emergency surgery if: clinical or radiological signs of perforation or peritonitis, evidence of ischaemia, rapid deterioration