Bowel obstruction Flashcards
What is bowel obstruction?
Impaired flow of normal intestinal contents
Where do bowel obstructions happen?
80% small bowel
20% large bowel
What ate the 2 classes of cause of bowel obstruction?
Dynamic
Adynamic
What is a dynamic bowel obstruction?
Bowel obstruction with increasing peristalsis working against an obstructing agent
What are the causes of bowel obstruction in a newborn?
Imperforate anus
Congenital atresia or stenosis
Volvulus
Meconium ileus
What is the common cause of bowel obstruction in 2-3 month old?
Strangulated hernia
What is the common cause of bowel obstruction in 3-18 month old?
Intussuseption
What are the causes of bowel obstruction in children and young adults?
Strangulated hernia
Post op adhesions
What are the common causes of obstruction in adults?
Strangulated hernia
Post op adhesions
Maligancy
Volvulus
What is the most common cause of small bowel obstruction?
Adhesions
What is the most common cause of small bowle obstruction in a virgin abdomen?
Tumour
What is the most common cause of large bowel obstruction?
Tumour
What is an adynamic bowel obstruction?
Bowel obstruction with cessation of peristalsis and absence of true propulsive waves
What are the causes of adynamic bowel obstruction?
Mesenteric vascular occlusion
Paralytic ileus
Large bowel pseudo-obstruction
Who is mesenteric vascular occlusion seen in?
Those with PCV, atherosclerosis, AF
People who aren’t very well
What is the presentation of mesenteric vascular occlusion?
Pain of sudden onset, severe and out of proportion with physical signs
Co-morbidities
Very unwell
What investigations are done for mesenteric vascular occlusion?
CT angio
hat is paralytic ileus?
Cessation of peristalsis due to failure of neuromuscular mechanism
What are the common triggers of paralytic ileus?
Post op
Infection
Fluid and electrolyte abnormalities
Reflex to trauma
What is the presentation of paralytic ileus?
NO pain
Vomiting and distension
What is large bowel pseudo-obstruction?
Signs, symptoms and AXR appearance of LBO but no identifiable mechanical cause
What is the presentation of large bowel pseudo-obstruction?
Older person with co-morbidities, with progressive abdominal distension and absolute constipation
What investigations are done for large bowel pseudo-obstruction?
AXR
CT- bowel dilated but no transition point or identifiable obstruction
What is a simple bowel obstruction?
Obstruction of intestinal lumen without interference of its blood supply