Clinical Correlates Flashcards
Peritonitis
Bacterial contamination via gut trauma causing rupture of the stomach (laparotomy)
Results in infection/inflammation of the peritoneum via surgery, ruptures or ulceration
Primary = caused via infection and disease
Secondary = caused by accidental lacerations during surgery MORE COMMON
Peritoneal adhesions and adhesiotomy
Damaged peritoneal surfaces may become inflamed and sticky with fibrin
Fibrin is eventually replaced with fibrous tissue causing chronic pain.
If fibrous tissue forms, requires adhesiolysis which is surgical separation of the fibrous tissue/ adhesions
Ascites
Accumulation of ascetic fluids inside the peritoneal cavity causing abdominal distention and swelling
Caused by surgical lacerations, cirrhosis of liver or malignant cancer
- very distended stomach and may cause respiratory issues
- Usually pools in hepatorenal recess during supine and the rectovesical pouch when standing*
Abscess formation
Collections of purulent exudate that accumulates and causes localized infection in a peritoneal space
- Caused usually by duodenal ulcers, ruptured gallbladder or appendix.
- most common site is subphrenic recess
Internal hernia through omental foramen
Rare hernia that occurs via small intestine passing through omental bursa
Temporary control of hemorrhage from cystic artery
Pringle maneuver: cystic artery may be lighted or clamped and and then severed during a cholecystectomy
Rupture of diaphragm
A sudden increase in intra-abdominal pressure may rupture the diaphragm
- can be traumatic or congenital
Abdominal hernias
Structures penetrate and pass through abdominal wall in areas of potential weakness
Areas of weakness include
- inguinal
- umbilical
- epigastric regions
Abdominal aortic aneurism
Localized enlargement of the abdominal aorta.
High mortality rate when ruptured
Gastro-Esophageal Refulx Disorder (GERD)
Recurrent “heartburn” caused by regurgitation of gastric fluid into the abdominal esophagus
- caused by failure of lower esophageal sphincter
Para-esophageal hiatal Hernia
Fundus of the stomach herniated through the esophageal hiatus without going into the esophagus itself
Cardia stays in place.
- no regurgitation since cardinal orifice is still in normal position.
Sliding Hiatal Hernia
Esophagus, cardia, fundus all herniate through the esophageal hiatus and into the esophagus itself
Causes likely regurgitation and is more damaging than para-esophageal hernias
Pylorospasm
Spasmodic contractions of the pyloric between 2-12 weeks of age.
- caused by smooth muscle fibers encircling the pyloric canal to be in constant spasm and failure to relax
- results in food not passing properly to duodenum and stomach becomes overfilled, often resulting in discomfort and vomiting
Congenital Hypertrophic Pyloric Stenosis
Marked thickening of the smooth muscles along the pyloric sphincter.
- Impairs gastric emptying into the duodenum.
- often marked by a non-bilious projectile vomiting, dehydration and olive sized masses during palpating of the epigastric region
More common in males than females
Single-Bubble sign in radiographs*
Duodenal atresia
Congenital absence or complete closure of the duodenum at the duodenajejunal flexure.
- often found in Downs pregnancies or overproduction of amnotic fluid during pregnancy.
- fetus cant swallow or absorb fluid resulting in distention of the stomach and duodenum.
- marked by bilious projectile vomiting
- Double-Bubble* sign in radiographs
Paraduodenal hernias
2-3 inconstant folds and fossa around the duodenojejunal flexure.
- intestinal loop can enter these fossa and cause bowl strangulations
Can affect inferior mesenteric artery/vein and/or the left colic artery due to close proximity
Peptic Ulcers
Infection of Helicobacter pylori in the duodenum or stomach
H. Pylori erodes the mucous lining of the stomach and inflaming the mucosa, making it vulnerable to effects of gastric acid and enzymes.
- if unchecked, can erode the wall of the organ and subsequent arteries causing lethal hemorrhage.
Pancreatic cancer
Drains to lymph nodes that’s re relatively inaccessible and metastasize quickly making mortality rates high.
Often obstructs IVC, Bile duct or hepatopancreatic ampulla.
Hirschsprung’s disease (congenital megacolon)
Failure of neural crest cells to migrate to the distal colon during embryogenesis
Causes abnormal development of the autonomic nerves and the enteric system in the distal large intestine.
Ultimately results in non-functional distal colon and accumulation of colon contents in proximal colon.
Diverticulosis
Rupture of Multiple outpockets of the wall of the colon at weak points between teniae coli.
Causes infection and peritonitis
Appendicitis
Blocked appendix causes acute inflammation in the appendix.
Clinical signs = vomiting, nausea, fever, pain and lack of appetite
- Pain is usually in the peri-umbilical region, lumbar region and McBurney’s point.
- contains fecaliths or hyperplasia lymphatic vesicles
- if untreated can cause ischemia and peritonitis (when ruptured)
Ischemia of the intestine
Occlusion of vasa recta by emboli originating in heart or atherosclerotic occlusions results in ischemia.
Severe cases cause necrosis and paralysis.
Clinical signs = colicky pain, abdominal distention, vomiting, fever, dehydration.
Most common site is Superior mesenteric artery (SMA) due to more obtuse angle.
Requires SMA angiogram to clear obstruction.
Volvulus of sigmoid colon
Rotation and twisting of mobile loop of sigmoid colon
Results in obstruction of lumen of the colon proximal to the twisted segment
Progressively results in ischemia, necrosis and obstipation (inability to pass stool) if left untreated.
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
Includes ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease
Inflammation of the intestines in various ways.