colon and rectum Flashcards
what is the definition of constipation
2 or more of the following for at least 3 months
- infrequent passage of stool (<3 a week)
- straining >25% of time
- passage of hard stools in >25% defecations
- incomplete evacuation and sensation of anorectal blockage un >25% defecations
- manual manoeuvres to facilitate >25% defecations
what are the 3 categories of constipation
- normal transit through the colon
- defecatory disorders
- slow transit
what is megacolon
used to describe a number of congenital and acquired conditions in which the colon is dilated
when does megacolon present
first years of life
what gives rise to constipation in megacolon
A ganglionic segment of the rectum (megarectum) gives rise to constipation and subacute obstruction
what is faecal incontenance
incontenance is classified as minor (inability to control flatus or liquid stool, causing soiling) or major (frequent and inadvertent evacuation of stool of normal consistency)
aetiology for feacal incontenance
- congenital
- anal sphincter dysfunction
- rectal prolapse
- faecal impaction with overflow diarrhoea
- neurological and physcological disorders
what is initial management of faecal incontenance
Minor incontinence initial management is bowel habit regulation. Loperamide is the most potent antidiarrhoeal agent, which also increases sphincter tone
what is ischemic colitis
Ischemic colitis occurs when branches of the superior mesenteric artery or inferior mesenteric artery are occluded and there is reduced blood reaching the colon. Inflammation and injury of the large intestine result from inadequate blood supply.
what are clinical features of ischaemic colitis
- sudden onset of abdominal pain
- passage of bright red blood per rectum with or without diarrhoea
- may be signs of shock and evidence of underlying cardiovascular disease
what is seen on examination of a patient with Ischemic colitis
- the abdomen may be distended and tender
- thumb printing at the splenic flexure seen on Xray
- may have lactic acidosis
what investigations are carried out for patients with ischemic colitis
- urgent CT scan to exclude perforation
- unprepared flexible sigmoidoscopy
how to manage ischaemic colitis
- most patients settle on symptomatic treatment
- surgery is perforation
what are diverticula
Diverticula are small, bulging pouches that can form in the lining of your digestive system.
what does diverticulosis mean
indicates the presence of diverticula
what does diverticulitis mean
implies that these diverticula are inflamed