Common Surgical Problems of the Neonate

Question 1

two main indications of surgical problems in neonate

Answer 1

premature

congenital issue

Question 2

three ways bowel can be obstructed

Answer 2

intra lumen
outside lumen
in the bowel wall

Question 3

normal colour of first baby poop

Answer 3

black

Question 4

Necrotising Enterocolitis (NEC) =

Answer 4

– perforation in gut of premature babies.

Question 5

symptoms of NEC =

Answer 5

poor feeding, bloating, decreased activity, blood in the stool, or vomiting of bile

Question 6

Pneumoperiteneum can occur in NEC neonates, explain this on XR

Answer 6

in premature babies, gut isn’t supposed to be used yet, bowel perforates gas into peritoneum. Gas under diaphragm

Question 7

Jejunal Atresia

Answer 7

• ‘baggy bowels’ in distension not good for regaining good tone, so tends to be disposed of.
• Anastomose tow good parts together and get rid of over dilated section

Question 8

Malrotation

Answer 8

• Bile = green (emergency for child) v bad. Indicates malrotation! FAIRY LIQUID
• Black bowels – ischaemic dead, TOO LATE

Question 9

Meconium Ileus

Answer 9

• Use contrast XR, bowel dilated before ileus + contrast from rectum will only go as far as ileus.
• CF = high risk factor (not enough secretions to allow meconium to pass)

Question 10

Inguinal Hernia

Answer 10

• Obstruction can show as ‘laddering’ on XR in abdomen.