Gastro Flashcards
Ix and Mx of a sigmoid volvulous?
Ix = coffee bean sign, large bowel obstruction
Mx = R sigmoidoscopy and rectal tube insertion UNLESS Sx of peritonitis then urgent midline laparotomy
What are the common causes of a caecal volvulus? How do you treat?
SBO or LBO, often secondary to adhesions or pregnancy
Mx = Right hemicolectomy
What is the commonest type of oesophageal CA? What does it often occur secondary to?
Adenocarcinoma
Occurs secondary to transformation of squamous epithelium to columnar epithelium (Barrett’s oesophagus).
Seen in the lower 1/3rd of the oesophagus
Which type of carcinoma is most commonly seen in the upper 2/3rds of the oesophagus? What does it often occur secondary to?
Squamous carcinoma.
Occurs secondary to achalasia
What is achalasia?
Oesophageal paralysis, leads to difficulty swallowing EVERYTHING (solids and liquids)
What are the common complications of enteral feeding?
Diarrhoea, aspiration, hyperglycaemia and refeeding syndrome
Which part of the bowel wall is affected in UC and Crohn’s
UC = limited to the mucosa and sub mucosa. No skip lesions
Crohn’s = affects the entire lining but has goblet cells, granulomas and skip lesions
What is Pellagra?
Vitamin B3 deficiency
Seen in those with malnutrition, strict diets and bowel disease
Sx = dermatitis, diarrhoea and dementia/delusions
Name 2 complications of oesophagitis?
Strictures and Barrett’s oesophagus
How does gastric volvulous present?
Triad of vomiting, pain and failure to pass NG tubes
What is the Ix of choice in UC?
Colonoscopy unless there is a severe flare, then do sigmoidoscopy (due to risk of perforation)
What does a raised faecal calprotectin indicste?
Bowel inflammation
What is proctits?
Inflammation of the rectum and anus
Can you see pseudopolyps on endoscopy in UC or Crohn’s?
UC
It is superficial ulceration
Sx and Mx of anal fissures?
Bright red, painful rectal bleeding due to a tear in the squamous lining of the distal anal canal
Mx = <1 week = soften stool, lubricants and topical/simple analgesia
Chronic = topical GTN, if not effective after 8 weeks do sphincterotomy
Which drugs should you stop before endoscopy and when should you stop them?
1 day before = Gaviscon/antacids
2 weeks before = PPIs
3 days before = H2 antagonists
4 weeks before = Abx
Which drugs should you stop before urea breath test and when should you stop them?
2 weeks before = PPIs
4 weeks before = Abx
How do we confirm hepatic steatosis (secondary to NAFLD)?
Liver USS
How do we assess liver fibrosis secondary to NAFLD?
1st line = Enhanced liver fibrosis blood test
2nd line = NAFLD fibrosis score
3rd line = Fibroscan
What should you do if dysplasia is detected on endoscopic screening in GORD patients?
If mild - radiofrequency ablation
If moderate or severe - endoscopic mucosal resection first line, oesophagectomy 2nd line
What should you do if metaplasia is seen on endoscopic screening in GORD patients?
This is Barret’s oesophagus
Give PPIs and continue monitoring
How should you treat dyspepsia?
Either
Treat with full dose PPIs for one month
Test for H.pylori and treat if positive
If the method you choose doesn’t work then switch
What should you suspect in travellers presenting with watery diarrhoea, abdo cramps and nausea?
E. coli
If bloody = enteroinvasive or enteropathogenic
If non-bloody = enterotoxigenic
What are the first line and gold standard investigations for Coeliac’s disease?
1st line = Anti-TTG and Anti-IgA antibodies
GS = endoscopy and jejunal biopsy
What is a lead pipe colon?
On X-ray you see loss of the haustral markings, this implies UC
Describe an ileostomy?
Will be in the right iliac fossa, single opening spouted from the skin (to avoid irritation of the skin)
Describe a colostomy
Will generally be in the left iliac fossa and will be flush with the skin
Mx of acute variceal haemorrhage? What is the prophylactic treatment?
Before endoscopy give Terlipressin and IV Abx. Do endoscopic band ligation.
If band ligation is unavailable = balloon tamponade via a Sengstaken Blakemore tube
If band ligation is unsuccessful = transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt
Prophylaxis for bleeding = propranolol
What is a transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt?
Connects the hepatic and portal vein - is used to treat uncontrolled variceal bleeding
Mau increase the risk of hepatic encephalopathy
True or false lower lobe pneumonias can cause upper abdo pain?
TRUE
What should you suspect in someone who has watery green diarrhoea and has had a cholecystectomy? How do you manage?
Bile acid malabsorption
Mx = Cholestyramine
Describe Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis?
Seen in patients with known liver disease. Presents with fever, abdominal pain/distension, vomiting and altered mental state
E.coli is most commonly grown and after it has occurred offer patients prophylactic Ciprofloxacin
What is the diagnostic marker for carcinoid syndrome?
Urinary 5-hydroxyindolaecetic acid
How do you manage C.diff?
Oral vancomycin
Add IV metronidazole if life threatening
Which conditions can cause a raised serum amylase?
Pancreatitis and small bowel obstruction
How do you manage acute mesenteric ischaemia?
Immediate laparotomy
How does Giardia Lamblia present?
Non-bloody diarrhoea which is greasy and floats in the pan. It is resistant to chlorination so can be contracted in pools
How does Coeliac’s disease commonly present in children?
Abdominal bloating, chronic diarrhoea and failure to thrive
Are perianal skin tags and fistulas more commonly associated with Crohn’s or Ulcerative Colitis?
Crohn’s
Sx of Diverticular Disease?
Intermittent left lower quadrant abdominal pain, bloating and a change in bowel habits (often on a BG of constipation)
Sx and Mx of Diverticulitis?
Severe left lower quadrant abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, change in bowel habit, urinary symptoms, PR bleeding and low grade fever
Mx = oral antibiotics, if severe or symptoms do not settle in 72 hours give IV Abx
How do you induce remission in UC?
TOP Aminosalicylates
If extensive disease or not controlled ADD PO Aminosalicylates
If remission still not achieved add PO Steroids
How do you maintain remission in UC?
TOP or PO Aminosalicylates
If severe relapse (>6 stools per day) or >= 2 exacerbations/year give oral azathioprine or oral mercaptopurine
What does pernicious anaemia most commonly cause? What are the symptoms?
B12 deficiency
Sx = anaemia symptoms, symmetrical peripheral neuropathy affecting legs more than arms, mild jaundice, glossitis, cognitive issues, progressive weakness and ataxia
Ix of pernicious anaemia? What cancer is it associated with?
Ix = Macrocytic anaemia and anti-intrinsic factor antibodies
Increased risk of gastric cancer
Which antibiotic is known to cause cholestasis?
Co-amoxiclav
Sx of a perianal abscess? How should you manage in those with Crohn’s disease?
Sx = pain worse on sitting, tender and swollen perianal lump, may be pus like discharge
Management in those with Crohn’s = incision and drainage