Gastroenterology Flashcards
What does UGI stand for?
Upper gastrointestinal
What is volvulus?
Volvulus is a condition in which the bowel twists on itself, causing obstruction of the flow of the material through the bowel. it can also obstruct blood supply to the intestine, causing tissue death.
What is a hiatus hernia?
A condition in which part of the stomach pushes up through the diaphragm muscle (also known as a stomach hernia)
What is a Hartmann’s operation officially called?
A proctosigmoidectomy
What is a proctosigmoidectomy (Hartmann’s operation)?
Hartmann’s procedure is a type of colectomy that removes part of the colon and sometimes rectum, usually performed in an emergency.`
What is an abdominal viscus?
A perforation in the intestine(s).
Gastrointestinal bleeding
TBC
What is gastritis?
A general term to describe inflammation of the stomach lining.
Functional dyspepsia
TBC
Constipation
TBC
What is diverticulosis?
Diverticulosis is the presence of diverticula
What is diverticulitis?
The inflammation of diverticula
What is a ventral (incisional) hernia?
A hernia that occurs when there is a hole in the muscles of the abdominal wall, allowing an internal organ (usually the small intestine) to protrude out, often secondary to an incision made in a procedure.
What is a high anterior resection?
An operation to remove a section of the left side of the colon, including the upper part of the rectum.
What is eosinophilic oesophagitis?
A chronic, allergic inflammatory disease involving a deposit of eosinophils in the oesophageal lining
What is the hallmark symptom of eosinophilic oesophagitis?
Dysphagia (and related complications)
Describe the disease course of IBD.
IBD is a relapsing condition, so patients will have flares and periods of remission.
What are 3 examples of conditions which must be considered in the differential diagnosis of IBD?
- C. difficile infection
- IBS
- Coeliac disease
What is the commonplace diagnostic method for IBD?
We take a stool sample and look for CRP (i.e. inflammation) and calprotectin (largely specific marker for IBD)
Describe the role of corticosteroids in IBD.
Corticosteroids are only used for management of acute IBD flares as chronic use will cause unacceptable adverse effects.
Describe the mechanism of action of buDESONide in IBD.
buDESONide acts locally in IBD. It is not absorbed.
Describe the role of VTE prophylaxis in IBD patients.
IBD patients require standard VTE prophylaxis despite their inherent bleeding risk as they are at a significantly increased risk for venous thromboembolism.
What is the most common triple immunosuppressant therapy in IBD?
Prednisolone, infliximab and azATHIOPRINE.
What is commonly co-prescribed with triple immunosuppressant therapy in IBD?
PJP prophylaxis.
Describe the role of methotrexate in Ulcerative Colitis.
Methotrexate is not used in Ulcerative Colitis as there is insufficient evidence to support it.
What are 2 markers that should always be monitored in IBD and why?
You should always monitor Vitamin D and iron in IBD patients as they are prone to poor absorption.
What is a great resource for IBD queries?
ECCO (European Crohn’s and Colitis Organisation)
What is intra-abdominal sepsis?
Sepsis originating from a peritoneal infection.
What is the transverse colon?
The upper portion of the large intestine above the small intestine.
What is a sliding hiatus hernia?
A hernia in which the stomach and gastroesophageal junction protrude up through the hiatus
What is a laparotomy?
A type of open surgery of the abdomen to examine the abdominal organs.
What is an adhesional small bowel obstruction?
A small bowel obstruction that occurs as a consequence of post-surgical adhesions.
What is the hiatus?
The hole in the diaphragm which allows the esophagus to connect with the stomach.
What is a hernia?
An organ pushing through a weak point in its surrounding area, causing a bulge (usually in the abdomen)
What is abdominal rigidity?
Stiffness of your stomach muscles that worsens when you touch, or someone else touches, your abdomen.
What is abdominal distention?
Bloating and swelling in the belly area.
