Gastroenterology Flashcards
What are the types of hiatal hernias?
What is the most common type?
- Type I (sliding)
- Type II (paraesophageal)
- Type III (mixed)
- Type IV (complex with other organs involved)
Type 1 Sliding
What is the anatomical defect in a sliding hiatal hernia?
The gastroesophageal junction and part of the stomach slide upward through the esophageal hiatus into the thorax
What is the primary risk factor for developing a hiatal hernia?
Increased intra-abdominal pressure, often caused by obesity, heavy lifting, or pregnancy.
What are the potential complications of a paraesophageal hernia?
- Strangulation
- Ischemia
- Obstruction of the stomach
What is the gold standard diagnostic tool for hiatal hernia?
Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) or barium swallow study
What are the typical symptoms of a sliding hiatal hernia?
GERD symptoms such as heartburn, regurgitation, or dysphagia
What are the key anatomical landmarks to identify during a hiatal hernia repair?
- Esophageal hiatus
- Gastroesophageal junction
- Crura of the diaphragm
- Vagus nerve
A 45-year-old female presents with a 6-month history of heartburn, regurgitation, and a sensation of food getting stuck in her chest after eating. She denies any weight loss or hematemesis. An upper endoscopy reveals the gastroesophageal junction above the diaphragm with no evidence of esophagitis. What is the most likely diagnosis?
A) Esophageal cancer
B) Barrett’s esophagus
C) Achalasia
D) Sliding hiatal hernia
Sliding hiatal hernia
The most common hiatal hernia is a sliding type, which can present with GERD-like symptoms. The absence of other alarming features (e.g., weight loss or bleeding) suggests a benign cause like a sliding hiatal hernia.
A 60-year-old male presents with chest pain, postprandial fullness, and vomiting. Physical exam reveals mild epigastric tenderness. A barium swallow study shows part of the stomach located above the diaphragm, while the gastroesophageal junction remains in its normal position. What is the most appropriate next step in management?
A) Proton pump inhibitor therapy
B) Observation with lifestyle modifications
C) Elective surgical repair
D) Urgent endoscopy
Elective Surgical Repair
This is a paraesophageal hernia, which can cause serious complications like strangulation. Elective surgical repair is recommended in paraesophageal hernia’s to prevent these outcomes.
A 67-year-old female with a paraesophageal hernia presents to the emergency room with acute onset of severe chest pain, nausea, and vomiting. Her vitals show tachycardia and hypotension. Abdominal imaging reveals gastric volvulus and signs of ischemia. What is the most appropriate next step in management?
A) Emergency surgical repair
B) Intravenous proton pump inhibitors
C) Barium swallow study
D) Nasogastric decompression
Emergency Surgical Repair
Gastric volvulus is a surgical emergency, and prompt intervention is necessary to prevent further ischemia and necrosis of the stomach.
Approximately 85% of hiatal hernias can be treated effectively with diet modifications and PPI’s, if these treatments are not effective what surgical procedure should be considered?
Laparoscopic Nissen fundopication
What is the most common cause of appendicitis?
Obstruction of the appendiceal lumen, often by a fecalith (hardened stool), lymphoid hyperplasia, or less commonly by tumors or foreign bodies.
What is the classic initial symptom of appendicitis?
Periumbilical pain that later migrates to the right lower quadrant (RLQ) as the inflammation progresses.
What is McBurney’s point?
It is a point located two-thirds of the distance from the umbilicus to the anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS). Tenderness at this point is a classic sign of appendicitis.
What is the most common complication of untreated appendicitis?
Perforation, which can lead to peritonitis or an intra-abdominal abscess.
Which physical exam sign suggests appendicitis if the patient experiences pain upon passive extension of the right hip?
Psoas Sign
What is the typical sequence of symptoms in acute appendicitis?
Periumbilical pain → anorexia → nausea/vomiting → RLQ pain
What imaging modality is most commonly used to diagnose appendicitis in adults?
CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis with contrast
What is the treatment for uncomplicated appendicitis?
Appendectomy
What are the typical laboratory findings in acute appendicitis?
Leukocytosis with a left shift (increased neutrophils), but normal labs do not rule out appendicitis
What is the most common cause of emergent abdominal surgery in the United States?
Acute appendicitis
Can you have an abnormal urinanalysis with appendicitis?
Yes, mild hematuria and pyuria are common in appendicitis w/ pelvic inflammation, resulting in inflammation of the ureter
What are the preoperative medications and preperation for an appendectomy?
- Rehydration with IV fluids (LR)
- Preoperative antibiotics with anaerobic coverage
How long after removal of a NONRUPTURED appendix should antibiotics continue post-op?
24 hours