Gastroenterology Flashcards
What is hiatal hernia usually caused by?
Obesity weakening the diaphragm
What’s the best initial therapy for hiatal hernia?
WL and PPI
What’s the name of the surgical correction for hiatal hernia?
Nissen fundoplication
Which type of hernia is more likely to need emergent surgery?
Paraesophageal
What’s the essential feature of most esophageal disorders?
Dysphagia
What’s the name for pain while swallowing?
Odynophagia
What are the 3 alarm sx that require endoscopy?
- WL
- Blood in stool
- Anemia
What is achalasia?
The inability of the LES to relax due to loss of the nerve plexus; unclear etiology
What’s the most likely dx:
Young patient under 50, progressive dysphagia to BOTH solids and liquids at the same time, no association with alcohol and tobacco?
Achalasia
What’s the most likely dx:
Bird’s beak on barium esophagram?
Achalasia
What’s the most accurate test for achalasia and shows a failure of the LES to relax?
Manometry
Does upper endoscopy show normal mucosa in achalasia?
Yes
What’s the tx for achalasia?
Pneumatic dilation (endoscope with inflatable device that enlarges the esophagus)– very effective!
What’s even more effective than pneumatic dilation for achalasia but is more dangerous?
Surgical sectioning/myotomy
Can you use botox for achalasia?
Yes, but the effects will wear off in 3-6 mos
What’s the key word in diagnosing esophageal cancer dysphagia sx?
Progressive (from solids to liquids)
What’s the best test to confirm esophageal cancer?
Endoscopy with biopsy
What would you use PET scan for in esophageal cancer?
To determine if it’s resectable (local is resectable)
Do you use chemo and radiation in addition to surgery for esophageal cancer?
Yes
How can you palliate with esophageal cancer if you can’t do surgery?
Stent placement
What are 2 possible dx’s for the following:
Sudden onset of chest pain not related to exertion, possibly related to drinking cold liquids?
Esophageal spasm:
- DES
- Nutcracker esophagus
How can you distinguish DES and nutcracker esophagus?
Manometry
What 2 dx’s might show corkscrews on barium studies?
- DES
2. Nutcracker esophagus
What’s the best tx for esophageal spastic disorders?
Ca channel blockers (similar to Prinzmetal angina)