Gastrointestinal (Including Liver)

Question 1

Which hormone increases gastric motility?

Answer 1

Gastrin

Question 2

Source of gastrin.

Answer 2

G cells in the antrum of the stomach.

Question 3

Which hormone delays gastric emptying?

Answer 3

Somatostatin.

Question 4

Which hormone stimulates parietal cell maturation?

Answer 4

Gastrin.

Question 5

Which parts of the duodenum are intraperitoneal and which are retroperitoneal?

Answer 5

The 1st part is intraperitoneal and the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th are retroperitoneal.

Question 6

What is gastroparesis?

Answer 6

A medical disorder of ineffective neuromuscular contractions (peristalsis) of the stomach, resulting in food and liquid remaining in the stomach for a prolonged period of time.

Question 7

What is the most common known cause of gastroparesis?

Answer 7

Most common known cause is autonomic neuropathy of the vagus nerve, which innervates the stomach. Uncontrolled diabetes mellitus is a frequent cause of this nerve damage, but trauma to the vagus nerve is also possible.

Question 8

Symptoms of gastroparesis.

Answer 8

Nausea and vomiting.
Early satiety.
Bloating and abdominal pain.
Weight loss and malnutrition.
Blood sugar fluctuations.

Question 9

Treatment for gastroparesis.

Answer 9

Dietary changes: e.g., eating 4-6 small meals a day, rather than 3 large meals.
Reducing the amount of insoluble fibre (e.g., wholegrain bread and beans).
Having a liquid diet.

Medicines: metoclopramide/domperidone.

Erythromycin is also listed by NICE as a possible treatment.

Other treatments depending on symptoms may include:

> A feeding tube for malnutrition.

> Botulinum toxin injections to help relax the pyloric sphincter.

> Gastro-electrical stimulation.

> Surgery to reshape the stomach.