general Flashcards
fistula define
abnormal connection between 2 epithelial surfaces
can fistula resolve spontaneously
- as a general RULE, all fistulae will RESOLVE SPONTANEOUSLY as long as there is no DISTAL OBSTRUCTION
- especially true for intestinal fistulae
what ABs can be used to screen for thyroid cancer reccurence
thyroglobulin ABs
- this is the major constituent of colloid + precursor of thyroid hormones
- can be elevated in those with mets or recurr thyroid C
Boas’s sign in acute cholecystitis
hyperaesthesia beneath right scapula in acute cholecystitis
-occurs as abdo wall innervation of this region is from SPINAL ROOTS that LIE at this LEVEL
epigastric pain that worsens on lying down + radiates to back is typical of what
pancreatitis
what are the 3 primary malignant tumours of bone causing pathological #
- Chondrosarcoma
- Osteosarcoma
- Ewing’s tumour
inguinal hernia define
protrusion of viscera or abdominal contents through the superficial inguinal ring
-either INDIRECTLY through deep inguinal ring OR DIRECT ING H protruding through defect in posterior wall of inguinal canal
what is it called if a hernia cannot be reduced
INCARCERATED
-these hernias are at risk of strangulation = surg emergency
strangulated hernia presentation
SURG EMERG - where blood supply to herniated T is compromised –> ischaemia or necrosis
-Sx: pain, F, incr in size of hernia or erythema of overlying skin, peritonitis, bowel obstruction eg N, V, distension, bowel ischaemia eg bloody stools
MW tear features
- usu antecedent vomiting
- then vomit small am of blood
- usu little systemic disturbance or prior sx
Hiatus hernia of gastric cardia features
- often longstanding hx of dyspepsia, pts often OVERWEIGHT
- uncomplicated hiatus H should not be assoc with dysphagia or haematemesis
Oesophageal rupture features
- complete disruption of oesophageal wall in absence of pre-existing pathology
- left postero-lateral oesophagus is commonest site (2-3cm from OG jtn)
- sx: severe CP without cardiac dx + signs suggestive of pneumonia without convincing hx, where there is hx of vomiting
- erect CXR shows infiltrate or effusion in 90% cases
SCC of oesophagus features
History of PROGRESSIVE DYSPHAGIA
- Often signs of W.LOSS
- Usually little or NO hx of previous GORD type sx
Adenocarcinoma of oesophagus features
PROGRESSIVE DYSPHAGIA, may have previous Sx of GORD or Barretts oesophagus
Peptic stricture features
- Longer hx of dysphagia, often not progressive
- Usually sx of GORD
- Often lack systemic feat seen with malignancy
Dysmotility disorder features
- May have dysphagia that is EPISODIC and NON-PROGRESSIVE
- Retrosternal pain may accompany the episodes.
when to request a NON-URGENT OGD in pts
=Patients with HAEMATEMESIS
=Patients aged >= 55Y who’ve got:
- -treatment-resistant dyspepsia or
- -upper abdo pain with low haemoglobin levels or
- -raised platelet count with any of: N, VOM, W.LOSS, reflux, dyspepsia, upper abdominal pain
- -N or VOM with any of the following: W.LOSS, REFLUX, DYSPEPSIA, upper abdominal pain
MX pts who do not meet referral criteria = UNDIAGNOSED DYSPEPSIA
DYSPEPSIA = complex of UGI tract sx which are typically pres for 4+ weeks, including upper abdo pain or discomfort, heartburn, acid reflux, N and/or V
Mx: step wise
- review meds for poss cause
- lifestyle advice
- trial of full dose PPI for 1m OR a test + treat approach for H.Pylori - if sx persist after either of the above approaches then try alt
red flags requiring urgent OGD - within 2weeks
1-ALL patients who’ve got DYSPHAGIA
2-ALL pts who’ve got an upper abdominal mass consistent with STOMACH C
3-Patients aged >= 55 years who’ve got W.LOSS, AND any of the following:
–upper abdominal pain
–reflux
–dyspepsia
SBO sx + raised amylase, what is dx
SBO
- amylase can be raised in SBO not just pancreatitis
- another differentiator is that in pancreatitis you wouldn’t get problems passing stools or flatus
wehn to do a thoracotomy in haemothorax
> 1.5L blood initially or losses of >200ml per hour for >2 hours