General Surgery Flashcards
When is Nasojejunal feeding done?
Gastric disease
Reduced gastric emptying
Recent gastric surgery
When is Gastrostomy feeding done?
Blocked/ dysfunctional Oesophagus
When is Jejunostomy feeding done?
Stomach not accessible
Outflow obstruction
Compare how Upper and Lower GI Perforations are treated
Upper: Closed
Lower: Resected (bowel section removed, remaining parts need to be joined)
List 2 Lower GI Perforations and 1 upper GI Perforation
Lower: Perforated diverticulum, Perforated tumour
Upper: Duodenal ulcer
2 most common causes of Small Bowel Obstruction
Adhesions (50-75%, most caused by previous abdo surgery)
Hernias (7-25%)
List 3 common causes of large bowel obstruction
Colorectal cancer (65%)
Diverticular disease (20%)
Sigmoid Volvulus (10%)
The management of SI Obstruction is usually surgery, except for 2 situations.
Describe these
Adhesional SI Obstruction (May be suitable for conservative management)
Sigmoid Volvulus (May be suitable for Endoscopic decompression to suck everything out)
How is an Upper GI bleed diagnosed
Gastroscopy, often done by Gastroenterologist
(OGD: Oesophago-Gastro-Duodenoscopy)
In Gallstone Ileus, how does a gallstone big enough to cause obstruction enter the SI
Gallbladder is close to Duodenum .can also be in terminal ileum
Frequent gallbladder inflammation can cause a fistula to form, which gallstone can pass through.
Outline Rigler’s Triad
Seen in gallstone ileus on AXR
SI obstruction
Air in bile ducts
Gallstone out of gallbladder
Outline Perianal abscess treatment
Who is it commonly seen in
Surgery- Drainage
Medical- Consider Ceftriaxone or Metronidazole
Diabetics, Elderly, Obese, Immunocompromised
What can untreated Perianal abscess cause
Necrotising fasciitis
Outline ABCDE in reading AXR
(Can use ABDO X)
A: Air in wrong place
B: Bowel (Dilation, Volvulus, Distension, Hernia, Wall thickening)
C: Calcification
D: Disability (Bones and organs)
E: Everything else
What does a trace of free fluid in the pelvis indicate
Appendicitis (Inflammatory response-> Mucosal oedema)
List post-op complications of an appendicectomy
Stump appendicitis/ Stumpitis
List 4 complications of appendicitis
Perforation
Surgical site infection
Appendix mass (Omentum + SI adhere to Appendix)
Pelvic abscess (Fever, Palpable RIF mass, ABx and drainage to treat)
When should an OGD be done as an Inpatient
Gastric outflow obstruction
If pt has Gastric Band/ Balloon
Dysphagia
Upper GI bleed
It’s RFs for Oesophageal SCC
(Middle and Upper 1/3)
Achalasia
Smoking, Alcohol, Low Vit A
Fe deficiency (rarely)
It’s RFs for Oesophageal Adenocarcinoma
(Lower 1/3)
GORD, Obesity, High fat intake
What investigations can be done to stage Oesophageal cancer, after an OGD done?
(If any palpable cervical lymph nodes, can do Fine Needle Aspiration)
CT- Chest-Abo-Pelvis + PET-CT (Distant metastases)
Endoscopic USS (Oesophageal wall penetration)
Staging Laparoscopy (Intra-peritoneal metastases) (Not done routinely)
How are Oesophageal SCC and Adenocarcinoma treated
SCC: Chemo-radiotherapy
Adenocarcinoma;
- Neoadjuvant Chemo or Chemo-radiotherapy
- Oesophageal resection
How is the Upper GI restored after an Oesophagectomy?
Stomach made into tube and bought into chest to replace Oesophagus.
List 4 approaches of Oesophagectomy + Oesophgeal Restoration
Ivor-Lewis procedure: Right Thoracotomy w/ laparotomy
McKeown Procedure: R Thoracotomy w/ Abdominal + Neck incision
Left Thoracotomy w/ or w/o neck incision
Left Thoraco-abdominal incision
List complications of an Oesophagectomy
Anastomosis leak
Re-operation
Penumonia
What is Troiser’s sign?
Palpable Left Supraclavicular L Node (Virchow’s)
What info is usually used to make a clinical diagnosis of GORD?
What initial investigation can be done to investigate symptoms?
Good history + PPI trial
OGD/ Upper GI Endoscopy (Mainly to exclude Malignancy + Investigate Reflux Complications)
What’s the gold standard for GORD diagnosis
24hr pH testing + Oesophageal Manometry to exclude oesophageal dysmotility
What are 3 indications for surgical treatment of GORD, rather than medication (PPI etc)
Failure to respond/ or only partial response to medications
Pt prefers to avoid life-long medication
Pts with GORD complications (Aspiration pneumonia, Barret’s, Oesophgeal Strictures and Cancer)
List 3 surgical techniques used to treat GORD
Fundoplication
Stretta
Linx
Outline Fundoplication in treating GORD
(Nissen’s approach: Posterior 360 approach)
Gastro-Oesophgeal junction + Hiatus are dissected and Fundus wrapped around GOJ.
What are the main side effects of Fundoplication in GORD treatment
Dysphagia
Bloating
Inability to vomit
These often settle after 6wks, as swelling and inflammation recedes
Outline Stretta and Linx in treating GORD
Stretta: Radiofrequency energy delivered endoscopically to thicken LOS
Linx: String of magnetic beads wrapped around LOS laparoscopically, which tightens LOS
What is a Hiatus Hernia?
What are the 2 types? (Mixed can also occur)
(Most hernias are asymptomatic)
Protrusion of an organ from abdominal cavity into thorax, through Oesophageal hiatus
Sliding hiatus hernia (80%)
Rolling/ Para-Oesophgeal Hernia (20%)
Describe a Sliding Hiatus Hernia
How does it present specifically?
GOJ, Abdominal Oesophagus (frequently + Cardia) all move up through diaphragmatic hiatus into thorax
Constant reflux
Describe a Rolling/ Para-Oesophageal Hiatus Hernia
How does it present specifically?
Gastric fundus moves upwards to lie alongside normally positioned GOJ, creating a stomach “bubble”.
Some Dysphagia
List Hiatus Hernia RFs
Age (mainly)
Pregnancy
Obesity
Ascites
Compare Acute and Chronic Pancreatitis
Acute: Potentially life threatening
Chronic: Progressive fibrosis and destruction of Endo + Exocrine gland functions
- Amylase and Lipase not usually raised
List 10 Acute Pancreatitis causes (GET SMASHED)
Gallstones
Ethanol
Trauma
Steroids
Mumps
Autoimmune disease
Scorpion venom
Hypercalcaemia
ERCP
Drugs (Azathioprine, NSAIDs, Diuretics)
Name a scoring system used to assess Acute Pancreatitis severity
Modified Glasgow Criteria;
- If within 48hrs of admission
- If 3/+ +ve factors, severe
Name tools other than Modified Glasgow criteria, used to assess Acute Pancreatitis severity
APACHE II
Ranson criteria
Balthazar score (CT scoring)
Treating any GI Perforation involves what 3 things
Identifying underlying cause
Appropriate management (Different for PUD, SI, LI)
Thorough washout (most important part)
Outline the specific surgical management technique for a Peptic Ulcer Peforation
Access via Upper Midline incision or Laparoscopically
Patch of Omentum (Graham patch) tacked loosely over ulcer
(Would be difficult to oversew due to tissue inflammation)
Outline the specific surgical management technique for a Small Bowel Peforation
Access via Midline Laparotomy
Small perforations can be oversewn if bowel is viable
Any doubt about bowel’s condition should lead to Bowel resection +/- Primary anastomosis +/- Stoma formation
Outline the specific surgical management technique for a Large Bowel Perforation
Access via Midline Laparotomy
Resection w/ Stoma formation is often preferred, as Anastomosis in presence of faecal contamination and an unstable pt is not recommended
30% of UC pts will need surgery at some point.
Outline Elective surgical treatment
Total Proctocolectomy is curative with the pt requiring an Ileostomy (Some pts may undergo Ileal pouch-anal anastomosis, IPAA)
Many pts will initially undergo a sub-total colectomy with rectum preservation
List 4 complications of UC
Toxic megacolon
Colorectal carcinoma
Osteoporosis
Pouchitis (if had an IPAA operation)
70-80% of Crohn’s pts will need surgery at some point.
List 4 surgical treatments
Ileocaecal resection (Removal of terminal ileum and caecum with anastomosis)
Small/ Large bowel resection
Surgery for Peri-anal disease
Stricturoplasty (Division of a stricture causing obstruction)
List 4 GI complications of Crohn’s
Fistula
Stricture
Recurrent peri-anal fistula
GI Malignancy
List 4 Extra-intestinal complications of Crohn’s
Osteoporosis (Malabsorption, long-term steroid use)
Increased risk of gallstones (reduce bile salt reabsorption)
Increased risk of renal stones
Erythema Nodosum
What are Rigler’s and Telltale Traingle signs?
They signify what?
Rigler’s: Crisp, clearly defined bowel wal
Telltale Traingle: Triangles/ Slivers of gas
Pneumoperitoneum
What does ‘thumbprinting’ show
(Wavy, undulating)
(Common: IBD, Ischaemia, Diverticulitis, Infection)
Oedema of colonic wall, haustra thickened and swollen
Signifies some form of colitis
Outline Lead pipe colon sign
No fold pattern, suggests colitis for long time
List 3 phases of CT with IV contrast (Look at Allergies, eGFR, good Venous access)
Systemic arterial (AAA, Stenoses etc)
Portal venous (Abdo or general purpose)
Delayed (Urological)
When may a CT with oral contrast be used
To look for GI tract leaks or Fistula
List risks of ERCP
Haemorrhage
Perforation
Pancreatitis (mild and self-limiting)
Repeated Cholangitis
Compare Charcot’s Triad and Reynold’s Pentad
Charcot: RUQ Pain, Jaundice, Fever
Reynold’s: RUQ Pain, Jaundice, Fever, Hypotension, Confusion
Outline Courvoisier’s Law
Jaundice with a painless palpable gallbladder is unlikely to be due to Gallstones, but due to Pancreas/ Gallbladder malignancy
(Caused by Chronic Inflammation so no damage or pain, whereas gallstones cause acute damage and inflammation- pain)
What is Boerhaave’s Syndrome
Spontaneous perforation of the esophagus due to sudden increase in intraesophageal pressure combined with negative intrathoracic pressure
(Mallory-Weiss syndrome is not full thickness)
What causes Oesophageal perforations commonly
Iatrogenic or severe, forceful vomiting
How does an oesophageal full-thickness tear present
(Rupture to any part of oesophgeal wall, full ruptures have a mortality of 50-80%)
Mackler’s Triad (Only seen in 15% of pts): Pain, Vomit, SC Emphysema
- Severe, sudden, Retrosternal chest pain
- Respiratory distress
- Subcutaneous emphysema (Often absent)
List the 2 main categories of Oesophgeal tears
Full thickness (Perforation)
Superficial Mucosal tears (Mallory-Weiss)
Why is an Oesophgeal rupture a surgical emergency
Stomach contents leak into Mediastinum and Pleural cavity, -> severe inflammation
This will result in physiological collapse, multi-organ failure and death
What’s the most common site for oesophageal perforation
Just above diaphragm in postero-lateral position
What investigations are done for Oesophageal Perforations
Routine bloods, Group&Save
Initial imaging: CXR may show air in mediastinum or intra-thoracic air fluid levels
Definitive imaging;
- Urgent CT-Chest-Abdo-Pelvis w/ IV and Oral contrast
- May show Air/ Fluid in Mediastinum or Pleural Cavity
If high suspicion based on history and examination, urgent endoscopy
Oesophageal perforation pts are often septic and haemodynamically unstable.
Outline non-definitive, non-surgical treatment
- Resuscitation, transfer to ICU/ HDU
- Abx + AFx fcover
- NBM for 1-2wks, w/ NG tube for drainage
- Large-bore chest drain
- Feeding Jejunostomy or Total Parenteral Nutrition, TPN
Where are Mallory-Weiss tears usually located?
Gastro-oesophageal junction
Outline causes/ RFs and Clinical features of Mallory-Weiss tears
After profuse vomiting, results in a short period of Hamatemesis
- Generally small and self-limiting (in absence of clotting abnormalities or anti-coag drugs)
- Rarely, present with haemorrhagic shock
Most Mallory-Weiss cases can be managed conservatively.
Outline Investigations (Same as for any Upper GI bleed)
Investigations;
- VBG, Routine bloods (FBC, LFTs, Clotting, U&Es)
- Group&Save for all pts. If significant, crossmatch 4 units
- Definitive: OGD
- Erect CXR, if Perforated Peptic Ulcer suspected
- CT Abdo w/ IV Contrast
Most Mallory-Weiss cases can be managed conservatively.
Outline Management (Same as for any Upper GI bleed)
Fluids. Transfusion if needed
Reduce bleeding: Non-selective B-blocker/ Cauterisation/ Adrenaline injection
- Oesophageal varices: Abx, Terlipressin, Endoscopic banding
IV PPI for 72hrs
Colorectal cancers originate from epithelial cells of colon/rectum, most commonly Adenocarcinomas.
Outline the progression/ development of them
Normal Mucosa-> Colonic adenoma/ polyps-> Invasive adenocarcinoma
(Adenomas may be present for 10yrs before progressing, 10% of cases progress)
75% of colorectal cancers are Sporadic, developing in people with no risk factors
List potential RFs
Increasing age, Male, FHx, Smoking, Excess alcohol
IBD, Low fibre, High processed meat intake
List classical clinical features of Bowel cancer- Left and Right
RHS Colon;
- Abdo pain
- Fe deficiency anaemia
- RIF Mass
LHS Colon;
- PR bleed
- Change in bowel habit
- Tenesmus
- LIF mass
List imaging investigations for suspected Colorectal cancer
Gold standard: Colonoscopy w/ Biopsy (If not, CT Colonography)
Staging investigations;
- CT-Chest-Abdo-Pelvis
- MRI Rectum (for rectal cancer only)
- Endo-anal USS (Assess suitability for trans-anal resection)
The main curative management of Colorectal cancer is surgery, followed by Primary Anastomosis/ Stoma formation.
List 5 non-emergency types
- (Extended) Right Hemilectomy
- Left Hemilectomy
- Sigmoidcolectomy
- Anterior Resection
- Abdominoperinel (AP) Resection
The main curative management of bowel cancer is surgery, generally being Regional Colectomy followed by Primary Anastomosis/ Stoma formation.
Describe 1 emergency type (Perforation, Obstruction)
Hartmann’s Procedure
Complete resection of Recto-sigmoid Colon w/ End Colostomy and Rectal Stump closure
Describe (Extended) Right Hemilectomy
For Caecal/ Ascending Colon tumours
Extended operation performed for Transverse Colon tumours
Ileocolic, Right Colic + Right branch of Middle Colic (SMA Branches) divided+removed w/ their mesenteries
Describe Left Hemilectomy
For Descending Colon Tumours
Left branch of Middle Colic vessels (SMA/SMV branches)
IMV + Left Colic vessels (IMA/ IMV branches)
All these are divided + removed w/ their mesenteries
Describe Sigmoidcolectomy
For Sigmoid Colon tumours
IMA fully dissected out w/ tumour
Describe Anterior Resection
For High Rectal tumours, typically if >5cm from anus.
Leaves Rectal Sphincter intact if anastomosis performed.
Often, defunctioning loop ileostomy done to protect anastomosis and reduce complications if it leaks.
Describe AP Resection
For Low Rectal tumours, typically if <5cm from Anus
Excision of Distal Colon, Rectum + Anal sphincters
Resulting in Permanent Colostomy
How can colorectal cancer with bowel obstruction be relieved?
Decompressing colostomy/ Endoscopic stenting
When are Chemo and Radiotherapy used in Colorectal cancer
(Radio rarely used in rectal cancer, due to risk of SI damage)
Chemo: Advanced Colorectal cancer
Radio: Neo-adjuvant or alongside Chemo
Compare MRCP and ERCP
MRCP;
- Non-invasive
- Not good for pts who are claustrophobic
ERCP;
- Invasive
- Risk of Pancreatitis
List causes of Cholangitis
RFs: Lipids, COCP, Fibrates
Common organisms: E. coli, Klebsiella, Enterococcus
Common Causes: Gallstones, ERCP, Cholangiocarcinoma
Rarer Causes: Pancreatitis, Parasitic infections, PSC, Ischaemic Cholangiopathy
List clinical features of Cholangitis
RUQ Pain, Fever, Jaundice, HypoT, Confusion (Charcot’s, Reynold’s)
Itching, Rigors, RUQ Tenderness, Tachycardia
How do the presentations of Biliary Colic and Cholecystitis differ to Cholangitis
Biliary Colic: RUQ Pain, No fever/ Jaundice or Leucocytosis
Cholecystitis: RUQ Pain + Fever, No jaundice
List Investigations for Cholangitis
Bloods- FBC, LFTs, Blood cultures (Only +ve in 20%)
Biliary tract USS: Shows dilation (Usually <6mm) or possible stones
Gold standard: ERCP, however MRCP recommended first
Outline Immediate management of Cholangitis
Fluids, Analgesia, Abx (Metronidazole)
Sepsis 6 if septic
Outline Definitive management of Cholangitis
Endoscopic Biliary Decompression, removing blockage in biliary tree.
- ERCP w/ or w/o a Sphincterectomy and Stenting
- If too sick: Percutaneous Transhepatic Cholangiography (PTC)
In long-term, pts may need Cholecystectomy if caused by Gallstones.
Gallstones form due to bile supersaturation.
List the 3 main types
Cholesterol – Composed purely of cholesterol, from excess cholesterol production
Pigment – Composed purely of bile pigments, from excess bile pigments production
Mixed stones – Comprised of both cholesterol and bile pigments
What are Cholesterol and Pigment stones associated with?
Cholesterol: Linked to Poor diet and Obesity
Pigment: Haemolytic Anaemia
List the common RFs for Gallstone disease
“5 Fs” + others
FHx, Fat, Female, Fertile, ≥40
Pregnancy, Haemolytic Anaemia, Malabsorption, Oestrogen contraceptives
Biliary colic pain may radiate to Back/ Epigastrium.
Why may pain be precipitated by fatty foods
Fatty acids stimulate Duodenum to release CCK, stimulating GB contraction
How can Acute Cholecystitis present
Constant RUQ/ Epigastrium pain, w/ signs of Inflammation (Fever, Lethargy)
RUQ Tenderness, May show +ve Murphy’s sign
May show Guarding (May suggest GB Perforation)
List investigations for Gallstones
FBC, LFTs, CRP, Amylase
Urinalysis, Pregnancy test
1: Abdominal USS
2: MRCP (Gold Standard)
What 3 things are looked for on a Trans-abdominal USS
Presence of Gallstones/ Sludge (Start of gallstone formation)
GB Wall thickness
Bile Duct Dilation
Outline Biliary Colic management
Lifestyle changes (Weight loss, Exercise)
Analgesia- IM Diclofenac
Elective Lap Cholecystectomy within 6wks (Best outcomes within 1wk)
(Removed w/ Cystic Duct + Artery)
Outline Acute Cholecystitis management
Analgesia, Anti-emetic, Fluids, IV Abx (Co-amoxiclav +/- Metronidazole)
Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy indicated within 1wk of presentation
Outline Acute Cholecystitis management for those not fit for surgery and not responding to Abx
Percutaneous Cholecystostomy to drain infection
(Risk of re-infection remains)
List complications of Gallstone disease
(Not Cholangitis, Biliary colic, Pancreatitis, Acute Cholecystitis)
- Mirizzi Syndrome
- GB Empyema
- Chronic Cholecystitis (-> GB Carcinoma, Biliary-enteric Fistula)
- Bouveret’s Syndrome and Gallstone Ileus
Describe Mirizzi Syndrome
Outline Presentation, Diagnosis, Management
Stone in Hartmann’s Pouch can cause compression of adjacent Common Hepatic Duct
Presentation: Obstruction jaundice
Diagnosis: MRCP
Management: Lap Cholecystectomy
Describe GB Empyema
Outline Presentation, Diagnosis, Management
GB fills with Pus
Presentation: Similar to Acute Cholecystitis
Diagnosis: USS or CT scan
Management: Lap Cholecystectomy (may need intra-op drainage or Percutaneous Cholecystostomy)
Describe Chronic Cholecystitis
Outline Presentation, Diagnosis, Management
Persistent GB wall inflammation
Presentation: Ongoing RUQ/ Epigastric pain w/ N+V
Diagnosis: CT
Management: Elective Cholecystectomy