GI Flashcards
what is acute cholecystitis caused by?
sustained obstruction of cystic duct
how is acute cholecystitis different from acute cholangitis?
by lack of biliary obstruction & jaundice (cholangitis has this)
what are the s/s of acute cholecystitis?
localizing constant RUQ pain/epigastrium
pain lasts >3-4 hrs
N/V, systemic sx’s of infam -> fever, tachycardia
pt stays still b/c pain aggravated by movement
what is a sign of perforation in acute cholecystitis?
hypoactive bowel sounds
what is Boas sign?
radiation of pain d/t phrenic nerve irritation in acute cholecystitis
(pain radiates from RUQ to scapula)
what are the labs like for acute cholecystitis?
LEUKOCYTOSIS W/ LEFT SHIFT
mild incr. in AST/ALT
what’s the initial test of choice for acute cholecystitis?
U/S (shows distended gallbladder and thickened GB wall)
what’s the GOLD STANDARD to dx acute cholecystitis?
HIDA scan (aka cholescintigraphy) - see non visualization of GB suggesting cystic duct obstruction
what’s the tx for acute cholecystitis?
NPO, IVFs, IV abx (3rd gen CPN & Flagyl)
Lap chole (after IVF and abx tx)
Cholecystostomy (if too ill for cholecystectomy)
what is the MOST COMMON bacteria in acute cholecystitis? other bacteria?
MC = E. coli
others: Klebsiells, enterococci, b. frag, clostridium
what can chronic cholecystitis lead to?
gallbladder cancer (d/t chronic inflammation of GB)
what’s the s/s of chronic cholecystitis?
Biliary colic = classic & MC sx
NO FEVER/CHILLS (NO INFECTION)
which has FEVER/CHILLS - signs of infection…acute or chronic cholecystitis?
acute cholecytitis
what’s the labs like for chronic cholecystitis?
normal CBC w/diff (no leukocytosis)
LFTs normal
how is chronic cholecystitis distinguished from acute cholecystitis?
by sx’s and absence of leukocytosis
what’s the preferred imaging for dx of chronic cholecystitis?
U/S
what’s the tx of chronic cholecystitis?
IV analgesics & observation
Elective cholecystectomy (after confirm dx)
Intra-op cholangiogram
Lithotripsy w/ bile salts (chenodeoxycholic & ursodeoxycholic acid) -> takes 2 years, if can’t do surgery
what’s the MC cause of acute pancreatitis? after that?
MCC is gallstones
after is ETOH abuse (chronic)
what’s the s/s of acute pancreatitis?
abrupt onset of non-cramps, epigastric abd pain that radiates to the back
pain alleviated by sitting forward or standing
N/V, anorexia, jaundice (d/t biliary obstruction)
the pain in acute pancreatitis is alleviated by what?
sitting forward or standing
what’s the labs like for acute pancreatitis?
Amylase/Lipase >3x ULN
-or elevated amylase 1.5x ULN w/ lipase of 5x ULN
Fasting Tg >1,000
Leukocytosis
what imaging is done to dx acute pancreatitis?
CT w/ IV contrast
what’s the tx for acute pancreatitis?
dmit to hospital, NPO, IVFs, analgesia with Meperidine (not morphine b/c incr. spasm of sphincter of Oddi), antiemetic IV
when is surgery done for acute pancreatitis?
if dx uncertainty and to prevent further attacks of acute pancreatitis
what surgeries are done for acute pancreatitis?
If mild-mod pancreatitis d/t cholelithiasis → undergo cholecystectomy during admission
If choledocholithiasis → ERCP w/ sphincterotomy & stone extraction done pre-op to clear CBT
what is chronic pancreatitis?
irreversible damage to pancreas
occurs after multiple acute attacks, causing pancreatic ductal system to become permanently damaged
what insufficiencies occur in chronic pancreatitis?
endocrine & exocrine and are manifested by DM and steatorrhea
causes of chronic pancreatitis?
ETOH abuse = MC
smoking, CF, autoimmune
what are the s/s of chronic pancreatitis?
dull epigastric pain that radiates tot he back (improved by leaning forward) that starts out intermittent, then becomes constant
malnutrition & fat-soluble vit. deficiencies d/t malabsorption 2/2 exocrine insufficiency and steatorrhea
what are the labs for chronic pancreatitis?
Secretin test -> Abnl if >60% dysfxn (checks digestive enzyme fxn b/c secretin stimulates their secretion from the pancreas)
what’s the tx for chronic pancreatitis?
change diet to decrease fat and ETOH
***pancreatic enzyme replacement for steatorrhea
what are the MC anal abscesses?
perianal and ischiorectal
what is a perianal abscess?
early intersphincteric abscess increases in size
what is a ischiorectal anal abscess?
in ischiorectal fossa located outside external sphincter & below elevator ani muscles
what’s a supralevator anal abscess?
abscess spreads above elevators (hard to dx)
what’s an intersphincteric anal abscess?
abscess b/w external and internal anal sphincters
what are the s/s of anal abscess?
***Cardinal signs of infection present: fever, redness, swelling
***Extreme perirectal pain that won’t let pt sit down or have BMs
Hard to see swelling on early intersphincteric and supralevator
what are the classic PE findings for anal abscess?
rubor, dolor, calor, tumor (heat, pain, redness, swelling)
what’s the tx for anal abscess?
I&D of abscess
-if perianal or ischiorectal abscess -> drain thru skin (simple)
-if perirectal, intersphincteric, supralevator abscess -> draining OR (complicated)
what are anal fistulas?
from anal abscess ater drainage
Abnl. communication b/w anus at level of dentate line & the perirectal skin, thru the bed of a the previous abscess
what is an intersphincteric fistulae?
results of perinanal abscess
what is a transsphincteric fistulae?
result of ischiorectal abscess
what is a suprasphincteric fistulae?
result of supralevator abscess
what’s the sx’s of anal fistulas?
chronic drainage of pus, fecal soiling, occasional perineal discomfort
what’s goodsall’s rule?
to predict trajectory of the fistulous tract & location of the internal anal opening
Fistulas w/ext. opening anteriorly to anal line, connect to internal opening by short radial straight tract
Fistulas w/ext. opening posteriorly to anal line connect to internal opening by curvilinear fashion to posterior midline
Exception: ant. fistulas lying >3 cm from anus, may have curved track (sim. to post. fistulas)
what’s the tx for anal fistulas?
Fistulotomy (unroof fistula tract) - careful about cutting sphincter -> incontinence (use seton stitch to avoid incontinence)
where are most anal fissures located?
posterior midline
what’s the tx for anal fissures? (acute and chronic fissures)
Acute fissures:
-conservative tx, avoid diarrhea/constipation, bulk laxative, top. nitro, top. procainamide, botox, sitz bath, top. CCB
Failure of conservative tx or chronic fissures:
-Surgery -> partial lateral internal sphincterotomy
what are the two types of anorexia?
restrictive type and purging type
what’s the BMI or body weight to dx anorexia?
BMI < 17.5 kg/m2 or body weight <85% of ideal weight
what is seen on PE for anorexia?
emaciation, hypotension, bradycardia, skin/hair changes (ex. lanugo), dry skin, salivary gland hypertrophy, amenorrhea, arrhythmias, osteoporosis
what’s the labs like for anorexia?
leukocytosis, leukopenia, anemia; hypokalemia, incr. BUN (dehydration), hypothyroidism
what syndrome can occur in anorexia?
refeeding syndrome
what’s the HALLMARK and predominant cause of refeeding syndrome?
hypohosphatemia
what’s the tx for anorexia?
- Medical stabilization: hospitalization for <75% expected body weight or pts who have medical complications
- Psychotherapy: CBT, supervised meals, weight monitoring
- Pharmacotherapy: if depressed → SSRIs; atypical antipsychotics +/- b/c can also help w/ weight gain
when do you hospitalize a pt for anorexia?
for <75% expected body weight or pts who have medical complications
what’s the pre-op abx for appendicitis if not perfed?
single dose Cefotetan 2g IV
(covers GN aerobic bacteria)
if PCN/CPN allergy -> Clinda + Cipro or Levo or Gentamicin or Aztreonam
when do you NOT operate for appendicitis?
peritonitis, appendicular mass, resolved
what’s the most common complication of appendectomy?
post-op wound infection
what are the most important vitamin deficiencies in bariatric surgery?
iron, vit B12, folic acid, thiamine, Ca, vit D
what’s the MOST COMMON vitamin deficiency in gastric bypass patients?
iron deficiency
what’s the MC cause of SBO in first world? MC in third world??
post-surgical adhesions = MC cause in 1st world
incarcerated hernia = MC cause in 3rd world
what are the top 3 MC causes of SBO?
post-surgical adhesions, incarcerated hernia, metastatic peritoneal cancer
what’s the MC cause of large bowel obstructions?
malignancy
which type of SBO is at high risk for strangulation and requires IMMEDIATE surgery?
Closed loop SBO (lumen occluded at 2 points, reducing blood supply, causing strangulation, necrosis & peritonitis)
what’s the difference b/w distal and partial SBO’s on presentation?
distal presents more with abdominal distention & less vomiting
what are the 4 hallmark sx’s of SBO?
- Cramping abdominal pain (colicky abd pain in periumbilical region that becomes more severe & constant)
- Abdominal distention (the more distal the more prominent)
- Vomiting (may be bilious if proximal, follows the abdominal pain)
- Obstipation (late finding)
what are signs of high grade obstruction?
constipation and obstruction
what’s the PE like for SBO?
abdominal distention, hyperactive bowel sounds in early obstruction -> HIGH-PITCHED TINKLES ON AUSCULTATION & VISIBLE PERISTALSIS
No bowel sounds occur late in obstruction
what’s the initial dx study for SBO?
abdominal (KUB) x-ray
-see air fluid levels in step ladder pattern
what imaging is done after abd x-ray for SBO for further localization?
CT with water soluble PO contrast
-failure of contrast to reach cecum in 4 hrs -> SURGERY
SBO in the absence of prior abdominal surgery should trigger what type of work-up?
a malignancy work-up
what electrolyte abnormality is common in SBO?
hypokalemia, “contraction” alkalosis w/ advanced dehydration
what’s the tx for SBO if non-strangulated?
IVF, NPO with NGT decompression
what’s the tx for SBO if strangulated?
surgery
if pt with SBO doesn’t get surgery, but there’s no improvement of sx’s in = 24-48 hrs, what’s the tx?
surgery (d/t incr. risk of bowel ischemia)
what abx are used for SBO with surgery?
3rd gen CPN like cefdinir, cefpodoxime + flagyl (covering GN aerobes and anaerobes)
what is the MC cause of large bowel obstruction? others?
adenocarcinoma = MCC
Others = Scarring a/w diverticulitis and volvulus
what’s the s/s of large bowel obstruction?
abd distention, cramping abd pain in hypogastrium, N/V, obstipation
what’s the dx for large bowel obstruction?
Plain abd films (if see obstruction, no barium enema)
Water-soluble contrast barium enema confirms dx and show exact location
what’s the tx for partial LBO?
NGT decompression and IVF
what’s the tx for complete LBO?
emergent surgery
what is a volvulus?
twisting of any part of the bowel (at its mesenteric attachment site)
what’s the MC site of a LBO?
sigmoid colon
what’s the MC sites of volvulus?
sigmoid (70%) and cecum (30%)
what’s the 2nd MC cause of complete colonic obstruction?
volvulus
what are risk factor for volvulus?
stretching and elongation of sigmoid w/ age
common >/= 65 y/o
what’s the s/s of volvulus?
Obstructive sx’s:
-massive abd distention, vomiting, abd pain, obstipation, tachypnea
what’s the PE like for volvulus?
distention, tympany, high-pitched tinkling sounds and rushes
what’s the dx imaging for volvulus?
Abd x-rays
-show massively dilated cecum or sigmoid w/out hausfrau that assume a KIDNEY BEAN APPEARANCE
Water-soluble contrast enema
-shows exact site of obstruction -> characteristic funnel-like narrowing that resembles BIRD’S BEAK OR AN ACE OF SPADES
what do the abd x-rays show for volvulus?
kidney bean appearance (no hausfrau on cecum or sigmoid and they are dilated)
what does water-soluble contrast enema show for volvulus?
shows exact site of obstruction -> characteristic funnel-like narrowing that resembles BIRD’S BEAK OR AN ACE OF SPADES
kidney bean appearance on abd x-rays means what?
volvulus
bird’s beak or ace of spades appearance on water-soluble contrast enema means what?
volvulus
what’s the initial tx for volvulus?
sigmoidoscopy with rectal tube insertion to decompress sigmoid volvulus
how are cecal volvulus treated?
always treated surgically with right hemicolectomy with ileotransverse colostomy
how are sigmoid volvulus treated?
easily decompressed and req. elective resection, except for high-risk elderly pts
what is cholangitis?
biliary tract infection from obstruction (occurs from choledocholithiasis)
what’s the clinical manifestations of cholangitis?
Charcot’s triad:
-jaundice, RUQ pain, fever
Reynold’s Pentad:
-Charcot’s triad + hypotension & AMS
Light colored stools, dark tea-colored urine
when does Reynold’s Pentad occur?
in cholangitis if pus (in addition to the stones) develops -> acute suppurative cholangitis
what are the strongest risk factors for gallbladder disease?
Native American and family history
what’s the PE like for Cholangitis?
RUQ pain
what’s the labs like for cholangitis?
Leukocytosis (very high)
Elevated total bilirubin (d/t bile duct obstruction)
Elevated ALP (means inflammation/irritation of ductal system) and GGT
Mild elevation of AST/ALT
what’s the gold standard imaging for cholangitis?
Cholangiography via ERCP -> draining the CBD
do PTC if can’t do ERCP
what’s the tx for cholangitis?
URGENT INTERVENTION & MONITORING IN ICU
IVFs, NPO, abx (broad spectrum covering GN rods)
-Ampicillin/Sulbactam, Piperacillin/tazobactam or Ceftriaxone + Metronidazole or FQ + Metro
***ERCP → CBD decompression/stone extraction
when will patient with cholangitis get a cholecystectomy?
after they recover from the acute cholangitis episode
what’s the risk factors for cholelithiasis?
Fat, fertile, forty, female, fair
Native American
what d/o’s produce pigment stones instead of cholesterol stones?
hemolytic d/o’s & alcoholic cirrhosis
what are the labs like for cholelithiasis?
all normal
what’s the initial study of choice for cholelithiasis?
U/S
what’s the tx for choelithiasis?
Lap cholecystectomy if symptomatic
Elective cholecystectomy if asymptomatic
Lithotripsy w/ bile salts (chenodeoxycholic & ursodeoxycholic acid) → takes 2 years, if can’t do surgery
what is choledoclithiasis?
when stones pass thru cystic duct & enter CBD
what’s the s/s of choledoclithiasis?
If stone obstructs bile duct → jaundice w/ light-colored stools and dark, tea-colored urine
Jaundice may fluctuate in intensity (vs progressive jaundice caused by malignant disease)
Same sx’s as cholelithasis
what are 3 causes of total bilirubin increase?
hemolytic anemia (sickle cell), Gilbert Syndrome, Cholangitis (obstruction)
what’s the PE like for choledoclithiasis?
abd unremarkable or tenderness in RUQ if cholangitis is present
what’s the labs like for choledoclithiasis?
Significant elevation in serum bilirubin
Increased ALP, GGT
Mild elevation of AST/ALT
what’s the dx test of choice for choledoclithiasis?
ERCP (can be used for both dx and stone extraction)
transabdominal U/S (for initial dx)
what’s the treatment for choledoclithiasis?
Elective (if no cholangitis) ERCP and sphincterotomy for removal of stones from common bile duct
Elective cholecystectomy
what are congenital “true” diverticula and where in the colon are they found?
full wall thickness in the diverticular sac
uncommon, but when present are found in the cecum and ascending colon
what are acquired (False) diverticula and where are they found?
common in western countries
involve the sigmoid colon
mucosal herniations thru the muscular wall
what is diverticulosis?
presence of multiple FALSE diverticula int he colon
what’s the MC cause of LGIB?
diverticulosis
what’s the s/s of diverticulosis?
Recurrent abdominal pain, localized to the LLQ (sigmoid area)
Functional changes in bowel habits - bleeding, constipation, diarrhea, alternating constipation and diarrhea
what’s the PE like for diverticulosis?
Unremarkable (usually), may show mild tenderness in LLQ
what’s the dx like for diverticulosis?
NO LEUKOCYTOSIS OR FEVER
Segmental spasm and luminal narrowing on radiograph
Endoscopic eval shows openings of diverticula
what’s diverticulosis a/w?
low fiber diet, constipation, obesity
what area is the most common for diverticulosis?
sigmoid colon
what’s the tx for diverticulosis?
high fiber diet, fiber supplements (psyllium)
what is diverticulitis initiated by?
obstruction of the neck of the diverticulum by a fecalith
what’s the HALLMARK s/s of diverticulitis?
LLQ pain (subacute onset), alteration in bowel habits (constipation or diarrhea), fever
***LLQ pain = MC
where is the pain localized in diverticulosis/diverticulitis?
LLQ (sigmoid area)
what are complications of diverticulitis?
perf, abscess, obstruction, fistula
what’s the PE like for diverticulitis?
LLQ pain, fever, palpable mass (MC PE finding)
what’s the imaging test of choice for diverticulitis?
CT scan
increased ___ cells in diverticulitis
white blood cells
what’s the tx for diverticulitis?
admit pt, NPO clear liquid diet, IV antibiotics (Cipro or Bactrim + Metro) for 5-7 days
do patients with diverticulitis need surgery?
most pts don’t need surgery unless they have recurrent bouts several times a year or a fistula
what’s the s/s of diverticular bleeding?
BRBPR
***PAINLESS HEMATOCHEZIA
from where does diverticular bleeding occur?
distal to ligament of Treitz
how do you determine if LGIB or UGIB?
NGT
if diverticular bleeding, what dx test is done?
colonoscopy
what’s the tx for diverticular bleeding?
most diverticular bleeding stops out intervention
MESENTERIC ANGIOGRAPHY is useful in detecting source (can also be used in tx w/ Vasopressin
what’s the MC cause of esophageal cancer worldwide and in AAs and males?
squamous cell carcinoma
what’s the MC cause of esophageal cancer in US, younger pts, NAs, whites, Europe?
adenocarcinoma
which type of esophageal cancer is a/w Barrett’s esophagus from GERD?
adenocarcinoma esophageal cancer
where in the esophagus does SCC occur?
upper 1/3 of esophagus
what are the RF’s for SCC esophageal cancer?
tobacco/ETOH use, exposure of esophagus to noxious stimuli, AA’s
where in the esophagus does adenocarcinoma esophageal cancer occur?
lower 1/3 (distal esophagus)
what is adenocarcinoma esophageal cancer a complication of?
GERD leading to Barrett’s esophagus
what are the MC sites of mets for esophageal cancer?
LNs, liver, and lungs
what’s the s/s of esophageal cancer?
***progression of dysphagia from solid foods to liquids
weight loss, chest pain
h/o GERD for adenocarcinoma
h/o smoking and alcohol abuse for SCC
what’s the difference in presentation b/w adenocarcinoma and SCC esophageal cancer?
Adenocarcinoma pts have h/o GERD
Pts usually healthier, less advanced disease (b/c undergoing surveillance endoscopy of Barrett’s)
SCC present more with advanced disease, greater weight loss, and h/o smoking and alcohol abuse
what’s the initial dx study for esophageal cancer?
barium swallow to evaluate the cause of dysphagia
what’s the dx test of choice for esophageal cancer?
upper endoscopy with biopsy for histologic confirmation
what’s the tx for esophageal cancer?
surgical resection of tumor = best chance for cure
do complete local resection of the tumor w/ reconstruction of the alimentary tract by using stomach (MC), or left colon, or jejunum
chemotherapy
what are esophageal strictures?
narrowing of lumen of esophagus
what’s the MC cause of esophageal strictures?
untreated GERD -> peptic strictures
what’s the s/s of esophageal strictures?
***Slowly progressive food DYSPHAGIA, odynophagia, heartburn, heart burn, and episodic food impaction
what’s dx imaging for esophageal strictures?
***endoscopy = initial test
barium esophagram = initial test ONLY if h/o or sx’s of a proximal esophageal lesion or known stricture from XRT tx or caustic ingestion
what’s the tx for esophageal strictures?
***PPIs
Diet - GERD restrictions, weight loss, small meals & eat slowly, avoid meds that cause pill esophagitis
***Esophageal dilation and resection of cancer
***treat the underlying cause
what are causes of esophageal strictures/
GERD (peptic strictures), Zollinger-Ellison, Tumor (adenocarcinoma), Caustic ingestion, XRT, infectious esophagitis, pill esophagitis
what’s the MC type of gastric cancer world wide?
adenocarcinoma
what’s the most frequent type of gastric cancers?
ulcerative carcinomas
what’s the most important RF for gastric cancer?
H. pylori
what are RFs for gastric cancer?
H. pylori (most impt.), salted, cured, smoked, pickled foods containing nitrites/nitrates
what are the 2 types of gastric adenocarcinoma?
intestinal and diffuse
what’s intestinal gastric adenocarcinoma?
Well differentiated w/ glandular elements
More common in regions w/ a high incidence of disease
Occurs in older pts & spreads hematogenously
what’s diffuse gastric adenocarcinoma?
Poorly differentiated w/ characteristic signet ring cell
Occurs in younger pts and a/w w/ blood type A
Spreads via lymphatics and local extension
what’s the s/s of gastric adenocarcinoma?
***Dyspepsia, weight loss, early satiety, epigastric pain, unexplained weight loss
***Hematemesis, melena
***New onset Fe def. anemia (d/t bleeding
***Signs of Mets
what are the signs of Mets for gastric adenocarcinoma?
***supraclavicular LN (virchows node)
***umbilical LN (sister Mary Josephs node)
palpable nodule on rectal exam (Blumer’s shelf)
Ovarian METS (Krenburg tumor)
left axillary LN (Irish sign)
what’s the dx for gastric adenocarcinoma?
upper endoscopy with biopsy