GI Flashcards
What type of cancer is pancreatic carcinoma primarily associated with?
75% of pancreatic carcinomas are adenocarcinomas found in the head of the pancreas.
What is the most common risk factor for pancreatic carcinoma?
Smoking is the most common risk factor.
What are common presenting symptoms of pancreatic carcinoma?
Patients will present with painless jaundice, weight loss, and Courvoisier’s sign.
What is Courvoisier’s sign?
Courvoisier’s sign is a palpable, non-tender distended gallbladder.
What is Trousseau’s malignancy sign?
Trousseau’s malignancy sign refers to migratory phlebitis.
What is the definitive diagnostic tool for pancreatic carcinoma?
CT abdomen is the definitive diagnostic tool.
What tumor marker is used to track treatment for pancreatic carcinoma?
CA 19-9 is a tumor marker used to track treatment.
What surgical procedure can be used to resect pancreatic cancer?
A Whipple procedure (pancreaticoduodenectomy) can be used to resect the cancer.
What is a pancreatic pseudocyst?
A pancreatic pseudocyst is a fluid-filled sac that forms in the pancreas due to inflammation or injury.
True or False: Pancreatic pseudocysts are lined by epithelial cells.
False: Pancreatic pseudocysts are not lined by epithelial cells; they are surrounded by fibrous tissue.
Fill in the blank: The most common cause of pancreatic pseudocyst formation is __________.
acute pancreatitis
What is common symptom of pancreatic pseudocysts?
new abdominal mass 4-6 weeks after acute pancreatitis
Which imaging technique is most commonly used to diagnose a pancreatic pseudocyst?
CT scan: thick-walled with well defined fluid filled mass beside the pancreas
What is Paralytic (Functional) Ileus?
Neurogenic failure of peristalsis to propel intestinal contents without mechanical obstruction.
What are the causes of Paralytic Ileus?
Postoperative state, hypokalemia, hypercalcemia, hypothyroidism.
What are the physical exam findings in Paralytic Ileus?
Decreased or absent bowel sounds, abdominal distention, and tympany.
How does Paralytic Ileus differ from SBO in terms of bowel sounds?
Paralytic Ileus has decreased or absent bowel sounds, while SBO is associated with high-pitched sounds followed by hypoactive bowel sounds in late obstruction.
What does an abdominal X-ray show in Paralytic Ileus?
Diffuse dilated loops of bowels without a transition zone, and paucity of air in the colon and rectum.
What is the treatment for Paralytic Ileus?
Supportive care with NPO or clear fluids, progressing to a liquid diet.
How can the incidence of Paralytic Ileus be reduced?
Early ambulation, gum chewing, and starting a clear liquid diet.
