GI Flashcards
What are the two types of oesophageal cancers and list each of their risk factors?
squamous cell carcinoma = affects proximal 1/3
RF: smoking **, alcohol, HPV
adenocarcinoma most common = affects distal 2/3
RF: GORD**, barretts oesophagus
How does oesophageal cancer present?
DYSPHAGIA ** - solids first and progress to liquids
weight loss nausea and vomiting odynophagia (painful swallowing) hoarseness + cough (invasion of recurrent laryngeal nerve) aspiration malaena
if a patient presents with dysphagia, how are they managed?
- referral to GI team within 2 weeks
- upper GI endoscopy and biopsy
CT scan for staging and PET scan for mets
how is oesophageal cancer managed?
- MDT involvement e.g. surgeon, dietician, nurse specialist, SALT
- surgical resection (Ivor lewis type oesophagectomy)
- plus chemotherapy
List possible risk factors of gastric cancer?
helicobacter pylori** smoking** diet (salt, nitrates, spicy, pickled) alcohol** EBV males pernicious anaemia duodenal ulcer** blood group A gastric adenomatous polyps
Describe the pathology of gastric cancers?
adenocarcinomas - usually in cardia of stomach
What cells can be seen in gastric cancer?
signet ring cells
increase no. of signet ring cells = worse prognosis
how does gastric cancer present?
dyspepsia
weight loss, anorexia
nausea and vomiting
early satiety
Which investigations are done to diagnose and stage gastric cancer?
to diagnose = upper GI endoscopy and biopsy
to stage = CT scan or endoscopic USS
to look for mets = PET SCAN
How is gastric cancer managed?
surgery
- subtotal gastrectomy if >5-10 cm from OG junction
- total gastrectomy if <5cm from OG junction
- endoscopic mucosal resection if early cancers
+ chemotherapy
Define dyspepsia
pain or discomfort in the upper epigastric region
List the differentials for dyspepsia
GORD
gastric cancer
peptic ulcers
gastritis
What are the red flag features that would concern you in a patient presenting with dyspepsia?
"ALARMS" A- anaemia L- loss of appetite A- anorexia R- recent onset in symptoms M- melaena S- swallowing difficulties
what does the ROME criteria include for dyspepsia?
- 6 months post prandial fullness
- early satiety
- epigastric pain
How would you investigate someone with dyspepsia?
- clinical history
- endoscopy if any ALARMS symptoms
- H. pylori testing (C13 urea breath test or stool antigen test)
- FBC
What is achalasia?
motility disorder of the oesophagus where there is uncoordinated peristalsis and spasm of the lower oesophagus sphincter
(damage to vagus nerve and loss of ganglia in auerbachs plexus)
How does achalasia present?
SOLID and LIQUID swallowing difficulty (dysphagia)
+ heartburn, regurg of food
Why is achalasia important?
risk factor for squamous cell carcinoma of the oesophagus
How is achalasia diagnosed?
barium swallow *- bird beak deformity
+ manometry - shows high lower oesophageal pressure and absence of peristalsis
How is achalasia managed?
endoscopic balloon dilatation of the LOS or botox injected into sphincter
what are the causes of acute oesophagitis
immunosuppression - HIV
CMV
HSV
drugs - NSAIDS, bisphosphonates
which scale is used to classify oesophagitis/ dyspepsia?
los angeles scale
How is acute oesophagitis managed?
2 month course of PPI
What is Barretts oesophagus?
metaplasia of the lower oesophagus where normal squamous epithelium is replaced by columnar epithelium
How is barretts oesophagus caused?
GORD*, smoking, obesity
How is barretts oesophagus managed?
- endoscopy every 3-5 years to check for cancer - it is premalignant and can cause adenocarcinoma of oesophagus
- long term PPI
What is mallory weiss tear and how is it caused?
mucosal linear tear in the oesophagus caused by increased intra abdominal pressure usually by persistent vomiting or retching... 1. excessive alcohol 2. bulimia 3. gastroenteritis 4. raised ICP
How does mallory weiss tear present?
fresh red blood - haematemesis
melaena
dizziness, low BP
How is mallory weiss tear managed?
- endoscopy and clips
- FBC, cross match, monitor obs
- usually self limiting and no treatment needed
What type of bacteria is h.pylori?
gram negative curved bacillus
Describe the pathology of h.pylori and how it affects the stomach
h.pylori can penetrate through mucus layer
produces urease which breaksdown urea into ammonia and CO2
this causes chronic inflammation
leads to ulceration
What does h. pylori infection predispose you to?
peptic ulcer* gastric cancer gastritis B cell lymphoma of MALT tissue anaemia** (uses iron for growth and chronic bleeding)
How is a suspected h.pylori infection diagnosed?
C13 urea breath test or H.pylori stool antigen test
- do not take PPI for 2 weeks before or abx for 4 weeks before
- confirms h. pylori infection
How is a h. pylori infection treated?
TRIPLE THERAPY for 7 days
PPI + amoxicillin + clarithryomycin/ metronidazole
what are the possible symptoms of gastritis?
dyspepsia nausea post prandial fullness early satiety belching
What are the causes of acute or chronic gastritis?
acute - alcohol, NSAIDs, h.pylori
chronic - h. pylori, autoimmune conditions, GORD
How do you treat gastritis?
find out if h. pylori infection, review medications
PPI for 1 month
List the risk factors for GORD?
smoking
alcohol
foods - fatty, spicy, caffeine , large meals
obesity
pregnancy
hiatus hernia
drugs e.g. NSAIDs, anti cholinergic, Ca channel antagonists
What are the symptoms of gORD?
heart burn/ dyspepsia - worse on lying down and after eating, relieved by antacids belching acid regurgitation, bitter taste cough water brash - excess saliva
+ hoaresness, non cardiac chest pain, laryngitis, nocturnal asthma
How is GORD investigated and diagnosed?
CLINICAL diagnosis but if have concerns…
endoscopy if ALARMS symptoms, atypical symptoms
barium swallow - hiatus hernia
use Los Angeles classification
How is GORD managed conservatively?
smoking cessation weight loss eat small regular meals avoid precipitating foods e.g. spicy, fatty, alcohol raise head at night so not lying flat take antacids e.g. gaviscon, rennies
How is GORD managed with medication?
1st line = Proton Pump Inhibitor e.g. omeprazole, lansoprazole for 1 week, if doesn’t work double dose for 1 more month
2nd line = H2 receptor antagonist e.g. ranitidine
What are the complications of GORD?
oesophagitis barretts oesophagus ulcers anaemia oesophageal carcinoma (adenocarcinoma)
What are the risk factors for peptic ulcer disease?
H. pylori ** smoking ** alcohol stress drugs - NSAIDs, SSRIs, pepsin EBV infection
How does a peptic ulcer present and what are the types?
epigastric pain - can point with one finger
- duodenal ulcers ( more common) - pain relieved by food, pain 2-3 hours after eating, well nourished
- gastric ulcers - pain whilst eating, nausea and vomiting, weight loss
How is peptic ulcer disease managed?
- find the cause e.g. C13 urea breath test, medication review
- lifestyle changes - smoking cessation, reduce alcohol
- PPI
What are the complications of peptic ulcers?
haematemesis - if erosion of gastroduodenal artery
gastric cancers
peritonitis if perforation
what are the causes of an acute upper GI bleed?
- perforation of peptic ulcer**
- oesophageal varices -> large vol + malaena
- mallory weiss tear -> moderate vol of bright red blood
- malignancy -> small vol + ALARMS
- oesophagitis / gastritis -> small vol fresh blood often streaking vomit
How does an upper GI bleed present?
haematemesis - if bright red then above stomach, coffee ground is below the stomach
malaena - black tarry stools
sudden collapse
dizziness, signs of shock, pallor, postural hypotension
How is an upper GI bleed managed?
- admit to hospital
- FBC (anaemia), cross match, UandE (high urea), clotting, LFTs, low BP, tachycardia
- upper GI endoscopy within 24 hours
- adrenaline injected into identifiable bleeding points
- continuous infusion of PPI after endoscopy
BLATCHFORD (urea, Hb, systolic BP) - severity - how quick need endoscopy
ROCKALL - risk of rebleeding
Define anal fissure?
longitudinal tear in the squamous epithelium of the anal canal
List 3 causes of anal fissures?
constipation
IBD
STI e.g. HIV, syphilis, herpes
how does an anal fissure present?
pain of defecation “shards of glass”
fresh blood on paper
How is an anal fissure managed?
reduce constipation e.g. increase dietary fibre, lots of fluids, warm baths , bulk forming laxatives
pain relief e.g. paracetemol, GTN ointment
Define anal fistula
track communicating from the skin to the anal canal due to a discharging abscess
what are the causes of an anal fistula?
abscess
crohns
rectal carcinoma
How are anal fistulas managed?
- MRI
2. surgery: fistulotomy and excision
Define anorectal abscess
collection of pus in anal or rectal region
What are the causes of an anorectal abscess?
infection of fissure, fistula
STI
blocked anal gland
pinonidal sinus infected
What are the risk factors for an anorectal abscess?
diabetes
immunocompromised e.g. HIV
IBD
anal sex
How does an anorectal abscess present?
pus discharging from rectum
fever, unwell
perianal pain - worse on sitting, tender
How is an anorectal abscess managed?
- DRE (hardened tissue) and MRI for fistula
- incision and drainage under local anaesthetic
- pain relief
- antibiotics if infected
define pilonidal sinus
small hole in skin caused by obstruction of hair follicles at nasal cleft which can lead to abscess formation
How are haemorrhoids graded?
- no prolapse
- prolapse on strain, resolves spontaneously
- prolapse on strain, resolves manually
- prolapse permanent
How do haemorrhoids present?
painless (if above dentate line) / painful (if below dentate line)
bright red blood on paper (not mixed in with stool)
anal itch
What are the risk factors for haemorrhoids?
constipation
prolonged straining
increased abdo pressure e.g. pregnancy, chronic cough, ascites, portal hypertension
How are haemorrhoids managed?
- refer on 2 week wait if concerned about anal cancer
- prevent constipation - lots of fluids, bulk forming laxatives, dietary fibre increase
- topical local anaesthetic
- rubber band ligation
Define constipation
infrequent (<3 stools/ week) difficult (straining and discomfort) and incomplete stools
What are the risk factors for constipation?
Lack of fibre in diet dehydration elderly drugs - opioids, iron supplements, anti psychotics, tricyclic anti depressants spinal or pelvic nerve injury metabolic - hypercalcaemia, hypothyroid
What are the complications of constipation?
haemorrhoids
anal fissure
acute urinary retention
overflow diarrhoea
How is constipation managed?
- treat cause
- increase fluids, increase dietary fibre, mobilise
- laxatives - bulk forming, stool softener, stimulant, osmotic or enema
Name a bulk forming laxative
methylcellulose (citrucel)
increase faecal mass and stimulate peristalsis
Name a stool softener
colace, surfak
Name a stimulant laxative
senna, docutose
Name a osmotic
lactulose
What is irritable bowel syndrome?
functional disorder where abdo pain is related with defecation and change in bowel habit, caused by psychological stress , common in women 20-30 y/o
What is the criteria/ symptoms of IBS?
6 month history of:
- abdominal pain
- change in bowel habit e.g. increased frequency, urgency
- bloating
+ relieved by defecation
+ >2 of the following:
- mucus in stool
- worse on eating
- abdo bloating and distension
- altered passage or straining
What are the differentials for IBS and which tests should be done to exclude them?
DIFFERENTIALS: coeliac, IBD, gynae (ovarian cancer, endometriosis), depression
- FBC
- tissue transglutaminase antibodies (IgA tTGA)
- CRP/ ESR
- Ca 125
- faecal calprotectin
How is IBS managed with lifestyle measures?
- manage stress and anxiety
- increase fluid intake
- dietary advice: limit high fibre foods, regular meals, probiotic supplements, avoid fizzy drinks and too much fresh fruit , less caffeine and alcohol
- regular exercise
- relaxation techniques
How can IBS be managed with medication?
for constipation -> linaclotide (laxative)
for diarrhoea -> loperamide
for abdo pain -> anti spasmodics e.g. buscopan
What is coeliac disease?
autoimmune condition where antibodies are against the protein gliadin found in gluten causing chronic inflammation and villous atrophy in the small intestine
What are the associations with coeliac disease?
other autoimmune conditions e.g. type 1 diabetes, autoimmune thyroid disease, vitiligo, addisons
HLA DQ2
1st degree relatives
What are the symptoms and signs that make you suspect coeliac disease?
chronic diarrhoea steattorhoea abdo pain/ cramping / distension nausea and vomiting weight loss / failure to thrive fatigue
What are the possible complications associated with coeliac disease?
- ANAEMIA - iron, vit B12 and folate deficiency (mixed deformity = increase distribution of RBC width)
- osteoporosis
- dermatitis herpetiformis
- T cell lymphoma of small bowel (hodgkins and non hodgkins)
- hyposplenism
- lactose intolerance
Which skin condition is associated with coeliac disease, describe the rash?
dermatitis herpetiformis - caused by IgA deposits under the skin
causes a blistering itchy vesicular rash on extensor surfaces
If suspect coeliac disease, what test would you initially do?
TISSUE TRANSGLUTAMINASE ANTIBODIES (IgA tTGA) and total IgA
if IgA tTG comes back positive, what would you then do to confirm coeliac disease?
- refer to gastroenterologist
- endomysial antibody
- endoscopy and biopsy of small intestine (eaton gluten for 6 weeks before duodenal biopsy)
what would the biopsy show in coeliac disease?
villous atrophy
crypt hyperplasia
lamina propria infiltration with lymphocytes
How is coeliac disease managed?
gluten free diet (avoid bread, wheat, barley, rye, oats)
review annually adherence to diet (refer to dietician if poor), bloods and signs/ complications of coeliac disease
What are the symptoms and signs of vitamin C deficiency?
bleeding gums
lethargy
arthralgia
easy bruising
who is at risk of vitamin C deficiency?
low income
elderly
alcoholics
poor diet
what is the difference between the course of disease in crohns and ulcerative colitis?
crohns - inflammation affects FULL THICKNESS of bowel wall, anywhere from MOUTH -> ANUS in SKIP LESIONS (with healthy bowel in between)
UC - inflammation is SUPERFICIAL TO MUCOSA of bowel wall, starts at the RECTUM (will not spread past ileocaecal valve) and is CONTINUOUS inflammation
DEscribe the initial symptoms of crohns disease
diarrhoea (with mucus or blood but not as common as UC)
abdo pain
weight loss
fatigue
what complications can you get in crohns?
strictures abscesses fistulas malnutrition perianal disease; skin tags, ulcers
What are the extra intestinal signs and complications of crohns disease?
- arthritis
- pyoderma gangrenosum
- erythema nodosum
- osteoporosis
- anterior uveitis, conjunctivitis
- mouth ulcers
- clubbing
- iron deficiency anaemia
list the possible risk factors for crohns disease
smoking
family history of IBD
previous gastroenteritis
NSAIDS
How is crohns disease investigated?
- refer to gastroenterologist if suspect
- colonoscopy and biopsy
- FBC (anaemia), raised CRP, vitamin B12/D deficiencies
describe the pathology seen on biopsy in crohns disease?
non caseating granulomas
goblet cell increase
mucus cobblestone appearance
skip lesions
How is crohns managed during inducing emission?
1st line = corticosteroids e.g. prednisolone, budesonide
if >2 exacerbations in 12 months, add azathioprine
if steroids not tolerated, use 5-ASA e.g. mesalazine
How is crohns managed during maintaining remission?
1st line = monotherapy azathioprine and smoking cessation
surgical resection
Describe the main symptoms of UC?
bloody diarrhoea / rectal bleeding ** >6 weeks abdominal pain (LLQ) tenesmus, faecal urgency, incontinence weight loss fatigue fever
Describe the extra intestinal symptoms of UC?
- erythema nodosum
- pyoderma gangrenosim
- primary sclerosing cholangitis
- uveitis
- anaemia
- clubbing
- inflammatory arthritis
- malnutrition
What is the main concern with UC?
risk of colorectal cancer !!
How is the severity assessed in UC?
MILD - <4 stools/ day, small amount of blood
MODERATE - 4-6 stools/ day, no systemic upset
SEVERE- >6 bloody stools/day + systemic upset
Which initial tests are carried out if suspect UC?
FBC, high CRP, U&E, TFT, ferritin, coeliac serology, vit B12, folate, stool culture (for c diff and faecal calprotectin)
How is UC diagnosed?
sigmoidoscopy and biopsy
Describe the pathology shown on the biopsy in UC?
widespread ulceration
pseudopolyps
crypt abscesses
goblet cell depletion
How is UC managed?
inducing remission
1st line = RECTAL aminosalicyclates e.g. mesalazine
2nd line = oral prednisolone (if no improvement in 4 weeks)
if systemic upset = admit to hospital, IV hydrocortisone, iV fluids
maintaining remission
1st line = ORAL aminosalicylates e.g. mesalazine
cure = surgery
What is the most common type of colorectal cancer?
adenocarcinoma
What are the risk factors for colorectal cancer?
family history - 1st degree relative familial adenomatous polyposis HNPCC (lynch syndrome) smoking alcohol diet high in red meat and processed food Ulcerative colitis obesity
What are the risk factors for anal cancer?
** HPV infection **
immunocompromised e.g. HIV , autoimmune, medications
homosexual men
How does colorectal cancer present?
rectal bleeding
change in bowel habit , abdo pain
anaemia
weight loss
Which classification system is used in colorectal cancer?
DUKES classification
stage A -> limited to mucosa
stage B -> extending into muscularis propria (penetrating though or not)
stage C -> penetrating/ extending into muscularis propria with nodes involved
Stage D -> distant metastatic spread
When should patients be referred under the 2 week wait for colorectal cancer?
- positive occult blood in faeces
- > 40 y/o + unexplained weight loss + abdo pain
- > 50 y/o + unexplained rectal bleeding
- > 60 y/o + iron deficiency anaemia + change in bowel habit
Who and when is offered screening for colorectal cancer?
age 60 - 74 y/o every 2 years have a “faecal immunochemical test” done at home
if abnormal result, have a colonoscopy
ALSO one off sigmoidoscopy if >55 y/o to detect and treat polyps
How is possible colorectal cancer investigated?
- refer under 2 week wait
- colonoscopy and biospy
- faecal occult blood
- carcinoembryonic antigen
- CT/ PET scan - for staging and spread
How is colorectal cancer managed?
resectional surgery +/- chemotherapy
How is anal cancer managed?
chemo + radiotherapy
What are the mechanical (dynamic) causes of bowel obstruction?
mechanical - peristalsis still working but there is a mechanical block
Intraluminal: inside the lumen
foreign material, meconium (CF), faecaliths , gallstones
Intramural : in the lumen
malignancy **, diverticular disease, strictures (inflammatory bowel)
extramural: outside wall of lumen
Adhesions** (from surgery), volvulus, intussusception, hernias
What are the non mechanical “pseudo- obstructions” of bowel obstruction?
“adynamic” - absent peristalsis
paralytic ileus post op hirschsprungs bowel infarction ogilvies
Explain what paralytic ileus is and how it it caused?
partial or complete paralysis of the intestinal muscles resulting in lack of peristalsis
most commonly caused by laparotomy ** and bowel surgery
What is found on examination of paralytic ileus?
silent bowel
What is ogilvies syndrome?
acute colonic pseudo obstruction associated with massive dilatation in absence of mechanical obstruction
What are the signs and symptoms of ogilvies syndrome ?
abdo pain, bloating, nausea and vomiting, constipation
O/E: normal bowel sounds, minimal tenderness, distension
How does bowel obstruction present on examination?
high pitched bowel sounds
tachycardia
dehydration
hypotension
How is suspected bowel obstruction investigated?
- FBC (anaemia, platelets - tells you health of pt)
- cross match (bags of blood ready), group and save *(find pt blood type)
- CRP
- UandE
- ABG - lactate acidosis
- cultures
- urinalysis
- Imaging: abdo x ray (dilated loops of bowel with gas) + abdominal contrast enhanced CT scan *** (better test - tells you what is causing obstruction)
Define diverticular disease and diverticulitis?
diverticular disease = presence of diverticula (outpouching of the wall of gut in weak spots) causing symptoms
diverticulitis = inflammation of the diverticula (usually from obstruction of faeces)
What are the risk factors for diverticular disease?
>50 y/o smoking NSAIDs use low dietary fibre obesity
What are the common symptoms associated with diverticulitis?
nausea and vomiting
change in bowel habit + bleeding ?
abdo pain - tenderness, guarding
fever, tachycardia
What are the possible complications of diverticulitis?
POFAS: P - perforation O - obstruction F- fistula A - abscess S - stricture
How is possible diverticular disease investigated?
colonoscopy - rule out colorectal cancer
How is diverticular disease managed?
if asymptomatic, no Rx needed high fibre diet stop smoking bulk forming laxatives paracetamol
How is acute diverticulitis managed?
broad spec abx (co-amoxiclav 7 days)
clear fluids
surgery in 30%
What are common causes of peritonitis?
perforated peptic ulcer
perforated appendicitis
surgeru
+ diverticulitis, crohns, pancreatitis
How does peritonitis present?
abdo pain, fever, anorexia, nausea and vomiting
O/E: pyrexia, tachycardia, hypotension, tenderness, rebound guarding
How is peritonitis managed?
- septic screen - FBC, U&E, LFT, ABG, blood cultures, amylase, abdo x-ray
- IV fluid resus
- metronidazole + cefotaxime
- surgery
How does appendicitis present?
abdo pain: starts in umbilical area and localises to RIF at McBurneys point (1/3 between anterior superior iliac spine and umbilicus)
vomiting, nausea
mild pyrexia
anorexia
How is appendicitis diagnosed?
clinical diagnosis + raised inflammatory markers
+/- ultrasound
How is appendicitis managed?
- IV fluids
- analgesia
- metronidazole and cefotaxime pre operative prophylaxis
- appendicectomy
Define volvulus
torsion of the colon around its mesenteric axis resulting in obstruction and occlusion of blood vessels supplying the bowel
—-> can cause peritonitis and gangrene
What are the 2 types of volvulus and which is most common?
sigmoid (80%)
caecal (20%)
List the risk factors for a sigmoid volvulus?
elderly
constipation **
neurological conditions e.g. parkinsons, Duchenne muscular dystrophy
previous volvulus
List the risk factors for caecal volvulus?
adhesions
pregnancy
List the presenting features of a volvulus?
sudden onset abdo pain , colicky, RIF
nausea and vomiting
constipation - no flatus
abdo distension and bloating
How is a volvulus diagnosed and what is it characteristic sign?
abdominal x ray -> coffee bean sign
How is a volvulus managed?
urgent admission -> rigid sigmoidoscopy with rectal tube insertion
What is the difference between acute and chronic mesenteric ischaemia?
they are both caused by impaired blood flow to the intestine and an inflammatory response
acute = embolism causes total occlusion of blood supply to the intestines e.g. mesenteric artery embolism
chronic = chronic atherosclerotic disease causing impaired blood flow to the intestines
What are the risk factors for chronic mesenteric ischaemia?
atherosclerotic disease = hypertension, hypercholesterolaemia, smoking, diabetes
what are the risk factors for acute mesenteric ischaemia?
AF
malignancy
post MI
endocarditis
(things causing thrombus / embolus)
How does chronic mesenteric ischaemia present?
“intestinal angina”
chronic intermittent colicky abdo pain
post prandial pain -> fear of eating
How is chronic mesenteric ischaemia managed?
- arteriography **
- nitrate therapy
- anticoagulation
- bypass surgery
How does acute mesenteric ischaemia present?
sudden onset severe abdo pain out of proportion of symptoms
How is acute mesenteric ischaemia managed?
- angiography
- resus - oxygen, fluids, analgesia
- papaverine -> relieve spasm
- urgent surgical angioplasty
What is ischaemic colitis?
acute but transient compromise in the blood flow to the large bowel causing inflammation and ulceration - occurs in water shed areas e.g. splenic flexure
What would you seen on x ray of ischaemic colitis?
thrumbprinting due to mucosal oedema and haemorrhage
what is a pharyngeal poach and how would it present?
= diverticulum through Killians dehiscence
dysphagia, regurgitation, aspiration, halitosis
list the differentials for dysphagia?
oesophageal cancer oesophagitis oesophageal candidiasis achalasia pharyngeal pouch systemic sclerosis myasthenia graves globus hystericus neuro - MS, parkinsons
what are oesophageal varices?
dilated veins at junction between portal and systemic venous circulation
what are the risk factors for oesophageal varices?
- chronic liver disease ** - causes portal HTN
2. schistosomiasis
How does oesophageal varices present?
haematemesis
melaena
abdo pain
signs of liver disease
How are oesophageal varices managed?
- endoscopy
- FBC, group and save, cross match, clotting , LFT
- resus
- restore blood volume, fluids
- elastic band ligation (endoscopic banding) or vasoconstrictor drugs (Beta blocker)
List the 6 types of cell in the stomach?
- chief cells -> pepsinogen -> digest protein
- G cells -> gastrin -> increase acid production
- parietal cells -> intrinsic factor / Hal
- enterochromaffin cells -> histamine
- goblet cells -> mucus + bicarbonate -> neutralise acid
- D cells -> somatostatin -> decrease acid production
how is the stomach supplied?
coeliac trunk
How is perforation diagnosed?
abdo x ray - air under diaphragm
List examples of drugs causing constipation?
opioids calcium supplements TCA anti psychotics iron supplements bisphosphonates
what are the signs on x ray of small bowel obstruction?
dilated loops of bowel proximal to obstruction
central dilated loops >2.5cm
What are the 4 cardinal symptoms of bowel obstruction?
- colicky abdominal pain (as bowel is contracting and relaxing to try and overcome obstruction)
- abdo distension
- vomiting
- constipation
Describe the particular symptoms of a small bowel obstruction?
HIGH - in jejunum
pain ** and vomiting ** early (closer to the stomach)
distension minimal
LOW - in ileum
pain is predominant**, central distension
vomiting is delayed
Describe the particular symptoms of a large bowel obstruction?
distension is early ** and pronounced
constipation ** earlier sign
less pain (as large bowel has larger capacity than small obstruction)
mild vomiting - dehydration late
How is a bowel obstruction described?
simple - blood supply intact
strangulated - direct interference to blood flow
(veins more likely to become obstructed as thinner and lower pressure -> causes congestion in the bowel of waste products and deoxygenated blood -> toxic and acidotic)
takes any organ 4 hours to die if no oxygenated blood
mechanism - volvulus, obstruction and intussusception
distension - gas, fluid
How is bowel obstruction managed?
- analgesics - IM/IV morphine
- nil by mouth NG tube to decongest stomach
- IV cannula (green or pink) + fluid resus + correct electrolytes
- close monitoring of vital signs (hourly) and input/output (catheterise)
- relief of obstruction -> surgery
