GI Procedures Flashcards
In what area of the GI does digestion begin?
Oropharynx
What are three examples of pathological processes that can affect swallowing?
- Pharyngeal tumor.
- CVA.
- Metabolic toxin.
Where is the esophagus located?
Begins at C6 and ends at the level of the stomach.
What are the three functional zones of the esophagus?
- Upper esophageal sphincter (UES)
- Esophageal body.
- Lower esophageal sphincter (LES).
Where does the esophagus pass through to the abdominal cavity?
A space created by the right crus of the diaphragm.
What are the three layers of the esophagus?
- Outer longitudinal layer.
- Inner circular muscular layer.
- Mucosal lining.
T/F: The esophagus is more vascular than the trachea and therefore more prone to bleeding?
False; trachea is more vascular
What artery is the main blood supply to the cervical esophagus?
Inferior thyroid arteries.
What artery is the main blood supply to the thoracic esophagus?
Aorta esophageal branches of bronchial arteries.
The extrinsic innervation of the esophagus is largely controlled parasympathetically by what nerves?
Cranial nerves IX, X, XI.
Are the UES and LES open or closed at rest?
Closed
Excitatory stimulation of UES occurs during what 5 normal body functions?
- Inspiration
- Esophageal distention.
- Gagging.
- Valsalva maneuver.
- Acidity of gastric contents.
UES tone is reduced by what 3 body functions?
- Distention
- Belching
- Vomiting.
What is the average velocity if esophageal peristalsis?
3-4cm/sec
Does esophageal peristalsis cause high or low pressure?
High pressure up to 150mmHg and can cause tears and ruptures
What affect does swallowing have on LES tone?
Decreases LES within 1.5-2.5 seconds and last 6-8 seconds
What affect does ingestion of a meal have on LES tone?
Increases LES tone via vagal afferent pathways.
What is normal LES tone in mmHg?
20mmHg
What 4 things can chronic alcoholism have on esophageal health?
- impaired esophageal peristalsis.
- LES hypotonia.
- Degeneration of the Auerbach Plexus (more likely to have tears)
- Mallory Weis Tear.
What is achalasia?
Failure of the lower esophageal sphincter tone to relax during swallowing accompanied with a lack of peristalsis.
What are 4 chronic disease states that can cause achalasia?
- Diabetes.
- Stroke.
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
- Connective tissue diseases
What is Barrett esophagus?
Normal squamous epithelium changes to metaplastic columnar epithelium
What is the typical focus of treatment for Barrett esophagus?
Acid reduction
What three things are likely the cause of Barrett esophagus?
- Chronic exposure to acid (GERD).
- Chronic alcohol abuse.
- Smoking
What other pathology is Barrett Esophagus closely associated with?
Esophageal carcinoma (Cancers)
What is the cause of GERD?
Failure of the LES to function properly (permits reflux of stomach contents into esophagus).
What is the current medical management therapy for GERD?
PPI and H2 blockers.
In GERD, what is more important- decreasing amount of acid or decreasing the level of acidity (increasing pH).
Decreasing amount of acid.
Which type of hiatal hernia is characterized by the stomach folding over on itself and passing through the opening?
Type 2/ Paraesophageal
Describe a type 1 Hiatal hernia:
Esophagus and stomach slide upward through the opening.
What are the primary symptoms of hiatal hernia?
Retrosternal pain or burning that commonly occurs after meals.
What is a Nissen fundoplication?
Treatment for hiatal hernia by folding stomach over on itself to prevent stomach from being able to move upwards.
What are the 3 classes of esophageal diverticula?
- Epiphrenic
- Traction
- Zenker