GI Surgery Flashcards
What are some of the causes of spontaneous oesophageal perforation
Violent vomiting
Malory Weiss tear
What are some of the metastatic disease signs seen in patients with oesophageal cancer
enlarged cervical lymph nodes, jaundice, hepatomegaly, hoarseness of voice, chest pain
What are the palliative treatments for oesophageal cancer
Endoscopic stent
Palliative chemo/radiotherapy
Which channel do PPIs inhibit
H+-K+-ATPase
What are the clinical features of upper GI bleed
Haematemesis +/- melena
What is dieulafoy syndrome
Where a large arteriole in the stomach lining erodes and bleeds
What are the steps in the management of an acute upper GI haemorrhage
1) protect airway and give high flow O2
2) 2 large bore cannulae, take bloods
3) IV fluids to restore intravascular pressure while waiting for blood to be cross matched/ O RhD- blood
4) urinary catheter
What are the symptoms of gastric neoplasia
Indigestion, Dyspepsia Flatulence Weight loss Vomiting Epigastric or back pain Epigastric mass present
How is GI neoplasia diagnosed
History and examination Upper GI endoscopy Biopsy Staging CT endoscopic ultrasound Laparoscopy Pet-ct
What is the treatment with curative intent for gastric neoplasia
Gastrectomy + node removal +/- preop chemo
What is the palliative treatment for gastric neoplasia
Supportive care
Palliative chemo/radiotherapy
Stenting
Bypass surgery
If a patient has abnormal LFTs and no evidence of biliary disease on USS, what do you investigate next
- exclude drug reaction
- hepatitis serology
- immunoglobulins
- autoantibodies
- copper and iron studies
What is the next step in investigating/managing a patient with abnormal LFTs and biliary obstructio on USS, but no gallstone disease
MRCP
Ct
Biliary stent/surgery indicated
What is the next step in managing/investigating a patient with biliary obstruction, abnormal LFTs and gallstone disease
Ercp/sphincterectomy
Lap cholecystectomy
How is variceal bleeding managed
Endoscopic ligation banding
Injection sclerotherapy
Surgical portosystemic shunts
What is cavernous hemangioma
Benign tumour found in lover
Do you resect a cavernous haemangioma
Only if large and symptomatic
How do patients with liver cell adenoma present
Left hypochondrial pain
What is the danger with liver cell adenoma
Can undergo malignant transformation
How may hepatocellular carcinoma present
Not until late often Decrease in liver function Progression of existing liver problems Abdo pain Weight loss Fever Intraperitoneal haemorrhage
What are the results of blood investigations for hcc
Deranged LFTs
Alpha fetoprotein raised
How do you confirm a hcc
Percutaneous needle aspiration biopsy and cytology
What imaging techniques can be used to diagnosed hcc
USS
CT, MRI
What is the management of hcc
1) Liver resection, esp viable if not cirrhotic
2) If less hepatic reserve, limited resection and systemic chemo
3) Percutaneous ablation with microwaves
4) Liver transplant
What are the presenting features of cholangiocarcinoma
Jaundice, pain, enlarged liver
What is charcots triad in cholangitis
1) pain
2) pyrexia
3) jaundice
What types of stones can be found in gallstones
Cholesterol or pigment stones (calcium bicarbonate)
List some of the pathological effects of gallstones
- acute cholecystitis
- chronic cholecystitis
- mucocoele
- gallstone ileus
- biliary colic
- cholangitis
What is acute cholecystitis
RUQ pain and fever occurring from obstruction of the neck of the gall bladder or cystic duct oedema and occasionally gangrene or perforation of the inflamed gall bladder
What is chronic cholecystitis
Repeated bouts of biliary colic or acute cholecystitis culminating in fibrosis. The gallbladder ceases to function. RUQ pain, no pyrexia
What is mucocoele
Distension of a hollow cavity or organ with mucus
Why does much ele occasionally develop in patients with gall stones
The outlet of the gall bladder can become obstructed in the absence of infection. Clear mucus continues to be secreted into the distended gall bladder,r forming mucocoele
If gall stones become stuck, what conditions can they result in
Jaundice
Cholangitis
Acute pancreatitis
What is cholangitis
Infection of the bile duct caused by bacteria ascending from its junction with the duodenum
What is gallstone ileus
Intestinal obstruction occurring when a a large gallstone becomes impacted in the intestine. Gall stones may have gained access by eroding through the wall of the gallbladder into the duodenum
What is biliary colic
Pain due to transient obstruction of the gallbladder from an impacted stone. There is a severe gripping pain often after meals or in the evening. Epigastric / RUQ pain
What are the symptoms of acute cholecystitis
RUQ pain
Radiates to right subscapsular region
Tachycardia, pyrexia, nausea, vomiting, leucocytosis
What test may be positive in a patient with acute cholecystitis on examination
Murphy’s
What is primary biliary cirrhosis
Autoimmune condition of the liver, where interlobular bile ducts are damaged by chronic granulomas.
What are the consequences for primary biliary cirrhosis
Progressive cholestasis
Cirrhosis
Portal hypertension
What liver marker is raised in primary biliary cirrhosis
ALK PHOS
How does primary biliary cirrhosis present
Lethargy
Pruritus
Hepatomegaly
What are some of the complications of primary biliary cirrhosis
Portal hypertension
Ascites
Hepatic encephalopathy
HCC
What does biopsy of the liver of patients with primary biliary cirrhosis show
Granulomas around the bile ducts, progressing to cirrhosis
How is primary biliary cirrhosis treated
Symptomatic treatment for pruritus with colestyramine
Ursodeoxycholic acid
Liver transplant last resort
What is primary sclerosing cholangitis
A non malignant, non bacterial inflammation, fibrosis and strictures of intra and extra-hepatic bile ducts
What does primary sclerosing cholangitis lead to
Liver failure and death
What are the symptoms of primary sclerosing cholangitis
Often found incidentally
Jaundice, pruritus, abdo pain, fatigue
Which liver enzyme is increased in primary sclerosing cholangitis
ALK PHOS
Wht re the signs of primary sclerosing cholangitis
Jaundice, hepatomegaly, portal hypertension
What do patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis have a huge risk of developing
Cholangiocarcinoma
What is the management of primary sclerosing cholangitis
Liver transplant is the only effective treatment
Colestyramine for pruritus
Ursodeoxycholic acid improves cholestasis
What are the clinical features of tumours of the biliary tract
Progressive obstructive jaundice Mucocoele Empyema Pruritus Anorexia and weight loss
What is the management for rumours of the biliary tract
Whipped procedure if in lower CBD
Palliative stents in some cases
Where does the pancreas lie anatomically
Retroperitoneally, behind the lesser sac and the stomach . The head lies in the loop of the duodenum
What is the blood supply to the pancreas
Coeliac and superior mesenteric artery
What is the blood supply to the tail of the pancreas
Splenic arteries (lies in front of splenic artery)
What are the most common causes for pancreatitis
Alcohol and gallstones
What is the effect of gall stones impacting on the pancreatic duct
Leads to intracellular activation of pancreatic enzymes, acinar cell damage, pancreatic inflammation
What are the GET SMASHED aetiological causes of pancreatitis
Gallstones Ethanol Trauma Scorpion venom Mumps Autoimmune Steroids Heryperlipidaemia/hypercalcaemia ERCP Drugs
What is more common - sliding or rolling hernia
Sliding (stomach cardia involved)
How would you distinguish between gallstone and alcoholic cause of pancreatitis
Ultrasound scan
What is ercp used for
Endoscopy + fluoroscopy to diagnose and treat biliary and pancreatic duct system problems, eg gallstones, bile duct tumours etc.
can be used therapeutically to remove stones, insert stents and dilate strictures (PSC)
What are the clinical features of acute pancreatitis
- severe epigastric pain, or right hypochondrium
- radiates to back
- nausea, vomiting, retching
- tachycardia, tachypnoea
- jaundice may be present
How is acute appendicitis diagnosed
Measuring serum amylase (3x upper reference), serum lipase
Ct abdo if doubt
Lost two severity score for acute pancreatitis
- APACHE II
- Glasgow prognostic score
What is the conservative management for acute pancreatitis
Iv fluids, analgesia, gradual reintroduction of diet
Antibiotic prophylaxis
Treat underlying cause e.g. gallstones
What are the possible complications of pancreatitis
- infected pancreatic necrosis
- pancreatic pseudocyst
- abscess
- GI bleeding
- GI ischaemia, fistula
How is infected pancreatic necrosis treated
Surgical debridement or Percutaneous drainage
What is a pancreatic pseudocyst
Collections of pancreatic secretion and inflammatory exudate enclosed in a wall of fibrous or granulation tissue
What is chronic pancreatitis
Chronic inflammatory condition characterised by fibrosis and destruction of exocrine pancreatic tissue. Blockage of flow of pancreatic juices
What is the most common aetiological cause of chronic pancreatitis
Alcohol
What are the clinical features of chronic pancreatitis
Characteristic epigastric pain, radiating to back and often relived by leaning forward
Hot water bottles may help relive pain
What are some of the other manifestations of chronic pancreatitis except the usual symptoms
Steatorrhoea
Diabetes mellitus
What imaging investigations can you do to diagnose chronic pancreatitis
CT - may see speckled calcification
MRCP - to look at pancreatic duct
Which non-imaging investigations can you ror form on a patient with chronic pancreatitis
Blood glucose
Faecal fat content
What is MRCP
Imaging technique which uses MRI to visualise the biliary and pancreatic ducts non-invasively
Which blood tests in particular are important for the investigation of a patient with gallstones
FBC - ?neutrophilia
Bilirubin increased
Alkaline phosphatase increased
When is gas seen surrounding the billiary tree
If fistula is present
How is amo pen cholecystectomy performed
Right subcostal incision with intra operative cholangiography to display the anatomy of Ge duct system
Cystic artery and duct are ligated, gall bladder removed
Abdo drain placed
How is laparoscopic cholecystectomy performed
Cannulae inserted into anterior abdo wall and co2 insufflation
Same structures ligated as in cholecystectomy
What are some of the complications that may occur in cholecystectomy
Infective complications - strep faecalis, e. Coli
Bile leakage
How is infection from organisms such as E. coli prevented in cholecystectomy patients
Prophylaxis with cephalosporin
How is acute cholecystitis managed conservatively initially
Iv fluids, analgesia, broad spectrum antibiotic such as a cephalosporin, nbm
Is the non surgical approach to acute cholecystitis effective
No - gall stone dissolution
How is acute cholangitis managed
Resusc, administration of appropriate antibiotics, decompression of biliary tree with ercp, cholecystectomy
What is the conservative management for chronic pancreatitis
Abstinence from alcohol
Pain relief
Treat endocrine and exocrine insufficiency - supplements
What are the endoscopic and surgical treatments for chronic pancreatitis
Endoscopic duct stents if there is a stricture
Surgical drainage
of obstructed pancreatic duct
What is Courvoisier’s law?
In the presence of a non tender palpable gall bladder, painless jaundice is unlikely caused by gallstones
What are some of the neuronendocrine tumours found in the pancreas
Gastrinomas (Zollinger Ellison syndrome), insulin as, glucagonomas, somatostatinoma
What histological type of cancer is cholangiocarcinoma
Adenocarcinoma
Where do pancreatic Adenocarcinomas tend to metastasise commonly
Liver and lung
What are some of the symptomatic features of pancreatic cancer
Painless jaundice, weight loss, poor appetite
What is the management of pancreatic cancer
Surgical resection via whipped procedure (pancreaticoduodenectomy)
Palliative treatment with relief from obstructive jaundice, pruritus, biliary drainage, chemo
What does pancreaticoduodenectomy/whipples procedure involve
Resection of head of pancreas, distal half of stomach, duodenum, gallbladder, CBD
What does the red pulp of the spleen contain
Macrophages
What does the White pulp of the spleen contain
Lymphoid tissue - lymphocytes, macrophages and plasma cells
How is a splenectomy performed
Via left subcostal incision, with division of the short gastric vessels and mobilisation from surrounding structures
List the indications for splenectomy
- trauma
- haemolytic anaemia
- hyperslenism
- ITP
- abscess
- splenic artery aneurysm
- as part of resection of other organs
What are the lifelong prophylactic antibiotics given to patients who have had a splenectomy
Erythromycin or phenoxymethylpenicillin
What immunisation is given to patients who have had a splenectomy
Pneumococcal, H influenzae type B, meningococcal group c infection immunisation
What are some of the causes of appendicitis
Inflammation may be due to faecoliths, lymphoid hyperplasia, foreign bodies, carcinoid tumours, strictures
List some begging tumours of the small intestine
- adenomatous polyps
- hamartomas
- lipomas
- haemangiomas
What is a hamartoma
Abnormal formation of normal tissue
What is peutz-jehgers syndrome
Inherited disorder where there are multiple hamartomatous polyps in the GIT, as well as pigmentation in the patients lips
List some malignant tumours of the small intestine
- GIST - GI stromal tumour
- Adenocarcinoma of the small bowel
- lymphoma
- carcinoid tumour
What is Lynch Syndrome also known as
Hereditary non-polyposis colorectal carcinoma
What is the inheritance pattern of lynch syndrome/hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal carcinoma
Autosomal dominant
What is the risk that comes with HNPCC/lynch syndrome
High risk of colon cancer
As well as endometrial cancer
What hereditary conditions may be associated with small bowel Adenocarcinoma
FAP, Lynch syndrome
Which cancers are patients with peutz jehgers syndrome susceptible to
Colorectal, gastric, pancreatic, breast, ovarian tumours
What is the management of peutz jehgers syndrome
Laparotomy, polypectomy
What is me kelps diverticulum
Remnant of Vitello-intestinal duct
How may me kelps diverticulum cause problems in affected patients
Intusussecption, volvulus, obstruction
How is me kelps diverticulum treated
Excised if symptomatic, if not, should be left alone
What are the symptoms of radiation enteritis
Watery diarrhoea, lower abdo pain, tenesmus, rectal bleeding, mucous discharge
What may diverticulae in the jejunum cause in terms of symptoms
Inflammation, malabsorption, occasionally perforation and impaction of material in the diverticulae
If small bowel diverticulae are symptomatic, how should they be treated
Iv fluid resuscitation, antibiotics
What is small bowel ishcaemia usually due to
Atheromatous occlusion and thrombosis in the superior mesenteric artery
What are spathe predisposing factors for small bowel ishcaemia
Thrombophilia Hyperviscosity Dehydration Hypovolaemia Hypoperfusion of gut
List some causes of Hypoperfusion of the gut
Trauma, cardiogenic shock, cardiac arrhythmia, septic shock, arterial emboli,
What does small bowel ishcaemia progress to
Necrosis of all the bowel layers with gangrene and perforation
How is small bowel ishcaemia managed
Resusc, resection of gangrenous bowel; and anticoagulation; In some instances, can be restored by embolectomy, thomobolectomy
What is chronic mesenteric ischaemia
Repeated bouts of colicky Central abdo pain typically 20-30 mins after eating, weight loss. Angiogrpaphy
What are the clinical feature of small bowel ischaemia
- Central abdo pain and tenderness
- previous weight loss
- guarding and rigidity (late signs)
What may plain films show in painted with small bowel ischaemia
Calcified atheroma in mesenteric arteries,
Dilated Andy hi kneed small bowel loops
What are the most common causes of small bowel obstruction
- adhesions (60%)
- obstructed hernia (20%)
- malignancy
What are the most common causes of large bowel obstruction
- colorectal cancer (>70%)
- stricturing diverticular disease (10%)
- sigmoid volvulus
What are the signs and symptoms of obstruction in the proximal jejunum
Anorexia, vomiting, severe upper abdo pain, minimal distension, limited (if any) change in bowel habit
What are the symptoms and signs of distal small bowel obstruction
Colicky midgut pain, distension, vomiting, recent absolute constipation
What are the signs and symptoms with colonic obstruction
- insidious
- hindgut abdo pain and discomfort
- weight loss
- pronounced abdo distension
- altered bowel habit with little or no vomiting
How does gut motility change with obstruction
Initially the bowel proximal to he obstruction contracts vigorously in an attempt to overcome impedance
Eventually peristalsis subsides and paralytic ileus ensues
Why may a patient with paralytic ileus become toxic
Bacteria enter the portal system if ileus not resolved
What are some of the possible consequences to paralytic ileus
Perforation
Strangulation
Peritonitis
How do you manage bowel obstruction
Iv and electrolyte therapy
Erect CXR, AXR
Laparotomy
What are some for eh causes of paralytic ileus
- after surgery
- secondary to peritonitis
- electrolyte imbalances
- tca’s, lithium, opiates
Which electrolyte ambormalities can cause paralytic ileus
Hypokalaemia Hyponatraemia Diabetic ketoacidosis Uraemia Hypocalcaemia
How is paralytic ileus managed
Correction of blood electrolytes
Stimulant enemas
Iv erythromycin
Laparotomy
Whatis the definition of a hernia
Abnormal protrusion of a cavity’s contents (e.g. Viscera) through a weakness in the wall of the cavity that usually contains it.
What is the risk in hernias that are irreducible
May strangulate or become obstructed
What passes through the inguinal canal
In males the spermatic cord, and in females, the round ligament
Which embryonic structure failing to close properly may predispose to inguinal hernias
Processus vaginalis
In which structure is the deep inguinal ring
Transversalis fascia
Where is the deep inguinal ring
About 1 cm above the mid point of the inguinal ligament
What is medial to the deep inguinal ring
Inferior epigastric vessels
Where does an indirect inguinal hernia enter to herniate
The deep inguinal ring
Can pass down into the scrotum
Where is an inguinal hernia usually found in relation to the pubic tubercle
Above and medial
What are the clinical features of inguinal hernias
Discomfort in groin, esp when lifting or straining
Lump, especially visible when coughing or standing up
Where does an direct femoral hernia go through
Hesselbachs triangle- weakness in abdominal wall, protrudes through transversalis fascia
What is the a agreement for inguinal hernias
Surgical
herniotomy and tightening of the deep ring for indirect hernias, and mobilisation of hernia for direct hernias which is strengthened by sutures
Where do femoral hernias project through
Femoral ring and pass down the femoral canal, may progress down to the saline ours opening in the deep fascia of the thigh
What is medial and lateral to the femoral canal
Medial - lacunar ligament
Lateral - femoral vein
What do femoral hernias usually contain
Small bowel or omentum
Where are femoral hernias seen
Inner upper aspect of the thigh
Where are femoral hernias in relation to the pubic tubercle
Below and lateral to pubic tubercle
What is the repair for femoral hernias
Surgical
What causes parImbilical hernias
Gradual weakening of tissues around the umbilicus - obese, multiple pregnancies etc.
When may groin pain be felt in patients with femoral hernias
During exercise
How is para stromal hernia best treated
With reversal of stoma if possible
What are the obstructive symptoms of hernias that indicate surgical repair is needed
Abdo pain, vomiting, distension
What is dysphagia
Difficulty swallowing
What does sudden onset dysphagia indicate
Foreign body
Which conditions have dysphagia to solids and which to liquids
Solids - carcinoma
Liquids - achalasia, motility disorders, stroke
What is odynophagia
Pain on swallowing
What may cause odynophagia
Oesophagitis
Oesophageal spasm
What is dyslepsia
Describes symptoms of indigestion - epigastric pain, belching, heartburn, nausea, early satiety, reduced appetite
What are alarm symptoms in dyspepsia
Weight loss Progressive dysphagia Iron deficiency Mass Vomiting
Where in the world is diverticular disease prevalent
Developed countries
Which component of the diet is related to diverticular disease
Low fibre
Wh in part of the GI system is most commonly affected by diverticular disease
Sigmoid colon (related to intraluminal pressure)
What are the symptoms of diverticular disease
- intermittent lower abdo/left iliac fossa pain
- altered bowel habit
- rectal bleeding
- urgency of defaecation
List some of the imaging investigations for diverticular disease
- barium enema
- colonoscopy/sigmoidoscopy
- CT
How do you manage uncomplciTed diverticular disease
High fibre diet, bulk laxatives, antispasmodics such as mebeverine
When is surgical resection of affected segment indicated in patients with diverticular disease?
Persistent symptoms or when cancer cannot be excluded
What symptoms may you find in a patient with colonic diverticular disease which has perforated
Septic shock Dehydration Marked abdo pain Tenderness Distension
How is perforated diverticular disease treated
Resuscitation, iv broad spectrum antibiotics, reception of affcted bowel + peritoneal lavage
What complications can persistent infections in diverticular disease due to still stasis etc, lead to
Necrosis and formation of abscess. This may go on to perforate
What are the symptoms and clinical features of diverticulitis
Pyrexia, leucocytosis, nausea, vomiting, altered bowel habit
Pain and tenderness in LIF
How is diverticulitis diagnosed
CT
How is an episode of diverticulitis treated
Fasting, clear fluids, bed rest
Iv fluids
Broad spectrum antibiotics
Certain circumstances may require surgery, e.g. Abscess
Give some examples of broad spectrum antibiotics used in the treatment of diverticulitis
Cephalosporins, gentamicin, metronidazole
What are some of the complications of diverticular disease a
- strictures
- obstruction
- infection and inflammation
- fistula
- bleeding
What is a common organ that diverticulae form fistulas with
The bladder - colovesicular fistula
If a colovesicular fistula is preset in a patient with diverticulosis, what are some of the urinary symptoms that may be present
Dysuria, passage of cloudy urine, bubbling on micturition (pneumoturia)
How is a fistula in diverticular disease diagnosed
Barium enema
Cystoscopy if colovesicular fistula
How is a colovesicular fistula treated
Sigmoid colectomy with synchronous repair of the bladder
What are the differentials of pe bleeding in diverticular disease
Haemorrhoids, polyps, IBD, cancer,angiodysplasia
If a patient with divertcular disease is also bleeding, how do you manage it once you pick up the source of bleeding on ct angiography
Resection or affected bowel, even total colectomy
What is the pathophysiology of large intestinal ischaemia
Similar to small vowel ischaemia - atheroma at the region of the inferior mesenteric artery resulting in insufficient blood supply from marginal artery.
Progress to gangrene and perforation
Some may have acute bloody diarrhoea
What are the clinical features and symptoms of ischaemic colitis or the large intestine
Lower abdo pain, nausea, vomiting, bloody diarrhoea
Tenderness and guarding
Pyrexia and leucocytosis
What is seem or radiography of a patient with ischaemic colitis of the large bowel
Thickened segment of colon and “thumb printing” due to oedema.
How does gangrenous ishcaemic colitis present
Localised or generalised peritonitis
How is gangrenous ischaemic colitis treated
Surgery - resection + colostomy
How does ischaemic stricture of the colon present
Colicky abdominal pain, constipation and distension following history of an attack of bloody diarrhoea or documented episode of ischaemic colitis.
What is IBS
Mixed group of abdominal symptoms for which no organic cause can be found. Most due to disorders of intestinal motility but enhanced visceral perception
What are the diagnostic criteria for IBS
Diagnosis of exclusion Abdo pain/discomfort relived by defaecation OR associated with altered stool form OR bowel frequency AND there are 2 or more of: - urgency - tenesmus - bloating/distension - PR mucus - worsening of symptoms after food
Which part of the git is commonly affected by volvulus
Sigmoid colon
Which mart of the git is rarely affcted by volvulus, but still can be
Caecum
What is a volvulus
Twisting of bowel around a narrow origin in the mesentery
What is the presentation of a sigmoid volvulus
Presentation as per large bowel obstruction:
- lower abdo pain
- abdo distension
- nausea and vomiting
- absolute constipation
How may a patient with perforation due to sigmoid volvulus present
With sepsis
What is seen on radiography of a patient with sigmoid volvulus
Coffee bean sign, with a grossly distended colon arising out of pelvis
What is the conservative treatment of sigmoid volvulus
Reduction and deflation using rigid or flexible sigmoidoscope + placement of large bore tube into the sigmoid
What is the surgical management of sigmoid volvulus
sigmoid colectomy following fill bowel prep
Which anatomical landmark does a faecalis volvulus occur around
Superior mesenteric artery
What does radiography show in a caudal volvulus
Anticlockwise rotation of dilated small bowel loops, around a grossly distended caecum
How can bleeding due to angiodysplasia in the colon be treated
Angiographic embolisation, laser treatment, injection sclerotherapy, resection in emergency laparotomy
What is the responsible organism for pseudo membranous colitis
C. difficile
What usually is the cause of pseudo membranous colitis
Almost always healthcare related infection due to over use of broad spectrum antibiotics
How is C. difficile infection detected
Stool culture or assays for presence of C. difficile toxin in stool or blood
What do stools of those affected by C. difficile infection look like
Watery, green, blood stained, foul smelling, often containing fragments of mucosal slough
What are the signs and symptoms of pseudo,em famous colitis/c difficile infection
Patient profoundly unwell Fever Colitis Sepsis Dehydration
How do you manage C. difficile infection
Resusc, iv fluids, side room isolation
Oral metronidazole or vancomycin for 10 days
What severe complication may patients with severe cases of C. difficile infection encounter
Toxic megacolon
How is toxic megacolon treated
Emergency Colectomy + ileostomy (ileorectal anastomosis ca be performed at a later date)
List the drugs most commonly associated with C. difficile / pseudo,membranous colitis
- ciprofloxacin
- amoxicillin
- clindamycin
- cephalosporins
What class of antibiotic is ciprofloxacin
Quinolone
What are the features of microscopic colitis on biopsy
Increase in inflammatory cells (esp. Lymphocytes) with an otherwise normal appearance and architecture of colon
What is the main presentation of microscopic colitis, and are there any radiological or histological changes
Chronic diarrhoea, normal radiological findings, typical histological findings
How is microscopic colitis treated
Avoid caffeine and orb we known aggravators
5-ASA agents in non responders
Anti diarrhoeal agents
What causes hirschprungs disease
Absence of ganglion cells in Auerbachs and Meisseners plexuses
How does hirschprungs diseases usually present
In childhood, where there is a loss of peristalsis in the affected segment leading to large bowel obstruction with distension of proximal to affcted segment
What diagnostic investigation confirms hirschprungs disease
Biopsy - confirms lack of ganglia
How is ileostomy formed
By bringing out ileum through the abdominal wall, through the rectus muscle in the RIF
Spout fashioned to allow appliances to be fitted
Why may an ileostomy be performed
As an adjunct to resectional surgery or as a temporary stoma to allow distal anastomosis to heal
When is an end-ileostomy used
When the colon has been removed +/- small part of distal ileum has been removed.
Why does colostomy not require a spout like an ileostomy does
The faeces extruded here are not usually irritant to skin
Which emergency procedure involves colostomy formation
Hartmanns procedure
Liz some indications for colostomy
Hartmanns procedure
Resectional surgery for colon cancer
Faecal incontinence surgery to divert faeces from disease anorectum
Palliation for cancer
What is a Hartmann procedure
A procedure performed in emergency bowel obstruction where part of the sigmoid colon and/or rectum is removed along with local blood vessels + lymph nodes. Followed by colostomy if cannot rejoin bowel
What are the distinguishing features between ileostomy and colostomy
Ileostomy - RIF, spout of mucosa
Colostomy - LIF, closer to the skin and sutured to it
What are the indications for nasojejunal feeding
When the patient cannot tolerate feeding into the stomach - severe reflux, vomiting, impaired motility
When is gastrostomy (surgical or peg) indicated
Long term - for problems with swallowing e.g. Stroke, oesophageal atresia, tracheosophgaeal fistula
When is jejune stormy indicated
Long term, for problems with poor gastric motility, chronic vomiting, high risk of aspiration
How may polyps oak syndromes present, considering often they are asymptomatic
Rectus bleeding, large bowel colic, rectal polyps may occasionally prolapse, severe watery diarrhoea, dehydration
How cam polyps is syndromes be managed
Colonoscopic polypectomy, electrocautery snare,
What is the risk associated with familial adenomatous polyps is
Predisposes to cancer - malignant transformation
What is the inheritance pattern for familial adenomatous polypsis
Autosomal dominant
There is an >90% chance of colorectal cancer risk in patients with familial adenomatous polypsis, which prophylactic procedure can be undertaken to prevent this
Prophylactic Colectomy
What are the extra colonic features of familial adenomatous polyposis
Gastric polyps, ileal adenomas, long bone osteomas
How is FAP diagnosed
Sigmoidoscopy/colonoscopy, biopsy, gene mutation screening
Where else should be screened in patients with familial adenomatous polyposis
Upper git - polyps and adenomas may also be present here as extra colonic features
List some autosomal recessive differentials for FAP, which also have hih risk of colorectal cancer
Meta plastic hyperplasia polyposis
MUTYH-associated polyposis
Which parts of the colon are particularly common sites for colorectal cancer
Sigmoid colon and rectum
What are the aetiological factors for colorectal Adenocarcinoma
Male gender, older age, family history, westernised diet, (smoking)
Which diets are associated with increased risk of colorectal cancer
Low fibre, high red meat content, high fat
What are protective factors against colorectal cancer
No smoking/excess alcohol
Dietary calcium and vitamin d supplements
Hugh fibre diet
Aspirin/other NSAIDs
List some gee tic conditions associated with increased risk of colorectal Adenocarcinoma
Hnpcc
Fap
Peutz jehgers
Juvenile polyposis syndrome
Which gene function is affcted in HNPCC
Gene participating in ENA mismatch repair
What are the clinical features of colorectal carcinoma
- intermittent rectal bleeding
- blood mixed with mucus
- altered bowel habit
- iron deficiency anaemia (microcytic)
- colicky lower abdo pain
- tenesmus
- obstructive symptoms in some cases
- abdo mass
What are is the current UK programme for bowel cancer screening
All M+F 60-75 year olds are sent home kit test for Faecal Occult Blood
An additional one-off scope at 55 years is being introduced in the UK currently
What imaging investigations would you perform on a patient with ?colorectal cancer
Colonoscopy
Ct colonography
Barium enema
What is the treatment with curative intent for colorectal carcinoma
Colorectal resection, excision of colonic mesentery, ligation of arterial supply, lymph node excision, formation of colonic j pouch
List some macroscopic appearance types of colorectal Adenocarcinoma
Stenosing
Ulcers ting
Polypoidal
What is t1-4 of colorectal cancer
T1- invades submucosal
T2- muscularis propria
T3- subserosa
T4- invades adjacent organs/peritoneum
What is n0-3 in colorectal cancer staging
N0 - no regional lymph nodes involved
N1 - metastasis to 1-3 nearby lymph nodes
N2 - to 4 or more nearby lymph nodes
N3 - to lymph nodes near major blood vessels
What is M0 and M1 in TNM staging of colorectal cancer
T0- no distant metastasis
T1- distant metastasis
Why is radiotherapy a good adjuvant therapy
Reduces recurrence rates
How are fixed, inoperable colorectal tumours managed
Radical radiotherapy, combined with chemotherapy such as 5-FU
How does 5-fu chemo generally work
Inhibit thymidylate synthesis
What is the palliative therapy for colorectal cancer
- colostomy to divert faecal stream
- palliative stent
- control pain, mucous discharge, altered bowel habit, bleeding, incontinence
- palliative chemo
How is lymphoma of the large intestine treated
Resection followed by chemo and radiotherapy if primary lymphoma
Systematic therapy and targeted radiotherapy if secondary lymphoma
What are the two muscle layers in the anorectum
Internal and external sphincterectomy
The inner layer of anorectum muscle is a continuation of the git, therefore what inner ages it
Sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system, arising from the nerve plexuses
What function does the continuous inner action of the internal muscle of the anorectum have
Maintains tone and continues to resting pressure inside canal
What type of muscle is the external sphincter of the anorectum
Striated