IBS/constipation/colon polyps Flashcards
What are the general characteristics of IBS?
- Functional disorder without known pathology
- Most common cause of chronic or recurrent abd pain in US
- Intermittent, lifelong problem
- F > M
What is the pathophys of IBS?
- Altered motility
- Hypersensitivity to intestinal distention
- Psychological distress
What are the sxs of IBS?
1. Abd pain A. Hypogastrium B. LLQ 2. Pain worsened w/ food & relieved w/ defecation 3. Postprandial urgency 4. Bowel distention A. Accumulation of gas 5. Constipation, diarrhea or both 6. PE usually normal
What is the ddx for IBS?
- Lactose intolerance
- Cholecystitis
- Chronic pancreatitis
- Intestinal obstruction
- Pancreatic CA
- Stomach cancer
- Celiac disease
What dx studies are used for IBS?
- Dx of exclusion
- Stool for O&P, fecal WBC’s, blood, culture
A. R/O infection - CT w/contrast/Ba enema
A. R/O obstructing mass, pancreatic cancer - Endoscopy
A. R/O celiac disease, stomach cancer - Lactase breath test
A. R/O lactose intolerance
What are the non medical options for treatment of IBS?
- Reassurance
- Strong provider-patient relationship
- Avoidance of known triggers
- High fiber diet
What bulking agents can be used to treat IBS?
- Psyllium / Metamucil
- Methylcellulose / Citrucel
- Calcium Polycarbophil /FiberCon
What antispasmodic meds can be used in IBS?
- Blocks parasympathetic stimulation of gut and reduces GI tone & motility
A. Dicyclomine HCl (Bentyl)
B. Hyoscyamine sulfate (Levsin)
C. Phenobarb/hyoscyamine/atropine/scopolamine (Donnatal)
What anti-diarrheal meds can be used for IBS?
- Opioid Agonists
A. Activate opioid receptors in GI smooth muscle -> inhibits AcH release -> inhibits peristalsis - Includes:
A. Loperamide (Immodium) – opioid analogue
B. Diphenoxylate (Lomotil)
What anti-constipation meds can be used for IBS?
- Increase intestinal fluid secretion & motility
A. Lubiprostone (Amitiza)
B. Linaclotide (Linzess)
What prokinetic meds can be used for IBS?
- Stimulates motility of upper GI tract w/out stimulating gastric, biliary or pancreatic secretions
- Metochlopramide (Reglan) 10 mg po 30 min ac & hs
What are the antidepressants/antidiarrheal drugs used for females with IBS?
- Used in severe cases only, restricted use
- Serotonin (5HT3) receptor agonist
- Slows down GI motility
- Alosetron (Lotronex)
What are the general characteristics of constipation?
- Normal bowel function ranges from 3 stools/day to 3 stools/week
- Decrease in stool volume & increase in stool firmness accompanied by straining
Who should be checked for colon cancer?
Patients > 50 yr with new onset constipation should be evaluated for colon cancer
What is the etiology of primary constipation?
- Anal stricture
- Rectocele
- Rectal prolapse
What is the etiology of secondary constipation?
1. Systemic disease A. Hypothyroidism, DM, hypercalcemia 2. Medications A. Opioids, diuretics, anticholinergics, Ca & Fe supplements 3. Obstructing colonic lesions
What dx studies need to be performed for constipation?
1. Complete Hx & PE is essential, including: A. DRE B. Stool guaiac C. CBC D. Electrolytes E. Ca, glucose F. TSH G. Colonoscopy
What is the rx for constipation?
1. Increase fiber A. 10-20 gm daily 2. Increase fluid intake A. 1.5 – 2 L / day 3. Increase activity 4. If constipation lasts > 2 weeks or if constipation refractory to above measures, further investigation to detect etiology
What are colon polyps?
- Colon polyps are discrete mass lesions that protrude into intestinal lumen
A. Can be benign or malignant
What are risk factors for colon cancer?
- Removal of colon polyps can reduce occurrence of colon cancer
- Familial polyposis syndrome is a genetic predisposition to multiple colon polyps
A. High risk colon cancer
What are mucosal neoplastic (adenomatous) polyps?
- Most common type
2. 95% adenocarcinoma of colon arise from these polyps
What are mucosal non-neoplastic (hyperplastic) colon polyps?
Non-malignant
What are submucosal colon polyps?
- Lipomas
2. Lymphoid aggregates
What preventative measures may reduce the risk of colon polyps?
- Diet high in fruits, vegetables & fiber
- Low fat diet
- Limit ETOH intake
- Avoid tobacco
- Anti-oxidant vitamins
A. A, C, E, beta carotene
When is ASA recommended as a preventative treatment for colon polyps?
- Due to risks asst w/long term use, ASA not recommended in pts w/polyps unless there are other medical indications
- Reduces number of recurrent adenomas at 1-3 yr
A. Low dose ASA 81 mg PO qd
B. Celecoxib (Celebrex) 400 mg PO bid
What are the risk factors for colon polyps?
- Diet rich in fats and red meats
- (+) FH
- IBS
- Age
What are the sxs of colon polyps?
- Polyps generally asymptomatic
2. May be asst with rectal bleeding & iron deficiency anemia
What are the dx studies for colon polyps?
- Guaiac (+) stool common
- Imaging studies:
A. Barium enema: Not used much today
B. Colonoscopy: Diagnostic study of choice for localizing & identifying (Bx) polyps
-Histologic evaluation of polyps
C. Virtual colonoscopy/pill camera
When should a pt w/ FH of familial polyposis be evaluated?
Family members of pts w/ familial polyposis should be evaluated q 1-2 yr beginning at 10-12 yr of age
What is the rx for colon polyps?
Colonoscopic polypectomy
What is recommended post-polypectomy surveillance?
- Colonoscopy w/in 3-5 yr after initial exam
A. Adenomas found in 30-40% of pt after initial (+) exam
B. Colonoscopy in 5-10 yr after first normal post-polypectomy exam - Patients with 3-10 adenomatous polyps or polyp > 1 cm
A. Colonoscopy in 3 yr
What is familial adenomatous polyposis?
Inherited condition characterized by early development of hundreds to thousands of colonic adenomatous polyps & adenocarcinoma
What genetic testing is available for FAP?
- Genetic testing confirms mutation of:
A. APC gene (90%)
B. MYH gene (8%)
What is the recomneded preventative treatment for FAP?
- Prophylactic colectomy recommended to prevent otherwise inevitable colon cancer
A. Usually before age 20 yr
Who needs colonoscopies every 3 years?
- baseline colonoscopy with Low risk adenoma, then high risk adenoma on first surveillance
- baseline colonoscopy with high risk adenoma, then high risk adenoma on first surveillance
Who needs colonoscopies every 5 years?
- baseline colonoscopy with Low risk adenoma, then low risk adenoma on first surveillance
- baseline colonoscopy with high risk adenoma, then low risk adenoma on first surveillance
- baseline colonoscopy with high risk adenoma, then no adenoma on first surveillance
Who needs colonoscopies every 10 years?
- baseline colonoscopy with Low risk adenoma, then no adenoma on first surveillance