Intestinal Obstruction

Question 1

Describe the symptoms and signs of intestinal obstruction

Answer 1

Constipation, Colicky pain, Nausea, Vomiting, Dysphagia.

Distension, Tinkling High pitched bowel sounds, Tympany due an air filled stomach

Question 2

Common causes and associated pathology of intestinal obstruction

Answer 2

Small Intestine
Adhesions, strangulated hernia, malignancy, volvulus

Large Intestine
Colorectal malignancy, Sigmoid volvulus

Paralytic ileus, Postoperative ileus,

Question 3

Complications of small bowel obstruction

Answer 3

Fluid & Electrolyte imblanace, Hypovolaemia, Sepsis. All can lead to circulatory collapse and therefore AKI

Question 4

Investigations for small bowel obstruction

Answer 4

Input and Output monitoring 
Xray 
FBC 
Water-soluble contrast enema X-ray 
CT 
(MRI or US may be used)