intestinal obstruction (from GI 3)

Question 1

Intestinal obstruction is more common in the _______

Answer 1

small bowel/ small intestine

Question 2

Causes of intestinal obstruction

Answer 2

• abdominal surgery with adhesions
• congenital abnormalities of the bowel
• carcinoma (primary, metastatic)

Question 3

Desc the process of the intestinal obstruction

Answer 3

obstruction causes gas & fluid accumulation → distention (pain) → water & electrolytes secreted into obstructed lumen of small intestine → venous return impeded → oedematous bowel wall → bowel wall absorptive capacity decreases → leakage to peritoneum / ischemia of bowel wall

Question 4

In intestinal obstruction, bacteria may translocate to ____. This causes _____.

Answer 4

bacteria may translocate to bloodstream. This causes fever & sepsis.

Question 5

In intestinal obstruction, blood escapes from engorged veins → blood & plasma loss → _____

Answer 5

shock

Question 6

Complications of intestinal obstruction

Answer 6

• peritonitis

- perforation

Question 7

Management of intestinal obstruction

Answer 7

• remove source of mechanical obstruction → surgery
• decompression
• fluid & electrolyte replacement