intestinal obstructions

Question 1

what is a pseudo obstruction?

Answer 1

No mechanical obstruction
· often a result of post operative state

Question 2

what are the two types of intestinal obstructions?

Answer 2

1. small bowel obstruction
2. large bowel obstruction
   ( both mechanically obstructed)

Question 3

how common are small bowel obstructions?

Answer 3

60- 75% of all cases

Question 4

how common are large bowel obstructions?

Answer 4

25-40% of all cases

Question 5

what are the causes of small bowel obstructions?

Answer 5

-Adhesions
·Crohn’s
-Strangulating Hernias
·Malignancy

Question 6

what are the causes of large bowel obstructions?

Answer 6

-colorectal malignancy
· volvulus
· Intussusception

Question 7

what are the symptoms for small bowel obstructions?

Answer 7

-First vomiting then , constipation
· Mild abdo distension + pain
· Tinkeling bowel sounds

Question 8

what are the symptoms for large bowel obstructions?

Answer 8

-First constipation then ,
vomiting
-Gross distension + pain
-Hyperactive , then normal, then absent bowel sounds

Question 9

how are intestinal obstructions diagnosed? what do you find?

Answer 9

1st line X-ray = dilated bowel loops + transluminal fluid
- gas shadows

Question 10

how else do you diagnose small bowel obstructions?

Answer 10

• CT/ abdomen

Question 11

what is the treatment for intestinal obstructions?

Answer 11

Fluid resuscitation
NG tube
Antiemetics+ analgesia
Antibiotics
surgery - last resort