Intestinal Problems 7 - Diseases of small bowel and appendix Flashcards
What are the 2 types of bowel obstruction?
MechanicalAdynamic (ileus)
What are the causes of small bowel obstruction?
Extrinsic compression (adhesions, hernias, volvulus)Intramural (crohns)Intraluminal (tumour, gallstones)Ileus
Initial management of a small bowel obstruction?
ABCAnalgesiaIV fluids (with potassium)NG tube (to decompress the stomach - ryles tube)Catheter and urine output monitoringAntithromboembolism treatment
What is “drip and suck”?
NG to decompress the stomach - “suck”IV fluids - “drip”
What electrolyte imbalance do patients with small bowel obstruction tend to have?
AlkalosisHyokalaemia
What are the appropriate investigations for a small bowel obstruction?
AXR (to look for dilated small bowel loops)CT
What type of obstructions do you always need to do surgery for?
Hernias
How long should you drip and suck for?
Up to 72 hours for adhesion however intervene earlier if strangulation, ischaemia, perforation
Surgical management of treatment of small bowel obstruction?
Laparotomy - can be done laparoscopicallyFind the obstruction by following collapse or dilated bowelResect if necessary
How does ischaemic gut appear in comparison to the normal gut?
Darker
Symptoms of chronic mesenteric ischaemia?
“angina of the gut”CrampsAtherosclerosisLoss weight as eating brings on the pain
Symptoms of acute mesenteric ischaemia?
Severe abdominal painFew abdominal signsRapid hypovolaemia
Investigations for acute mesenteric ischaemia?
Metabolic acidosisMay be increased Hb (due to loss of plasma)WCC raisedMay be a modestly raised amylaseAbdominal x-ray shows a gasses abdomenArteriography/ angiographyMany only diagnosed at laproscopy
How is acute mesenteric ischaemia treated?
resuscitation with fluidsMetronidzole and gentamicinHeparinThrombolysis can be performed if reperfusionableDead bowel resected
Investigations for chronic mesenteric ischaemia?
CT angiographyMR angiography