Intra-abdominal infections

Question 1

Define intra-abdominal infection

Answer 1

presence of micro-organisms in normally-sterile sites within the abdominal cavity

Question 2

What does the term ‘intra-abdominal infection’ exclude?

Answer 2

gastroenteritis

Question 3

How can translocation across gut wall occur?

Answer 3

• perforation
• loss of integrity
• surgery

Question 4

How can translocation occur along a lumen?

Answer 4

• blockage

- iatrogenic

Question 5

What causes loss of integrity of the bowel wall?

Answer 5

• ischaemia

- strangulation

Question 6

What are the 3 main causes of bowel ischaemia?

Answer 6

• strangulation
• arterial occlusion
• post-op

Question 7

Define cholecystitis

Answer 7

inflammation of the gallbladder wall

Question 8

How would cholecystitis present?

Answer 8

fever, right upper quadrant pain, mild jaundice

Question 9

What is cholangitis?

Answer 9

inflammation/infection of biliary tree (hepatic and common bile ducts)

Question 10

What causes cholangitis?

Answer 10

mainly obstruction of common bile duct (can follow instrumentation)

Question 11

What is an intra-peritoneal abcess?

Answer 11

localised area of peritonitis with build-up of pus