Large Bowel Obstruction Flashcards
1
Q
ESSENCE
A
Mechanical interruption (either complete or partial) to the flow of intestinal contents
2
Q
AETOLOGY
Most common causes
A
- Underlying malignancy most common cause (60%)
- Diverticular strictures
- Volvulus
3
Q
AETIOLOGY
Risk factors
A
- Age 45-65
- Constipation
- Pregnancy or space occupying lesion
4
Q
CLINICAL FEATURES
Presentation
A
- Intermittent abdominal pain
- Abdominal distension
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Change in bowel habit
- Rectal bleeding
- Palpable abdominal mass
- Palpable rectal mass
5
Q
INVESTIGATIONS
First choice
A
- CT scan urgent
- Full bloods - acute abdomen
6
Q
MANAGEMENT
General principles
A
- Supportive care - initial ABCDE
- Escalate patient with shock to senior clinician
- Maybe fluid resuscitation
- Analgesia - morphine
- Treat underlying cause as early as possible
7
Q
MANAGEMENT
First line analgesia for acute abdominal pain
A
Morphine
8
Q
MANAGEMENT
General definitive treatment for most causes
A
- Initial supportive care
- Bowel decompressive via nasogastric tube
- Emergency screening
