Large Bowel Obstruction Flashcards
1
Q
Can be caused by?
A
Colorectal cancer
Benign stricture
Volvulous
Bolous
2
Q
Presentation?
A
Generally slow development of symptoms
- Colicky abdominal pain
- Abdominal distension
- Vomiting (can be faeculent)
- Constipation
- Chronic= muscle wall hypertrophy proximal to ob
- Dehydration
- Visible peristalsis
- Auscultation- absent bowel sounds or no echo
3
Q
Diagnosis?
A
Supine abodminal XR- bowel proximal to obstruction is distended with gas
CT scan can help confirm
4
Q
Treatment?
A
Nil by mouth
Insert IV cannula and send blood
Resuscitate with IV fluids
5
Q
Complications?
A
Thin walled caecum can progressively distend due to hypoxia, which results in failure of peristalsis
6
Q
What is a pseudo-obstruction?
A
Where there is no real mechanical obstruction, can be due to hypoxia, which results in peristalsis failure
7
Q
Who gets pseudo-obstructions?
A
Elderly
Debilitated
