Minor surgical conditions Flashcards
What is an abscess?
Localised collection of purulent material lined with granulation and fibrous tissue
What are the complications of an abscess?
Toxaemia/pyaemia
Sinus
Skin necrosis
What are the signs of an abscess?
Pyrexia, anorexia, vomiting, pain, swelling, discharge
How should an abscess be treated?
Lance and flush with saline/weak disinfectant (surgery if deep abscess)
Regular bathing/flushing of abscess (surgical drain if deep)
Treatment with antibiotics, consider pain relief
What is cellulitis?
Distribution of pus through tissue (non-localised)
What are the signs of cellulitis?
Pain, area sensitive to touch, pyrexia, generalised swelling
How is cellulitis treated?
Systemic antibiotics, anti-inflammatory medication, analgesics
What is a sinus?
An infected blind-ending tract leading from a focus of infection to the body surface/mucous membrane
What type of tissue lines a sinus?
Granulation tissue
What are the signs of a sinus?
Pyrexia, pain, sensitive to touch, disease-specific signs (e.g. anal furunculosis)
What type of condition does a grass seed usually cause?
Foreign body sinus
What is a fistula?
An abnormal tract between 2 epithelial surfaces OR connecting an epithelial surface to the skin
(e.g. oro-nasal, recto-vaginal)
What are the signs of a fistula?
Chronic infection
Visually abnormal
Physiologically abnormal
Does a fistula always require surgical repair?
Yes
What is an ulcer defined as?
The loss of the epithelial surface of a tissue (skin/mucous membrane)
Shallow lesions caused by trauma, aggravated by poor blood supply and/or infection
What are the signs of an ulcer?
Pain, swelling, visual appearance, secondary problems (e.g. infection)
Often slow to heal
What is the treatment for an ulcer?
Remove the cause
Keep surface clean
Dress wound if possible
Surgical treatment if necessary
Which areas are most commonly affected by ulcers?
Skin
GI tract
Cornea
What are the possible causes of ulcers?
Pathogens (e.g. Calici virus)
Irritants (e.g. chemicals, urine)
Poor blood supply
Pressure
What are the causes of a corneal ulcer?
Trauma
Bacteria
Eyelash/eyelid disorders
What are the signs of a corneal ulcer?
Increased lacrimation
Ocular pain and discharge
Blepharospasm
What is a decubitus ulcer?
Pressure sore
What are the signs of a decubitus ulcer?
Pain Open wound Pyrexia due to secondary infection Sensitivity around area Restricted movement
What is a cyst?
Abnormal sac filled with fluid or semi-solid matter lined with epithelium
What are the main types of cyst?
Sebaceous
Interdigital
Ovarian
Meibomian
What is a meibomian cyst?
Benign age-related tumour of the eye
What are the symptoms of a cyst?
Swelling
Visual appearance
Restriction of movement
Secondary infection (dependent upon type)
What is a haematoma?
Accumulation of blood in a tissue due to a burst blood vessel
What are the signs of a haematoma?
Swelling
Pain
Discolouration of skin
What is a rupture?
Protrusion of organs/soft tissue through an unnatural opening/tear
What is a hernia?
Abnormal protrusion of organs or soft tissue through a natural opening
How does a rupture typically occur?
Usually arises as a result of trauma (weakness may predispose)
What is a reducible hernia?
Contents can be repositioned to the original anatomical location - corrected by gentle pressure
What is an irreducible/incarcerated hernia/rupture?
Contents cannot be repositioned to the original anatomical condition due to adhesions/other complications
What is a strangulated hernia/rupture?
Where the contents become devitalised due to restriction of blood vessels (life-threatening emergency)
What is an inguinal hernia?
Herniation through the inguinal canal
How is a perineal hernia caused?
Excessive straining - muscle layers around the anal sphincter gradually break down
What is a ventral/abdominal rupture?
A general term referring to a tear anywhere on the abdominal wall other than the umbilical/inguinal areas (usually arises due to trauma)
