Neonatal Surgical Problems Flashcards
What are the three basic patterns of bowel obstruction in the neonate?
Problem in the lumen
Problem in the wall
Problem outside the wall
What are the signs of a sick baby?
Unstable
Cardio-respiratory problems
Abdominal tenderness, discolouration and distention
Bringing up fluids
What is necrotising enterocolotis?
A serious gastrointestinal problem that mostly affects premature babies. The condition inflames intestinal tissue, causing it to die.
What is a sign of bowel perforation on X-Ray?
Free air in the abdomen - will show up as black
What is a meconium ileus?
A bowel obstruction that occurs when the meconium is even thicker and stickier than normal, creating a blockage in a part of the small intestine called the ileum.
What is meconium ileus commonly a sign of?
Cystic Fibrosis
What is duodenal atresia?
This is the absence or complete closure of the lumen of the duodenum
What is duodenal atresia most commonly a sign of?
Down’s Syndrome
What is Jejunal Atresia?
This is the absence or complete blockage in the lumen of the jejunum
What are the common signs of an intestinal atresia?
Not tolerating feeds
Vomiting a greenish substance
What is a hernia?
This is when a part of the intestine pushes through the abdominal wall or groin through a weakened muscle. This can restrict the wall of the bowel and prevent the contents from moving through.
What is a sign of obstruction on X-Ray?
Laddering - lots of loops of dilated bowel on top of each other
What is bile?
A digestive fluid produced by the liver and stored in the gallbladder. It should be dark green to yellowish brown
What should we suspect in a baby that is vomiting bile?
Malrotation and volvulous until proven otherwise
What can malrotation and volvulous lead to?
Ischaemic dead bowel - leads to almost 100% mortality
