Other Flashcards
1
Q
What is the diff btwn mechanical bowel obstruction vs ileus?
A
In mechanical obstruction there is a distinct transition point between dilated and normal segment and no air distal to the obstructed segment. Dynamic air-fluid levels at diff levels within the same loop of bowel are present, indicative of peristalsis.
In ileus the entire bowel is dilated.
In a localized ileus a “sentinel loop” is present which is a dilated portion, remaining in the same location on serial films and is located adjacent to the area of inflammation.
