SI obstruction Flashcards
1
Q
Upper SI obstruction
A
Acute presentation
Large volumes vomited
2
Q
Lower SI obstruction
A
Colicky abdominal pain
Distension
Vomiting - possibly faeculant
3
Q
Vomiting
A
The more proximal the obstruction the earlier the vomiting develops
4
Q
Thick, brown foul smelling vomit
A
Lower SI obstruction
5
Q
Copious, bile stained fluid
A
Upper SI obstruction
6
Q
Colicky pain
A
Occurs as peristalsis tries to overcome the obstruction
7
Q
Distension
A
Caused by swallowed air and intestinal fluid secreted proximal to the obstruction
8
Q
Investigations
A
AXR
CT scan
9
Q
AXR
A
Bowel proximal to obstruction is distended with gas
Distended small bowel loops (centrally)
10
Q
CT scan
A
To confirm diagnosis and look for a cause
“cut off” observed between dilated proximal and collapsed distal
