Useful Passmed facts

Question 1

Azathioprine and allopurinol interaction

Answer 1

This patient has Crohn’s disease and is taking azathioprine. This would react with allopurinol as they are both inhibitors of xanthine oxidase, causing bone marrow suppression

Question 2

What is Hartmann’s procedure?

Answer 2

Hartmann’s procedure involves resection of the relevant portion of bowel and formation of an end colostomy/ileostomy. In the future patients can undergo a reversal of Hartmann’s procedure, whereby the end colostomy is closed following the formation of a colorectal anastomosis, restoring continuity of the bowels. This makes it the ideal surgical procedure for emergency situations