Podcast
Questions and Answers
What physiological consequence results from bacterial activity during intestinal obstruction?
What physiological consequence results from bacterial activity during intestinal obstruction?
- Decrease in bacterial count
- Reduced metabolic activity
- Increased release of gas (correct)
- Enhanced blood supply
In a case of complete intestinal obstruction, which clinical sign would you expect?
In a case of complete intestinal obstruction, which clinical sign would you expect?
- Complete absence of bowel movement (correct)
- Frequent defecation
- Passage of liquid stool
- Ability to pass gas
What is a primary surgical concern in cases of intestinal necrosis?
What is a primary surgical concern in cases of intestinal necrosis?
- Need for bowel resection (correct)
- Management of electrolyte imbalance
- Development of adhesions
- Reversal of intussusception
Which condition may contribute to a non-mechanical intestinal obstruction?
Which condition may contribute to a non-mechanical intestinal obstruction?
What is the primary symptom of septic shock due to intestinal obstruction?
What is the primary symptom of septic shock due to intestinal obstruction?
Which imaging technique is effective for diagnosing mesenteric occlusion?
Which imaging technique is effective for diagnosing mesenteric occlusion?
What is a common mechanical cause of intestinal obstruction?
What is a common mechanical cause of intestinal obstruction?
Which type of hernia is particularly associated with strangulation leading to bowel obstruction?
Which type of hernia is particularly associated with strangulation leading to bowel obstruction?
What indicates a partial intestinal obstruction during examination?
What indicates a partial intestinal obstruction during examination?
Which factor is not typically a contributor to the development of bowel obstruction?
Which factor is not typically a contributor to the development of bowel obstruction?
Flashcards
Intestinal Obstruction
Intestinal Obstruction
A blockage preventing food or fluid from passing through the intestines.
Ischemia
Ischemia
Reduced blood supply to tissue, leading to damage or death of cells.
Sepsis
Sepsis
A life-threatening condition caused by the body's response to infection leading to tissue damage.
Hypovolemic Shock
Hypovolemic Shock
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NPO (Nil Per Os)
NPO (Nil Per Os)
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Mechanical Obstruction
Mechanical Obstruction
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Non-mechanical obstruction (Ileus)
Non-mechanical obstruction (Ileus)
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Bowel Distention
Bowel Distention
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Volvulus
Volvulus
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Intussusception
Intussusception
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Study Notes
Intestinal Obstruction (Bowel Obstruction)
- Mechanism: Food cannot pass through the intestines, leading to backup and metabolic processes by bacteria. This bacterial action causes gas buildup, compressing blood vessels and reducing blood supply (ischemia). Lack of blood flow leads to tissue death (necrosis).
- Consequences: Reduced blood supply leads to distension and fluid leakage from blood vessels. This fluid loss, combined with electrolyte imbalance, can lead to potentially life-threatening conditions like hypovolemic shock.
- Symptoms: Vomiting, nausea, electrolyte imbalance, fever, and low blood pressure (BP) are possible symptoms. Sepsis or septic shock can result.
- Severity: Complete obstruction (no gas or stool passage) is a serious condition. Surgical intervention might be necessary. Partial obstructions allow some gas or stool to pass.
- Types of Obstruction:
- Mechanical: Caused by physical blockages. Examples include:
- Adhesions (scar tissue from previous surgeries)
- Strangulated hernias (protrusion of organs)
- Neoplasms (tumors)
- Strictures (narrowing of the intestines from conditions like Crohn's disease)
- Intussusception (telescoping of one part of the intestine into another, common in children)
- Sigmoid volvulus (twisting of the sigmoid colon)
- Mesenteric occlusion (blockage of the blood supply to the intestines) following bariatric surgery
- Non-mechanical: Caused by a lack of intestinal muscle contractions. Example: Ileus paralyticus
- Mechanical: Caused by physical blockages. Examples include:
- Specific Conditions:
- Abdominal Adhesions: Scar tissue can obstruct the intestines, causing pain and vomiting. Diagnosed with CT scans.
- Ventral Hernia: A protruding area of abdominal wall can press on and obstruct the bowel. Strangulated hernias can lead to necrosis.
- Intestinal Intussusception (Ileal): Telescoping of one part of the intestine into another, seen commonly in children.
- Mesenteric Occlusion: No mass or tumor. Diagnosed via angiography (blood vessel imaging with contrast). The cause is often a blood clot, which can be due to vascular disease, hypercholesterolemia, blood clots, drug abuse (bacteria), or bacterial vegetations.
- Neoplasms (cancer): Can cause bowel obstruction.
- Sigmoid Volvulus (colon twisting): Twisting of the sigmoid colon can lead to blockages.
- Treatment: Management generally involves NPO (nothing by mouth), NG tube (nasogastric tube) placement to drain stomach contents, fluid and electrolyte replacement, antibiotics, and laxatives (stool softeners)
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