Gastrointsetinal Physiology Flashcards
Endoscopy, ERCP, Tapeworm
Endoscopy
A technique which allows us to see inside the gut. Long, thin, flexible tubes with a camera and light at one end. They can be inserted into the body by a natural opening (e.g. anus or mouth), or they can be inserted into the body by a small surgical cut made in the skin
Limitations of endoscopies
Bleeding
Perforation (a whole in an organ)
consequence of sedation
Colonoscopy
The flexible tub is inserted from the anus into the rectum, the light allows us to see in the walls of the colon.
What can colonoscopies identify?
Chrons disease (inflammation of the gut)
bowel cancer
diverticulitis
Gastroscopy
Used to look inside the oesophagus, stomach and start of the small intestine (duodenum)
What can a gastroscopy test for?
Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing)
stomach ulcers
blockages
cancerous growths
gastro-oeasophagal disease
ERCP
Endoscope is passed into the oesophagus, and out the stomach. opening to bile and pancreatic duct can be seen. Endoscope injects dye into the ducts. Gallstones can be collected in a ballon/basket, a stent may be used to hold open a blocked duct
Gallstones
Small stones of cholesterol that form in the gallbladder
Limitations of ERCP
Common limitations plus a chance of pancreatitis (inflammation of pancreas)
Tapeworm
A (parasite) disease caused by eating uncooked/ raw meat or by not washing hands. The heads attach to the inner walls of the small intestine and feed off food being digested
Identifying tapeworms
Pieces of white, flat, rectangular worms in the faeces about the size of a grain of rice
Symptoms of tapeworm
tummy pain
diarrhoea
nausea
vomiting
weight loss
change in appetite
Transmission of tapeworm
raw/undercooked meat
faecel contaminated water
very close contact to those infected
Treating tapeworm
Anti Worm medication
Reducing spread of tapeworm
food well cooked
fruit & veg throughly washed
only drink clean water
Hands thoroughly washed before food, after toilet or after touching animals
