GI Surgery Flashcards

(225 cards)

1
Q

what parts of the body are included in GI surgery?

A

anything from the oral cavity to the large intestine

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2
Q

what is a -otomy?

A

procedure for cutting open or dividing tissue during surgery, after which the tissue is repaired to allow it to heal normally

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3
Q

what is a gastrotomy?

A

temporary opening into the stomach

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4
Q

what is an -ostomy?

A

creation of an opening or stoma which communicates with the outside through the skin

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5
Q

what is used to keep an -ostomy open?

A

a device that is then removed to allow the skin to heal

permanent stoma are sutured to the skin and allowed to heal open

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6
Q

what is a gastrostomy?

A

opening in the stomach to allow feeding via a tube to bypass oesophagus

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7
Q

what is an -oscopy?

A

use of device or instrument to give visual access inside a cavity

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8
Q

what is endoscopy?

A

use of a camera to view the interior of an organ

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9
Q

what is an -ectomy?

A

surgical removal of all or part of a structure - the remaining part must be sutured back together

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10
Q

what is an anastomosis?

A

point of rejoining between two structures that have been surgically seperated

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11
Q

what is an enterectomy?

A

removal of a length of small intestine

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12
Q

what are the main roles of a VN in GI surgery?

A
pre-operative care of the animal
surgical preparation of the animal
preparation of surgical equipment
assistance during surgery
anaesthetic management
post-op care of the animal
post-op advice to owners
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13
Q

what type of surgeries are most GI surgeries?

A

urgent or emergancy

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14
Q

what is the effect of many GI diseases on the whole patient?

A

vomiting, diarrhoea and anorexia often lead to fluid deficits and electrolyte disturbances

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15
Q

what must happen before a GI patient is anaesthetised?

A

any fluid or electrolyte deficits identified and stabilised (IVFT)

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16
Q

what may be needed to be placed in the GI patient to facilitate eating post op?

A

feeding tubes

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17
Q

what are the main areas of prep specific to GI patients?

A

pre-op starvation
enema
antibiotics
other

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18
Q

how long should animals ideally be starved before GI surgery?

A

ideally 12 hours but may not happen if an emergancy

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19
Q

is an enema usually required before GI surgery?

A

no - can make faecal material more liquid and so harder to deal with - check with surgeon

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20
Q

when may antibiotics be needed for GI surgery?

A

rarely used pre-op

can be used intra and post-op if contamination occurs during surgery

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21
Q

what other preparation may be needed in the surgical GI patient?

A

specific management of the condition e.g. stomach tube for GDV

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22
Q

how should the patient be surgically prepped for oral surgery?

A

flush mouth with saline to remove debris

prep any areas of skin (e.g. lip) that may be in surgical field as normal

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23
Q

what area should be clipped for a ventral midline laparotomy?

A

above xiphoid to below pubis and out to skin edges

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24
Q

how should a patient be surgically prepped for a ventral midline laparotomy?

A

clip and prep a large area to allow large incision and examination of entire abdominal contents

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25
how should a patient be surgically prepped for anal/rectal surgery?
positioning can be specific - check with surgeon | anal ops may require packing and a purse string suture
26
how are most anal/rectal patients positioned for surgery?
in sternal with tail tied up
27
why is warmth a vital consideration for GI surgical patients?
often long ops with high heat loss due to exposed abdominal organs - plans should be made for heating at all times pre, intra and post op
28
why is a good ET tube seal even more essential in GI patients?
risk of regurgitation is higher in GI patients
29
how can patient positioning be used to prevent aspiration pneumonia?
patient angled 10 degrees downwards (head lower) to allow drainage and early identification
30
what instruments and equipment are needed for GI surgery?
``` normal surgical kit laparotomy swabs suction histopathology pot (if biopsies) specific instruments at least two of everything (gloves, drapes, instruments, kits) pre-warmed saline stomach tube and bucket endoscope (if required for procedure) ```
31
why are laparotomy swabs needed?
to pack off abdomen
32
how should laparotomy swabs be prepared?
pre-soaked in warm sterile saline | LOTS!
33
what specific instruments may be needed for GI surgery?
retractors e.g. balfour/ gelpis | atraumatic bowel clamps e.g. doyen may robson and mayo robson clamps
34
why are at least two of each item (kit, drapes, instruments, gloves etc) needed during GI surgery?
surgeon may need to switch contaminated kit during surgery
35
what is pre-warmed saline needed for during GI surgery?
abdominal lavage
36
what is the role of the scrubbed nurse during GI surgery?
surgical assistant (clamping bowel with fingers or atraumatic clamp) keeping exposed GI contents moist with warm saline keep contaminated instruments separated control suction machine have additional swabs and instruments to hand take samples from surgeon
37
what type of suture material should be used for most of the GI tract?
synthetic monofilament, short duration absorbable
38
why should short duration absorbable suture be used for GI surgery?
most of the GI tract heals quickly (except oesophagus and LI) so shorter duration will reduce irritation
39
why should synthetic monofilament suture material be used for the viscera in GI surgery?
reduce tissue drag and don't wick in infection like braided suture
40
what needle type is best for GI viscera?
round bodied rather than cutting as less traumatic
41
what are the common types of suture used for GI viscera?
``` monocryl PDS (lasts longer so good for LI) ```
42
what suture material can be used for closure of muscle/linea alba, subcutaneous tissue and skin?
routine so normal preferred suture
43
when is GI surgery not considered to be a clean-contaminated procedure?
if tissue viability is in question contamination has already occurred there is gross contamination during surgery (e.g. spillage of GI contents)
44
what are the common antibiotics given intra and post-operatively if contamination occurs / surgeon deems it necessary?
amoxycillin + clavulanic acid (Augmentin) | metronidazole
45
what are the main types of oral surgery?
oral tumors oronasal fistulae cleft palate foreign bodies and penetrating injuiries
46
in what animals are oral tumors most often seen?
usually older animals
47
what is the prognosis like for oral tumors?
may be poor, surgery could be extensive
48
what is oronasal fistulae seen secondary to?
trauma dental extraction tumors
49
what is the aim of surgical repair of oral nasal fistulae?
stop food material impacting in nasal cavity
50
what are the specific pre-op nursing considerations for oral surgery?
flush debris from mouth consider how the patient will be monitored as head will be difficult to access ask surgeon about specific positioning
51
what are the specific post-op nursing considerations for oral surgery?
ensure patient can eat and drink safely (food should be soft but formed and easy to swallow - too sloppy will affect sutures) feeding tube may be required
52
what are the main reasons for oesophageal surgery?
oesophageal foreign bodies | oesophageal stricture
53
what can be caused by a full oesophageal obstruction?
dehydration and hypovolaemia which is an emergancy
54
how are oesophageal foreign bodies extracted?
via endoscope | pushed into stomach and removed surgically
55
what are the main risks associated with oesophageal foreign bodies?
tears / damage to oesophagus
56
what can cause oesophageal stricture?
secondary to FB trauma doxycycline GA
57
how long can it take for oesophageal stricture to become apparent?
2-4 weeks
58
what is involved in the treatment of oesophageal stricture?
stretching with balloon endoscopically
59
what is the prognosis like for oesophageal stricture?
poor
60
what are the specific pre-op nursing considerations for oesophageal surgery?
treat dehydration and hypovolaemia as needed (IVFT)
61
what are the specific post-op nursing considerations for oesophageal surgery?
consider use of a gastrostomy tube if damaged oesophagus needs time to heal liquidised diet may be needed
62
What are the main types of gastic surgery?
``` Foreign body Pyloric obstruction Gastric neoplasia GDV Tube gastrostomy ```
63
What is the main sign of a gastric foreign body?
Persistant or intermittent vomiting
64
What methods may be used to remove a gastic foreign body?
Endoscopically | Midline laparotomy
65
What must be done after removing a gastirc foreign body?
Whole bowel must be checked
66
What is a pyloric obstruruction a type of?
Gastric outflow diseases
67
What causes pyloric obstruction?
Foreign body, thickening/neoplasia
68
How is pyloric obstruction treated surgically?
Widening or even removing pylorus
69
What causes GDV?
Accumulation of food and gas within the stomach which causes it to dilate and then rotate
70
What are the effects on the body of GDV?
Occulsion of oeophagus and venous drainage Hypovoleamia Toxic shock
71
How may GDV cause death?
Gastric wall necrosis due to reduced blood supply Shock Disseminated intravascular coagulation Ventricular dysrhythmia
72
What is involved in emergancy treatment of GDV?
Treat shock Decompress stomach (stomach tube) Surgically derotate stomach Gastropexy
73
What is a gastropexy?
Surgical fixation of the stomach in place
74
In what animals is GDV most common?
Deep chested | Middle to old age dogs
75
What happens during a tube gastrostomy?
Surgical of endoscopic placement of a tube for nutritional support or decompression of stomach
76
Where is a gastrostomy tube placed?
Anchored in the stomach and exits through body wall
77
what are the specific pre-op nursing considerations for gastric surgery?
treatment of dehydration/hypovolaemia as needed (IVFT) prepare wide surgical site monitor and prevent heat loss
78
what are the specific post-op nursing considerations for gastric surgery?
feed low fat / bland diet as appropriate, liquidised diet if pyloric obstruction continue treatment for fluid and electrolyte losses monitor for arrhythmias in GDV
79
what is the basic treatment plan for GDV?
treat shock with rapid admin of IVFT IV antibiotics decompression of stomach by passing stomach tube right lateral radiograph to confirm volvulus ECG to check for dysrhythmias surgery to decompress and derotate stomach and assess gastric wall viability - gastropexy may be performed and spleen may need removal
80
what are the main reasons for small intestinal surgery?
intestinal biopsy enterotomy (foreign body removal) enterectomy intussusception
81
when may an intestinal biopsy be performed?
in cases of persistent or recurrent vomiting or diarrhoea
82
what are the main types of foreign body found in the small intestine?
simple (mass like) | linear (string like)
83
what can linear small intestinal foreign bodies cause?
gut to concertina
84
when is a enterectomy performed?
where the gut is neoplastic or necrotic
85
what happens during an enterectomy?
section of SI is removed and the ends sutured together (anastomosis)
86
what is intussusception?
small intestine invaginates into itself
87
in what animals is intussusception seen?
young dogs after diarrhoea
88
what is done to correct intussusception?
invagination is reduced although blood supply has been compromised and so tissue may be necrotic and so need resecting
89
what are the specific pre-op and inter-op nursing considerations for small intestinal surgery?
treatment of dehydration / hypovolaemia as needed (IVFT) keep intestinal contents moist whilst lifted out of the abdomen prepare wide surgical site keep an eye on heat loss bowel clamps or scrubbed assistants fingers may be used to occlude gut while operated on
90
what are the specific post-op nursing considerations for small interstinal surgery?
ensure biopsy samples are labelled with site encourage eating/drinking bland low fat diet
91
why is large intestinal surgery higher risk than small?
increased bacterial load and slower healing time
92
what are the 2 main reasons for large intestinal surgery?
intestinal biopsy | colectomy
93
what happens during large intestinal biopsy?
partial thickness samples taken with endoscopy (rigid proctoscopy) full thickness via laparotomy
94
what must you be aware of during full thickness large intestine biopsies?
avoid contamination of abdomen with faecal matter
95
what is a colectomy?
removal of the colon - high risk
96
when may a colectomy be performed?
to treat chronic constipation in cats
97
what are the specific pre-op and inter-op nursing considerations for large intestinal surgery?
avoid enemas - intestinal contents is more likely t spill | pre-op antibiotics may be indicated
98
what are the specific post-op nursing considerations for large intestinal surgery?
make sure biopsy samples are labelled with site | post-op nutritional support to aid healing
99
what are the main reasons for anal/rectal surgery?
``` rectal polyps/tumors rectal prolapse imperforate anus anal sac removal anal furcunculosis ```
100
what do rectal polyps/tumors cause?
straining (tenesmus), bleeding and discomfort
101
how is rectal polyp/tumor surgery performed?
rectal pull out where the rectum is everted through the anus to allow removal of polyp tumor would require larger excision
102
what is rectal prolapse?
eversion of the wall of the rectum through the anus, often due to chronic straining (treat primary disease)
103
what can be placed once rectal prolapse is replaced?
loose purse string suture around the anus
104
what is imperforate anus?
congenital condition where anus doesn't join with rectum - sometimes be corrected surgically
105
why may anal sacs need removal?
chronic sacculitis / impaction / abscessation
106
what dogs is anal furcunculosis seen in?
GSDs
107
how is anal furcunculosis treated?
immunosuppressive drug therapy mostly - rarely surgery
108
what are the specific pre-op and inter-op nursing considerations for anal/rectal surgery?
ask surgeon about preferred positioning protect prolapse prior to surgery - moist lubricated and no self trauma (buster collar) peri-anal surgery may need purse string suture
109
what are the specific post-op nursing considerations for anal/rectal surgery?
post op nutritional support to aid healing
110
what is the peritoneum?
lining of the abdominal cavity
111
what is peritonitis?
life threatening infection of the the peritoneum
112
what is peritonitis caused by?
if there is contamination or irritation of peritoneum leading to inflammatory response
113
what does peritonitis lead to?
severe illness sepsis shock CVS collapse
114
what is the prognosis of peritonitis?
guarded
115
what condition should you monitor for following GI surgery?
peritonitis - surgery is a possible cause
116
what is a possible cause of peritonitis?
GI surgery
117
what are the clinical signs of peritonitis?
``` pyrexia anorexia depression tachycardia vomiting ascites abdominal pain ```
118
what is involved in the treatment of peritonitis?
surgical exploration of abdomen to find source of contamination lavage of abdomen
119
how may infection during peritonitis be managed?
open peritoneal drainage
120
what is open peritoneal drainage?
in peritonitis patients abdomen is not fully closed after lavage and is managed with sterile dressings
121
what is involved in the nursing care of peritonitis patients?
``` intensive - IVFT close monitoring of blood albumin and electrolytes hydration bandage care ```
122
is there a caecum in both cats and dogs?
yes
123
what are the immediate post op signs / behaviours you expect in patients?
possible hypothermia and other electrolyte / physiological abnormalities nutritional status affected hydration status altered clean, intact wound analgesia appropriate but should be monitored abnormal behaviour seen but will change
124
what abnormalities may be seen in the post op patient?
hypothermia hypovolaemia hypotension
125
how should hypothermia and other potential abnormalities be managed immediately post op?
close and regular monitoring of TPR and BP | appropriate warming
126
what may be the effect on the animal post-op of their altered nutritional status?
hypoglycaemic | nauseus
127
what post op feeding may be required in the GI patient?
early or delayed depending on feeding
128
how should nutritional status and and effects be managed immediately post op?
nutrition plan in place awareness of preferences and usual diet monitor intake carefully administration of anti-emetics, gastric protectants and motility agents as needed
129
how should hydration status be managed immediately post op?
physical assessment of hydration status monitor fluid intake carefully fluid therapy plan in place (maybe IVFT)
130
how should wounds be managed immediately post op?
ensure appropriately dressed and covered and dry check frequently ensure appropriate positioning of animal to minimise pressure on wound prevent interference
131
how should correct analgesia be managed immediately post op?
ensure planning and that appropriate is administered on time when pre-med analgesia wheres off
132
what behaviour may be shown by an animal during recovery?
dysphoria
133
how should abnormal behaviour / dysphoria be managed immediately post op?
ensure appropriate recovery environment that is quiet and safe if thrashing use pain scoring anticipate return to normal behaviour (chewing) by ensuring buster collar / vest in place when appropriate
134
what are the immediate post-op complications seen in the recovery phase post-op?
physiological abnormalities (e.g. hypothermia) worsening pain haemorrhage drug or anaesthetic reaction vomiting / regurgitation (risk of aspiration) trauma or increase in abdominal pressure causing acute wound breakdown
135
what are he longer term post-op complications seen in hospital or at home?
``` pain haemorrhage aspiration pneumonia ileus infection of wound or interference issues with drains ```
136
what are the major general complications seen post GI surgery?
dehiscence | peritonitis
137
define dehiscence
disruption of wound edges (can refer to organ or tissue)
138
when is dehiscence most commonly seen?
3-5 days post-op
139
why is dehiscence seen most often at 3-5 days post op?
this is the end of the lag phase of healing
140
where are the likely areas of dehiscence following GI surgery?
skin abdominal wall intestines
141
when is skin / cutaneous dehiscence seen?
immediately post op if trauma occurs (self or accidental) or could be several weeks later
142
what is the most likely time for skin / cutaneous dehiscence?
4-5 days post op
143
what are the clinical signs of skin / cutaneous dehiscence?
serosanguinous or prurulent discharge from suture line swelling and bruising necrosis of edges
144
what happens during abdominal wall dehiscence?
dehiscence of abdominal muscles underneath a wound creating a hernia overlaying skin will remain intact (especially in chronic cases) but deeper layers will have separated
145
when is abdominal wall dehiscence seen?
usually within first 7 days post op but can be weeks - years after surgery
146
what are the signs of abdominal wall dehiscence?
wound oedema or inflammation serosanguinous drainage from incision painless swelling (main sign)
147
when will intestinal dehiscence be seen?
following enteric or colonic surgery
148
what does dehiscence after enteric sutures lead to?
septic peritonitis
149
when does intestinal dehiscence occur?
2-5 days post op
150
what are the clinical signs of intestinal dehiscence?
signs of peritonitis - depression, anorexia, vomiting, abdominal pain or acute collapse
151
what are the main risk factors for dehiscence?
surgical technique (tension on wound or poor suture choice) self trauma underlying neoplasia of area making tissue non-viable closure of non-viable skin systemic factors (comorbidities)
152
what systemic factors may be risk factors for dehiscence?
``` endocrine disease obesity cat's viral status (FIV/FeLV) hypoproteinaemia hypovolaemia ```
153
how can dehiscence be prevented?
bandaging to immobilise areas of excessive motion buster collar to prevent self trauma confine and reduce exercise for 2 weeks
154
what is peritonitis?
inflammation of the peritoneum
155
in what animals does primary peritonitis mostly occur?
in cats (e.g. FIP)
156
what is secondary peritonitis the result of?
another pathology
157
what are the 2 types of secondary peritonitis?
aseptic | septic
158
what is aseptic peritonitis caused by?
mild reaction to surgery in the abdominal cavity | sterile object left in patient (gossypiboma)
159
what is the most common type of peritonitis seen in small animals?
septic peritonitis
160
is there bacterial infection in aseptic peritonitis?
no
161
what causes septic peritonitis?
``` result of dehiscence ischemic necrosis leakage during surgery insufficient lavage infection through technique gossypiboma ```
162
what can GI surgeries often lead to contamination of the abdomen?
often emergencies so pre-op prep of the patient is not ideal and there ay be faecal matter/fluid/food present in the intestines which leads to contamination the abdomen
163
how does peritonitis present?
vague history of anorexia, vomiting or lethargy, pyrexia or acute collapse (due to whole body sepsis) may adopt prayer position (due to abdominal discomfort)
164
when is the most likely time for peritonitis to present?
3-5 days post op (close observation needed)
165
what are the main GI tract complications associated with the oesophagus?
movement due to swallowing and breathing may interfere with healing regurgitation oesophagitis (ulceration) strictures
166
what are oesophageal strictures?
abnormal narrowing that occurs within a tubular lumen (e.g. oesophagus)
167
when does oesophageal stricture often occur?
post surgery due to damage the mucosa which scars as it heals
168
what are the common complications specific to the stomach seen after GI surgery?
``` vomiting anorexia (both post and pre op) ulceration gastric outlet obstruction pancreatitis ```
169
why is vomiting common following gastric surgery?
increased sensitivity
170
what may cause gastric outlet obstruction?
strictures at the pylorus (anything that prevents gastric emptying)
171
why does pancreatitis often occur following gastric surgery?
pancreas doesn't respond well to being handled
172
what surgery is commonly performed to remove gastric foreign bodies?
gastrotomy
173
what surgery is required for patients with GDV?
gastropexy
174
what complications are seen following GDV surgery that mean that ECG is needed?
arrhythmias due to re-perfusion of gastric tissues which may be filled with toxins once stomach is untwisted
175
what complications are associated with the small intestine post op?
``` excessive handling or rough technique leading to serosal and peritoneal adhesions ileus stenosis intestinal strictures diarrhoea anorexia due to nausea ```
176
what is stenosis?
constriction of the lumen
177
what are serosal or peritoneal adhesions?
formation of scar tissue between different tissues due to injury from surgery and following inflammation
178
what are the common SI surgeries in first opinion practice?
enterotomy for FB | enterectomy following FB or intussusception
179
what are the common complications with LI surgery?
``` hemorrhage and faecal contamination during surgery (most common) leakage stenosis stricture incontinence (rare) ```
180
what are the common complications of perineal, anal or rectal surgery?
``` tenesmus rectal prolapse temporary or permanent incontinence anal stricture urethral obstruction stenosis ```
181
what are the common rectal surgeries?
anal sacculectomy
182
what is an anal sacculectomy?
removal of one or both of the anal sacs
183
why may a patient need an anal sacculectomy?
consistent anal gland impaction or infections
184
what complications must owners be warned about before their dog under goes anal sacculectomy?
post-op complications that may be due to nerve damage or muscle resection
185
what is developed in 20-32% of dogs in the 2 weeks following anal sacculectomy?
minor complications such as seroma (filling of surgical site)
186
what is developed in 2% of dogs in the 2 weeks following anal sacculectomy?
permanent faecal incontinence or weak anal tone
187
what must the patient be monitored for in the post op period following anal sacculectomy?
dehiscence as this can lead to septic peritonitis
188
why are nursing care plans in the post op period so crucial?
many post op complications can be minimised by taking measures pre and peri operatively consider plan when preparing equipment, and theatre (e.g warmed fluids)
189
what must post op care plans be tailored to?
the patient - including surgery, pre-op status, temperament
190
how much observation is required for the GI patient post-op?
3-5 days of careful monitoring
191
where may post op GI monitoring take place?
hospital with TPR/bloods | at home following thorough owner discharge
192
what are the key signs that must be monitored for in the GI post op patient?
``` depression pyrexia abdominal tenderness vomiting anorexia wound issues ```
193
what are the aims of a GI post op care plan?
``` restore hydration and maintain electrolyte balance resume normal feeding and gut motility manage GI effects (e.g. nausea) manage pain prevent infection ```
194
how should hydration be managed in the post-op GI patient?
most patients need IVFT until are eating and drinking normally
195
when is IVFT especially important in the post-op GI patient?
if biochemical or electrolyte abnormalities present or there are ongoing fluid losses
196
what must be monitored in regards to hydration in the post-op GI patient?
signs of hydration (MM, skin tent) overhydration (crackles on auscultation) fluid input and output
197
when are intestinal, rectal or anal patients encouraged to eat?
as soon as able after surgery to avoid ileus
198
how should food and water be introduced to gastric and oesophageal patients?
water 2 hours post surgery | food attempted 12 hours later
199
why does food need to be attempted later in oesophageal and gastric surgery patients?
due to vomiting risk
200
what type of food should be fed to GI patients?
bland diet, high calorie | little and often
201
what can encourage gut motility?
if patient is ambulatory
202
what may the patient have placed if they are struggling to eat?
feeding tube - complications possible but wonderful for nutrition
203
what animals are particularly reluctant to eat?
cats
204
what is a common cause of anorexia in the post-op period?
nausea
205
what are the signs of nausea?
salivation repeated swallowing lip-licking turning away from food
206
what is mariopitant used for (Cerinia, Prevomax)?
anti emetic | some abdominal pain relief
207
what is metaclopromide used for (Vomend, Emiprid)?
anti-emetic and pro-kinetic
208
what unlicensed drugs are often used to help with nausea?
ranitidine sucralfate omeprazole
209
what is ranitidine used for?
H2 receptor blocker - prevents acid production
210
what is Sucralfate?
cytoprotective agent
211
what is omeprazole?
proton-pump inhibitor
212
what other drugs may be useful to encourage eating?
prokinetic agents (metaclopromide) to manage ileus probiotics or fibre products for diarrhoea (binding and increased gut flora) appetite stimulants esp. in cats
213
what is an example of an appetite stimulant?
mirtazapine
214
are NSAIDs often used for post op GI pain?
not really - can cause GI ulceration and upset | case by case basis - once eating and drinking normally
215
are opioids used to control post op pain in GI patients?
almost always used
216
what is the issue for opioid use in GI patients?
may affect gut motility so will need to be weaned off and moved to alternative before going home
217
what is the risk associated with codine for post op GI pain management?
can cause constipation
218
what animals must not receive paracetamol?
cats
219
what is the issue with tramadol?
may cause dysphoria in some animals
220
what is the major issue with patients who are in pain?
won't eat
221
when are antibiotics most often given if needed in GI patients?
peri-operatively
222
when must antibiotics for the GI patient be discontinued?
6-12 hours post op unless contaminated surgery or systemic illness
223
what antibiotic is often used in GI patients?
``` broad spectrum (anaerobes, gram +/-) e.g. amoxy-clavulanic acid ```
224
what is the key part of managing infection in the GI patient?
aseptic technique, preparation and management
225
what are the 2 key areas that can reduce the risk of surgical complications?
surgical technique | post-op management