Surgery Flashcards
(145 cards)
Clinical features of Appendicitis
Abdo pain - initially central then RIF (<24hrs)
McBurney’s point tenderness
Rosving’s sign = LIF palpation causes RIF pain
PR exam causes pain in RIF
Rebound tenderness/percussion tenderness
Anorexia, N&V, Pyrexia
Diagnostic criteria for Appendicitis
Largely a clinical diagnosis (based on Sx + Raised CRP/ESR).
Consider a USS to rule out gynaecologist pathology or CT scan to rule out other differentials.
if symptoms are present but inflammatory markers are normal = diagnostic laparotomy.
Management of Appendicitis
Urgent admission + surgical referall
Give prophylactic IV antibiotics + appendectomy
Causes of bowel obstruction
Small bowel adhesions (following surgery, endometriosis etc)
Hernia
Malignancy
Volvulus
Diverticular disease
Strictures (crohns)
Intususspetion
At what age does intususseption usually present?
6 months - 2 years
Investigations for suspected bowel obstruction
Abdo Xray - this shows a distended bowel (>3cm small bowel, >6cm colon, >9cm rectum)
Confirmation of diagnosis = CT contrast
What ABG findings are common in bowel obstruction
Metabolic alkalosis (due to vomitting) + Raised lactate (due to bowel ischemia) + Hypokalemia
What investigation should be used to rule out bowel perforation
Erect CXR
Management of a bowel obstruction
- A-E assessment + stabilisation. Think Drip + Suck: Keep patient NBM. Give IV fluids + added K+ if hypokalemic. NG tube with free drainage.
Consider emergency resection / exploratory surgery if patient is unstable
What medication should be avoided in bowel obstruction
Senna
Metaclopramide
Clinical Features of bowel obstruction
Green, bilious vomitting
Abdo pain + distension
Absolute constipation + absence of flatulence
Tinkling bowel sounds (in early obstruction) or absent bowel sounds (in late obstruction/ileus)
What classic sign is seen on Abdo Xray in a volvulus
Coffee bean sign (loss of haustra)
Femoral hernia description
Location = Below + Lateral to pubic tubercle. Through femoral ring into femoral canal
High risk of strangulation
Indirect inguinal hernia
Bowel herniates through deep inguinal ring into inguinal canal
Direct inguinal hernia
Bowel herniates through hesslebach’s triangle into inguinal canal
How to differentiate between indirect + direct inguinal hernias
Reduce the hernia and apply pressure to the deep inguinal ring (midpoint from ASIS to pubic tubercle). An indirect hernia will remain reduced whereas direct will not.
(think - because the indirect one gets pushed back up above the deep inguinal ring so won’t come back down)
Clinical Features of diverticular disease
Lower left abdominal pain
Constipation
Rectal bleeding
May have fever + systemic upset + palpable abdominal mass (particularly in an abscess has formed)
Management of chronic Diverticular disease
High fibre diet + good hydration
Bulk forming laxatives (e.g isphagula hulk)
Avoid stimulant laxatives - Senna
Surgical resection if severe
Management of acute diverticulitis
Uncomplicated = Amoxicillin 5 days + Liquid diet
Severe (or Sx for >72hrs) = Hospital admission for IV Ceftriaxone + Metronidazole
Classification of haemorrhoids
1st degree = no prolapse
2nd degree = prolapse when straining + return on relaxing
3rd degree = prolapse when straining, do not return on relaxing but can be pushed back in
4th degree = permanently prolapsed
Anatomical location of haemorrhoids
Mainly at 3, 7 and 11 o’clock.
Anal Fissue anatomical loation
Usually in the posterior midline (6 or 12 oclock)
Management of anal fissures
Soften stools with bulk forming laxatives
Topical LA
Chronic fissures = Topical GTN and surgery if not responsive in 8 weeks.
Gold standard investigation for peri-anal abscess
Trans-perineal USS