Abdomen

Question 1

How would you manage small bowel obstruction?

Answer 1

1. NBM
2. IV fluids and NG tube
3. Bloods (FBC, U&Es, CRP, clotting, group and save)
4. Erect CXR
5. Urgent surgical review regarding need for further imaging or surgery

Question 2

Name 3 causes of small bowel obstruction

Answer 2

Adhesions
Strictures (ischaemic)
Tumours
Hernias
Volvulus
Gallstone ileus
Foreign bodies

Question 3

Name 4 causes of extraluminal gas within the abdominal cavity.

Answer 3

Perforated viscous (inflammatory bowel disease, tumour, ischaemia, ulcer, diverticulum)

Post-operative
Iatrogenic
Penetrating trauma
Gas forming infections