Gastrointestinal and Urologic Emergencies

Uremia

Severe kidney failure resulting in the buildup of waste products within the blood, eventual brain function impairment

Retroperitoneal Space

region of the posterior abdominal wall located behind the peritoneum

Esophageal Varices

enlarged veins in the esophagus, often a consequence of portal hypertension, which is commonly caused by liver cirrhosis

Mallory Weiss Tear

a tear in the mucous membrane lining the lower end of the esophagus and the upper part of the stomach, often from prolonged vomiting

Guarding

Involuntary muscle contractions (spasm) of the abdominal wall to minimize the pain of abdominal movement; a sign of peritonitis.

Diverticulitis

Inflammation in small pockets at weak areas in the muscle walls of the intestines.

Urinary Tract Infection

An infection, usually of the lower urinary tract (urethra and bladder), when normal flora bacteria enter the urethra and grow.

Ileus

Paralysis of the bowel stops contractions that move material through the intestine.

Hernia

The protrusion of an organ or tissue through an abnormal body opening.

Cholecystitis

Inflammation of the gallbladder, cystitis meaning bladder

Pancreatitis

Inflammation of the pancreas.

Appendicitis

Inflammation or infection of the appendix.

Peritonitis

Inflammation of the peritoneum.

Acute Abdomen

Sudden pain within the abdomen, usually indicating peritonitis; immediate medical or surgical treatment is necessary.

Hematemesis

Vomiting blood.

Emesis

vomiting

Strangulation

Complete obstruction of blood circulation in a given organ from compression or entrapment; death of tissues

Peritoneum

The membrane lining the abdominal cavity (parietal) and covering the abdominal organs (visceral).

Referred Pain

Pain in an area where the cause of pain is not located.

Melena

Black, foul-smelling, tarry stool containing digested blood.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

the sphincter between the esophagus and the stomach opens, stomach acid to move up into the esophagus, burning sensation within the chest; also called acid reflux.

Kidney Stones

Solid crystalline masses formed in the kidney, from excess insoluble salts or uric acid crystallizing in the urine; may become trapped anywhere along the urinary tract.