MS 2 - Prelim (Diverticular Disease, GI Perforation, GI Foreign Bodies, and Chemical Burns)

What is diverticular disease?

Conditions in which tiny pouches form in the colon called diverticula

How do diverticula form?

They bulge through weak spots in the colon and may become inflamed or infected

What is diverticulosis?

Having one or more tiny pouches (diverticula) in the colon

What is diverticulitis?

When diverticula get inflamed with or without infection

What is diverticular bleeding?

When a small blood vessel in a diverticulum breaks and bleeds

What is the etiology of diverticular disease?

Unknown

What are possible causes of diverticular disease?

Obesity medications low fiber constipation red meat inactivity immune/connective tissue disorders

What are symptoms of diverticulosis?

Mild cramps bloating and constipation

What are symptoms of diverticulitis?

Left lower quadrant abdominal pain fever nausea vomiting cramping constipation

What is diverticular colitis?

Inflammation of the colon caused by diverticulitis

What is a symptom of diverticular bleeding?

Painless rectal bleeding

What diagnostic tests are used for diverticular disease?

Sigmoidoscopy colonoscopy CT scan barium enema

What factors determine treatment for diverticular disease?

Severity age and general health

What diet is recommended for diverticular disease?

High-fiber diet

What medications are used in diverticular disease?

Pain relievers antibiotics antispasmodics

What is the surgical option for diverticular disease?

Removal of a portion of the colon

What is gastrointestinal perforation?

A hole in the wall of the GI tract a medical emergency

What are symptoms of GI perforation?

Severe abdominal pain nausea vomiting rigid tender abdomen

What causes GI perforation?

Bowel obstruction diverticulitis ulcers cancer infections

What imaging is used for GI perforation?

Plain abdominal x-ray abdominal CT scan

What surgery is done for GI perforation?

Exploratory laparotomy possibly with bowel resection

What labs are used in GI perforation workup?

CBC BMP LFTs CRP

What is included in the basic metabolic panel (BMP)?

Blood sugar calcium sodium potassium chloride CO₂ BUN creatinine

What does CRP measure?

C-reactive protein made by the liver in response to inflammation

What are complications of GI perforation?

Peritonitis sepsis shock multi-organ failure

What is a GI foreign body?

An object swallowed and lodged in the digestive system

What are common foreign bodies?

Coins buttons toys bones sharp objects contraband packets

When is conservative management used?

For stable cases without complications

What are signs of an unstable condition?

Airway compromise drooling fluid intolerance sepsis perforation

How is drooling managed in foreign body ingestion?

With a suction catheter

What is done for urgent foreign body cases?

Airway management and urgent endoscopy

Why is battery ingestion an emergency?

It can cause esophageal wall necrosis within 2 hours

What do batteries contain that are dangerous?

Electrolyte solution and heavy metals

How do batteries cause injury?

By electric current leakage necrosis and poisoning

What is done for intact batteries in the stomach?

Monitor with radiographs

When should batteries be removed?

If still present after 24–48 hours

How are sharp objects managed?

Remove endoscopically due to perforation risk

What are body packers?

People who swallow drug packets

How are body packers managed?

Observation and whole-bowel irrigation avoid endoscopy