6. Which features suggest that a mechanical obstruction has become strangulated?
Correct answer: (1) Change in character of pain from colicky to continuous; (2) pyrexia; (3) tachycardia; (4) peritonism; (5) leucocytosis; (6) bowel sounds absent or reduced; (7) raised C-reactive protein.
5. What are the four main symptoms of mechanical intestinal obstruction?
Correct answer: (1) Colicky abdominal pain.(2) Distension.(3) Absolute constipation.(4) Vomiting.
4. What are the three important points to remember about intestinal obstruction?
Correct answer: (1) It is diagnosed by the presence of: colicky abdominal pain, distension, absolute constipation, vomiting.(2) Examination should always include a search for hernias.(3) Is it simple or strangulating? Features suggesting strangulation are: change in character of pain from…
3. How is mechanical obstruction classified?
Correct answer: (1) Speed of onset: acute, chronic, acute on chronic.(2) Site: high or low.(3) Nature: simple versus strangulating.(4) Aetiology.
2. What are the alternative names for paralytic obstruction?
Correct answer: Paralytic or adynamic ileus.
1. What is intestinal obstruction? What are the two main groups?
Correct answer: Intestinal obstruction is a restriction to the normal passage of intestinal contents. It may be divided into two main groups: paralytic and mechanical.
