Gastroenterology

Post-cholecystectomy syndrome is defined as the recurrence of symptoms similar to those experienced before the cholecystectomy. This usually takes the form of upper abdominal pain (mainly right upper quadrant) and dyspepsia, with or without jaundice. It is defined as early if occurring in the post-operative period and late if it manifests after months or years1,2. The incidence of postcholecystectomy syndrome has been reported to be between 5% and 40% in one study, and the onset of symptoms may…

Appendicitis Appendicitis is inflammation of the appendix. The appendix is a finger-like structure attached to the large intestine. Without treatment appendicitis can cause the appendix to tear (rupture). A ruptured appendix can lead to a life-threatening infection. It can also lead to the formation of a painful collection of pus (abscess) in the appendix. CAUSES This condition may be caused by a blockage in the appendix. The blockage can be due to: A ball of stool. Enlarged lymph…

Rectal Bleeding Rectal bleeding is when blood passes out of the anus. People with rectal bleeding may notice bright red blood in their underwear or in the toilet after having a bowel movement. They may also have stools that are dark red or black. Rectal bleeding is usually a sign that something is wrong. Many things can cause rectal bleeding, including: Hemorrhoids. These are blood vessels in the anus or rectum that are larger than normal. Fistulas. These are abnormal channels in the…

Crohn's disease is a disease in which there is inflammation in the lining of your digestive tract. This serious condition can lead to abdominal pain, severe diarrhea, fatigue, weight loss, and malnutrition. Inflammation can involve different areas of the digestive tract in different people. In most often spreads deep into the layers of affected bowel tissue. It may be painful or debilitating and can cause life threatening issues. There is no known cure for Crohn's disease, but therapies and…

Eosinophilic gastroenteritis (EGE) is one of the major causes of peripheral and tissue eosinophilia. EGE presents one member within the spectrum of diseases collectively referred to as eosinophilic gastrointestinal disorders (EGIDs), which includes eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE), gastritis, enteritis, and colitis[5]. It is a rare disease and pathophysiology is not clearly understood. The diagnosis of EG is difficult due to its various form of clinical presentation, and it requires a high index…

Coeliac disease is specific for its disruption in normal nutrition absorption within the mucosa of the small intestine due to the flattening of the villi within the lining of it due to its affects (1). Individuals primarily affected by coeliac disease are generally genetically predisposed to factors which illicit an autoimmune response on the mucosa of the small intestine (4). This causes the improper function of many digestive mechanisms responsible for protein uptake, more specifically in the…

For my case study I diagnosed my patient with Volvulus of the small bowel. Volvulus is an obstruction caused by twisting of the intestine that can occur at any part of your gastrointestinal tract. Symptoms of Volvulus are: abdominal tenderness, dark/bloody stool, constipation, distended abdomen, pain in abdomen, and nausea/vomiting. Volvulus usually occours to infants usually during the first year of life. The patient is a 10 month old, female, this coresponds with the diagnosis of Volvulus as…

Brachycephalic Airway Obstruction Syndrome in Dogs: Overview: Brachycephalic Airway Obstruction Syndrome, or more commonly referred to as Brachycephalic syndrome or abbreviated BAOS, is a syndrome that leads to respiratory distress in the affected breeds of dogs (CIDD). Brachycephalia is best described as a chondrodysplasia that has been a product of selected breeding of domesticated breeds of dogs and cats (Koch). Breed standards often encourage and require these negative anatomical features,…

MP is a 26-year old male who presented with complaints of abdominal pain and requested a physical examination. Height: 5’11”. Weight: 280#. BMI: 39.1. Past medical history includes: untreated hypertension; one suicide attempt via self-inflicted gunshot wound; multiple reconstructive surgeries scars to anterior chest, neck, and face. Social history includes: 10 pack-years smoker; remote history of intravenous drug abuse; alcoholism. Family medical history includes: colon cancer and hypertension.…

Subjective Data Chief Complaint: Mrs. T is a 67-year old lady who presents at the clinic with complaints of indigestion and abdominal pains. She describes the pain as dull and constant that emanates from the upper right quadrant of the abdomen. The pain, she says began three days ago, and has been progressing significantly such that the last two evenings she has not been able to sleep at all. At times, she says the pain extends to the right arm and shoulder and that she has been vomiting and has…