Category Archives: General Surgery

Main Clinical Manifestations of Intestinal Adhesions

Intestinal adhesions are fibrous bands that tether loops of bowel to each other or to the abdominal wall, most commonly arising after peritoneal injury from surgery, infection, or radiation. Symptoms reflect the degree of luminal compromise, vascular impedance, and risk of strangulation. Colicky abdominal painIntermittent, cramping pain coincides with peristaltic waves against a fixed point; pain is typically periumbilical or suprapubic and may be relieved transiently by positional change. Distension and tympanyPartial or complete obstruction prevents effective passage of flatus and stool, leading to visible abdominal distension, hyper-resonant percussion, and high-pitched metallic bowel sounds. Nausea and bilious vomitingVomiting becomes faeculent... Learn more

Main Clinical Manifestations of Lithiasis

Stone disease (lithiasis) encompasses the formation of insoluble concretions within hollow viscera or excretory ducts. The commonest sites are the biliary tree, urinary tract, and salivary glands. Symptoms arise when calculi obstruct luminal flow, provoke spasm, or incite inflammation. Although each organ displays site-specific features, a shared pathophysiological sequence allows recognition of a common clinical pattern. Colicky painSudden, severe, spasmodic pain that builds rapidly, plateaus for minutes to hours, then wanes. It is mediated by smooth-muscle spasm and elevated intraluminal pressure. Location reflects the affected conduit: right upper quadrant (biliary), flank or lower abdomen (urological), or buccal swelling during meals... Learn more

How are gastrointestinal bezoars diagnosed?

Gastrointestinal bezoars are a common condition both in daily life and in clinical practice. They arise when a person eats foods that readily form concretions; the resulting signs vary with the size and consistency of the mass. Careful, step-by-step evaluation is therefore essential to avoid misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis and the added morbidity these errors entail. Diagnostic work-up HistoryRecent intake of persimmon, hawthorn, or black jujube followed by epigastric pain, repeated vomiting, or melena should raise immediate suspicion. Confirmation is obtained endoscopically and/or radiologically. Laboratory tests Microcytic hypochromic anaemia in some patients Positive faecal occult blood; early stools may contain... Learn more

What dietary precautions should be taken for gastrointestinal stones?

Gastrointestinal stones (bezoars) are a serious condition that can greatly affect a patient’s health. The points below summarize the main dietary measures doctors usually recommend after surgery so that new stones do not form. Drink plenty of plain water every dayA high fluid intake dilutes the intestinal and urinary contents, lowering the concentration of calcium and oxalate and reducing the risk of recurrent stones. Add black fungus (wood-ear mushroom, Auricularia) to the diet when permittedThis food is rich in minerals and dietary fiber; it is traditionally thought to “soften” and break up debris so that fragments can be swept out... Learn more

Why does lithotripsy hurt or not hurt?

Anesthesia is given during lithotripsy, so pain is usually minimal; however, colicky pain may appear later when stone fragments pass down the ureter. Therefore some discomfort is possible during the whole stone-removal process. Main lithotripsy techniques: Extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy (ESWL) Suitable for renal stones ≤ 2 cm Stones are localized by X-ray or ultrasound and fractured with focused high-energy shock waves; the resulting sand-like particles are voided with urine. Ureteroscopic lithotripsy / stone extraction Rigid or flexible scopes (flexible scopes preferred for renal pelvis or calyceal stones) Used for radiolucent or ESWL-resistant stones < 2 cm; the scope is passed... Learn more