Makindo Medical Notes"One small step for man, one large step for Makindo" |
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Intussusception is the most common cause of bowel obstruction in patients aged less than 2 years.
Cause | Clinical Features | Diagnosis | Management |
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Congenital Anomalies | Abdominal distension, vomiting, feeding intolerance, failure to pass meconium. | Abdominal X-ray, ultrasound, contrast studies. | Typically requires surgical intervention depending on the specific anomaly. |
Intussusception | Abdominal pain, "currant jelly" stools, vomiting, abdominal mass. | Abdominal ultrasound, CT scan. | Air contrast enema (therapeutic and diagnostic), surgical intervention if needed. |
Hernia | Visible lump in the groin or umbilicus, abdominal pain, vomiting. | Clinical examination, ultrasound if needed. | Manual reduction, surgical repair. |
Adhesions | Abdominal pain, bloating, vomiting, previous abdominal surgery history. | Abdominal X-ray, CT scan. | Surgical intervention to release adhesions if conservative measures fail. |
Malrotation | Abdominal pain, bilious vomiting, distension, possible shock. | Abdominal X-ray, upper gastrointestinal series. | Surgical correction of the malrotation and fixation of the bowel. |
Cause | Clinical Features | Diagnosis | Management |
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Postoperative Ileus | Abdominal bloating, decreased bowel sounds, nausea, vomiting. | Abdominal X-ray, CT scan to rule out obstruction. | Supportive care including bowel rest, IV fluids, and gradual reintroduction of oral intake. |
Functional Ileus | Similar to postoperative ileus; symptoms often related to underlying systemic condition. | Clinical examination, abdominal imaging to exclude mechanical obstruction. | Address underlying cause, supportive care, hydration, and bowel rest. |
Infectious Causes | Abdominal pain, fever, vomiting, diarrhoea or constipation. | Clinical examination, stool tests, imaging if needed. | Treatment of the underlying infection with antibiotics or antiviral medications. |
Electrolyte Imbalance | Abdominal distension, nausea, vomiting, possible changes in mental status. | Serum electrolyte levels, clinical assessment. | Correction of electrolyte imbalance, supportive care. |
Medication Effects | Abdominal pain, nausea, constipation or diarrhoea, depending on the medication. | Clinical history, review of current medications. | Discontinuation or adjustment of the offending medication, supportive care. |