Gastrointestinal polyps are mucosal projections within the gastrointestinal tract. Grossly, they may be described as either sessile or pedunculated. They commonly occur in the colon and rectum but may also occur in the oesophagus, stomach and intestines. Non-neoplastic polyps Non-neoplastic…
Colorectal cancer Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer and the second most common cause of death from cancer. The incidence is increasing in Sub-Saharan Africa and in younger patients. Rectal cancer is as common as colon cancer. Screening…
Introduction Meckel’s diverticulum is a blind out-pouching of anti-mesenteric aspect of the middle-to-distal ileum. It is a true diverticulum of the gastrointestinal duct containing all layers of the bowel walls and its own artery. It is named after Johann Friedrick…
Fournier’s Gangrene Fournier’s Gangrene is necrotising fasciitis of the perineum and external genitalia that can spread rapidly to the anterior abdominal wall (Meleney gangrene) and gluteal muscles. Urogenital causes of Fournier’s gangrene begin with necrosis of the anterior triangle, while…
Overview Bacterial infections of the skin and soft tissue can be classified as complicated and uncomplicated. Classification Description Examples Uncomplicated skin infections Involve superficial regions of the skin and appendages Impetigo, erysipelas, cellulitis, folliculitis, and simple abscesses Complicated skin infections…
Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Anus Cancer of the squamous cell of the anus. THIS IS NOT SYNONYMOUS WITH RECTAL CANCER. Linked with HPV and anal intercourse. More favourable prognosis than colorectal cancer
Overview Above the dentate line Below the dentate line Origin Hindgut (Endoderm) Cloaca (Ectoderm) Epithelium Simple columnar Non-keratinizing stratified squamous Arterial supply Superior rectal artery br. IMA Inferior rectal artery br. of internal pudendal Venous drainage Internal hemorrhoidal plexus →…
Stoma A stoma is an opening from a hollow viscus connecting it to the skin surface. “Stoma” = opening. “Ostomy” = surgical creation of an artificial opening. Ostomy is performed when it is unwise to restore/maintain the continuity of intestines.…
Causes of gastrointestinal bleeding Type Primary Symptoms Differentials Upper gastrointestinal bleeding Hematemesis or Melena Ruptured Oesophageal varices, Dieulafoys’s lesion, peptic ulcer disease, Meckel’s diverticulum, gastric or esophageal cancer, Mallory-Weiss tear, coeliac disease, esophagitis, gastritis, and aortoenteric fistula Lower gastrointestinal bleeding…
Incisional hernia An incisional hernia is the herniation of abdominal contents through a “healed” surgical incision. A complication of abdominal surgery. Dx is clinical. It is not the same as wound evisceration (where abdominal contents are completely expelled without a…