Thyroid Nodules and Cancer

Anatomy The thyroid is a bi-lobed shield-shaped organ located anteriorly in the neck that is responsible for the production of thyroid hormones and calcitonin. It has a right and left lobe connected by the isthmus. Each lobe has a superior…

Bowel Obstruction

Small Bowel Obstruciton Small bowel obstruction (SBO) is obstruction of the gastrointestinal tract at the level of the small intestine. It is a common surgical condition. It is mostly caused by mechanical obstruction of the bowel (intraluminal or extraluminal). Aetiology…

Central Nervous System Infections

Overview CNS infections carry a high mortality if untreated or improperly treated. It is important to recognize and treat differently neonates, young people, adults, old people, and immunocompromised since different organisms affect these different populations. Infections of the CNS include:…

Uncomplicated Bacterial Skin and Soft Tissue Infections

Condition Description Erysipelas Superficial infection of the upper layers of the dermis. Raised sharply demarcated edges, rapid spread and onset, and fever early in course. Caused by Streptococcus pyogenes. Cellulitis Infection that involves the deeper dermis and subcutaneous tissue. Non-purulent…

Neck Trauma

Overview Neck trauma includes both blunt and penetrating trauma. The airway is a major concern in neck trauma. Patients who present with hypoxia, stridor, neck distortions, or hematoma should be intubated immediately. Blunt trauma is primarily managed based on symptoms…

Mallampati score to assess the difficulty of orotracheal intubation

Airway Evaluation

Overview Patients do not die from an inability to intubate the trachea…they die from lack of oxygen ASA defines a difficult airway as a clinical situation in which a conventionally trained anaesthesiologist experiences difficulty with facemask ventilation of the upper…

Acute Coronary Syndromes (ACS)

Overview Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is a spectrum of clinical presentation ranging from ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI), and unstable angina. It is caused by rupture of an atherosclerotic plaque and partial or complete occlusion…

Angina

Overview Angina refers to chest pain on exertion. The chest pain is always sub-sternal, and is described as crushing/heavy, lasts minutes to hours, and may radiate to the upper arm or shoulder. 99% of cases are due to coronary artery…

Thoracic Trauma

Overview Emphasis in thoracic trauma is on proper airway and breathing (since injury can be to the airway structures themselves). Patients with thoracic trauma should be put on 100% O2 via NRB mask (not nasal cannulas) since hypoxia is an…