TweetAlthough headache can arise from intra-cranial structures, it is important to also consider important causes from any of the extra-cranial structures including the neck A review of systems will ensure you… Read more »
TweetIdentifying peritonism is a basic clinical skill in general surgery Peritonism – key components Cough tenderness – localising pain with cough Involuntary guarding (see below) Percussion tenderness – localising tenderness with… Read more »
Tweet Constant/Dull = capsular stretching/inflammation (e.g. hepatitis) Colicky = hollow viscus obstruction (e.g. SBO, LBO, renal colic) Localizing/Sharp = inflammation adherent to peritoneum (e.g. appendicitis, cholecystitis, diverticulitis) NB biliary colic… Read more »
TweetLOCALISING ABDOMINAL PAIN Beware of referred pain Remember that shingles is the great mimicker and can cause localised pain prior to the rash appearing Referred pain Shoulder = subdiaphragmatic (e.g…. Read more »
TweetScreening Questions Upper GIT – recent heartburn or indigestion, haematemesis, recent NSAID use, previous surgery Lower GIT – PR bleeding, Diarrhoea (loose watery motions) Obstipation (neither passing stool or flatus),… Read more »
TweetSurgical complications / technical challenges Anti-coagulant use Previous intervention at surgical site Obesity Aberrant anatomy Anaesthetic risk Cardio-respiratory co-morbidities – e.g. MI, LVF, COAD, HT Cerebrovascular disease e.g TIA, CVA… Read more »
Tweet Multiple sexual partners e.g. >3/12 months No condom use History of STI
TweetCertain actions can precipitate symptoms and may point to the likely organ/organ system involved or the pathological process Food – GIT, endocrine, biliary Exertion – MSK, Vascular Activity – MSK,… Read more »
TweetIntroduction Evaluating ADLs Is a good practical and global measure the impact of disease and determines how quickly or aggressively it needs to be managed and the adequacy of treatment… Read more »
TweetIntroduction Despite the many types of disease there are only a limited number of pathological processes that can occur. Typically the same treatment principles apply These can be divided… Read more »