General Surgery Quiz 1
The following is an example of a normal supine abdominal x-ray:
Question 1
Comparing with above, what is the pathological abnormality in the following abdominal x-ray?
Hover over the icon for the answer:
Small Bowel Obstruction (SBO), indicated by central location of bowel loops and presence of transverse mucosal bands (plicae circulares)
Question 2
Compare to the following abdominal x-ray. What pathological abnormality is now shown here?
Answer:
Large Bowel Obstruction (LBO) at the rectum, indicated by dilated peripheral bowel loops up til the sigmoid colon.
Question 3
What is the pathological abnormality in this abdominal x-ray?
Answer:
Gastric dilation (enlargement and distension of gastric chamber with air)
Question 4
What are possible causes of the above presentation?
Answer:
1. Gastric outlet obstruction - pyloric ulcer/carcinoma causing mechanical obstruction.
2. Atonic Dilation - post-operative complication, diabetic coma, trauma, pancreatitis, hypokalaemia causing aperistalsis
Question 5
How would you treat this presentation?
Answer:
Nasogastric aspiration