Free Essay

Ulcerative Colitis

In:

Submitted By jessbeach
Words 1806
Pages 8
Ulcerative Colitis

A. Description

Ulcerative colitis is an autoimmune disorder that, along with Crohn’s disease, is referred to as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). IBD is characterized by diarrhea (up to 20 stools during acute exacerbation), crampy abdominal pain, and exacerbations (“flare-ups”)/remissions.

B. Pathophysiology

Ulcerative colitis usually starts in the rectum and moves in a continual fashion toward the cecum. Although there is sometimes mild inflammation in the terminal ileum, ulcerative colitis is a disease of the colon and the rectum. The inflammation and ulcerations occur in the mucosal layer, the inner-most layer of the bowel wall. Since it does not extend through all bowel wall layers, fistulas and abscesses are rare. Water and electrolytes cannot be absorbed through inflamed mucosa. Diarrhea with large fluid and electrolyte losses is a characteristic feature of damage to the colonic mucosa epithelium. Breakdown of cells results in protein loss through stool. Areas of inflamed mucosa form pseudo-polyps, tongue-like projections into the bowel lumen.

C. Common signs & symptoms or clinical manifestations

The common signs of ulcerative colitis include diarrhea, bloody stools, weight loss, abdominal pain, fever and fatigue. It is considered a chronic disorder a chronic disorder with mild to severe acute exacerbations that occur at unpredictable intervals over many years. The primary manifestations of ulcerative colitis are bloody diarrhea and abdominal pain. Pain may vary from the mild lower abdominal cramping associated with diarrhea to the severe, constant pain associated with acute perforations. With mild disease, diarrhea may consist of one to two semi formed stools daily that contain small amounts of blood. The patient may have no other manifestations. In moderate disease there is increased stool output (four to five stools per day), increased bleeding, and systemic symptoms (fever, malaise, anorexia). In severe disease, diarrhea is bloody, contains mucus, and occurs 10 to 20 times a day. In addition, fever, weight loss greater than 10% of total body weight, anemia, tachycardia, and dehydration are present.

D. Risk Factors

Epidemiologic studies show a higher incidence of ulcerative colitis in Caucasians and persons with Jewish heritage as well as, family members (especially monozygomatic compared with dizygotic twins). Overall, there have been 30 susceptible genes have been linked to IBD. Another risk factor to be aware of is gender and age. The incidence peaks at two points in life: adolescent to young adult (more often in females) and with older adults (more often in males). A diet low in fiber may also predispose a patient to ulcerative colitis. Other possible risk factors include stress, autoimmunity and infection may be causative agents.

E. Common Complications

Patients experience both local (confined to the GI tract) and systemic (extraintestinal) complications. GI tract complications include hemorrhage, strictures, perforation (with possible peritonitis), fistulas, and colonic dilation (toxic mega colon). Patients with toxic mega colon are at risk of perforation and may need an emergency colectomy. Toxic mega colon is more common with ulcerative colitis. Patients with long-standing ulcerative colitis are at risk for colorectal cancer. Periodic colonoscopy is recommended for patients who developed IBD at a young age or have had it more than 10 years. An increased incidence of thromboembolism is seen in ulcerative colitis. Kidney stones are also common due to fluid deficits from chronic diarrhea. Primary sclerosing cholangitis and gallstones are also associated with IBD. Routine liver function tests are important because primary sclerosing cholangitis can lead to liver failure.

F. All diagnostic procedures or tests done (include labs and other tests)

The diagnosis of IBD includes ruling out other diseases with similar symptoms and then determining whether the patient has ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease. Diagnostic studies also provide information about disease severity and complications. A CBC typically shows iron-deficiency anemia from blood loss. An elevated WBC count may be an indication of toxic mega colon or perforation. Decreases in serum sodium, potassium, chloride, bicarbonate, and magnesium levels are due to fluid and electrolyte losses from diarrhea and vomiting. Hypoalbuminemia is present with severe disease and is the result of poor nutrition or protein loss from the bowel. An elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate reflects chronic inflammation. Stool cultures are obtained to determine if infection is present. Sigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy allow direct examination of the large intestine mucosa. Since ulcerative colitis usually begins in the rectum, rectal biopsies obtained during sigmoidoscopy may be adequate for diagnosis. Colonoscopy allows for examination of the entire large intestine and sometimes the most distal ileum. The extent of inflammation, ulcerations, pseudo-polyps, and strictures is determined, and biopsy specimens are taken for a definitive diagnosis. A double-contrast barium enema may show areas of granular inflammation with ulcerations. The colon may appear narrow and shortened, and pseudo-polyps may be present. A double-contrast study (in which air is introduced into the bowel after the expulsion of barium) is effective in detecting mucosal abnormalities in ulcerative colitis.

G. Common Treatment (include all the drugs of choice, surgical procedures-if any, and all other treatments)

The goals of treatment are to rest the bowel, control the inflammation, combat infections, correct malnutrition, alleviate any stress, provide symptomatic relief, and improve quality of life. The goals of drug treatment are to induce and then maintain a remission in order to improve the quality of life. Five major classes of medications are used to treat ulcerative colitis: aminosalicytes, antimicrobials, corticosteroids, immunosuppressants and biologic and targeted therapy. Sulfasalazine (Azulfidine) contains sulfapyridine and 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA). Its exact mechanism of action is unknown, but topical application to the intestinal mucosa suppresses proinflammatory cytokines and other inflammatory mediators. Olsalazine (Dipentum) is prescribed for clients intolerant to sulfasalazine. Newer preparations have been developed to deliver 5-ASA to the terminal ileum and colon such as Mesalamine (Asacol, Pentasa, Rowasa). These drugs are as effective as sulfasalazine and are better tolerated when administered orally. Although no specific infectious agent has been identified, antimicrobials such as Metronidazole (Flagyl) and Ciprofloxacin (Cipro) are used. Corticosteroids such as prednisone and budesonide (Entocort), are used to achieve remission in IBD, but are not effective for maintaining the remission. They are primarily used to reduce inflammation and pain. Corticosteroids are given for the shortest possible time because of side effects associated with long-term use. Immunosuppressants like 6-mercaptopurine, azathioprine (Imuran), cyclosporine (Sandimmune), and methotrexate (Rheumatrex) are given to maintain remission after corticosteroid induction therapy. There are currently four major biologic and targeted medications. Three are anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) agents: inflixib (Remicade), adalimumab (Humira), and certolizumab pegol (Cimzia). They act by suppressing the immune response and an antibody is used to reduce tumor necrosis factor. The fourth, natalizumab (Tysabril), inhibits leukocyte adhesion and movement into inflamed tissue. Approximately 25% to 40% of patients with ulcerative colitis will need surgery at some time during their illness. Since ulcerative colitis affects only the colon, a total proctocolectomy is curative. Surgical procedures used to treat chronic ulcerative colitis include total colectomy with rectal mucosal stripping and ileoanal reservoir, total proctocolectomy with permanent ileostomy and total proctocolectomy with continent ileostomy (Kock pouch).

Colectomy with or without ileostomy

Descriptions of the procedure

The most commonly used procedure for ulcerative colitis is a total colectomy and ileoanal anastomosis with the formation of an ileoanal reservoir. This combination of two procedures is performed approximately 8 to 12 weeks apart. The initial procedure includes colectomy, rectal mucosectomy, ileal reservoir construction, ileoanal anastomosis, and temporary ileostomy. The second surgery involves closure of the ileostomy to direct stool toward the new reservoir. Adaption of the new reservoir occurs over the next 3 to 6 months, which usually results in a decreased number of bowel movements over a 24-hour period. The patient is able to control defecation at the anal sphincter. Patient selection criteria include absence of colorectal cancer, no small intestine disease, competent anorectal sphincter, and physical status adequate to permit lengthy surgery. In addition, the patient needs to be motivated and capable of understanding self-care instructions.

Indications

Some indications for surgical therapy for ulcerative colitis include: failure to respond to conservative therapy, fistulas, inability to decrease corticosteroids, intestinal obstruction, massive hemorrhage, perforation, severe anorectal disease, and suspicion of carcinoma.

Interpretation of Findings

Ulcerations and inflammation of the sigmoid colon and rectum are significant findings for ulcerative colitis.

Nursing Actions

Preoperative care:
-Is similar to care for clients with other abdominal surgeries
-Reinforce teaching on the type of surgery that is being performed
-If the creation of a stoma is planned, collaborate with an enterostomal therapy nurse regarding care related to the stoma
-Administer antibiotic bowel prep (neomycin sulfate), if prescribed
-Administer cleansing enema or laxative, if prescribed

Intraprocedure:
-Provide padding to the client’s bony prominences to provide comfort and prevent skin breakdown
-Communicate surgical progress to the client’s family members, if appropriate
-Assist in monitoring urine output and blood loss
-Document appropriate surgical events
-Assist in arranging postoperative until placement and communicate postoperative needs of the client

Postoperative care:
-Is similar to care for clients with other abdominal surgeries
-The client will be NPO and have a nasogastric tube to suction, unless the surgery was performed laparoscopically
-An ileostomy may drain as much as 1,000 mL/day. Prevent fluid volume deficit (Administer IV fluids if the client is NPO. Oral hydration may be administered later in the course of recovery).

Potential Complications (write at least 3)

Bleeding occurs due to deterioration of the bowel.
Nursing Actions
-Observe the client for indications of rectal bleeding.
-Monitor vital signs.
-Check laboratory values, especially hematocrit, hemoglobin, and coagulation factors.
Client Education
-Instruct the client to report rectal bleeding.
-Explain to the client the importance of bed rest

Fluid and electrolyte imbalance occurs due to loss of fluid through diarrhea and vomiting, and may occur with nasogastric suctioning.
Nursing Actions
-Monitor laboratory values and provide replacement therapy.
-Monitor weight
-Assess for signs of fluid volume deficit (poor skin turgor)
Client Education
-Instruct the client to record and report the number of loose stools
-Encourage the client to obtain adequate fluid intake
-Advise the client to follow the prescribed diet

Toxic mega colon occurs due to inactivity of the colon. Massive dilation of the colon occurs and the client is at risk for perforation.
Nursing Actions
-Maintain nasogastric suction.
-Administer IV fluids and electrolytes
-Administer prescribed medications (antibiotics, corticosteroids)
-Prepare the client for surgery (usually an ileostomy) if the client does not begin to show signs of improvement within 72 hrs. or less
Client Education
-Refer the client with ostomy to an enterostomal therapist and to an ostomate support group

References

Knippa, A. (2011). ATI Nursing Education:RN Adult Medical Surgical Nursing Edition. United States: Assessment Technologies Institue. Pgs 682-692

Lewis, S. L., Dirksen, S. R., Heitkemper, M. M., Bucher, L., Camera, I. M. (2011). Medical-Surgical Nursing: Assessment and Management of Clinical Problems. St. Louis: Elsevier Mosby. Pgs 1022-1028

Similar Documents

Free Essay

Annotated Bibliography on Ulcerative Colitis

...Burney, M., McEvery, S., & Kauari, V., (2006). What is ulcerative colitis? National Digestive Diseases Information, No 6-1597 Ulcerative Colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease in which the inflammation can occur in separate parts of the small intestine and colon. There are many intestinal diseases all with very similar symptoms thus, making them difficult to diagnose. This disease may affect people of any age, but usually starts between the ages of 15 to 30 and affects both men and women equally. If the inflammation is occurring in the rectum and lower part of the colon it is defined as ulcerative proctitis and if the entire colon is involved it is called pancolitis. If only the left side of the colon is affected it is then called limited or distal colitis. This disease causes inflammation and sores called ulcers, in the lining of the rectum and colon, this then causes bleeding and pus which causes diarrhea. This disease is quite manageable and approximately half of those affected have mild symptoms. The other 50% can suffer frequent fevers, bloody diarrhea, nausea, and severe abdominal cramps. Ulcerative Colitis can also cause problems such as arthritis, inflammation of the eye, liver disease, and osteoporosis. Some of these conditions have been known to go away when the colitis is treated. There are many theories that exist about what causes ulcerative colitis. People with the disease have abnormalities of the immune system, but doctors are unsure...

Words: 284 - Pages: 2

Free Essay

Crohn's Disease

...was given its name in 1932 by gastroenterologist Dr. Burrill B. Crohn, whom it was respectively named after. Previous to this, many cases appeared and recorded as early as 1682 which was when the first description of the condition was made by the Italian physician Giovanni Battista Morgagni. It was described as “…a young man with a chronic, debilitating illness and diarrhea” (Bellany, 2005). Since then, more and more cases have arrived and continues to effect thousands of people worldwide. This condition falls under a medical category known as Inflammatory Bowel Diseases or IBD. The two main forms of IBD are Crohn’s Disease and ulcerative colitis. While very similar and often confused with one another, they have many different, as well as common symptoms. Less common forms are known as collagenous colitis, lymphocytic colitis and Behcet’s disease. Crohn’s Disease may affect the gastrointestinal tract but more commonly at the end of the small bowel and the beginning of the colon. The direct causes for Crohn’s are still yet to be determined by doctors and researchers but many theories have arisen. It is said to be aggravated by diet and stress and may cause it to present “…but they do not cause the disease on their own. Recent research suggests...

Words: 753 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Crohn's And Colitis Canada Case Study

...What is Crohn’s and Colitis Canada? Crohn’s and Colitis Canada is a national, volunteer based organization that was created to collect funds and raise awareness for Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis. After accompanying their ill son to a plethora of doctors who could not diagnose him, a Canadian couple started to research different diseases that could have led to their son’s deterioration. Marilyn Finkelstein, second from left, at PACE, which is improving patient care through Crohn’s and Colitis Canada After three years, they discovered that Crohn’s Disease was the culprit. In an attempt to help their son, and anyone else who was suffering from the disease, Marilyn and Albert Finkelstein started selling fruitcakes in an effort to fundraise...

Words: 732 - Pages: 3

Free Essay

Patient Education Plan

...Patient Education Plan This is a 65 year-old female who has a weight of 77.1 kg. She presented to the emergency room with increased lower abdominal pains (cramps), diarrhea for past five days, and decrease nutrition consumption because of pain. She states she has lost some weight over the past week but does not know how much. She has increased fatigue and weakness. She has allergies to Lipitor, Demerol, Florinef Acetate, penicillin, Vancomycin. The patient lives at home with her spouse and has a few friends she sees on a regular basis. The patient states she has never smoked, nor has she ever drunk alcohol and no one in the house does either. She does consume 3-4 diet pops a day that contain caffeine. The patient states she has no medical training or knowledge other than the conditions, which she has a history of. She seems to have memory deficits of unknown etiology and very high anxiety issues with very high dependency or separation issues (needing someone near her at all times and demanding). The patient’s medical history consists of kidney stones, urinary tract infection (UTI), high cholesterol, irritable bowel syndrome, diabetes mellitus (Type 1), acid reflux, allergic rhinitis, addison’s disease, osteoporosis, osteopenia, anxiety, and depression. She has a surgical history of: cholecystectomy, colonoscopy, liver biopsy, and hysterectomy. After asking the patient how she learns best, she states “I learn better with a hard copy and someone going over the information me...

Words: 1549 - Pages: 7

Free Essay

Gi System Questions

...inflammation are indicative of: Appendicitis. 7. How may a fistula form with Crohn’s disease? Recurrent inflammation, necrosis, and fibrosis forming a connection between intestinal loops. 8. A 60-year-old male presents with GI bleeding and abdominal pain. He reports that he takes NSAIDs daily to prevent heart attack. Tests reveal that he has a peptic ulcer. The most likely cause of this disease is: Inhibiting mucosal prostaglandin synthesis. 9. Prolonged or severe stress predisposes to peptic ulcer disease because: Of reduced blood flow to the gastric wall and mucous glands. 10. A 50-year-old male complains of frequently recurring abdominal pain, diarrhea, and bloody stools. A possible diagnosis would be: Ulcerative Colitis. 11. What is a common cause of gastroenteritis due to Salmonella? Raw or undercooked poultry or eggs. 12. T-cell lymphoma was diagnosed in a 55-year-old man who had a lengthy history of intestinal disease. Which of the following diseases most likely preceded this malignancy? Celiac Disease. 13. Difficulty swallowing is known as Dysphagia. 14. The most common disorder associated with upper GI...

Words: 383 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

Body Fluids

...BODY FLUIDS AND INTESTINAL GAS Waste from digestive tract Frequent discharge of liquid stool Black tarry stools-contain digested blood First stool of newborn Passage of bloody feces Matter EXPELLED from stomach thru mouth Vomitus Vomiting of blood Gas in digestive tract BODY FLUIDS AND INTESTINAL GAS Waste from digestive tract Frequent discharge of liquid stool Black tarry stools-contain digested blood First stool of newborn Passage of bloody feces Matter EXPELLED from stomach thru mouth Vomitus Vomiting of blood Gas in digestive tract OSTOMIES Creation of an artificial opening OSTOMIES Creation of an artificial opening 1--ELIMINATION OF SOLID WASTE ILE---OSTOMY Into ilieum, creating a stoma (mouth) COLO---STOMY --bag Into colon-creating a stoma (mouth) 1--ELIMINATION OF SOLID WASTE ILE---OSTOMY Into ilieum, creating a stoma (mouth) COLO---STOMY --bag Into colon-creating a stoma (mouth) 2---FEEDING (tubes) PURPOSES GASTR--OSTOMY Into stomach wall- through abdominal wall----- GASTRO—JEJUNUM--OSTOMY Between the stomach and jejunum GAVAGE Process of feeding a person through a NASO-GASTRIC tube 2---FEEDING (tubes) PURPOSES GASTR--OSTOMY Into stomach wall- through abdominal wall----- GASTRO—JEJUNUM--OSTOMY Between the stomach and jejunum GAVAGE Process of feeding a person through a NASO-GASTRIC tube RECTUM==RECTO,PROCT-O ...

Words: 1433 - Pages: 6

Free Essay

Crohns Disease

...15-35, anyone at any age can show symptoms. Men are also just as likely to have the disease as women are. If someone, such as a parent, have the disease you are more likely to show symptoms. The risk is also higher if the person is Jewish or African American. The causes of this disease are not clear but some think that genetics, diet, smoking and stress play a role in the irritation. The person’s environment seems to also play a role. For example, people who live in northern climates are more likely to have the disease as well as people in underdeveloped countries as opposed to the more developed ones. Crohn’s is one of the many diseases that fit into the Inflammatory Bowel Disease category. This disease is many times confused with ulcerative colitis. While their symptoms may be very similar, the thing that sets them apart is the part of the gastrointestinal tract that they affect. Crohn’s can affect the large intestine, the end of the small bowel, and the thickness of the bowel wall. Symptoms include persistent diarrhea, rectal bleeding, constipation, and abdominal cramps. If symptoms are not treated the disease can also lead to fatigue and weight loss. Crohn’s is also considered to be a chronic disease meaning that the person can experience periods of remission followed by flare ups. Only in the most severe cases does the disease cause fissures, or tears in the lining of the anus, and fistulas, hollow passages from one part of the intestine to another or in some cases to other...

Words: 1062 - Pages: 5

Free Essay

Crohn's Disease

...Instructors Ashley Simpson Crohn’s disease is an ongoing disorder that causes inflammation of the digestive tract, also referred to as the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Crohn’s disease can affect any area of the GI tract, but it most commonly the ileum of the small intestine. The swelling extends deep into the lining of the affected organ and can cause pain; in addition to making the intestines empty frequently, resulting in diarrhea. Crohn’s disease (also referred to as ileitis or enteritis) is an inflammatory bowel disease, the general name for diseases that cause swelling in the intestines. Because the symptoms of Crohn’s disease are similar to other intestinal disorders, such as irritable bowel syndrome and ulcerative colitis, it can be difficult to diagnose. Ulcerative colitis causes inflammation and ulcers in the top layer of the lining of the large intestine. In Crohn’s disease, all layers of the intestine may be involved, and normal healthy bowel can be found between sections of diseased bowel. Crohn’s disease affects men and women equally and seems to run in some families. Crohn’s disease can occur in people of all ages but is more often diagnosed in people between the ages of 20 and 30. People of Caucasian decent have an increased risk of developing Crohn’s disease, and African Americans are at decreased risk for developing Crohn’s disease. Several theories exist about what causes Crohn’s disease, but none have been proven. The human immune system is made from cells and different...

Words: 611 - Pages: 3

Free Essay

Nur 427 Patient Education Plan

...Patient Education Plan NUR 427 Sidoney Roache Ulcerative Colitis Patient Education Plan Patient Description Larry Garcia is a 45 year old sales representative with 3 children. He has been married for 18 yrs to Monica, who is 8 yrs. his junior. Mr. Garcia has come to the emergency department reporting abdominal pain, cramping and frequent diarrhea with blood and pus in his stool for the past 2 days. He also has been having difficulty absorbing fluids and nutrients and as a result lost 4 1bs. His symptoms started at age 22 along with lactose intolerance. Larry is Caucasian and of Jewish descent. His regular diet consists of whole-grain breads with eggs for breakfast and for lunch he eats a bagel with cheese and some whole milk. Every Wednesday Larry eats cereal for breakfast and has pasta for lunch. He has a history of abdominal pain for the past 10 years. Mr. Garcia’s preferred learning style is visual as he explained in the initial interview. He learning style is visual because he prefers to read the material independently. He does not absorb verbal information easily. Introduction to the disease process for the Patient Education Plan: The disease process usually begins in the rectosigmoid area and spreads proximally. Pathologic change starts with degeneration of the reticulin fibers beneath the epithelial mucosa. This causes occlusion of the subepithelial capillaries and infiltration of the lamina propria with lymphocytes, leukocytes, eosinophils...

Words: 1442 - Pages: 6

Free Essay

Personal Impact

...Regardless of which definition of chronic illness you subscribe to, be it Feldman, Cluff, or Curtin & Lublin, they all share common themes. They all describe a condition that is long lasting and persistent, requiring some medical oversight/treatment and personal retraining. Once a diagnosis is applied, specific treatments are started but the training of the individual is just that, individual. Each person has their own unique learning style. The following describes this process experienced by one patient afflicted with Crohn’s disease (CD). CD is an inflammatory bowel disease affecting the gastrointestinal (GI) tract anywhere from the mouth to the anus. Sometimes confused with ulcerative colitis, CD usually confines itself to the distal small bowel (ileum), large intestine (colon), rectum, and anus. Where colitis only affects the lining of the colon and rectum. The exact cause of CD is not known. It is thought to be an autoimmune disease with a genetic component as this condition tends to run in families. The most common symptoms of CD are cramps like abdominal pain, fever, fatigue, poor appetite, painful bowel movements, persistent diarrhea, and unintentional weight loss. More advanced symptoms include: constipation, eye irritation, rectal fistulas, joint pain, mouth ulcers, bloody stool, rectal bleeding, skin lumps/sores, and swollen gums. CD sufferers are also at greater risk of small bowel and colon cancer. The patient The patient is a 37 year old, Caucasian male in otherwise...

Words: 1413 - Pages: 6

Free Essay

Inflammatory Bowel Disease Treatment Process

...Inflammatory Bowel Disease Treatment Process Inflammatory Bowel Disease, or IBD for short, refers to two forms of inflammatory conditions involving the gastrointestinal tract. Ulcerative Colitis is a chronic disease that affects the colon and rectum, together known as the large intestine. The inner lining of the large intestine becomes inflamed and ulcers could form on the surface. Crohn’s Disease is also a chronic disease that causes inflammation in several parts of the digestive tract (Sklar X10). It can affect anywhere in the GI tract. However, inflammation is commonly found in the end of the small bowel and the beginning of the large intestine (Sklar). It is estimated that twenty percent of people worldwide suffer from IBD (Wangen 27). Patients with IBD are offered no cure because there is no identifiable cause for Inflammatory Bowel Disease. However, treatment is offered to IBD patients to suppress or alleviate these symptoms. The treatment process of Inflammatory Bowel Disease consists of the testing phase, dietary changes, medication, and surgeries. TESTING PHASE Physicians see about three and half million patients a year; almost thirty percent of people who have an appointment with a gastroenterologist, a doctor who specializes in digestive diseases, unfortunately are diagnosed with IBD (Wangen 27). Warning signs for Inflammatory Bowel Disease consists of: extreme abdominal pain, blood in the stool, constant diarrhea, loss of appetite, fever, chronic fatigue, diarrhea...

Words: 879 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

General Surgery

...hernias. Services Offered : Trauma surgery – Often they are the first port of call to critically ill or gravely injured patients, and must perform a variety of procedures to stabilize such patients, such as intubation, burr hole, cricothyroidotomy, and emergency laparotomy or thoracotomy to stanch bleeding. Laparoscopic surgery – This is a relatively new specialty dealing with minimal access techniques using cameras and small instruments inserted through 0.3 to 1 cm incisions. Robotic General surgeons that are trained today are expected to be proficient in laparoscopic procedures. Colorectal surgery – General surgeons treat a wide variety of major and minor colon and rectal diseases including inflammatory bowel diseases (such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease), diverticulitis, colon and rectal cancer, gastrointestinal bleeding and hemorrhoids. Breast surgery – General surgeons perform a majority of all non-cosmetic breast surgery from lumpectomy to mastectomy, especially pertaining to the evaluation and diagnosis, of breast cancer. Vascular surgery – General surgeons can perform vascular surgery if they receive special training and certification in vascular surgery. Otherwise, these procedures are performed by vascular surgery specialists. However, general surgeons are capable of treating minor vascular disorders. Endocrine surgery – General surgeons are trained to remove all or part of the thyroid and parathyroid glands in the neck and the adrenal glands just above...

Words: 315 - Pages: 2

Free Essay

Progress

...Inclusion criteria for the cases will be: women over the age of 50 that have had a recent diagnosis of colon cancer. That means they have had a diagnosis of colon cancer confirmed by a pathologist within the last 30 days of study.Recruitment of cases will come from the Indiana university hospital based off of referrals from physicians within our research group. Cases could also be self-referred if they have seen ads or brochures in the hospitals. The rationale for deriving cases this way is to ensure that their responses to the ffq best reflect their status before they were diagnosed.In regards to the exclusion criteria, anyone with a previous diagnosis of ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, bowel disease, or any other form of cancer will be excluded. Obese individuals, anyone with a BMI of 30 or more, anyone with a history of smoking, and current smokers will also be excluded. The rationale behind that is that those factors could play a crucial role increasing their risk for colon cancer.The controls will be strictly self-referred. We will have fliers and brochures throughout common areas in the hospitals for ppl to see. We will also accept controls from Inresearch.org which has an online registry of healthy volunteers. The same exclusion criteria would apply for controls. | Our plan is to implement a case-control design for our study. We expect the study to take about an hour, before which informed consent will be authorized by all the subjects involved. Upon giving...

Words: 441 - Pages: 2

Free Essay

Crohn's Disease

...disease is named after the physician who described the disease in a paper written in 1972. It is also called Morbus Crohn's, Granulomatous enteritis, Regional enteritis, or Terminal ileitis. The disease is usually chronic, with recurrent periods, and also periods of remission. The spread of Crohn s disease into the world is getting worse, and there is still no cure or prevention known to the disease. Crohn's disease is an inflammatory bowel disease ,IBD, the general name for diseases that cause inflammation in the intestines. Crohn's disease can be difficult to diagnose because its symptoms are similar to other intestinal disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome and to another type of IBD called ulcerative colitis. Crohn's disease may also be called ileitis or enteritis. Ulcerative colitis causes inflammation and ulcers in the top layer of the lining of the large intestine. Crohn's disease affects men and women equally and seems to run in some families. About 20 percent of people with Crohn's disease have a blood relative with some form of IBD, most often a brother or sister and sometimes a parent or child. The most common complication is blockage of the intestine. Blockage occurs because the disease tends to thicken the intestinal wall with swelling and scar tissue, narrowing the passage. Crohn's disease may also cause sores, or ulcers, that tunnel through the affected area into surrounding tissues such as the bladder, vagina, or skin. The areas around the anus and rectum are...

Words: 1668 - Pages: 7

Free Essay

Hca 240 Lifestyle or Medication

...Lifestyle or Medication Shay Frazier HCA/240 Kim Dankert About the disease Chronic ulcerative colitis is an inflammation of the colon.There is no cure , but the treatment process involves reducing pain of the symptoms , replacing nutrients, stopping blood loss, and preventing complications(Zelman,Tompary , Raymond,Holdaway ,& Mulvihill,2010). Other ways to prevent the disease is by reducing stress, eliminating foods found to trigger symptoms, and taking adrenal corticosteroids. If none of these options work, surgery , may be required.The specific procedure performed is a colostomy. A colostomy is defined as " an artificial opening in the abdominal wall with a segment of the large intestine attached"(Zelman,Tompary , Raymond,Holdaway , & Mulvihill,2010).Fecal waste is evacuated through this opening and collected in a bag. A colostomy can be temporary or permanent depending on the nature of the colon surgery(Zelman,Tompary , Raymond,Holdaway , & Mulvihill,2010). Lifestyle Changes A simple lifestyle change is something everyone does every day , but might not notice such as exercising(Ehrlich , 2013 ,para. 20 ) . You don't have to run a triathlon , but even the simplest of exercises can help reduce stress, relieve depression and make your bowel function normally again (Zelman,Tompary , Raymond,Holdaway , & Mulvihill,2010). Light exercising consist of ,yoga,tai chi, playing with a bouncy ball , dancing , playing Wii Fit(Ehrlich , 2013 ,para. 20...

Words: 476 - Pages: 2