ERECT
ntestinal Distention The small bowel is dilated when it exceeds 2.5 to 3.0 cm in diameter The colon is dilated when it exceeds 5 cm in diameter The cecum is dilated when it exceeds 8 cm in diameter
Intestinal Distention • The small bowel is dilated when it exceeds 2.5 to 3.0 cm in diameter. • The colon is dilated when it exceeds 5 cm in diameter • The cecum is dilated when it exceeds 8 cm in diameter
Normal bowel gas pattern v The normal distribution of gas in the stomach and duodenum v The colon----- mottled pattern of stool v The sma‖|bowe|-a few gas collections
Normal Bowel Gas Pattern ✓ The normal distribution of gas in the stomach and duodenum ✓ The colon----- mottled pattern of stool ✓ The small bowel----a few gas collections
Mechanical bowel obstruction Sma‖| Bowe Dilated loops of small bowel (>3 cm) Air-fluid levels that exceed 2.5 cm in length Air-fluid levels at differing heights within the same loop(strong evidence of obstruction) Small bubbles of gas trapped between the valvulae conniventes
Mechanical bowel obstruction Small Bowel • Dilated loops of small bowel (>3 cm) • Air-fluid levels that exceed 2.5 cm in length • Air-fluid levels at differing heights within the same loop (strong evidence of obstruction) • Small bubbles of gas trapped between the valvulae conniventes
Causes of small Bowel obstruction Adhesions Volvulus Postsurgical Gallstone ileus Postinflammatory Parasites Incarcerated hernia bolus of ascaris Malignancy: usually metastatic Foreign body Intussusception
Causes of Small Bowel Obstruction