Showing papers on "Abdominal pain published in 1987"
TL;DR: It is concluded that motility of the small intestine is modified in some patients with IBS and that certain motor patterns are related to their symptoms.
484 citations
TL;DR: Qualitative analysis of intestinal manometry provides evidence of gut dysmotility in patients with the clinical syndrome of chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction and these abnormalities of motility can help to establish the correct diagnosis.
Abstract: We report the clinical and intestinal manometric findings in a group of 42 patients with chronic idiopathic intestinal pseudo-obstruction evaluated at the Mayo Clinic. The main clinical manifestations in these patients were nausea and vomiting (83%), abdominal pain (74%), distension (57%), constipation (36%), diarrhoea (29%), and urinary symptoms (17%). These symptoms preceded surgery in all patients. Air fluid levels or distended bowel loops occurred in 57% and a dilated bladder or urinary excretory pathway in 17%. All patients showed intestinal manometric abnormalities none of which are seen in healthy individuals: aberrant configuration or propagation of interdigestive motor complexes in 25 patients; bursts (greater than 2 min duration) of non-propagated phasic pressure activity in fasting and/or fed state in 30 patients; sustained incoordinated fasting pressure activity in 15 patients; and inability of an ingested meal to convert fasting into fed pattern in 28 patients. We conclude that qualitative analysis of intestinal manometry provides evidence of gut dysmotility in patients with the clinical syndrome of chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction. These abnormalities of motility can help to establish the correct diagnosis.
291 citations
Journal Article•
TL;DR: A high index of suspicion, early diagnosis, and prompt surgical intervention with the addition of anticoagulants seems to improve survival and reduce recurrence in patients with mesenteric venous thrombosis.
220 citations
TL;DR: The results reconfirm that cholecystectomy eradicates specific symptoms and complications of gall stone disease, but they also show that nearly one half of operated patients are dissatisfied with the procedure because of mild but distressing 'postcholecyStectomy' symptoms.
Abstract: The results of cholecystectomy in terms of symptomatic improvement were prospectively evaluated in 124 unselected gall stone patients interviewed before and two years after elective surgery. Indications for cholecystectomy were biliary pain (n = 65), previous complications of gall stone disease (n = 52), and flatulent dyspepsia (n = 7). At two years 93 patients could be re-evaluated, of whom only 49 (53%) were completely symptom free. Postcholecystectomy symptoms occurring in the remaining 44 patients were mainly flatulent dyspepsia (which had relapsed in 22 of 46 patients who suffered it preoperatively), dull abdominal pain or diarrhoea. Incisional hernia was present in five patients and one had recurrence of pain because of retained common bile duct stones. Symptomatic cures after cholecystectomy decreased with the duration of the preoperative history. The results reconfirm that cholecystectomy eradicates specific symptoms and complications of gall stone disease, but they also show that nearly one half of operated patients are dissatisfied with the procedure because of mild but distressing 'postcholecystectomy' symptoms. These are probably caused by previously undiagnosed functional gut disease associated with, but unrelated to, gall stones. A systemic approach to multisymptomatic patients with gall stones is recommended.
187 citations
Journal Article•
TL;DR: Sonographic reassessment of masses with patterns suggesting benign disease may be an alternative to immediate surgical exploration in a selected population (ie, those with poor surgical risk) and requires further improvement.
183 citations
TL;DR: Stool frequency, diarrhea, abdominal pain, depression, and slow contractions decreased significantly more in diarrhea-predominant patients during desipramine compared with placebo and atropine treatments.
Abstract: Antidepressant treatment trials of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) have suggested beneficial effects Twenty-eight patients with the disorder (9 constipation-predominant, 19 diarrhea-predominant) completed a double-blind crossover study using desipramine, atropine, and placebo in random sequence A four-week observation period preceded three six-week test periods Bowel habits, abdominal distress, and affect were reported daily and in biweekly evaluations Psychological assessments and rectosigmoid contractile studies were done in each period Stool frequency, diarrhea, abdominal pain, depression, and slow contractions decreased significantly more in diarrhea-predominant patients during desipramine compared with placebo and atropine treatments Diarrhea-prone patients' depression scores fell more in all periods than constipation-prone patients Fifteen patients (13 diarrhea-predominant) improved globally during desipramine, five during placebo and six during atropine treatments Desipramine may be helpful in treating IBS, perhaps through antidepressant and antimuscarinic effects
176 citations
TL;DR: In bilateral obstruction with residual function in both kidneys, bilateral ureterolysis proved superior to unilateral operation followed by steroid therapy in conserving renal function and the less traumatic unilateral operation should be considered in poor risk patients and in those whose renal function is absent on one side.
Abstract: Sixty patients with idiopathic retroperitoneal fibrosis presenting between 1965 and 1984 are reviewed. Their mean age at presentation was 56 years and the male:female ratio was 3:1. The commonest presenting symptoms were flank and abdominal pain, weight loss, nausea and polyuria. Physical examination was usually normal, expect for the presence of hypertension. Anaemia and elevation of erythrocyte sedimentation rate were usually present. Proteinuria was found in less than a third of patients at presentation and significant bacteriuria was uncommon. The correct diagnosis was made or suspected in very few patients before referral. The cumulative actuarial survival rate was 86% at 1 year and 78% at 2 years. Seventeen patients died; they were significantly older and more uraemic at the time of referral than those who survived. A few patients did well with either corticosteroid therapy or ureterolysis alone. In the majority, both operation and steroid treatment were necessary. In bilateral obstruction with residual function in both kidneys, bilateral ureterolysis proved superior to unilateral operation (each followed by steroid therapy) in conserving renal function. Operation alone or steroid therapy alone should be considered in cases where steroids or surgery respectively present particular hazards. The less traumatic unilateral operation should be considered in poor risk patients and in those whose renal function is absent on one side. In many survivors, disease activity has persisted for many years. Life-long follow-up is recommended.
176 citations
TL;DR: The role of psychological factors in the aetiology of the irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is far from clear, but a review of the literature suggests that some consistent patterns are emerging in spite of methodological problems.
Abstract: This paper reviews recent psychological studies of patients with the irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or 'functional abdominal pain'. Many studies have used unreliable or invalid methods of assessment and some have confused personality with treatable psychiatric illness. Reliable and valid measures have indicated that 40-50% of patients with recently diagnosed functional abdominal pain have demonstrable psychiatric illness; these patients have a worse prognosis than those who are psychologically normal. When psychiatric disorder is diagnosed in a patient with IBS there are three possibilities: (1) The patient may have developed abdominal and psychiatric symptoms simultaneously in which case treatment of the latter may relieve the bowel symptoms. (2) Psychiatric disorder may precipitate increased concern about bowel symptoms, and consequent attendance at the gastroenterology clinic, of those with chronic mild symptoms. In this case it is illness behaviour, rather than abdominal symptoms, that is caused by the anxiety/depression. (3) Those with chronic neurotic symptoms as part of their personality must be screened for organic disease if they have a fresh onset of bowel symptoms; but they are at high risk of becoming persistent clinic attenders. Further research is needed to clarify when psychological abnormalities play a role in the aetiology of IBS and when they are coincidental, but lead to illness behaviour. The role of psychological factors in the aetiology of the irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is far from clear, but a review of the literature suggests that some consistent patterns are emerging in spite of methodological problems. There have been three major defects with studies that have linked IBS with neurotic symptomatology. First, the measurement of psychological factors has generally been imprecise. Second, most studies have considered IBS patients as a single group, without making allowance for differing symptom patterns. Third, conclusions have been drawn about hospital samples and extrapolated to all IBS subjects, without taking account of factors which affect consulting behaviour. Most studies have been concerned with psychological factors so these will be considered in most detail.
160 citations
TL;DR: Ispaghula significantly improves overall well being in patients with irritable bowel syndrome, and in those with constipation favourably affects bowel habit and transit time.
Abstract: A double blind placebo controlled trial of ispaghula husk in 80 patients with irritable bowel syndrome is reported. Global assessment judged treatment to be satisfactory in 82% of patients receiving ispaghula and 53% of the placebo group (p less than 0.02). Bowel habit was unchanged in the placebo group, while constipation significantly improved in patients taking ispaghula (p = 0.026). Transit time decreased significantly in those taking ispaghula compared with placebo (p = 0.001), especially in patients with initially high transit times. Abdominal pain and bloating improved in both groups, with no significant differences between ispaghula and placebo. Four of the eight withdrawals on ispaghula and 10 of the 15 withdrawals on placebo were because of treatment failure. Ispaghula significantly improves overall well being in patients with irritable bowel syndrome, and in those with constipation favourably affects bowel habit and transit time.
146 citations
TL;DR: It is concluded that loperamide can be considered an alternative symptomatic treatment in some IBS patients whose main symptoms are painless diarrhoea or alternating bowel habits associated with abdominal pain.
Abstract: The effect of loperamide was investigated in a double-blind, placebo-controlled study in 60 patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Active treatment was given in low dosage (4 mg nocte). The effect of treatment was assessed in clinical subgroups. In a group of patients with painless diarrhoea (n = 16) there was a highly significant improvement in stool frequency and consistency. In a group with alternating bowel habits and abdominal pain (n = 21) there was also a statistically significant improvement in stool frequency and consistency as well as significantly fewer painful days during loperamide treatment. Patients with alternating bowel habits and no pain (n = 12) experienced no symptomatic improvement, and patients with constipation (n = 9) generally felt worse on loperamide. No side effects were encountered. It is concluded that loperamide can be considered an alternative symptomatic treatment in some IBS patients whose main symptoms are painless diarrhoea or alternating bowel habits associated with abdominal pain.
134 citations
TL;DR: The purpose of this retrospective study was to assess the effect of corticosteroids on the outcome of abdominal pain in children with Henoch-Schonlein purpura.
Abstract: Henoch-Schonlein purpura is a systemic vasculitis of unknown cause that is characterized primarily by abdominal pain, arthritis, and purpuric skin lesions. Abdominal pain is the most common gastrointestinal symptom, but intestinal bleeding and intussusception may occur. Previous studies have supported the use of steroids in managing the abdominal pain of Henoch-Schonlein purpura.1,2 Because there are no controlled trials using steroids in this disease, their value in affecting the intestinal lesions of Henoch-Schonlein purpura remains unknown. The purpose of this retrospective study was to assess the effect of corticosteroids on the outcome of abdominal pain in children with Henoch-Schonlein purpura. PATIENTS AND METHODS
TL;DR: Physicians should be alerted to the possibility of acute gastric dilatation if a young woman, who may be undernourished and anorexic, complains of abdominal pain after ingestion of a large meal.
Abstract: • In recent years we have treated two patients with gastric infarction as a complication of anorexia nervosa and bulimia. We found only three other cases reported in the literature. Surgical intervention was delayed in all five patients either because the diagnosis was missed by the physician or because the patient failed to seek medical attention. Physicians should be alerted to the possibility of acute gastric dilatation if a young woman, who may be undernourished and anorexic, complains of abdominal pain after ingestion of a large meal. Often this condition can be treated conservatively before irreversible damage to the gastric wall has taken place. If the gastric dilatation progresses, the stomach loses its contractility, resulting in venous occlusion, infarction, and gastric perforation. An extensive operation is required, and the patient undergoes an often complicated and prolonged hospital course. ( Arch Surg 1987;122:830-832)
TL;DR: In an attempt to reduce pain after laparoscopy, a drain was left for 6 h in the peritoneal cavity through the umbilical incision to take advantage of visceral peristaltic and voluntary muscle movements to expel residual gas.
TL;DR: It is suggested that in addition to the two well recognised clinical conditions of visceral larva migrans and ocular toxocariasis the clinical entity of covert toxOCariasis should receive recognition.
Abstract: The clinical features found in 14 children with toxocara ELISA titres of greater than or equal to 0.7 were compared with those found in 34 toxocara negative children. Blood eosinophils were elevated in 7 of the 14 patients and the highest eosinophilia was 14%. There was a highly significant association between hepatomegaly, cough, sleep disturbance and a raised titre (p less than 0.01). Behaviour disturbance, abdominal pain and headache were also significantly associated with a raised titre (p less than 0.05). The combination of abdominal pain, headache and cough was even more significantly associated with a high titre (p less than 0.0005) than were individual clinical features. It is suggested that in addition to the two well recognised clinical conditions of visceral larva migrans and ocular toxocariasis the clinical entity of covert toxocariasis should receive recognition. Eosinophilia may or may not be present in this condition.
TL;DR: Data pertinent to three tumor syndromes that derive from overproduction of three GEP peptide hormones are reviewed, finding an unusual association with MEN II pheochromacytoma and neurofibromatosis is emerging.
TL;DR: It is suggested that different causes can be considered responsible for NA, and that, in cases of NA with asthma, there is reason to consider vaccination and desensitization as precipitating factors.
Abstract: Causes and precipitating factors for systemic necrotizing angiitis (NA) with asthma were sought in 43 patients, focusing on a history of vaccination and desensitization. Mean age of patients was 43.2 years. Diagnosis was based on histopathologic findings in 25 patients, arteriography in 2, and clinical criteria in 16. History of allergic manifestations (asthma, rhinitis, eczema, urticaria) was present in the family of 19 patients. Forty-two patients presented with asthma before development of NA and 23 of them were treated with steroids. Nineteen subjects gave a history of desensitization and 5 of vaccination in the 4 weeks preceding the disease. The main symptoms of NA were asthma in 43, fever in 25, weight loss in 31, peripheral neuropathy in 29, cutaneous signs in 25, digestive signs in 16 (abdominal pain, digestive bleeding, bowel perforation), noninfectious pneumopathy with pulmonary infiltrates in 33. Eosinophilia was 8,212±6,214/mm3. Antigen HBs was found in 2 of 30 patients. Prognosis of NA with asthma was good in 15 patients who recovered completely from the disease. Seven patients died and the other patients improved but remained under treatment. The survival curve showed that 75% of patients were alive after 60 months. Our findings suggest that different causes can be considered responsible for NA, and that, in cases of NA with asthma, there is reason to consider vaccination and desensitization as precipitating factors.
TL;DR: It is concluded that patients with IBS apparently have continuously abnormal concentrations of SCFA in faeces, either high or low, which are unaffected by the treatment with bran and which hypothetically may be of pathophysiologic importance.
Abstract: Short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) in faeces were examined in 18 patients with the irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) during treatment with wheat bran or placebo. In the placebo period, the patients could be classified in accordance with the faecal concentrations of SCFA into one group with low concentrations (mean, 40 mmol/l; range, 19-77 mmol/l; 10 patients) and another with high concentrations (mean, 168 mmol/l; range, 145-187 mmol/l; 8 patients). The concentrations of SCFA differed (P less than 0.001) in both groups from concentrations found in faeces from a reference group of nine normal individuals (mean, 114 mmol/l; range, 93-155 mmol/l). Patients with low levels of SCFA had lower (P less than 0.001) mean stool mass and longer (P less than 0.05) transit times than those with high concentrations of SCFA in faeces. Ingestion of bran, although a precursor of SCFA, did not change faecal concentrations of SCFA. Abdominal pain, distension, and rumbling were not correlated to low or high concentrations of SCFA in faeces, nor did bran improve these symptoms when compared to placebo. The level of SCFA was rather constant intraindividually and independent of the variability of the daily faecal mass. It is concluded that patients with IBS apparently have continuously abnormal concentrations of SCFA in faeces, either high or low, which are unaffected by the treatment with bran and which hypothetically may be of pathophysiologic importance.
TL;DR: High-resolution abdominal sector scanning was used to assess fetal size and viability, as well as uterine and placental size, to identify features which might indicate imminent fetal death.
Journal Article•
TL;DR: Adequate preoperative preparation and prompt surgical intervention are associated with 100% survival in children with intussusception and a significant morbidity rate was observed with a delay in diagnosis.
TL;DR: Excessive fluid intake may provoke symptoms suggesting the irritable bowel syndrome in a susceptible group of younger children, and failure to increase fiber intake from 22 to 40 months of age leaves children on an immature diet whose effects require further study.
Abstract: • We studied 149 healthy children at 22 months of age and 74 at 40 months of age, employing a 24-hour dietary record based on premailed food measurement guide and telephone questionnaire. Parents cooperated in 94% of contacts. Chronic digestive complaints decreased from 27% to 5% of the sample over the study period: constipation from 16% to 3%, chronic diarrhea from 8% to 1%, and abdominal pain from 5% to 1%. Excessive fluid intake (1470±600 vs mL/d) correlated most strongly for seven children at 22 months experiencing alternating symptoms of chronic diarrhea and constipation or abdominal pain. Many other children tolerated dietary extremes without complaint. All macronutrient categories except dietary fiber intake increased over the study period. Thus, excessive fluid intake may provoke symptoms suggesting the irritable bowel syndrome in a susceptible group of younger children. Failure to increase fiber intake from 22 to 40 months of age leaves children on an immature diet whose effects require further study. ( AJDC 1987;141:679-682)
TL;DR: Fifteen patients evaluated because of highly symptomatic adult polycystic liver disease had abdominal pain, two patients had obstructive jaundice, one had ascites and a large right-sided pleural effusion, and one had oesophageal varices, and a fenestration operation was carried out.
TL;DR: The results in this series justify a trial of conservative treatment with close observation in patients without clinical evidence of strangulation or marked abdominal distension, which was carried out on 321 cases of adhesive small bowel obstruction over an 8 year period.
Abstract: A retrospective study was carried out on 321 cases of adhesive small bowel obstruction in 289 patients admitted at the Chulalongkorn Hospital over an 8 year period. Appendectomy was the most common operation preceding the obstruction. Early operation was performed in 54 cases with two deaths, and nonviable and borderline bowel was found in 30.2 percent. Continuous abdominal pain, generalized tenderness, guarding, and distension appeared to influence the attending surgeons' decisions to operate early. A trial of conservative treatment with nasogastric decompression was carried out in 267 cases with one death. Conservative treatment was successful in 126 cases, but in 140 cases, there was no improvement or the condition became worse and a delayed operation was required. There was no mortality in the delayed operation group and nonviable and borderline bowel was found in 22.8 percent of cases. The incidence of nonviable and borderline bowel did not increase with the length of delay, but was more frequent in those whose condition grew worse after conservative treatment. No preoperative factors that could reliably predict bowel strangulation were found. However, the results in this series justify a trial of conservative treatment with close observation in patients without clinical evidence of strangulation or marked abdominal distension.
TL;DR: Subtotal colectomy palliates constipation in most patients with severe idiopathic constipation but patients should be cautioned that not all improve and some are left with significant abdominal pain, obstructive symptoms, diarrhea, and fecal incontinence.
Abstract: We obtained follow-up information on 13 patients who underwent subtotal colectomy for severe idiopathic constipation 19–45 months previously. Stool frequency increased from one bowel movement per 11.5 days before colectomy to 5.3 bowel movements per day after colectomy. Nine patients have required readmissions for abdominal pain and four have required further surgery for symptoms of small bowel obstruction. Ten patients consider that their quality of life is improved, although five have variable amounts of fecal incontinence. Preoperative studies did not predict the three patients who failed to improve. Subtotal colectomy palliates constipation in most patients with severe idiopathic constipation but patients should be cautioned that not all improve and some are left with significant abdominal pain, obstructive symptoms, diarrhea, and fecal incontinence.
TL;DR: The evaluation of postsurgical abdomen by CT should include a careful assessment of previous laparotomy sites in search of occult incisional hernias that may be the source of the patient's abdominal symptoms.
Abstract: CT of the abdomen was performed on 14 adult patients 2-25 months after laparotomy in order to evaluate intraabdominal processes. Clinically unsuspected incisional hernias were detected in all cases. These herniations were not disclosed by previous physical examination because of the patients' obesity, abdominal pain, distension, or various other factors. However, CT scans showed the exact size, location, and content of each incisional hernia. The evaluation of postsurgical abdomen by CT should include a careful assessment of previous laparotomy sites in search of occult incisional hernias that may be the source of the patient's abdominal symptoms.
TL;DR: Yersinia may play a more important part in the aetiology of acute abdominal pain, and particularly acute appendicitis, than has been previously appreciated and analysis of acute-phase serum samples alone leads to underdiagnosis of yersiniosis.
TL;DR: Bacterial infection was a major cause of morbidity in very young children and merits appropriate control and preventive measures in this age group, but the spectrum of bacteria isolated makes it unlikely that the specific anti-pneumococcal measures widely advocated in Europe and America for young children with SCA would be appropriate in Nigeria.
Abstract: SUMMARYThe pattern of illness in 60 consecutive children with homozygous sickle cell disease who attended the Paediatric Emergency Room of a busy Lagos hospital with acute illness was studied prospectively. Their ages ranged from 3 months to 13 years with a peak in the 2nd year. There were twice as many boys as girls. The commonest symptoms were fever, limb or abdominal pain and cough, and the commonest signs were pallor and hepatomegaly. Painful crises occurred in 27, anaemic crises in 11, and a combination of these in 12 children. Infection was detected in 76% of subjects in crises. Infection was found in 82% of all the children and was mainly bacterial. The commonest infections were pneumonia (35%), bacteraemia (32%), tonsillitis/pharyngitis (17%) and osteomyelitis (8%). The predominant bacteria isolated were Klebsiella spp (38%), E. coli (23%), Staph, aureus (23%), Staph, albus (23%) and Pseudomonas spp (23%). Some children had multiple isolates. Bacterial infection was a major cause of morbidity in v...
TL;DR: The various intraoperative methods of eradicating this lesion are described, with a review of the literature and report of successful management of one such case.
TL;DR: The influence of laparoscopy on the distribution between these classes and particularly on outcome in group C is studied, particularly applicable in the management of patients with acute abdominal pain without a definite diagnosis.
Abstract: When patients are admitted to hospital with acute abdominal pain, clinicians, irrespective of a specific diagnosis, intuitively select three diagnostic classes: operation definitely required (Group A); operation definitely not required (Group B); need for operation uncertain (Group C). The last is followed either by a precautionary laparotomy or a variable period of observation/investigation. We have studied prospectively the influence of laparoscopy on the distribution between these classes and particularly on outcome in group C. One hundred and twenty-five consecutive patients with abdominal pain severe enough for emergency admission have been classified by one of two admitting surgeons (SHO/registrar), who also expressed in group C a view on how they would proceed – operation or observation. Group C were then laparoscoped. The procedure confirmed a provisional view that laparotomy was needed in 11 of 15 patients. In the ‘observation’ sub-group the provisional decision was confirmed in 14 of 16 and early discharge followed in most. Six inappropriate decisions were thus avoided. Seven management decisions in group A and 4 in group B proved incorrect (11/94: 12 per cent). The majority were potentially recognizable by laparoscopy. Though relatively high rates of successful decision making are achieved with conventional clinical techniques, they can be further improved by laparoscopy. This procedure is particularly applicable in the management of patients with acute abdominal pain without a definite diagnosis, or when appendicitis is regarded as an established diagnosis.
01 Mar 1987
TL;DR: A multicomponent treatment program for IBS that had been adapted to a small-group format led to significant reductions in abdominal pain and diarrhea.
Abstract: We evaluated a multicomponent treatment program for IBS that had been adapted to a small-group format. Patient acceptance was satisfactory with 14 of 17 potential patients completing treatment. No reductions of GI symptoms were noted in a 12-week symptom-monitoring baseline phase; diarrhea became significantly worse. Treatment led to significant (p<.05) reductions in abdominal pain and diarrhea. Nine of 14 (64.3%) patients were clinically improved.
TL;DR: The diagnosis of bowel infarction must be considered when performing CT in patients with abdominal pain of unknown etiology, and the CT abnormalities were diffuse or focal bowel wall thickening, intramural low attenuation zones of edema, and peritoneal gas or fluid.
Abstract: Bowel infarction is a potentially lethal disorder that is notoriously difficult to diagnose clinically and radiographically. Computed tomography is often used in the early radiographic evaluation of patients with severe abdominal pain of unknown etiology. This study defines the CT findings in patients with bowel infarction. The findings in 22 patients with mesenteric infarction were reviewed. Seven were due to mesenteric arterial occlusion, six due to mesenteric venous occlusion, and nine were nonocclusive. The CT abnormalities were diffuse or focal bowel wall thickening (19 patients), bowel dilatation without mural thickening (three patients), intramural low attenuation zones of edema (eight patients), intramural gas (11 patients), mesenteric gas (five patients), portal or mesenteric venous gas (one patient), mesenteric vascular occlusion (eight patients), and peritoneal gas or fluid (12 patients). The diagnosis of bowel infarction must be considered when performing CT in patients with abdominal pain of unknown etiology.