Definition: The liver is a reddish-brown, wedge-shaped organ located in the upper right quadrant of the abdomen. The human liver weighs approximately 1.5 kilograms (3.3 pounds) and comprises ~2% of total the body weight. It’s the largest gland in the human body. It performs numerous essential functions, including metabolism, detoxification, protein synthesis, and the production of […]

Acute and Chronic Liver Disease: Detailed Overview The liver is a vital organ responsible for various functions, including detoxification, protein synthesis, and bile production. Liver disease encompasses a range of conditions that affect the liver’s function and structure. These can be classified into acute and chronic liver diseases based on their duration and progression. Acute […]

Peptic ulcers are open sores that develop on the inner lining of the stomach and the upper portion of the small intestine. When these ulcers occur in the stomach, they are called gastric ulcers, and when they occur in the first part of the small intestine (duodenum), they are called duodenal ulcers These ulcers form […]

Definition: Oesophageal varices are enlarged veins in the lower part of the oesophagus. They develop due to increased pressure in the portal venous system, a condition known as portal hypertension. This increased pressure forces blood to flow through smaller veins that are not equipped to handle such volume, causing them to swell and potentially rupture, […]

A GI bleed, refers to internal bleeding anywhere along the digestive tract, which includes the oesophagus (food pipe), stomach, small intestine, large intestine (colon), and rectum. This bleeding can be either mild or severe, and its location and severity determine the symptoms and treatment approach. Classification: Causes: Upper GI Bleed: Lower GI Bleed: Symptoms: Upper […]

Pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas, a gland located behind your stomach that plays a crucial role in digestion. The pancreas produces digestive enzymes that help break down food in the small intestine, as well as hormones like insulin and glucagon, which regulate blood sugar levels. Functions of the Pancreas: The pancreas has both […]

Definition:Paralytic ileus is a condition characterised by a temporary cessation of normal bowel motility and peristalsis without any mechanical obstruction. It results in the accumulation of gas and intestinal contents, leading to abdominal distension, pain, and other gastrointestinal symptoms. Causes: Paralytic ileus can result from various factors, including: Effects: Complications: Diagnosis: Diagnosis is primarily clinical, […]

Toxic mega-colon is a severe, life-threatening complication of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, or infectious colitis (e.g., Clostridioides difficile infection). It is characterised by rapid dilation of the colon, systemic toxicity, and potential perforation. Pathophysiology: Toxic mega-colon occurs when severe inflammation extends into the muscle layers of the colon, […]

Definition:A colectomy is a surgical procedure involving the removal of all or part of the colon, also known as the large intestine. This surgery is typically performed to treat various conditions affecting the colon, such as colorectal cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, diverticulitis, and bowel obstruction. Types of Colectomy: 2. Partial Colectomy: 3. Proctocolectomy: 4. Subtotal […]