Head injury - part 1

Pathophysiology

90% of the brain metabolism requires blood-borned glucose.
During normal circumstances, the cerebral autoregulation mechanism maintains the cerebral blood flow above 70mmHg, even though the Mean Arterial Pressure (MAP), varies as much as between 50mmHg - 150 mmHg.

*Cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP) = MAP - ICP

However, when there's head injury, this autoregulatory mechanism is disordered. Hence, the CPP fluctuates with MAP, and hence, brain is more vulnerable towards ischaemia.

According to Monro-Kellie's hypothesis, our skull is a rigid structure, and hence will not expand. Intracranial pressure is directly proportionate to the increase in volume of the intracranial structures, including vascular components (blood in vessels), Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), or the brain tissue itself.

Initially, when there's formation of a space-occupying lesion, the rise in ICP is prevented by transient displacement of venous blood and CSF away from the brain. This decrease in volume compensates for the rise in volume due to formation of space occupying lesion.

But, further rise in the volume of a brain compartment -> even a slightest increase in volume is going to cause a surge in ICP.

Note : ICP can be measured by passing a catheter through the frontal horn of lateral ventricle. In head injuries, ICP is monitored in btw 5-15 mmHg. Bear in mind that normal ICP is <10mmHg

One should never forget that intracranial hypertension is the dreadliest consequence of head injury. The end-stage of raised ICP will be cerebral herniation, which can be :

a) Herniation through the Tentorial hiatus

Tentorial hiatus is an opening at the tentorium cerebelli
As with central herniation, involving the midbrain, features are :

-> Altered consciousness due to midbrain ischaemia
-> Increased muscle tone, and eventually decorticate rigidity
-> Bilateral +ve babinski's sign
-> pupillary constriction, which followed by dilatation, and lastly, becomes static

As for Lateral herniation, involving the temporal lobe (uncus) :

-> Altered consciousness
-> Contralateral hemiparesis, hemiplegia
-> Compression on the 3rd nerve, initially causing ipsilateral pupillary constriction, followed by dilatation, then becomes fixed to light response. Continued rise in ICP results in involvement of the contralateral side of pupil. The sequence of changes in pupillary response is known as Hutchingson's pupil.
-> Others : ptosis, eye deviated inferolaterally

b) Herniation into foramen magnum

If ICP continues to rise, the cerebellar tonsils will herniates into the foramen of magnum, thereby compressing the brainstem and medulla.
This results in Cardiorespiratory collapse, bilateral pinpoint pupil, and flaccid quadriplegia due to lateral corticospinal tract compression.

Note : Signs of Raised intracranial pressure 

Papilloedema (swollen optic disc)
Altered level of consciousness
Bradycardia*
Widened pulse pressure*
Decreased systolic BP*
Abnormal breathing pattern (Cheyne's-Stokes/Hyperventilation)


*Cushing's triad
DO NOT PERFORM LUMBAR PUNCTURE IN A PATIENT WITH RAISED ICP!!

Classification of Head injuries

Classification can be made via :


a) Glasgow Coma scale

Minor head injury = No lost of consciousness and GCS is full 15/15
Mild head injury = GCS 14-15 with lost of consciousness
Moderate head injury = GCS 9-13
Severe head injury = GCS 3-8

b) Mechanism of head injury

i) Blunt trauma

Direct injury (Croup injury)
The brain substance collide against a fixed skull.
Usually caused by sudden deceleration/acceleration forces
Resulting in contusion, laceration and intra-cranial bleeding

Indirect injury (Counter-croup)
Injury to the side opposite to the side of trauma.
Hence, subdural/extradural hematoma may be seen opposite to the side blunt trauma

Rotational injury
This occurs in acceleration/deceleration injury.
Such forces creates rotational injury at the junction btw white/grey matter of brain.

ii) Penetrating injury

High velocity - gunshot injuries
Low velocity - stab injuries
In penetrating injury, there's risk of intracranial infection, due to introduction of foreign bodies

c) Morphological

i) Scalp injuries

Cephalhematoma
More commonly seen in infants and children.
Due to collection of blood under the periosteum, resulting in formation of a tense swelling, confined to the margins of underlying bones.
It takes weeks to resolve

Subaponeurotic hematoma
Blood collection in between aponeurosis and pericranium
Formation of a fluctuant swelling involving the whole scalp
Take weeks to resolve as well

Others : Scalp laceration, Scalding (avulsion)

ii) Skull fractures

It can involve the vault or base, and can be open or closed.
In closed fractures, there's no communication with the exterior, so do not expect a nose, ear bleed or leakage of CSF.

For open vault fractures, expect visible brain substance.
For open base fractures :

If it's an anterior cranial fossa fracture -> Raccoon's Sign (periorbital hematoma) + subconjunctival haemorrhage with no posterior limits + CSF rhinnorhoea and nose bleeding

If it's a middle cranial fossa fracture -> Battle's sign (Bruises seen over mastoid and post-auricular region, which forms within 48 hrs) CSF otorrhoea and ear bleeding

Posterior cranial fossa fracture is not easily identified clinically. Most of the time, when there's occipital bone fracture, there'll be a dural venous sinus tear. Usually, there'll be hypertension, bradycardia, changes in respiration and consciousness.

A closed fracutre can be depressed, communited, or linear.

d) Primary/Secondary

Primary head injury occurs during time of impact, it's irreversible, and not treatable, and recovery will largely depends on the type and extent of injury. Remember that neurons once damaged, will not regenerate.
Hence, most of the our treatment will be focusing on secondary head injury.

Causes of Secondary head injury :

1) Hypoxia, with PaO2 <8Kpa
2) Hypotension, with SBP <90mmHg
3) Cerebral perfusion pressure <65mmHg
4) Intracranial pressure >20 mmHg
5) Pyrexia
6) Seizures
7) Metabolic disturbances

e) Intracranial hematomas

Extradural hematoma

More common in children as their dura strips easily to accomodate blood clot
Here, blood collects between the skull and dura mater
Common at the frontal and temporal region, usually associated with local fractures
Middle meningeal artery or dural venous sinuses are teared
Classical presentation : Lucid interval
Others : Headache, vomiting, lost of consciousness, hemiparesis, seizures, signs of raised ICP
Diagnosis is confirmed by CT brain, which reveals a biconvex, lense-shaped hyperdense hematoma.
If the hematoma is stable, conservative treatment suffice.
However, if there's evidence that it's enlarging, perform blurr hole and craniotomy

Subdural hematoma

More common than extradural hematoma
Here, blood collects between the dura mater and arachnoid mater
Clinical features are similar to extradural hematoma
CT brain reveals a cresent shaped hematoma, which concavity directing towards the brain.
Treatment - same

HISTORY TAKING IN HEAD INJURY

1) How did you injure your head?

Basically, you're asking what's the mechanism of injury.
For dangerous mechanisms, such as falling from a height, or high-speed motor vehicle accident, it may be a multisystem injury, including the spine.
For head injury with lost of consciousness, but without any accidental mechanism, consider hypoglycemia, syncope, aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage

2) Ask about the neurological state of patient during and after injury

Is there lost of consciousness?
Is there seizures?
Is the patient able to respond, move, or talk properly after the injury?
Is there antegrade (can't recall what happened after injury) or retrograde (can't recall what happened before injury) amnesia?

3) Then, What's the GCS of the patient during the scene, prior to intubation, and on arrival in hospital?

4) Is there any evidence suggestive of hypoxia, or any cardiovascular instability?
 
5) Any co-morbid medical illness?

6) Is the patient taking any drugs? (esp antiplatelets or anticoagulants)

7) Any ilicit drung intake or alcohol consumption

TO BE CONTINUED.....

Testicular Tumour

Just breifly describe about this uncommon, but important condition

First, we'll talk about the anatomy :

Testes are originally retroperitoneal organs, during intra-uterine life.
Just before guys are born, our balls descends down, through the inguinal canal, and enters the scrotal sac at the perineum.
As it descends, it bring along vessels, nerves, lymphatics, and it's primary drainage duct - the vas deferens
All these structures are kept safely within the spermatic cord, which can be described of having :

3 vessels : Cremesteric artery, Artery to Vas, and Testicular artery

3 nerves : Autonomic nerves, Genital branch of genitofemoral nerve, and illioinguinal nerve

3 structures : Lymphatics, Pampiniform venous plexus, and Vas deferens

3 coverings : Cremesteric fascia, Internal and external spermatic fascia

The anterior aspect of our testis is covered by a closed peritoneal sac, known as the tunica vaginalis, formed as a result of the obliteration of processus vaginalis.
The posterolateral aspect, is where a single, long coiled duct located, which is the epididymis.

2 histopathological types of Testicular tumour :

1) Seminoma - arising from the seminiferous tubules
2) Teratoma - it's a malignant germ cell tumour

History taking

1) Age

For teratoma, it's common among young men, around 20-30 yrs of age.
Seminoma may be more common in individuals around 30-40 yrs of age.

2) Symptoms

Now, the usual scenario is : the only symptom is a scrotal swelling
Since this condition is usually painless.
Occasionally, there might be some amount of dragging, or dull-aching pain.
Especially when the swelling increases in it's size, the patient might complaints of heaviness over the affected testicles.

No, It's not painful...

In advanced malignancy, there might be symptoms suggesting of metastasis, eg : breathlessness, lost of appetite/weight, abdominal pain, etc

Examination

1) Inspection


A scrotal swelling is seen, not extending into the inguinal region
No expansile cough impulse seen
Scrotal skin - stretched but with normal rugosity, but in advanced stage, skin may ulcerate/infected
No lumps, no scars, no sinuses

2) Palpation

Able to get above the swelling (pure scrotal swelling la)
Testis is enlarged, swollen
Hard in consistency, non tender
There's loss of testicular sensation, and it's feels heavier than the normal side
Spermatic cord is normal
Skin may not be pinchable if infiltration had taken place
Non-fluctuant, non-transilluminant

3) Please examine the para-aortic and supraclavicular lymph nodes
4) Examine the abdomen -> any hepatomegaly? any masses?
   Auscultate the lungs -> any signs of metastases?

Investigation

Here I'll try not to be lengthy la har....

1) Blood : Alpha-fetoprotein, B-HCG, and LDH (Tumour markers)
2) Chest X ray (cannon-ball metastases)
3) CT abdomen for staging
4) Orchidectomy and sent specimen for histological analysis

How do we stage it?

Stage I : Only involve the testis
Stage II : Involving the nodes below diagphram
Stage III : Involving the nodes above diagphram
Stage IV : Hepatic/Pulmonary metastasis

So, see how scary it is...

LOVE UR BALLS, MAN!!

History taking and examination of an ulcer

An ulcer is defined as a break in the continuity of the lining epithelium of tissue. Once an ulcer appears, it's usually noticed by the patients, unless it's painless, or located at non-accessible sites.

History taking

1) When do you notice the ulcer?
Remember that the ulcer might have been present for long before the patient actually notices it. This is usually in case of a neuropathic ulcer.

2) What draws your attention to the ulcer?
Usually is because of pain. Others includes : bleeding, discharge, may be foul-smelling.

3) How does the ulcer disturbs you?
The commonest symptom associated with an ulcer is pain. It might be interfering with eating, walking, defecating, etc

4) Any changes to the ulcer since you've noticed it?
Is there any increase in size, changes in shape, increased discharge, bleeding, or severity of pain?

5) Is there any similar ulcers noticed elsewhere in the body?
Asking for multiplicity.

6) What do you think is the cause of ulcer?
Most of the time the patient will get it right, and the commonest cause is trauma.

Examination

1) Inspect the floor 

The floor of an ulcer usually made up of granulation tissues or slough tissues. Sometimes, the underlying structures might been exposed, eg : bones, tendons, etc. Some characteristic contents of the floor are able to provide you a hint to your diagnosis :

Solid-Brown, greyish tissue - Full thickness death of tissue
Slough tissue resembles a yellow-grey wash leather - Syphilitic ulcers
Unhealthy, bluish granulation tissue - Tuberculous ulcers
Poor granulation tissue, with visible bones, tendons, periosteum - Ischaemic ulcer

2) Edge of the ulcer

The edge is the portion in between the floor and margin of an ulcer
There're 5 main types of edges for ulcer :

a) Slopping edge

Usually means the ulcer is superficial/shallow and has a good chance in healing. Healthy granulation tissue usually is pinkish, means it has a good vascularity. A healing epidermis is usually seen extending from the edge, over granulation tissue, either pale/pink in colour (almost transparent)
One example of such ulcer is - venous ulcer

b) Punch-out edge

It means there's rapid death over full thickness of tissue with minimal attempts of the body to repair it. A classical textbook example is the Ulcers seen in tertiary syphilis. Nowadays, ulcers with punch out edges are more commonly seen in neuropathic or peripheral arterial ischaemic ulcers. (PVD)

c) Undermined edge

It means the rate of destruction of the subcutaneous tissue is more rapid than the skin, causing the edge of ulcer to be undermined. Classical example, as it's rarely seen nowadays is tuberculous ulcers. Ulcers with undermined edge is more commonly seen in bedsores, pressure sores as the subcutaneous tissues are more susceptible towards pressure.

 

 

d) Everted edges

This means that over the edges of the ulcer, tissues are growing so rapid that it eventually overlaps the overlying skin. This is classically seen in Squamous cell carcinoma.

e) Rolled edges

 

The tissues over edges are growing slowly, which is usually pale/pink in colour, with telengiectasis seen over the pearly edges. An ulcer with rolled edges is almost diagnostic of a rodent ulcer of Basal cell carcinoma.

3) Depth

Measure the depth of an ulcer by mm

4) Discharge

Discharge from an ulcer can be serous, serosanginous, sanginous, or purulent.

Sometimes, due to the formation of a coagulation discharge scab over an ulcer, it prevents you from examining the entire structure of ulcer (might be missing some of it's features). It's advised that you remove the scab first.

5) Base

Feel the base of the ulcer.

Is it adherent to the underlying structure? (may be bone, periosteum, tendon in cases of osteomyelitis, malignancy)

6) Regional lymph nodes

Please remember to palpate the regional lymph nodes.

It'll be enlarged (and tender) if there's secondary metastatic deposits or any spreading infection.

7) State of the local tissues

Most of the ulcers over the leg is due to poor vascular/nervous supply.

Hence, it's a must that you check for it's vascularity and innervation.

Advanced Trauma Life Support Protocol (ATLS) - Part 1

In all trauma cases, the 1st hour is also known as the golden hour, since nearly 30% of death occurs during this period of time.

In the ATLS Protocol, it comprises of :

Primary surveilence - Management of immediately life threatening conditions
Secondary surveilence
Definite management

Primary Surveilence

1) Airway

The first thing to do in any trauma cases is to secure the airway.
Stabilise the cervical spine, using the cervical collar. If not possible, place 2 bags of sand over both sides of patient's head serves the same purpose.

Examine the throat, remove any foreign bodies (dentures), blood clots, or suck out any blood/secretions that might be obstructing the airway.

Next, perform jaw thrust on the patient to straighten the airway.
Try inserting the nasopharyngeal/oropharyngeal airway.
If not possible (airway doesn't open up) -> Endotracheal intubation
One of the ways to check whether patient needs intubation is by looking for the gag reflex. If gag reflex is absent -> INTUBATE

Other indications for ET intubation :

1) Hypoxia (PaO2 <70mmHg, PaCO2 >45mmHg)
2) Seizures
3) Deteriorating consciousness

If ET intubation fails, cricothyroidotomy is the next step.
(Easier to perform compared to tracheostomy).

Locate the cricothyroid membrane, apply horizontal stab incision over it using a scapel.
Insert the scapel handle into the surgically created airway, turn it vertically.
Insert a curved tracheostomy tube.

Deliver high flow oxygen (14-15L/min) through nasal prongs, mask or Endotracheal tube.

2) Breathing

Now that you've secure the airway, next is breathing.
On inspection :

Is there stridor? Wheezing?
Count for the respiratory rate.
Is there central cyanosis over the tongue?
Is there usage of accesory muscles of respiration?
Is there obvious wounds over the chest?
Is there any asymmetry in chest movements? (pneumo/hemothorax)
Is there paradoxical chest movements? (flail chest)

On palpation :

Is there tracheal deviation?
Is there any palpable surgical emphysema (palpable crepitation over neck/chest)?

On percussion and auscultation :

Any dull/hyperresonant note on percussion?
Breathing sound -> is it normal on auscultation?

Now, if there's evidence of pneumothorax, hemothorax, next step is to perform chest drain, as below :

1) Prop the patient in semi-reccumbent position
2) Raise the ipsilateral hand above the head
3) Apply incision on the skin over 5th and 6th ribs, at the anterior axillary line
4) Using forceps, dissect (tunneling) the skin until the pleura is visible
5) Puncture the pleura in upwards direction just above the upper border of the ribs. (To avoid neurovascular bundle of intercostal space)
6) Prepare a catheter, with should be clamped first
7) Insert the catheter, place the other end into a underwater drainage seal bottle. Unclamp the cathter

For simple pneumothorax, tube of size 22-24 F is required.
For massive hemothorax/pneumothorax, tube of size 36-40 F is required.

Connect the patient to a pulse oxymeter.

Tension pneumothorax


A medical emergency - any delay -> death ensues
Symptoms -> Dyspnoea, Tachypnoea, Pleuritic chest pain, collapse
Signs -> Hypotension, Raised JVP, Tracheal deviated to opposite, Hyperresonant percussion note, absent breath sounds

Remember that tension pneumothorax is a clinical diagnosis, where immediate decompression is required by means of needle thoracostomy. (Don't waste time during various investigations)

Needle thoracostomy is performed as follows :

1) Use a wide bore needle with catheter, and puncture the 2nd intercostal space on midclavicular line
2) Rapid gush of air indicates tension pneumothorax
3) Remove the needle, insert the catheter
4) Lastly, connect the other end of catheter into a underwater sealed drainage bottle.

3) Circulation

The goal in circulatory assessment is to determine whether the patient is in shock. Signs indicative of shock :

a) Extremities - cool and clammy
b) Prolonged capillary refilling time (normal is <2 secs)
c) Thready/feeble pulse, with rate >100 bpm
d) Hypotension (systolic BP <90 mmHg)
e) Altered mental status - agitation, confusion, unconscious
f) Abnormal respiration
g) Reduced urine output (normal = 1ml/kg/min)

One should immediately gain IV access, using in case signs of shock is present, using short and wide bore cannula of size 14-16 F
Perform fluid resuscitation -> 2L of Crystalloids given (either normal saline/Ringer lactate/Hartmann's solution)

Don't use dextrose!
Dextrose will be metabolised by our body, rendering the fluid hypotonic, and hence unable to maintained within the vascular compartment.
In other words, they are poor plasma expanders

For patients didn't respond to crystalloids, try colloids (gelufundin)
Any revealed/conceal site of hemorrhage -> compression bandage is applied

If patients condition is not improving or there's major bleed, prepare emergency O blood transfusion.
For males, O +ve blood can be given.
However, for females, only O -ve blood can be given for those within reproductive age group.

Now sent blood for investigations :

FBC, Blood grouping/Cross matching, BUSE, Coagulation profile, ABG

Remember to warm the blood before transfusion to prevent hypothermia. Patient should be covered with blankets as well.

 
If patient's condition is still not improving, use inotropics (either dobutamine, dopamine, adrenaline, nor-adrenaline)

Cardiac tamponade

In cases of hemopericardium, there's compression over the cardiac chambers, causing obstructive shock, where venous return is impeded.
Becks triad of Obstructive shock = Raised JVP, hypotension, faint/absent heart sounds
Can be diagnosed rapidly using FAST (Focused Abdominal Sonography for Trauma)

First, try needle cardiocentesis.
Usually it's unsuccesful since blood within the pericardium is clotted.
Hence, most of the time, surgical decompression is required.
Mean time waiting for surgery, intropics are given.

Detection of bleeding

Stop all revealed hemorrhage - scalp, skin, nose, etc
For other concealed sites, search over the :

Pleural cavity
Peritoneal cavity
Retroperitoneum
Pericardial cavity
Pelvic cavity
Bone fractures

4) Disability

To assess the neurological impairment on patient.
Start with GCS :

Lowest score 3/15, Highest score 15/15
There are 3 components :

Eye movements

Eye opens spontaneously -> 4
Opens only on verbal stimulus -> 3
Opens only on painful stimulus* -> 2
No response -> 1

*given as sternal rub, squeezing of trapezius

Verbal response

Oriented, conversing -> 5
Disoriented, conversing -> 4
Inappropriate words -> 3
Incoherent words -> 2
No response -> 1
Patient is intubated -> T

Motor response

Moves according to instruction -> 6
Localising pain -> 5
Flexion withdrawal -> 4
Abnormal flexion -> 3
Abnormal extension -> 2
No response -> 1

Next, check for pupillary response towards light.
In case of internal hematoma, initially there'll be constriction, followed by dilatation. If ICP is not reduced, the opposite pupil will be affected as well.

Then, identify any signs of raised ICP.
Finally, examine if there's any signs of 3rd, 4th, 6th nerve palsy or any obvious limb paralysis.

5) Exposure

Cut off the clothes to expose other possible wounds (any lacerations, abrasions, contusions)
Inspect the front and back (for the back, perform log roll)
Any fractures -> splint it

Splint/immobilise any swollen/deformed areas, which can be possibly fractured, to prevent further injury, reduce pain and bleeding.
Any compound fracture, sterile dressing should be applied first.

At the end of primary survey, these should be done :


a) Insertion of Ryle's tube

Insert through nostrils -> known as NG tube
If there's nasal bleeding + h/o of head injury -> fracture of skull base
Hence, Ryle's tube is passed through the mouth -> Orogastric tube (OG tube)

b) Urinary catheterization

Using a self-retaining foley's catheter perform a continuous bladder drainage.
If not possible, perform a suprapubic cystostomy.

Bear in mind that any blood present within the urethral meatus, which may indicate urethral rupture, is one of the contraindication against catheterisation.

(You might convert a partial rupture into a complete rupture by passing the tube!)

Other contraindications includes -> pelvic fracture, perineal injury
Monitor urine output -> to be at least 0.5ml/kg/min

c) Wound

Treat any wound by dressing to prevent contamination
Any bleeding wound should be given compressive dressing

d) Monitor

Monitor patient's vital signs (BP, RR, PR, Temperature), GCS, pupillary response, and Oxygen saturation.

For an unstable patient, connect the patient to an ECG monitor and pulse oxymeter.
Monitor patients vital signs every 15 minutes, until the patient is stabilised for more than 1 hour.

e) Investigations

Blood (as mentioned above)
Urine - FEME
X ray

Lateral view of cervical spine
Chest X ray
Pelvic X ray

OGDS and Colonoscopy

As Housemen, you need to know about the indications, preparations, complications

Oesophagogastroduodenoscopy (OGDS)


Indications :


1) For investigation of :

Dyspepsia
Upper GI symptoms not responsive to optimal treatment
Patients >45 yrs with alarmic dyspeptic symptoms, eg :

Chest pain
Odynophagia
Weight loss
Anemia, evidence of GI bleeding
Dysphagia

Dysphagia/Odynophagia
Unexplained iron deficiency anemia
GI bleeding (Acute/Recent/Occult)
Re-evaluation of previous upper GI bleeding
Confirmation of radiologically demonstrated lesion
Suspected portal hypertension
Surveillance of tissue/fluid sampling (Barrett's/Polyposis)

2) Therapeutic interventions

On-going upper GI bleeding (variceal for eg)
Variceal treatment
Removal of selected polyps

Removal of foreign bodies
Dilatation of stenotic lesions
Placement of feeding tube

Palliative treatment for neoplasm

Preparation :


1) Informed consent
2) Patient may need to stop anti-platelet medications (aspirin, clopidogrel) 1 week prior to procedure, and diabetic medication 1 day before procedure
3) Antibiotic prophylaxis for patients with :

Undergoing high-risk endoscopies : Dilatation of stenotic lesions, Variceal bleeding
Previous h/o of infective endocarditis, those with prosthetic heart valves

4) Nil by mouth at least 6 hours prior to procedure
5) Pre-procedural investigations :

FBC, Blood grouping/Cross matching, Coagulation profile, UPT, urinalysis, ECG and chest X ray

6) Sedative given before procedure (diazepam). Hence, ask patient not to come alone or don't drive after procedure.

Contraindications :

Uncooperative patients, Medically unstable patients, risk of perforation is high

Complications : Bleeding, infection, perforation, cardiopulmonary problems


Colonoscopy

Indications :

1) Investigation

Unexplained iron deficiency anemia

Altered bowel habits

Chronic diarrhoea

Inflammatory bowel disease

Lower GI bleeding for patients >40 yrs of age (occult blood is included)

2) Therapeutic

Removal of foreign bodies
Treatment of bleeding
Excision of polyps
Decompression/Megacolon/Volvulus

Preparations :

1) Informed consent
2) Patient may need to stop anti-platelet medications (aspirin, clopidogrel) 1 week prior to procedure, and diabetic medication 1 day before procedure
3) Antibiotic prophylaxis for patients with previous h/o of infective endocarditis, those with prosthetic heart valves
4) 2 days prior to procedure, avoid solid foods, take only food which are easily digestible, eg :

Porridge, Noodles in clear soup, Low Fibre food

5) 1 day prior to procedure, only fluids !

eg, Coffee/Tea without milk, Carbonated drinks (not reddish/purplish), Strained fruit juices

6) Laxatives taken 1 day prior to procedure (tablets bisacodyl)
7) Night before procedure - NIL BY MOUTH
8) Day of procedure - try to empty bowel before procedure
9) Sedative given.

 


 

 

Scrotal swelling

Classifications

1) Congenital  



Congenital hydrocele
Congenital indirect inguinal hernia

2) Inflammatory

Cellulitis of scrotal skin - skin appears red, shinny, warm, tender
Pyocele - pus accumulation within tunica vaginalis, fluctuates, non-transilluminant

Orchitis/Epididymo-orchitis/Epididymitis - tender, non-fluctuent swelling
Funiculitis - tender and thickened spermatic cord

3) Neoplastic

There's no benign testicular tumours!

Malignant 

Primary : Seminoma, Teratoma, Leydig cell tumour, Sertoli cell tumour, Lymphoma
Secondaries from other sites

4) Others

Hydrocele
Hydatid cyst of morgagni
Epididymal cyst (smooth, uni/multi-locular swelling located behind the testis, brilliantly transilluminate)

Spermatocele (above and behind the upper pole of testis, poorly transilluminate)
Encysted hydrocele of the cord


Varicocele

History taking

1) Onset

Sudden onset of scrotal swelling may be hematocele (with h/o of trauma)
Acute onset can be inflammatory causes (Epididymitis, Orchitis, E-Orchitis)
Insidious - usually hydrocele or testicular tumour

2) Progression

Rapid progression - inflammatory swellings or hemorrhage into a cyst/hydrocele

3) Association with pain

Inflammatory swellings are painful.
Acute epididymo-orchitis must be differentiated from Testicular torsion.

The former, as testis is elevated - pain reduces (increases support on testis)
The latter, as testis is elevated - pain worsens (increases the degree of torsion)

4) Association with fever

Low, moderate, high grade
Intermittent, remittent, continuous
Both acute epididymo-orchitis and scrotal abscess presents with fever

5) Urinary symptoms

A positive h/o of UTI is important for acute epididymo-orchitis
Ask for frequency and dysuria

On examination

1) Inspection

Comment whether one side or both sides are involved
Check whether the swelling extends up to the inguinal region, which can be :

Infantile hydrocele
Inguino-scrotal hernia

Ask the patient to cough, look for expansile cough impulse, which can be :

Hernia, Congenital hydrocele

Inspect the skin over swelling, comment on it's colour and rugosity, whether :

Stretched + shinny -> inflammatory
Stretched + normal rugosity -> Hydrocele, testicular tumours

Inspect whether there's any skin lumps.
Any scars, sinuses?

2) Palpation

Try to get above the swelling, it means that the cord is palpable above the swelling. This is to confirm that it's a pure scrotal swelling.

Comment on the position of testis :

Swelling is anterior to testis -> Hydrocele (but usually hydrocele will be too large for the testis to be separately palpable)
Swelling is attached to the top of testis, cystic -> Hydatid cyst of morgagni
Cystic swelling behind the testis, more towards the upper pole -> Epididymal cyst
Swelling above and behind the upper pole of testis -> Spermatocele
Cystic swelling palpable at the root of scrotum -> Encysted hydrocele of cord

(Can be mistaken as direct inguinal hernia - try pulling the scrotal skin down, it'll descend and becomes less mobile)

Testicular swellings can be either tumour or inflammatory
Varicocele - feels like a bag of worms

Tenderness - for any inflammatory swellings (acute pyocele, hematocele, acute epididymo-orchitis), and sometimes, very tensed cyst

Consistency
Soft - Spermatocele
Cystic - Epididymal cyst
Tense - Hydrocele
Firm - Acute epididymo-orchitis
Hard - Testicular tumours

Palpate the contents of scrotum
Feel for the cord and vas deferens.
The vas deferens will be normal but the cord is thickened - testicular tumour
Both vas deferens and cord is thickened and tender - Acute epididymo-orchitis
Skin not pinchable - testicular tumours infiltrated to skin
Varicocele - bag of worms while patient standing, resolves as he lies down

Cough impulse - Felt in case of hernia, palpable thrill in varicocele

Fluctuation positive - all swelling contains fluid

 

Transillumination test

3) Examine the inguinal nodes
4) Examine the abdomen

Common Anal Diseases

Briefly about anatomy of anal canal

The anal canal commences from the level where the rectum passes through the pelvic diaphragm towards the anal verge. The junction in between the anal canal and rectum is the anorectal ring/bundle which can be felt during PR examination.

The internal sphinchter is a circular, non-striated, involuntary muscles innervated by autonomic nerves.

The external sphincter is striated, voluntary muscles innervated by pudendal nerves.

The superior part of external sphincter fuses with the puborectalis muscle to form the anorectal bundle, for maintainance of continence.

The lower part of anal canal is lined by the sensitive squamous cell epithelium

The lymphatic drainage of the lower half of anal canal is drained into the inguinal lymph nodes

Blood supply - superior, middle and inferior rectal vessels.

Haemorrhoids

 

The anal canal contains 3 anal cushions, which serves as a gas-fluid protective barrier and closes it. When these cushions enlarge, they can prolapse, and when they're damaged, it causes bleeding.

Chronic hemorrhoids produces pile mass, as the processes are compressing on the perianal skin below it, produces external skin tags.

How it cause bleeding?

 

As these vascular pads becomes haemorrhoids, they assumed into a position closer to the anorectal junction.

During defecation, as the anal canal everts, the stools compressed against the vascular pads, scratching the mucosa over it.

After defecation, the vascular pads are remained scratched, and hence, blood start to trickle down.

If the vascular pads are unable to reduce after the anal sphincter closes, it worsens the bleeding by impairing it's venous return.

Symptoms (History)

Usually seen in individuals > 20 yrs of age. Extremely rare in children.

Bear in mind that uncomplicated piles are not painful.

Hence, it usually causing painless PR bleeding, which can be mild (notice on wiping your ASS after shitting), or can be severe to the extent of splashing all over the lavatory and eventually causing iron deficiency anemia.

Due to mucus discharge from the surface of hemorrhoids, it can cause pruritus ani.

Another important symptom is sensation of prolapse after defecation, or palpable lump. This forms the basis of the classification of piles based on the severity of prolapse :

Grade 1 : Only bleeding, no prolapse

Grade 2 : Prolapse occurs, but reduces spontaneously

Grade 3 : Doesn't reduce spontaneously (reduce manually)

Grade 4 : Irreducible

However, such classification is artificial, since every hemorrhoids prolapsed during defecation, the only way where it leads to bleeding.

Hence, to translate it clinically :

Grade 1

Prolapse occurs during defecation, but reduces back to it's normal position when the anal sphincter closes. Hence, no lump is noticed by the patient.

Grade 2

The prolapse occured during defecation, reduces back spontaneously but slowly.

Only complicated piles, when it strangulates, thrombosed, becomes gangrenous, fibrosed causing pain. Also known as acute hemorrhoidal crisis.

If the patient has any underlying coagulopathy, bleeding disorders, or taking aniticoagulants, piles may bleed massively.

Examination

Don't ever forget that non-prolapsed/thrombosed piles can't be diagnosed by your fingers! It's indistinguishable from normal mucosa.

Hence, a sigmoidoscopy/proctoscopy is very much required.

 

However, 3rd/4th degree hemorrhoids, since it's visible, you may be able to make a spot diagnosis.

It's a bluish-purplish swelling, with diameter of 1-2cm, with soft mucosal surface, usually non-tender (unless complicated), with mucus-exuding surface.

If it's complicated, it'll be tense, tender, oedematous.

Sigmoidoscopy and proctoscopy is still required to rule out other rectal pathology.

Management

For acute hemorrhoidal crisis, many surgeons thought that surgical intervention at this stage may cause portal pyemia.

But, it's not true -> if early antibiotic coverage is given.

Yet, many surgeons usually wait until the acute phase is over, and then only decide whether hemorrhoidectomy is required.

During acute phase :

Analgesics given.

Apply cold/warm saline bag pressure -> mass usually shrinks after 3-4 days

For 1st-2nd degree haemorrhoids :

Give defecatory advice - only shit when the desire is there (don't simply shit), apply correct shitting position to minimise straining, in addition of stool softerners and bulk forming agents.

Not responsive -> Submucosal injection of 5% phenol in almond oil

Indications of hemorrhoidectomy

1) 3rd-4th degree

2) 2nd degree non-responsive to non-operative management

3) Fibrosed haemorrhoids

Perianal hematoma

 

It's actually a misnomer, since it's not a true hematoma.

It's caused by thrombosis of a subcutaneous veins within the anal tissue, secondary to injury of venous wall while straining on defecation.

The thrombosis subsequently causing inflammation and edema of the surrounding tissues.

History

Age

Any age, no sexual predilection

Symptoms

Characterised by anal pain, which gradually increases in it's intensity over hours, and subsides after a few days. It causes a continuous discomfort, worsened by sitting, walking, etc.

It is associated with the presence of a lump in the anus, which initially small in size, and gradually enlarges when it becomes more painful.

If the lump ruptures through the skin, or it ulcerates, it can cause PR bleeding.

Since it causes partial opening of the anus, as there's continuous mucus discharge, it results in pruritus ani.

Can be triggered by episodes of straining at stools while defecating.

Signs

The lump can be located anywhere along the anal margin.

The skin over it appears reddish-purplish.

Size is usually small initially (1x1cm), with hemispherical shape, gradually enlarges in size, which becomes polypoidal.

With smooth surface, hard in consistency.

It's tender, but disproportionate to what the patient complaints of.

Not fix to the skin, nor it can be reduced back into the anal canal.

Local/regional lymph nodes are not enlarged.

Fistula in ano

 

A fistula is a track, lined by squamous epithelium/granulation tissues, connecting two epithelised surface, either in between 2 body cavities, or 1 body cavity - external skin surface.

Hence, fistula in ano is an abnormal, fistulous connection between the rectum or anal canal to the external skin. Usually caused by a ruptured intersphincteric abscess. It has an external opening on the skin, and an internal opening, which can be classified based on it's relative position to the anorectal ring :

High level fistula

Internal opening located above the anorectal ring. As it tracks through the anorectal bundle, it causes incontinence. Different varieties of it includes :

Extra-sphincteric, Trans-sphincteric, Inter-sphincteric

Low level fistula

Internal opening located below anorectal ring. It doesn't cause incontinence.

Different varieties includes :

Trans-sphincteric, Inter-sphincteric, Subcutaneous/Submucosal

Goodsall's rule

According to goodsall's rule, any anterior fistula will have it's internal opening located along a line drawn radially, connecting the external opening to the anus.

Whilst any posterior fistula, regardless of it's position, will have is internal opening, located at the posteior anus, on midline position.

History

Patient may have h/o of perianal abscess, might have been drained or healed.

Commonest symptoms is watery, serous, purulent discharge from the external opening.

They may complaint of bubbling sensation during defecation, as stool passes through the anal canal, it forces mucous discharge from the fistula. This also prevents healing of the fistula.

Periodic throbbing pain can be there as pus accumulates within the tract.

Persistent mucous discharge causing pruritus ani.

Some amount of bleeding might be there. (from external opening)

In your history taking, also ask for symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease, any abdominal upset, systemic upset.

On examination

 

You'll notice that the discharge can be either serous or pustulous.

The external opening is seen as tufts of granulation tissues or puckered scars.

Rectal examination is usually not painful.

The internal opening is felt as an area of induration or a nodule under the anal mucosa. Most of the time, the tract is palpable.

Look for any other evidence of Anal carcinoma, TB, or IBD.

Confirm your examination findings using sigmoidoscopy/proctoscopy.

If the inguinal nodes are enlarged -> either due to infection of the fistulous tract, or infiltrative anal carcinoma.

Treatment : Fistulotomy, Fistulectomy

Anal fissure

Defined as a longituidinal split in the anal skin.

Acute tear is common, especially when there's excessive straining during defecation (hard stools?), and it usually heals rapidly. But during next defecation, as the stool stretches the anal canal, it causes the split to gape, leading to pain and bleeding. Then, it's so painful that the anal sphincter undergoes spasm.

Hence, a viscious cycle of tear-pain-spasm occurs, and produces further pain. Eventually, as the fissure becomes chronic, fibrosis occurs and a chronic ulcer is produced.

History

This condition can be quite common in children as they frequently passes bulky stools rapidly.

In adults, usually occurs in between 20-40 yrs of age, slightly more common in males. In females, might be seen after delivery.

Severe anal pain on defecation is the chief complaint, which is tearing in character. Persistent, throbbing pain is there minutes or even hours after defecation. It's sometimes so painful that the patient might be apprehensive towards defecation, and ended up accumulating large volume of hard stools within the rectum. This only causes more pain during next defecation.

Since there's spasm of anal sphincter, patient might find it difficult to pass motion. (As for laymen, constipation)

There's streaking of stools with blood, or the patient notices blood while wiping their ass after defecation. As with chronic fissure, there's only mild-bleeding.

In chronic fissures, sometimes there's a sentinel-skin tag palpable at the lower end of the fissure. And due to the hypertrophy of the anal papillae, mucus discharge from the ulcer causing pruritus ani.

Examination

Most anal fissures are located at the posterior midline of anal skin, some at the anterior midline, rarely lateral.

Usually diagnosed by separating the anal skin, and the split is visible.

Rectal examination is usually not possible as it's too painful.

However, if it's not too painful for the patient, anal skin defect can be felt during examination, surrounded by area of induration.

NO proctoscopy/sigmoidoscopy should be done on a conscious patient !!!