Gastric, Duodenal, and Small Bowel Emergencies

Abstract

Gastric and small bowel emergencies are often seen in the emergency department and require rapid assessment and intervention as patients can deteriorate quickly. Some of the more frequently seen gastric emergencies include gastric volvulus and peptic ulcer disease, which can present with ischemia, strangulation, perforation, or severe bleeding. Swift diagnosis is crucial to ensuring the proper management whether that is endoscopic or with surgical exploration. Perforated peptic ulcers that are not contained will require surgical intervention, whereas bleeding ulcers can often be controlled with endoscopic interventions.

Keywords: Acute mesenteric ischemia; Bleeding peptic ulcers; Gastric volvulus/incarceration; Meckel’s diverticulum; Paraesophageal hernia (PEH); Perforated peptic ulcers; Small bowel hemorrhage; Small bowel obstruction.