Peritonitis
60 Peritonitis Overview/pathophysiology Peritonitis is the inflammatory response of the peritoneum to offending chemical and bacterial agents invading the peritoneal cavity. The inflammatory process can be local or generalized and…
Ulcerative colitis
61 Ulcerative colitis Overview/pathophysiology Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a nonspecific, chronic inflammatory disease of the mucosa and submucosa of the colon. Generally the disease begins in the rectum and sigmoid…
Peptic ulcer disease
59 Peptic ulcer disease Overview/pathophysiology Peptic ulcers are erosions of the upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract mucosa, potentially extending through the muscularis mucosa and into the muscularis propria. They may occur…
Pancreatitis
58 Pancreatitis Overview/pathophysiology The pancreas serves both endocrine (hormonal) and exocrine (nonhormonal) functions. (Pancreatic endocrine function is discussed in “Diabetes Mellitus,” p. 348.) The exocrine portion comprises 98% of its…
Fecal diversions: colostomy, ileostomy, and ileal pouch anal anastomoses
56 Fecal diversions: colostomy, ileostomy, and ileal pouch anal anastomoses Overview/pathophysiology For a discussion of ulcerative colitis (UC), see p. 447; for a discussion of Crohn’s disease (CD), see p….
Crohn’s disease
55 Crohn’s disease Overview/pathophysiology Crohn’s disease (CD), also known as regional enteritis, granulomatous colitis, or transmural colitis, is a chronic inflammatory disease that can involve any part of the gastrointestinal…
Cholelithiasis, cholecystitis, and cholangitis
53 Cholelithiasis, cholecystitis, and cholangitis Overview/pathophysiology Gallstones may be found anywhere in the biliary system. They may cause pain and other symptoms or remain asymptomatic for years. Cholelithiasis is characterized…
Atherosclerotic arterial occlusive disease
16 Atherosclerotic arterial occlusive disease Overview/pathophysiology Atherosclerosis is the primary etiology of peripheral artery disease. Damage to the intima of the artery occurs by the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, which includes…
Appendicitis
52 Appendicitis Overview/pathophysiology Appendicitis is the most commonly occurring inflammatory lesion of the bowel and one of the most common reasons for abdominal surgery. Appendicitis occurs most often in adolescents…
