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Related Concept Videos

Assessment of the Rectum and Anus01:25

Assessment of the Rectum and Anus

Evaluating the rectum and anus plays a crucial role in conducting a thorough physical examination of the gastrointestinal system. Although it may be uncomfortable and often embarrassing for the patient, it holds immense diagnostic value, particularly in detecting gastrointestinal diseases and abnormalities. This guide will explain how to perform this assessment using inspection and palpation methods.
Rectal Inspection
Begin by inspecting the perianal and anal areas for color, texture, rashes,...
Intestinal Obstruction I: Introduction01:29

Intestinal Obstruction I: Introduction

Intestinal obstruction is a partial or complete blockage of the small or large intestine that disrupts the normal flow of intestinal contents through the lumen. This interruption impairs digestion, absorption, and fluid balance, and may lead to serious complications if not treated promptly.Mechanical ObstructionMechanical obstruction occurs when a physical blockage prevents intestinal contents from passing, arising from within the lumen or the bowel wall, or from external compression.Adhesions,...
Diverticular Disease of the Colon01:27

Diverticular Disease of the Colon

Diverticular disease involves the formation of diverticula—small sac-like outpouchings of the colonic wall—and their complications. It most commonly affects the sigmoid colon due to higher intraluminal pressure and structural vulnerability. It results from structural weakness and increased pressure in the colon, producing pseudodiverticula that may remain silent or progress to inflammation and serious complications.Structure of DiverticulaIn diverticulosis, these outpouchings are...
Intestinal Obstruction II: Pathophysiology01:07

Intestinal Obstruction II: Pathophysiology

Intestinal obstruction triggers a series of physiological responses, starting with gas and fluid accumulation in the bowel segment proximal to the obstruction, leading to distension. This distended intestine compresses the diaphragm, hindering lung expansion and potentially leading to reduced respiratory effort, atelectasis, and pneumonia.To overcome the blockage, the gut intensifies contractions, causing colicky abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting, which reduces fluid and food intake and...
Imaging Studies III: Gastrointestinal Motility Studies and Virtual Colonoscopy01:26

Imaging Studies III: Gastrointestinal Motility Studies and Virtual Colonoscopy

This lesson explores three gastrointestinal imaging techniques: radionuclide testing, colonic transit studies, and virtual colonoscopy.
Radionuclide Testing
Radionuclide testing is a sophisticated medical technique for assessing gastrointestinal motility. It focuses on gastric emptying and colonic transit time. Radioactive markers track the movement of food through the digestive system, providing insights into gastrointestinal disorders.
In gastric emptying studies, a meal's liquid and solid...
Appendicitis01:19

Appendicitis

Appendicitis is an acute inflammatory condition of the vermiform appendix, most commonly caused by obstruction of its lumen. The appendix is a narrow, blind-ended pouch that extends from the cecum, making it particularly prone to obstruction. Causes include fecaliths, lymphoid hyperplasia (often after viral infections), parasites, tumors, or foreign bodies. This obstruction initiates a cascade of pathological changes.Luminal Obstruction and Early InflammationAfter obstruction, normal mucosal...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 5, 2026

Flexible Colonoscopy in Mice to Evaluate the Severity of Colitis and Colorectal Tumors Using a Validated Endoscopic Scoring System
15:49

Flexible Colonoscopy in Mice to Evaluate the Severity of Colitis and Colorectal Tumors Using a Validated Endoscopic Scoring System

Published on: October 16, 2013

Colonic pseudoobstruction: CT findings.

Ji Soo Choi1, Joon Seok Lim, Hoguen Kim

  • 1Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Yonsei University Health System, Republic of Korea.

AJR. American Journal of Roentgenology
|May 22, 2008
PubMed
Summary

Computed tomography (CT) can diagnose colonic pseudoobstruction by showing colonic dilation without a blockage. Chronic cases often involve intramural ganglion damage, a key pathologic finding.

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jul 5, 2026

Flexible Colonoscopy in Mice to Evaluate the Severity of Colitis and Colorectal Tumors Using a Validated Endoscopic Scoring System
15:49

Flexible Colonoscopy in Mice to Evaluate the Severity of Colitis and Colorectal Tumors Using a Validated Endoscopic Scoring System

Published on: October 16, 2013

Area of Science:

  • Gastroenterology
  • Radiology
  • Pathology

Background:

  • Colonic pseudoobstruction is a functional disorder causing symptoms similar to bowel obstruction.
  • Accurate diagnosis is crucial for appropriate management and to rule out mechanical obstruction.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To define the characteristic imaging features of colonic pseudoobstruction.
  • To correlate imaging findings with pathologic examination results.

Main Methods:

  • Review of imaging studies (primarily CT scans) in patients with suspected colonic pseudoobstruction.
  • Correlation of imaging findings with surgical or autopsy pathology reports.

Main Results:

  • CT scans reveal extensive colonic dilatation.
  • A transitional zone or splenic flexure involvement is common, with no discrete obstructive lesion identified.
  • Pathologic findings in chronic cases frequently show intramural ganglion damage.

Conclusions:

  • Colonic pseudoobstruction diagnosis relies on CT evidence of widespread colonic dilation without a mechanical obstruction.
  • Intramural ganglion damage is a significant pathologic finding in chronic colonic pseudoobstruction.