Gastrointestinal disorders

Abstract

This chapter discusses gastrointestinal (GI) disorders and includes discussion on vomiting and gastric stasis/gastroparesis, gastric erosions, diarrhoea, upper GI haemorrhage (non-variceal), bleeding varices, intestinal perforation, intestinal obstruction, lower GI bleeding, colitis, pancreatitis, acute acalculous cholecystitis, splanchnic ischaemia, and abdominal hypertension (IAH) and abdominal compartment syndrome. The aim is to provide a summary of the extensive complex abdominal pathologies that can present to an intensive care clinician. Where appropriate, descriptions are provided on clinical presentation, epidemiology, diagnosis (including investigations), and management. Of note, the conditions covered can arise on the ward environment with subsequent requirement for intensive care, but they can also arise de novo on the intensive care unit itself, highlighting the need for intensive care clinicians to maintain a broad knowledge and understanding of their presentation and management.