Emergency Medicine Core Training Gastrointestinal Emergencies Module

Introduction:

Welcome to the Emergency Medicine Comprehensive Course series of modules. In this module we will review the gastrointestinal (GI) system and the work-up and management of disorders related to this system.

Gastrointestinal (GI) disorders may seem mundane compared with acute cardiac and respiratory problems, but GI disorders are a common reason for emergency department visits, some of which can be life threatening. Abdominal pain represents about 7% of all emergency department visits, making it the most common chief complaint. Clearly the emergency provider has to be adept at diagnosing and managing disorders of the GI system.

Developing a differential diagnosis in patients with signs and symptoms of GI disorders will almost always include potential diagnoses from other systems of the body. In order to be adept at diagnosing and treating GI disorders, you must have a strong working knowledge of this system. That being the case, we will start, as in all of the EM modules, with a discussion of basic anatomy and physiology before delving into pathophysiology, diagnosis and treatment of various GI disorders. We will also review GI disorders from a complaint based approach and review some cases with GI symptom chief complaints. You will be quizzed on your understanding of the material as you progress through the module.