Video capsule endoscopy (VCE) is a non-invasive diagnostic tool that allows for visualization of the entire small bowel using a small, wireless camera capsule that is swallowed by the patient. The capsule contains a camera, light source, and transmitter that […]
Ultrasound (Peristaltis)
Ultrasound (US) can be used for assessment of several aspects of GI function: estimate dimensions and characteristics of different structures (diameter of different parts of GI tract, thickness of intestinal wall, presence and amount of free fluid), estimate presence and […]
Treatment of hypermotility
Hypermotility is a condition where the gastrointestinal tract moves too fast, causing symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, bloating, and malabsorption. Hypermotility can be caused by various factors, such as infections, medications, stress, or underlying diseases. In critically ill patients, […]
Stool passage (frequency, aspect, volume) incl. Diarrhoea or Absence of stool
Diarrhoea A predefined (liquid stool >=3 times a day) number of liquid stools daily with volume > 250 g/day. Diarrhoea may be associated with intestinal infection or malabsorption as well as ischemia [1]. Feasibility/Equipment: Diarrhoea is a clinical sign, no […]
Scintigraphy
Using a mobile Y camera radionuclide decay of a tracer (for example 20 MBq 00m Technetium sulphur colloid) and scatter can be measured. From this, gastric emptying after given timepoints can be measured [1]. Feasibility/Equipment: Scintigraphy for gastric emptying is […]
Response to enteral nutrition
Response to enteral nutrition can be measured by assessing the amount of enteral nutrition received compared to a prescribed target, gastric residual volumes or a variety of gastrointestinal symptoms (abdominal distension, pain, bowel output). Enteral feeding tolerance is not well […]
Prokinetics
Description: Prokinetics are drugs that enhance gastrointestinal motility by stimulating the smooth muscle contractions or modulating the neurotransmitters involved in the enteric nervous system(1). Prokinetics can be used to treat various gastrointestinal disorders, such as gastroparesis, gastroesophageal reflux disease, functional dyspepsia, […]
Pain
Abdominal pain is a key finding in patients with abdominal problems, specifically peritonitis [1]. Correct assessment of abdominal pain is difficult, particularly in intubated and unconscious patients [1]. Central analgesia (e.g. epidural analgesia) may mask this symptom [2]. The location […]
Opioid use incl. Opioid antagonists
Opioid drugs (e.g., Morphine, Fentanyl and Remifentanil) are widely used for the treatment of pain (e.g., perioperative and cancer pain) and systemic analgesia, and to also maintain patients adapted to mechanical ventilation in the ICU. They have side effects, even […]