Fundamentals

• Elevated Amylase and lipase: pancreatitis
• Elevated ALT and AST: hepatitis (liver inflammation)
• Elevated Ammonia: cirrhosis (liver failure)
• Stool Characteristics
• Colon & Stool Relationship
• Lifestyle and Diet

Diagnostic Testing

In general

Preop:

• Clear liquid diet day before with colon cleansing meds given
  • Bowel-cleansing agent: polyethylene glycol
• NPO @ midnight (8-12 hours prior to examination)

Postop:

• expect chalky white stool with barium contrast procedures (i.e. barium enema, SBFT)
• monitor for signs of perforation/risk of bleeding
• Barium enema
• Colonoscopy
• ERCP
• SBFT
• Liver Biopsy

Major Conditions

Post bariatric surgery, any sudden severe abdominal pain radiating to the back with s/sx of sepsis. (tachycardia, tachypnea, fever) → EMERGENCY