Sutures and Wound Repair/ General Surgery (ABSA) Practice Test

What condition is characterized by the presence of a herniated section of the intestine?

1. Intussusception

2. Strangulated hernia

3. Meckel's diverticulum

4. Paralytic ileus

The correct answer is: Intussusception

Intussusception is characterized by the invagination or telescoping of one segment of intestine into another. This condition can lead to a herniated segment of the intestine, where one part of the bowel folds into itself, often causing blockage and potentially compromising blood supply. This can result in abdominal pain, vomiting, and sometimes the presence of blood in stools. In contrast, a strangulated hernia involves a portion of intestines that has passed through an opening in the abdominal wall and becomes trapped, leading to a risk of ischemia if not treated promptly. Meckel's diverticulum is a congenital abnormality of the intestinal tract that does not involve herniation, but rather an outpouching located on the ileum. Lastly, paralytic ileus is a condition characterized by a lack of intestinal movement which could lead to a functional obstruction, but does not involve a physical herniation of the intestine like in intussusception. Therefore, the distinguishing feature of intussusception is the herniated or telescoped section of the intestine itself, making it the correct choice for the condition you're inquiring about.