Complete Small Bowel Obstruction Research Articles

Uncommon manifestation of Peutz-Jeghers syndrome: a case of jejuno-jejunal intussusception and volvulus leading to small bowel obstruction

Abstract Peutz-Jeghers syndrome (PJS) is a rare genetic disorder causing gastrointestinal polyps and skin pigmentation. Our case report highlights a unique instance of jejuno-jejunal intussusception associated with PJS in a 28-year-old female patient who presented to the emergency department with colicky abdominal pain, tachycardia, and gastrointestinal symptoms. Physical examination revealed mucocutaneous hyperpigmentation. Imaging studies showed a U-shaped distension in the jejunum with thickening and pneumatosis. Laparotomy revealed a jejuno-jejunal volvulus with intussusception. Surgical resection successfully addressed gangrenous jejunal tissue and ileal polyps. Histopathology confirmed PJS polyps. Postoperatively, the patient recovered well and was discharged. Family history revealed similar skin lesions in her uncle. Our case highlights the need for prompt surgical intervention to address complications associated with PJS and elucidates a unique presentation of PJS involving jejuno-jejunal intussusception and volvulus leading to complete small bowel obstruction. We aim to deepen understanding and prompt discussions on optimal therapeutic strategies.

Radiolucent foreign body leading to complete small bowel obstruction: a diagnostic dilemma – a case report

Introduction and importance: Foreign body ingestion leading to luminal obstruction in both the small and large bowels is rare, especially in children. The authors present a case of a 7-year-old patient who presented with a small bowel obstruction caused by an ingested radiolucent foreign body. The previous herniotomy surgery 1 year back led to initial diagnostic confusion, highlighting the need for a broad differential diagnosis. Case presentation: A 7-year-old child with a history of herniotomy presented with symptoms of small bowel obstruction. Radiological imaging revealed a soft tissue mass mimicking a polyp or cystic lesion. During exploratory laparotomy, a cystic structure was discovered in the terminal ileum. The foreign body, identified as a fluid-filled balloon, was inaccessible to endoscopy and was gently maneuvered into the ascending colon. It was punctured and removed during on-table colonoscopy. Clinical discussion: This case underscores the challenges of diagnosing and managing luminal obstruction caused by radiolucent foreign bodies in children. The presence of previous surgery can mislead clinicians, necessitating a broad differential diagnosis. Radiological imaging played a crucial role in identifying the foreign body. Surgical intervention guided by an on-table colonoscopy allowed successful removal. Conclusion: Foreign body ingestion leading to luminal obstruction should be considered, even in cases with previous abdominal surgery. Radiological imaging aids in identification, and timely surgical intervention, guided by on-table colonoscopy, facilitates foreign body removal. Awareness of such cases is essential for optimal care in pediatric patients with luminal obstruction caused by foreign body ingestion.

Management of adhesive small bowel obstruction: the results of a large retrospective study

BackgroundPostoperative adhesive small bowel obstruction (SBO) is a frequent cause of hospital admission in a surgical department. Emergency surgery is needed in a majority of patients with bowel ischemia or peritonitis; most adhesive SBO can be managed nonoperatively. Many studies have investigated benefits of using oral water-soluble contrast to manage adhesive SBO. Treatment recommendations are still controversial.MethodsWe conducted an observational retrospective monocentric study to test our protocol of management of SBO using Gastrografin®, enrolling 661 patients from January 2008 to December 2021. An emergency surgery was performed in patients with abdominal tenderness, peritonitis, hemodynamic instability, major acute abdominal pain despite gastric decompression, or CT scan findings of small bowel ischemia. Nonoperative management was proposed to patients who did not need emergency surgery. A gastric decompression with a nasogastric tube was immediately performed in the emergency room for four hours, then the nasogastric tube was clamped and 100 ml of nondiluted oral Gastrografin® was administered. The nasogastric tube remained clamped for eight hours and an abdominal plain radiograph was taken after that period. Emergency surgery was then performed in patients who had persistent abdominal pain, onset of abdominal tenderness or vomiting during the clamping test, or if the abdominal plain radiograph did not show contrast product in the colon or the rectum. In other cases, the nasogastric tube was removed and a progressive refeeding was introduced, starting with liquid diet.ResultsSeventy-eight percent of patients with SBO were managed nonoperatively, including 183 (36.0%) who finally required surgery. Delayed surgery showed a complete small bowel obstruction in all patients who failed the conservative treatment, and a small bowel resection was necessary in 19 patients (10.0%): among them, only 5 had intestinal ischemia.ConclusionsOur protocol is safe, and it is a valuable strategy in order to accelerate the decision-making process for management of adhesive SBO, with a percentage of risk of late small bowel resection for ischemia esteemed at 0.9%.

177 Broad Ligament Hernia: Two Contrasting Ways to a Common Goal – Two Case Reports

Abstract Introduction Broad ligament hernia (BLH) is a rare but potentially life-threatening condition. One of the two cases described here is the only reported case of BLH in recent literature, where marsupialization was done. These two case reports comprise the only reported side-by-side pictorial comparison of the two laparoscopic surgical therapeutic options for BLH. Presentation of cases Both patients presented with classical symptoms and signs of acute intestinal obstruction. Imaging confirmed obstructed left BLH in case 2 and indicated a complete small bowel obstruction in case 1. Both cases were successfully managed laparoscopically. Both patients had an uneventful immediate postoperative recovery and have not had recurrence over a mean follow-up period of 34.5 months. Discussion BLH is rare among all types of internal herniae. It accounts for only 4% of internal herniae and is a difficult condition to diagnose. The advent of computed tomography has increased the chances of accurate preoperative diagnosis. Conclusion BLH can be successfully managed by minimally invasive surgery, even in the acute setting. When tightly entrapped bowel is unyielding; it is better not to risk injury to it by aggressive attempts at its reduction. It is safer to attempt widening of the defect into which it is entrapped, whenever feasible.

EP.FRI.614 An Atypical Case of Small Bowel Obstruction in the Virgin Abdomen: Case Presentation and Literature Review

Abstract Aims The management of post-operative adhesional small bowel obstruction (SBO) has shifted from the historical motto of “the sun should never rise and set on a complete SBO” to a non operative approach in selected patients. Despite this shift, the operative management of patients with SBO with a virgin abdomen is still encouraged. Methods We present an atypical case of SBO managed conservatively with resolution, without surgical intervention. A literature review is conducted and our case compared with the current literature. A treatment algorithm is presented. Results A 57 year old with a virgin abdomen presented with vomiting and abdominal pain. Computed tomography was consistent with mid to distal SBO proximal to the terminal ileum, in the context of a high riding caecum. He was managed conservatively. Symptoms resolved within 12 hours without gastrograffin. Gastrograffin was subsequently given to ensure contrast was present in the large bowel. At 6 month follow up he remains symptom free. Discussion Many advocate surgery is the cornerstone of the management of SBO in the virgin abdomen. There is little evidence to support this. Recent emerging evidence challenges this view. Ultimately the clinical evaluation of the patient is paramount in selecting which patients can be managed conservatively. A longer interval to operation may carry greater risk of ischaemia and bowel resection. Therefore careful patient selection and serial examination is vital and one should have a low threshold for early operative intervention in the patient which isn't settling. Follow up should be tailored to each patient.

EP.TU.193Omental band - A unusual cause of mechanical small bowel obstruction in a virgin abdomen

Abstract Introduction The small bowel obstruction in a non-operated abdomen is rare, and the most common causes are hernia and neoplasm. The complete mechanical small bowel obstruction due to an omental band in a patient with no previous abdominal surgery is rare, and less than five cases have been reported in the literature. Case presentation We report a 65 year old male patient presented to the emergency department with complaints of abdominal pain, distension, vomiting and obstipation for four days. On clinical examination, his abdomen was distended, diffusely tender, guarding. The blood investigations showed elevated White blood cells and neutrophils with normal CRP and the Serum lactate. The Abdominal X-ray was suggestive of SBO. The Computed tomography of the abdomen and pelvis showed marked dilatation of the jejunum, the ileum is entirely collapsed, the impression of a double beak sign in the mid-abdomen which would suggest closed-loop obstruction due to a possible internal hernia. We proceeded with emergency diagnostic laparoscopy converted to laparotomy, which showed omental band causing closed-loop proximal small bowel obstruction. The bowel loops appeared congested with the constriction band due to omental band. The omental band was divided, and the obstruction was relieved. Postoperatively patient recovered well and was discharged on day three post-op. Discussion The timely diagnosis and intervention could prevent complications like strangulation, ischemia and gangrene. Though the omental band is rare, it should still be suspected as an aetiology in patients without prior abdominal surgery.

An unusual case of intestinal obstruction due to abdominal cocoon: A case report.

Introduction and importanceAbdominal cocoon (AC) or Encapsulating Peritoneal Sclerosis (EPS) is a rare cause of bowel obstruction and due to non-specific presentation, it can be misdiagnosed and often mistreated.Case presentationWe present the case of 42 years male with a history suggestive of complete small bowel obstruction (SBO) without a history of pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) or peritoneal dialysis. CT imaging as well as the intraoperative finding of a cocoon membrane encasing the small bowel led to the diagnosis of abdominal cocoon.Clinical discussionAbdominal cocoon can be idiopathic or secondary to peritoneal dialysis, tuberculosis, or other rare causes. Patients usually present with features of SBO with varying severity. Diagnosis is aided by imaging investigations mainly CT scan and management is primarily surgical and usually involves adhesiolysis, total removal of the membrane with or without bowel loop resection.ConclusionDiagnosis of abdominal cocoon warrants awareness of the disease and a high index of suspicion of the treating clinician in patients with intestinal obstruction and an abdominal lump without a history of previous abdominal surgery. CT can guide diagnosis and early operative management seems to bear the best outcomes.

Broad ligament hernia: Two contrasting ways to a common goal - Two case reports with review of literature.

IntroductionBroad ligament hernia (BLH) is a rare but potentially life threatening condition. One of the two cases described here is the only reported case of BLH in recent literature, where marsupialisation was done. These two case reports comprise the only reported side by side pictorial comparison of the two laparoscopic surgical therapeutic options for BLH.Presentation of casesBoth patients presented with classical symptoms and signs of acute intestinal obstruction. Imaging confirmed obstructed left BLH in case 2 and indicated a complete small bowel obstruction in case 1. Both cases were successfully managed laparoscopically. Both patients had an uneventful immediate postoperative recovery and have not had recurrence over a mean follow up period of 34.5 months.DiscussionBLH is rare among all types of internal herniae. It accounts for only 4% of internal herniae and is a difficult condition to diagnose. The advent of computed tomography has increased chances of accurate preoperative diagnosis.ConclusionBLH can be successfully managed by minimally invasive surgery, even in the acute setting. When tightly entrapped bowel is unyielding; it is better not to risk injury to it by aggressive attempts at its reduction. It is safer to attempt widening of the defect into which it is entrapped, whenever feasible.

Intra-abdominal propylene suture fragment leading to complete small bowel obstruction: A case report.

IntroductionPropylene sutures are non-absorbable sterile surgical sutures, which when present intra-abdominally act as a foreign body leading to adhesion formation. Post-operative adhesions are a common cause of bowel obstruction, with complete closed loop obstruction presenting as a surgical emergency.Case detailsA 66-year-old man who had undergone a laparotomy for bowel obstruction two years back, presented to our emergency department with features of complete bowel obstruction. Midline laparotomy revealed propylene suture and intra peritoneal adhesions acting as a constricting band around the jejunum to be the cause.DiscussionAdhesions are common perturbing problem after surgeries. The presence of a foreign body further incites the process of adhesion formation by causing hindrance to the fibrinolysis process. In this case, the adhesive bands acted synergistically with the encircling prolene suture material from the previous surgery in causing a complete loop obstruction.ConclusionPropylene sutures used in routine surgical procedures can migrate intra-abdominally, and lead to adhesion formation. Adhesions along with the non-absorbable suture can cause complete bowel obstruction.

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided colo-enterostomy for relief of complete small-bowel obstruction

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided colo-enterostomy for relief of complete small-bowel obstruction

Acute appendicitis causing small intestinal band obstruction in a premature baby: A case report

Background: Bilious vomiting is a common symptom of neonatal intestinal obstruction. The etiology is mostly related to congenital anomalies and other conditions causing intestinal obstruction. Case Presentation: We report a case of a seven days male premature baby (35 Weeks) that presented with features of intestinal obstruction including bilious vomiting and abdominal distention. X-ray abdomen showed features of complete small bowel obstruction. On laparotomy, the baby had acute appendicitis causing multiple adhesions, and an adhesion band was responsible for intestinal obstruction. Adhesions were divided, and appendectomy performed. Postoperatively the baby had an uneventful recovery and was discharged in a stable condition. Conclusion: Neonatal appendicitis causing intestinal obstruction is a rare phenomenon and should be considered in the differential diagnosis of babies presenting with bilious vomiting.

Small bowel obstruction caused by primary adenocarcinoma arising from an ileal tubular type foregut duplication cyst

Small bowel obstruction is a surgical emergency commonly caused by adhesions, hernia, intussusception and volvulus. Less often, it can be caused by neoplasms. Small intestine adenocarcinoma is an uncommon malignancy, while its occurrence from foregut duplication cyst is extremely rare. Herein we reported a case of complete small bowel obstruction caused by ileal adenocarcinoma arising from a tubular-type foregut duplication cyst. A 49-year-old man with history of inguinal hernia presented with vomiting, abdominal pain and distention, and constipation for 3 days. Abdominal computed tomography (CT) scan showed high-grade distal small bowel obstruction with a transition point in the terminal ileum near the ileocecal valve. Emergency exploratory laparotomy revealed a 4 × 5 cm circumferential mass at the terminal ileum. Right hemicolectomy was performed. Gross examination demonstrated a 2.5 cm long circumferential ileal stricture. Histologically, the stricture contained moderately to poorly differentiated invasive adenocarcinoma arising from ectopic foregut duplication cysts lined by mixed cuboidal and ciliated respiratory epithelial cells with focal low- and high-grade dysplasia. Peritoneal implants developed four months post surgery despite post-operative chemotherapy. Foregut duplication cyst and its derivative neoplasm should be taken into consideration in encountering adult patients with small bowel obstruction.

Variations in use of “water soluble contrast challenge” for small bowel obstruction among academic radiologists: results of a national survey

To assess the frequency and indications for use of oral water-soluble contrast challenge as a diagnostic test for small bowel obstruction in four regions of the USA. We distributed a 9-question web-based survey to the abdominal section heads of academic radiology departments throughout the USA (N = 97). The questions pertained to use of water-soluble contrast for management of small bowel obstruction. Descriptive statistics and Fisher's exact tests were used for data analysis. The overall response rate was 46%. Eighty percent of the responding hospitals had more than 500 beds in operation. Water-soluble contrast challenge was considered standard of care for management of non-operative small bowel obstruction in 60% of the responding radiology departments. The majority of the responding departments (41%) performed 2-8 contrast challenge studies per month on average. The most frequent indication for the study was distinguishing partial vs complete bowel obstruction. Eighty percent of the responding radiologists believed that the contrast challenge is useful for management of small bowel obstruction. Overall, there was no statistically significant difference in frequency and indication for use of water-soluble contrast challenge based on geographic location. The water-soluble contrast challenge was considered standard of care for non-operative management of small bowel obstruction in majority of the academic radiology departments represented in this survey. Surgeons were referring clinicians in every case. The most common clinical indication for the study was distinguishing partial versus complete small bowel obstruction.

Prediction of surgical management for operated adhesive postoperative small bowel obstruction in a pediatric population.

Abdominal surgery might contribute to postoperative intraperitoneal adhesions, with a high rate of recurrence. In the present study, we aimed to analyze potential factors for the surgical intervention of operated adhesive postoperative small bowel obstruction (SBO) in pediatric patients and compare the outcomes of patients managed by conservative treatment or surgical operation for an episode of SBO.From January 2007 to January 2017, the records of 712 patients admitted with SBO to Children's Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, were reviewed retrospectively. The patients were divided according to surgical intervention or conservative management. Potential predictors for surgical intervention were investigated, including the initial operation data and the current clinical variables. A Cox regression model was used to determine the independent risk factors of surgical intervention. A systematic follow-up for recurrence was performed based on surgical intervention or conservative management.Among the 712 patients admitted with SBO, 266 patients were managed surgically and 446 patients were managed conservatively. In the multivariate analysis, the predictors for the surgical intervention included initial surgical features, such as elevated markers of inflammation (WBC, CRP), incision location (HR, 2.31; 95CI, 1.29–5.26; P = .031), and emergency procedure (HR, 1.46; 95%CI, 1.13–3.42; P = .014), and current variables, such as crampy pain (HR, 4.66; 95%CI, 1.69–9.48; P < .001), ascites (HR, 5.43; 95%CI, 1.84–13.76; P < .001) and complete small bowel obstruction (HR, 3.21; 95%CI, 1.45–8.74; P < .001). The median follow-up time (interquartile range) was 3.6 years (range, 1 month-8 years) for the entire study population. Twenty-one patients (9.2%) who had undergone surgical intervention were rehospitalized for a new SBO episode, as were 53 patients (14.9%) who had been managed conservatively (P = .028; OR, 1.72, 95% CI, 1.00–2.95).Operated adhesive postoperative SBO with the following characteristics should heighten vigilance for surgical intervention: an initial emergency procedure with midline incisions and the current strangulation status. New hospitalizations were lower after surgical management than conservative treatment.

Obstruction reduction: Use of water-soluble contrast challenge to differentiate between partial and complete small bowel obstruction

Differentiating SBO that will resolve conservatively from those requiring surgery remains challenging. Water-soluble contrast administration may be diagnostic and therapeutic. Our study evaluated use of a WSC challenge protocol. We hypothesize that protocol use discriminates between surgical SBO and obstructions which can be managed non-operatively.Demographics, prior surgeries, time to operation, complications, and LOS were analyzed.108 patients were admitted with SBO. 13% underwent immediate laparotomy with concern for bowel compromise; these had a median LOS of 8.5 days. 91 received WSC protocol. Of these, 77% had contrast passage to the colon. Of the 48 in whom contrast passed between 0 and 12 h, LOS was 2 days. Of the 22 patients in whom contrast passed between 12 and 24 h, LOS was 4.5 days. 21 had failure of contrast passage; 18 of those underwent surgery after 24 h as a result. Of the 21 patients who failed WSC challenge, median LOS was 8 days.WSC protocol implementation facilitates early recognition of partial from complete obstruction and may decrease LOS. Our findings warrant further evaluation with a multicenter trial.

Small bowel obstruction and the gastrografin challenge.

The "gastrografin challenge" has been used for decades in the evaluation of small bowel obstruction (SBO). This type of study involves enteric administration of a water-soluble contrast followed by serial abdominal radiographs. While its diagnostic role is well established, its therapeutic role remains controversial. Following an algorithm for gastrografin challenge cases can help with interpretation. An understanding of the appearance of diluted contrast in the small bowel, the concentrating effect of contrast in the colon, and knowledge of surgical history and anatomy is paramount for diagnosis. In this article, we review the approach to acute SBO and the use of gastrografin along with reviewing image interpretation of cases of partial and complete SBO. Gastrografin use in adynamic ileus along with other potential future uses is also discussed.

Giant bezoar: young Rapunzel

Surgeons and radiologists encounter a challenge regarding the type of diagnostic imaging techniques to use when faced with a possible small bowel obstruction (SBO). However, with a sensitivity of 82%–100%...

Diaphragm disease: complete small bowel obstruction after long-term nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs use

Diaphragm disease: complete small bowel obstruction after long-term nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs use

Surgeon attitudes and practice patterns in managing small bowel obstruction: a qualitative analysis

BackgroundHistorical training instructs surgeons to, “never let the sun set on a small bowel obstruction (SBO)” due to concern for bowel ischemia. However, the routine use of computed tomography scans for ruling out ischemia provides the opportunity for trial of nonoperative management, allowing time for resolution of adhesive SBO. In light of advances in practice, little is known about how surgeons manage these patients, in particular, whether there is consistency in the stated duration for safe nonoperative management. MethodsUsing a case vignette (a patient with computed tomography scan diagnosed complete SBO without bowel ischemia), we interviewed a purposive sample of general surgeons practicing in Washington State to understand stated approaches to clinical management. Interview questions addressed typical practice, preferred timing of surgery, and approach. We conducted a content analysis to understand current practice and attitudes. ResultsWe interviewed 15 surgeons practicing across Washington State. Surgical practice patterns for patients with SBO varied widely. The period of time that surgeons were willing to manage patients nonoperatively ranged from 1-7 d. Interviews revealed insight into surgical decision-making, the importance of patient preferences, variation in practice, and evidence gaps. All surgeons acknowledged a lack of evidence to support appropriate management of patients with SBO. ConclusionsInterviews with practicing surgeons highlight a changing paradigm away from routine early surgery for patients with adhesive SBO. However, there is lack of consensus in the appropriate duration of nonoperative management and practices vary considerably. These revealed attitudes inform the feasibility and design of future randomized studies of patients with adhesive SBO.

Magnets ingestion as a rare cause of ileus in adults: A case report

Introduction. Magnetic foreign bodies are harmless when ingested as a single object. However, if numerous of individual magnets are ingested at certain intervals, one after the other, they may attract each other through the bowel wall and cause severe bowel damage. Case report. We re-ported a case of a man, age 21, who swallowed 2 very small magnets, presented with clinical and radiographic signs of acute bowel obstruction and intestinal fistula. The cause of obstruction was detected during laparotomy. At laparotomy, one magnet was found in the proximal jejunum and the other in the distal ileum, strongly attracting each other followed by small bowel twisting around this point of rotation, causing a complete small bowel obstruction with strangulation and jejuno-ileal fistula. The intestinal segments were devolvulated and both intestine perforations were primarily sutured. The patient recovered successfully after the surgery and was discharged 5 days after the laparotomy. Conclusion. Patients who ingested magnetic objects must be seriously considered and emergency laparotomy should be performed to prevent serious gastrointestinal complications.