Case 26: Small bowel obstruction
This operation was for a complete small bowel obstruction in a patient whose only prior abdominal operation was an open appendicectomy.
1. What was the cause of the obstruction?
A band adhesion, most likely from the prior appendicectomy.2. What is the usual description given to the area of small bowel here where it was obstructed?
The constriction ring3. What are the risks with this type of small bowel injury?
If the ischaemic ring is not too severe often this requires no further treatment. If the ischaemic insult is significant then perforation is possible. Also stenosis if perforation does not occur.Case Editor:
Mr Stephen Fischer - General Surgeon, Warrnambool, Victoria, Australia