A 65-year-old woman presents to the emergency department due to severe
abdominal pain. Three months ago, the patient underwent uncomplicated abdominal surgery to resect a large
uterine fibroid. Past surgical history is notable for a
C-section and
cholecystectomy. Temperature is 37.2°C (99.0°F),
pulse is 100/min, respirations are 22/min, and
blood pressure is 110/60 mm Hg. On physical examination, high pitched
bowel sounds are heard on
auscultation and there is
guarding and diffuse abdominal tenderness with palpation. A CT of the abdomen and
pelvis shows dilated loops of the
small bowel with a transition point. What is the cause of this patient’s current disorder?
