Intestinal adhesions
High Yield Notes
20 pages
Flashcards
Intestinal adhesions
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Questions
USMLE® Step 1 style questions USMLE
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USMLE® Step 2 style questions USMLE
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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?
Summary
Intestinal adhesions, also known as adhesion scars, are bands of fibrous tissue that form between abdominal organs following surgery or other injuries.
Adhesions develop most commonly after surgeries that involve the abdomen, such as laparotomy or Cesarean section. They may also occur after injuries to the intestines, such as a perforated bowel.