Complications
In untreated patients with complete SBO, the likelihood of intestinal necrosis is very high. As obstruction progresses, intestinal perfusion decreases, resulting in ischaemic change and necrosis. This is heralded by the onset of peritonitis, leukocytosis, dehydration, and pre-renal acute kidney injury.[60][61][62][63]
Patients who develop intestinal necrosis are at risk of developing intestinal perforation with sepsis and multi-organ failure. This leads to death in many patients.
Patients who develop intestinal necrosis are at risk of developing intestinal perforation with sepsis and multi-organ failure. This leads to death in many patients.
In cases of intestinal obstruction with perforation, patients may develop intra-abdominal infection with abscess formation. This requires treatment by either open surgery or image-guided drainage.
If correction of the SBO requires resection of a large amount of small intestine, patients may develop short bowel syndrome. This condition is characterised by the functional or anatomical loss of extensive segments of small intestine resulting in inadequate absorption of enteral nutrition.
These patients require supplemental nutrition, either via the enteral or the parenteral route. Definitive treatment involves intestinal transplantation in severe cases.
Patients who develop intestinal necrosis are at risk of developing intestinal perforation with sepsis and multi-organ failure. This leads to death in many patients.
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