small bowel obstruction

Abdominal adhesions are pathological bands of scar tissue that forms between two previously separated structures within an abdomen. They may be between omentum, abdominal wall or intestinal loops. ETIOLOGY - Congenital or Acquired - Iotragenic; trauma, surgery or postinflammatory RISK FACTORS - Emergent surgeries - Lower GI procedures - H/o abdominal abscess, surgery or trauma CLINICAL FINDINGS - Crampy abdominal pain - Nausea and/or vomiting - Minimal to no flatus - Borborygmi (loud bowel sounds) - Abdominal distention and tenderness - Vitals: fever, tachycardia - Peritoneal signs; guarding, rebound and rigidity INVESTIGATIONS - WBC, Lactate, Electrolytes, BUN/Cr - ...