Our Summary

A 77-year-old man came to the emergency room because he was showing signs of a blockage in his intestines. A CT scan of his abdomen showed that part of his small intestine, called the jejunum, was enlarged and there was swelling of the intestinal wall. The scan also showed that there was a change in the size of his ileum, another part of the small intestine. Doctors decided to perform emergency surgery and found that some parts of his intestines were sticking together, and there was a lump of tissue blocking his ileum. They removed a 20 cm section of the affected ileum and reconnected the remaining parts. The patient was able to leave the hospital seven days after his surgery.

FAQs

  1. What led to the 77-year-old male’s presentation to the Emergency Department?
  2. What surgical procedure was performed on the patient with the intestinal obstruction?
  3. How long was the patient’s recovery period after the intestinal resection surgery?

Doctor’s Tip

After intestinal resection surgery, it is important to follow your doctor’s instructions for a proper recovery. This may include gradually reintroducing solid foods, staying hydrated, avoiding heavy lifting, and taking any prescribed medications. It is also important to monitor for any signs of infection, such as fever or increasing abdominal pain, and to follow up with your doctor for any concerns or complications. Regular follow-up appointments may be necessary to monitor your progress and ensure proper healing.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for intestinal resection are those with conditions such as:

  • Intestinal obstruction
  • Bowel perforation
  • Intestinal tumors
  • Crohn’s disease
  • Diverticulitis
  • Intestinal ischemia
  • Trauma to the intestines

In this case, the 77-year-old male presented with symptoms of intestinal obstruction, which led to the decision to perform an urgent laparotomy and resection of the affected segment of the proximal ileum. The surgery was successful in relieving the obstruction and the patient was able to be discharged after a week of recovery.

Timeline

  • Patient presents to the Emergency Department with symptoms of intestinal obstruction
  • Abdominal CT scan reveals dilatation of jejunum loops and edema of intestinal wall
  • Urgent laparotomy is performed, revealing adhesions and intraluminal mass in proximal ileum
  • 20 cm segment of proximal ileum is resected and termino-terminal anastomosis is performed
  • Patient is discharged seven days after surgery, with follow-up care and monitoring for complications

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What is the reason for needing an intestinal resection?
  2. What are the risks and potential complications associated with intestinal resection surgery?
  3. What is the expected recovery time and post-operative care after intestinal resection?
  4. Will there be any long-term dietary or lifestyle changes required after the surgery?
  5. How will the removal of a portion of the intestine affect digestion and bowel movements?
  6. Are there any specific signs or symptoms to watch for after the surgery that may indicate a complication?
  7. Will there be a need for any additional tests or follow-up appointments after the surgery?
  8. What is the success rate of this type of surgery for treating intestinal obstruction?
  9. Are there any alternative treatment options to consider before proceeding with intestinal resection?
  10. What is the overall prognosis for the patient following intestinal resection surgery?

Reference

Authors: Bartra Balcells È, Domènech Calvet J, Del Castillo Déjardin D. Journal: Rev Esp Enferm Dig. 2021 Jul;113(7):547. doi: 10.17235/reed.2020.7409/2020. PMID: 33244980