Small Bowel Obstruction After Abdominal Myomectomy A Case Report and Preventive Measures

Main Content Sections:

  • Case Overview
    The patient, a 37-year-old female with a history of myomectomy, presented with small bowel obstruction two days post-operation. After failed conservative treatment, diagnostic laparoscopy revealed that the tail of an absorbable barbed suture was the source of the obstruction.
  • Complications and Prevention
    Though barbed sutures are common in gynecological surgeries, they present a risk of bowel obstruction if the suture tail protrudes. This risk is elevated when the uterus contracts post-surgery. Surgeons can reduce this risk by ensuring the suture tail is cut as short as possible and using additional measures like covering the suture with a running baseball stitch.
  • Diagnosis and Surgical Management
    Imaging and laparoscopic surgery confirmed the cause of obstruction. The bowel was carefully separated from the suture, and the exposed tail was trimmed to prevent further complications.
  • Recommendations
    Surgeons should be aware of the potential for suture-induced bowel obstruction, particularly in myomectomy patients. Preventive strategies, including careful suture management and the use of adhesion barriers, are critical to minimizing this rare but serious complication.

Further Reading and Resources

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