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Enterolith causing acute afferent loop syndrome after Billroth II gastrectomy: a case report
Il Giornale Di Chirurgia
|July 11, 2013
Summary
Enteroliths can cause rare afferent loop obstruction after Billroth II gastrectomy, mimicking other conditions. Prompt surgical intervention is crucial to prevent severe complications like bowel ischemia.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Surgical Case Reports
Background:
- Afferent loop syndrome (ALS) is a potential complication following Billroth II gastrectomy.
- Enteroliths are calculus-like masses in the intestine, rarely implicated in post-gastrectomy complications.
Observation:
- A case of acute ALS caused by a large enterolith is presented.
- The patient required immediate surgical management due to the severity of the obstruction.
Findings:
- Enteroliths are an uncommon cause of afferent loop obstruction post-Billroth II gastrectomy.
- The clinical presentation of enterolith-induced ALS can resemble acute cholangitis or pancreatitis.
- This report adds to a very limited number of documented cases in English literature (14 previously reported).
Implications:
- Early recognition of enteroliths as a cause of ALS is vital.
- Delayed diagnosis and treatment can lead to life-threatening complications, including bowel ischemia and perforation.
- Highlights the importance of considering rare etiologies in post-gastric surgery complications.
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