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An unusual cause of efferent loop obstruction
1Hospital Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Dept. of Surgery, Jalan Yacob Latif, Bandar Tun Razak, 56000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
The Medical Journal of Malaysia
|December 12, 2013
Summary
A retained abdominal drain caused efferent loop obstruction after a Billroth II partial gastrectomy for upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage. Surgical removal of the drain resolved the complication, highlighting a rare cause of this surgical issue.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Surgical Complications
- Abdominal Surgery
Background:
- Massive upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage necessitates surgical intervention, often involving partial gastrectomy.
- Billroth II reconstruction is a common procedure for gastric surgeries.
- Postoperative complications can arise, impacting patient recovery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a rare case of efferent loop obstruction.
- To identify a retained abdominal drain as the causative agent.
- To emphasize the importance of meticulous surgical practice.
Main Methods:
- A patient underwent Billroth II partial gastrectomy for upper gastrointestinal bleeding.
- The patient developed symptoms of efferent loop obstruction post-surgery.
- A retained abdominal drain was identified as the cause during relaparotomy.
Main Results:
- Efferent loop obstruction occurred due to a retained abdominal drain.
- Surgical intervention (relaparotomy) was required for drain removal.
- The obstruction was successfully resolved after drain removal.
Conclusions:
- Retained surgical drains are a known, albeit infrequent, complication.
- This case illustrates a rare cause of efferent loop obstruction following Billroth II gastrectomy.
- Vigilance in surgical technique and postoperative care is crucial to prevent such complications.
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