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Updated: Apr 30, 2026
A Mouse Model of Intestinal Partial Obstruction
Published on: March 5, 2018
Meaning of free intraperitoneal fluid in small-bowel obstruction: preliminary results using high-frequency
Francesca Iacobellis1, Daniela Berritto, Maria Paola Belfiore
1Department of Radiology, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria di Cagliari-Polo di Monserrato, SS 554 Monserrato, 09045 Cagliari, Italy. lucasaba@tiscali.it.
Objectives:
The aim of this study was to detect the onset, evolution, and meaning of extraluminal free fluid in a rat model of small-bowel obstruction using high-frequency microsonography.
Methods:
Small-bowel obstruction was surgically created in 8 rats divided into 2 groups of 4 rats each. All rats were examined by high-frequency microsonography to monitor the evolution of small-bowel obstruction and the abdominal sonographic findings. In group 2 rats, the obstruction was resolved 2 hours after surgery.
Results:
In all rats, free peritoneal fluid was detected just near the obstructed loop after 1 hour and in the hepatorenal recess after 2 hours. These features progressively increased in the following hours in group 1 rats. In group 2, the amount of free fluid decreased shortly after removing the obstruction.
Conclusions:
Free fluid is an early finding in small-bowel obstruction, and the increase or decrease of its amount is correlated with the worsening or resolution of the obstruction.
Insights
Extraluminal free fluid is an early indicator of small-bowel obstruction (SBO) in rats. Its amount correlates with the severity and resolution of SBO, detected via high-frequency microsonography.
Area of Science:
- Medical Imaging
- Surgical Research
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Small-bowel obstruction (SBO) is a common surgical emergency.
- Early detection of SBO is crucial for timely intervention.
- Current diagnostic methods may have limitations in detecting early SBO changes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the onset, evolution, and significance of extraluminal free fluid in a rat model of SBO.
- To evaluate the utility of high-frequency microsonography in monitoring SBO.
- To correlate sonographic findings with the obstruction's status.
Main Methods:
- Surgical creation of SBO in 8 rats, divided into two groups.
- High-frequency microsonography used to monitor SBO progression and abdominal sonographic findings.
- Obstruction resolution in Group 2 rats after 2 hours.
Main Results:
- Free peritoneal fluid detected near the obstructed loop (1 hour) and in the hepatorenal recess (2 hours) in all rats.
- Progressive increase in free fluid observed in Group 1 (unresolved obstruction).
- Decreased free fluid noted in Group 2 after obstruction resolution.
Conclusions:
- Extraluminal free fluid is an early sonographic finding in SBO.
- The amount of free fluid correlates with the worsening or resolution of SBO.
- High-frequency microsonography is effective in monitoring SBO and associated fluid changes.
