Related Experiment Videos
Acute large bowel obstruction complicating acute pancreatitis
1Department of Surgery, University of Cape Town Medical School, South Africa.
Southern Medical Journal
|June 1, 1988
Summary
Acute pancreatitis can rarely cause large bowel obstruction, often missed until surgery. The splenic flexure is the most common site, with colostomy being the preferred initial treatment for this rare complication.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Surgical Gastroenterology
Background:
- Acute pancreatitis is an inflammatory condition of the pancreas.
- Large bowel obstruction is a serious surgical emergency.
Observation:
- A rare case of acute large bowel obstruction secondary to acute pancreatitis is presented.
- The splenic flexure was identified as the most frequent site of colonic involvement.
Findings:
- Diagnosis of pancreatitis is often delayed, frequently established intraoperatively.
- A proximal defunctioning colostomy is the recommended primary management strategy.
Implications:
- Highlights the importance of considering pancreatitis in patients with unexplained bowel obstruction.
- Emphasizes the role of surgical intervention and colostomy in managing this rare complication.