Postoperative Adhesive Small Bowel Obstruction Presenting as Acute Urinary Retention

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Pediatric Surgery
• Urology

Background:

• Postoperative adhesions are a common sequela of abdominal surgery, potentially leading to complications.
• Small bowel obstruction (SBO) is the most severe complication, though rarely reported in pediatric populations.
• Adhesions can also impact intestinal motility, causing constipation and potentially influencing urinary function.

Observation:

• A pediatric patient presented with symptoms of constipation and urinary issues.
• The patient was diagnosed with adhesive small bowel obstruction (SBO) and segmental ileal dilatation.
• The SBO was the underlying cause of the patient's constipation and subsequent acute urinary retention.

Findings:

• The case illustrates a rare presentation of adhesive SBO in a child.
• The findings demonstrate a link between SBO-induced constipation and acute urinary retention.
• Segmental ileal dilatation was observed secondary to the adhesive obstruction.

Implications:

• This case underscores the importance of considering SBO in pediatric patients with unexplained constipation and urinary symptoms.
• Early recognition and management of adhesive SBO are crucial to prevent severe complications like acute urinary retention.
• The study highlights the complex interplay between gastrointestinal and urinary systems in the context of postoperative adhesions.