Small bowel obstruction on food impaction after binge eating

Small bowel obstruction is a relatively prevalent surgical condition, with the most common underlying cause being postoperative adhesions. However, in patients with no previous history of abdominal surgery, one needs to think more outside the box. In this case study, we have a young and athletic man who presented to the emergency department with an acute abdomen, shortly after binge eating a large amount of food. Obstruction due to food impaction, such as in our case, should always be on the differential list, especially in those without significant medical history and with binge eating pattern where uncontrolled and extreme amounts of food are eaten alternating with restrictive dieting.