ABSTRACT
Intestinal surgery, like all other operations, comes with the risk of perioperative complications. Prolonged postoperative ileus may be difficult to distinguish from partial mechanical small bowel obstruction (SBO), and both may be present to a degree in patients who have undergone extensive intestinal surgery. Patients who have undergone gynecologic or colorectal procedures are at higher risk for development of SBO in the postoperative period. Postoperative partial SBO usually resolves with nasogastric suction, parenteral fluid, and nutritional support. The principles for intestinal surgery for trauma are the same as for elective surgery, with the additional need for the immediate control of hemorrhage. The incidence of SBO ranges from 7% to 30% after the procedure. Excessive intestinal resection may cause a spectrum of disease, from clinically inconsequential removal of non-diseased bowel to diarrhea to debilitating, even lethal, short bowel syndrome. Colonic anastomoses pose a greater risk of leak than small intestinal anastomoses.
