A 64-year-old woman arrives at the emergency department after experiencing worsening abdominal pain for two days. She has a history of gallstones but has avoided surgery due to the high surgical risk. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, hypertension, and remote cervical cancer treated with surgery and chemotherapy are among her medical history. A CT scan of the abdomen reveals multiple dilated small bowel loops, a decompressed distal ileum, and an abnormal bowel, as indicated by the arrow below: Which of the following is the most likely cause of this patient's current condition?

Question

A 64-year-old woman arrives at the emergency department after experiencing worsening abdominal pain for two days. She has a history of gallstones but has avoided surgery due to the high surgical risk. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, hypertension, and remote cervical cancer treated with surgery and chemotherapy are among her medical history. A CT scan of the abdomen reveals multiple dilated small bowel loops, a decompressed distal ileum, and an abnormal bowel, as indicated by the arrow below:  Which of the following is the most likely cause of this patient's current condition?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Eductional Objective: Small bowel obstruction (SBO) occurs when a mechanical or functional obstruction disrupts the normal flow of intestinal intraluminal contents.  A herniated bowel loop (eg, inguinal hernia) can cause SBO if it becomes trapped (ie, incarcerated) outside the peritoneal cavity.

A 64-Year-Old Woman Arrives at the Emergency Department After Experiencing