adhesions

Abdominal adhesions are pathological bands of scar tissue that forms between two previously separated structures within an abdomen. They may be between omentum, abdominal wall or intestinal loops. ETIOLOGY - Congenital or Acquired - Iotragenic; trauma, surgery or postinflammatory RISK FACTORS - Emergent surgeries - Lower GI procedures - H/o abdominal abscess, surgery or trauma CLINICAL FINDINGS - Crampy abdominal pain - Nausea and/or vomiting - Minimal to no flatus - Borborygmi (loud bowel sounds) - Abdominal distention and tenderness - Vitals: fever, tachycardia - Peritoneal signs; guarding, rebound and rigidity INVESTIGATIONS - WBC, Lactate, Electrolytes, BUN/Cr - ...