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Adhesional small bowel obstruction

Case contributed by Henry Knipe
Diagnosis probable

Presentation

Severe epigastric pain. Recent hemicolectomy.

Patient Data

Age: 60 years
Gender: Male

Dilated loops of small bowel centrally with multiple air-fluid levels and string of pearls sign on the erect projection. 

Case Discussion

CT (not shown) confirmed small bowel obstruction most likely from adhesions with a transition point near the colonic anastomosis. Adhesions are the most common cause of small bowel obstruction. 

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