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Laparoscopic management of recurrent adhesive small-bowel obstruction: Long-term follow-up

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Abstract

Purpose

To evaluate the efficiency, safety, and outcome of laparoscopic adhesiolysis for recurrent small-bowel obstruction (SBO), when performed early after failed conservative treatment.

Methods

Between 1999 and 2005, elective laparoscopic adhesiolysis was attempted in 46 patients with recurrent SBO after abdominal or pelvic surgery. Laparoscopic adhesiolysis was done during the acute onset of SBO after the patient failed to respond to 24 h of conservative treatment.

Results

Fifteen patients (32.6%) presented with recurrent SBO and 31 patients (67.4%) presented with recurrent SBO and chronic abdominal pain. Postoperative adhesions were identified laparoscopically in all patients: as isolated bands in 11 patients, enteroperitoneal angulation in 12 patients, entero-enteral angulation in 17 patients, and extensive dense and matted intra-abdominal adhesions in 6 patients. Successful complete laparoscopic adhesiolysis was achieved in 42 of the 46 patients (91.3%). Conversion to minilaparotomy was required for a convoluted mass of adherent bowel in one patient (2.2%) and laparotomy was required for extensive dense and matted adhesions in three patients (6.5%). The mean follow-up was 46.5 months (range 24–89 months). Forty-three patients (93.5%) were asymptomatic after the operation. Only one patient (2.2%) had a further two episodes of SBO over 38 months of follow-up.

Conclusion

Laparoscopic intervention, when done early after the onset of symptoms, is highly feasible, safe, and effective in selected patients with recurrent SBO caused by postoperative adhesion.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of General Surgery, Shanghai Chang Zheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University, 415 Feng Yang Road, Shanghai, 200003, PR China

    Qiang Wang, Zhi Qian Hu, Wei Jun Wang, Jian Zhang, Yi Wang & Can Ping Ruan

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  1. Qiang Wang
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  2. Zhi Qian Hu
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  3. Wei Jun Wang
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  4. Jian Zhang
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  5. Yi Wang
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Additional information

Q. Wang, Z.Q. Hu, W.J. Wang, and J. Zhang contributed equally to this work.

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Wang, Q., Hu, Z.Q., Wang, W.J. et al. Laparoscopic management of recurrent adhesive small-bowel obstruction: Long-term follow-up. Surg Today 39, 493–499 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00595-008-3906-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00595-008-3906-4

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