Small bowel obstruction after transoral robotic surgery.
BACKGROUND: Head and neck surgery is not often considered a risk factor for intestinal ileus and small bowel obstruction. However, many of these patients may have had prior abdominal surgery, a known risk factor for small bowel obstruction, and may be at risk for bowel obstruction after a surgical procedure of the head and neck. METHODS: We present a case describing a patient who, after undergoing transoral robotic surgery, experienced delayed postoperative ileus and eventual small bowel obstruction requiring exploratory laparotomy and bowel resection. RESULTS: Although the patient required total parenteral nutrition for several days, he eventually was able to resume tube feeds, and after several months was able to tolerate an oral diet. CONCLUSION: Although uncommon complications of head and neck surgery, intestinal ileus and small bowel obstruction can develop as the result of stress/inflammation, postoperative narcotic pain medication, and prior abdominal surgery.
Duke Scholars
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Related Subject Headings
- Treatment Outcome
- Tongue Neoplasms
- Tomography, X-Ray Computed
- Robotic Surgical Procedures
- Risk Assessment
- Postoperative Complications
- Otorhinolaryngology
- Neoplasm Staging
- Neoplasm Invasiveness
- Neck Dissection
Citation
Published In
DOI
EISSN
Publication Date
Volume
Issue
Start / End Page
Location
Related Subject Headings
- Treatment Outcome
- Tongue Neoplasms
- Tomography, X-Ray Computed
- Robotic Surgical Procedures
- Risk Assessment
- Postoperative Complications
- Otorhinolaryngology
- Neoplasm Staging
- Neoplasm Invasiveness
- Neck Dissection