Case Report

Chronic Intermittent Intestinal Obstruction From a Seat Belt Injury

Authors: JANET R. HARRISON MD, MICHAEL O. BLACKSTONE MD, THOMAS VARGISH MD, ARUNAS GASPARAITIS MD

Abstract

ABSTRACT:Most patients with intestinal obstruction have had previous surgery. Rarely, the development of adhesions and resulting small bowel obstruction is attributed to previous intra-abdominal trauma. We present the case of a young man, without a history of surgery, who had been a restrained driver in a motor vehicle crash. Seven years later, the patient had an intermittent partial small bowel obstruction that recurred over the next 5 years. We review the pathophysiology and epidemiology of similar occurrences, as well as diagnostic options.

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References