Which of the following is the most common cause of small bowel obstruction?

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Dive into medical terminology with The Pitt Medical Terminology Test. Enhance your learning using flashcards and multiple choice questions. Prepare for your exam confidently with detailed hints and explanations.

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is the most common cause of small bowel obstruction?

Explanation:
Adhesions formed after abdominal surgery are the main cause of small bowel obstruction. When the peritoneum is irritated during surgery, scar tissue develops into fibrous bands that connect loops of bowel or attach bowel to the abdominal wall. These adhesions can tether or kink the intestines, or create closed loops, blocking the passage of contents. Because abdominal operations are common, adhesions occur frequently and are the leading reason SBOs occur. Other causes exist—hernias can trap bowel, tumors can obstruct, and gallstone ileus can block the intestine—but they’re less common overall than adhesions.

Adhesions formed after abdominal surgery are the main cause of small bowel obstruction. When the peritoneum is irritated during surgery, scar tissue develops into fibrous bands that connect loops of bowel or attach bowel to the abdominal wall. These adhesions can tether or kink the intestines, or create closed loops, blocking the passage of contents.

Because abdominal operations are common, adhesions occur frequently and are the leading reason SBOs occur. Other causes exist—hernias can trap bowel, tumors can obstruct, and gallstone ileus can block the intestine—but they’re less common overall than adhesions.

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