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Intestinal obstruction repair - Risks

Alternative Names

Repair of volvulus; Reduction of intussusception, lysis of intestinal adhesions

Risks:

Risks for any surgery are:

  • Blood clots in the legs that may travel to the lungs
  • Breathing problems
  • Heart attack or stroke
  • Infection, including in the lungs, urinary tract, and belly

Other risks of abdominal surgery are:

  • Bowel leakage
  • Formation of scar tissue (adhesions)
  • Bowel obstruction after surgery
  • Temporary paralysis (freezing up) of the bowel (paralytic ileus)
  • Damage to nearby organs in the body
  • Wound (incision) infection
  • Wound opening up
  • Bleeding inside your belly
  • The edges of your intestines that are sewn together may open. This may cause life-threatening problems.
  • More scar tissue may form in your belly and cause blockage of your intestines.
  • Problems with colostomy or Ileostomy.
  • Reviewed last on: 1/26/2009
  • Robert A. Cowles, MD, Assistant Professor of Surgery, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Turnage RH, Heldmann M, Cole P. Intestinal obstruction and illeus. In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Sleisenger MH, eds. Sleisenger & Fordtran’s Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. 8th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2006:chap 116.

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