Early Small Bowel Obstruction Caused by Surgical Drain Following Rectal Cancer Surgery: A Case Report

Cureus. 2024 Jan 21;16(1):e52694. doi: 10.7759/cureus.52694. eCollection 2024 Jan.

Abstract

The abdominal drains are commonly used and could be a source of several complications, including infection and small bowel obstruction. We report the case of a 70-year-old male patient with intestinal obstruction related to abdominal drainage after rectal surgery. Acute bowel obstruction remains a rare complication of abdominal drains. Surgeons should be aware of this situation and use drains with caution. The treatment options include conservative treatment or surgery either a laparoscopic approach or laparotomy.

Keywords: abdominal drain; obstruction; rectal cancer; small bowel; small bowel obstruction.

Publication types

  • Case Reports