Small bowel obstruction

Discussion:

This abdominal film demonstrates why the abdomen is distended. There are multiple loops of gas-filled small bowel which are in a predominantly central distribution.

Features here are of small bowel obstruction for which there are many potential causes. Check that there isn't gas in a loop of bowel incarcerated in the femoral canal!

The next thing to do is look for complications of small bowel obstruction, such as pneumoperitoneum secondary to perforation, intramural gas (gas within the bowel wall) or portal venous gas secondary to ischemia.

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