A 63-year-old female presents with abdominal pain, decreased bowel movements, nausea, three episodes of vomiting, and abdominal distension. She has a history multiple abdominal surgeries. Exam shows abdominal distension and generalized tenderness, but no peritoneal signs. What are your next steps?
EM@3AM: Small Bowel Obstruction Read More »
The Mount Sinai interns’ latest US pearl shows us that:
The proper use of POCUS for small bowel obstruction can expedite care, replace plain film radiography, reduce cost, reduce duration of stay, lead to expedited surgical consultations, and reduce unnecessary radiation.
Better yet, studies have shown that emergency medicine physicians can accurately diagnose SBO with high sensitivity and specificity after a short amount of training.
US Probe: Ultrasound for Small Bowel Obstruction Read More »
Editor’s note: This article was listed in EM Curious’ #FOAMed Review 19th Ed.
Quicker diagnosis (vs waiting for CT), quicker treatment (IVF, NG tube, surgery), and earlier consult/admission to Surgical team. Everyone benefits: ED flow, overburdened nurses, other patients requiring attention in the ED, and most of all, the patient himself.
Ultrasound for Small Bowel Obstruction Read More »