A14) Post-operative nausea and vomiting

Review the Learning Outcomes, Hx, PE and Labs, and begin the module with your Provisional Diagnosis. Keep hitting "Next" to move through the module.

Learning Outcomes

  1. Articulate your relationship with the consulting diagnostic radiologists in the evaluation of a patient with nausea and vomiting.
  2. Review the DDx considerations in a patient with nausea and vomiting.
  3. Identify the spectrum of imaging findings in appropriate modalities for evaluating a patient with nausea and vomiting.

History

Physical Exam

Labs

Provisional Diagnosis

Select the Dx you believe is most appropriate
Adynamic post-operative ileus is the most likely diagnosis. The patient is at significant risk for adynamic post-operative ileus considering the peritonitis, prolonged surgery (>3 hours) with interstinal manipulation, significant crystalloid administration, and metabolic abnormalities (hyponatremia, hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia). This is confirmed with the nausea, vomiting, and abdominal distension.
Well done. You were correct

Potential Acuity

What is your assessment of the likely acuity for this patient?

Well done. You were correct
The patient requires routine, but expedited workup.

First Imaging Study

What is the first imaging study you will order?

Radiography is the most appropriate initial exam as it can identify the presence of small bowel distension and can sometimes differentiate between mechanical bowel obstruction and adynamic ileus.
Well done. You were correct

Pertinent Imaging Observations

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Second Imaging Study

What is the next imaging study you will order?

No further imaging is required as the X-ray strongly suggests the diagnosis.
Well done. You were correct

What is your Diagnosis now that you have seen the imaging results?

The signs, symptoms, and imaging workup are consistent with a diagnosis of post-operative ileus.

Current Acuity

Initially, you selected and we suggested acuity.

Has your concern for this patient changed?

The patient's diagnosis requires management but is not immediately life threatening.

Assessment and Plan

Please provide your assessment and plan for this patient

The patient is a 43-year-old male who developed post-operative adynamic ileus. The electrolyte abnormalities should be corrected, the analgesics should be transitioned to a non-narcotic pain regimen, and the IV fluids should be reduced. The patient should be made NPO and a trial of diet advancement should be made when he shows signs of improvement (reduced abdominal distension, passing flatus). If he does not improve in the next days, further imaging workup (CT, small bowel follow-through) to rule out other pathology and placement of a nasogastric tube should be considered.

Lessons Learned:
- Patients who have metabolic abnormalities and have undergone prolonged surgery with intestinal manipulation, crystalloid or blood product administration are at increased risk for post-operative adynamic ileus.
- A KUB revealing distended bowel without a transition point and with air in the rectum can differentiate this from a small bowel obstruction, which would require different management. If the diagnosis is not clear, further imaging can be considered.

Socioeconomic Factors: Prevention of postoperative ileus is important as it is associated with increased length of stay and hospitalization costs. 

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Contributors:
Kevin Pierre, MD - Editor
Robbie Slater, MD - Supervising Editor
Bayar Batmunh, MS - Coordinator

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