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

## TL;DR

A 70-year-old man developed intestinal blockage after a surgical drain was used following rectal cancer surgery, highlighting a rare but serious complication.

## Contribution

This case report highlights the rare but important complication of small bowel obstruction caused by surgical drains after rectal cancer surgery.

## Key findings

- Acute bowel obstruction is a rare complication of abdominal drains.
- Treatment options include conservative management or surgical intervention.
- Surgeons should use drains cautiously to avoid such complications.

## 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.