# A Non-operative Approach of Small Bowel Obstruction in Virgin Abdomens

**Authors:** Bhovineey Ramanathan, Vinod Ramachandran, Abdul Rana, Christopher McDonald

PMC · DOI: 10.7759/cureus.57206 · 2024-03-29

## TL;DR

A healthy 38-year-old man with no prior abdominal surgery recovered fully from small bowel obstruction without surgery, highlighting the potential for non-operative treatment.

## Contribution

This case study presents a rare instance of successful conservative management of small bowel obstruction in a patient with a virgin abdomen.

## Key findings

- The patient recovered fully through conservative management without surgery.
- The case emphasizes the importance of thorough clinical evaluation in managing SBO in virgin abdomens.
- It suggests that non-operative approaches may be viable in select cases of SBO.

## Abstract

We present a compelling case of small bowel obstruction (SBO) in a 38-year-old male with a virgin abdomen, a term used to describe an individual who has not undergone prior abdominal surgery. Despite his fit and healthy status, he presented with symptoms indicative of bowel obstruction. Through a meticulous series of history-taking, comprehensive clinical examinations, and precise imaging studies, we were able to arrive at a conclusive diagnosis. Remarkably, the patient experienced a full recovery solely through conservative management, effectively sidestepping the need for surgical intervention. This case prompts a deeper discussion on the nuanced approaches to SBO in individuals with virgin abdomens. We aim to delve into the comparative merits of conservative versus surgical strategies, considering the latest evidence-based practices to guide our understanding and decision-making in such cases.

## Full-text entities

- **Diseases:** SBO (MESH:D007409), bowel obstruction (MESH:D012778)
- **Species:** Homo sapiens (human, species) [taxon 9606]

## Figures

1 figure with captions in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC11056207/full.md

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Source: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC11056207