Post operative abdominal distension (126/1700)

A woman 5 days post-op for bilateral salphingo-oopherectomy and abdominal hysterectomy has
developed abdominal pain and vomiting a/w abdominal distension and can’t pass gas. No bowel
sounds heard, although well hydrated. What is the most appropriate next step?
a. XR abdomen
b. Exploratory laparoscopy
c. CT
d. USG
e. Barium enema




























answer: A
post operative abdominal distension..........paralytic ileus

abdominal x-ray (3 views) to determine SBO vs. LBO vs. ileus