ROSH Gastrointestinal Practice Exam

What condition may develop due to postoperative adhesions?

1. Gastroesophageal reflux

2. Celiac disease

3. Small bowel obstruction

4. Chronic pancreatitis

The correct answer is: Small bowel obstruction

Postoperative adhesions are fibrous bands that can form between abdominal tissues and organs after surgery. They are a common complication following various types of abdominal surgery, including appendectomy, bowel resections, and gynecological procedures. The development of small bowel obstruction is a well-documented consequence of these adhesions. When adhesions form, they can create physical connections that constrict or entrap segments of the bowel, leading to a blockage. Symptoms of a small bowel obstruction may include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and inability to pass stool or gas. The risk of small bowel obstruction increases with the number of surgeries a patient has undergone and the extent of adhesions. In contrast, conditions like gastroesophageal reflux, celiac disease, and chronic pancreatitis do not directly arise from postoperative adhesions. While they are significant gastrointestinal conditions, they have distinct etiology and pathophysiological mechanisms that do not involve the formation of adhesions. Thus, small bowel obstruction is specifically linked to postoperative adhesions, making it the correct answer.