The small intestine, also called the small bowel, plays a crucial role in the digestive process. As the organ where most digestion and absorption of nutrients occurs, any blockage or perforation can have serious consequences. Both small bowel obstructions and perforations can cause a range of symptoms, including pain, nausea, bloating, constipation, and more.
Dr. Deborah Martin is a highly experienced general surgery doctor who specializes in small bowel obstruction treatment and perforation repair. With expert surgical intervention, she provides comprehensive care for adults with gastrointestinal disorders.
Schedule your appointment with Dr. Martin today to receive the best in care and treatment for small bowel obstruction or perforation.
There are a number of potential causes of small bowel obstruction, but most commonly, the obstruction is caused by scar tissue, a hernia, or cancer. Small bowel obstruction symptoms include:
On the other hand, a small bowel perforation occurs when a hole develops in the small intestine, often as the result of an infection or disease. It can also be caused by trauma, a hernia, or certain medical procedures like colonoscopies. Small bowel perforation symptoms include:
In the majority of cases, these conditions will require surgery to heal. If you've received a small bowel obstruction diagnosis or a diagnosis of perforation, it's important to understand your treatment options. Dr. Deborah Martin, a board-certified general surgeon with years of experience in this area, most commonly treats these issues with one of two methods:
Prompt and appropriate treatment for small bowel obstructions and perforations is essential to prevent complications and improve overall health outcomes. Dr. Martin will assess your condition and recommend the most appropriate approach based on your specific needs and medical history.
These conditions are typically diagnosed using a CT scan of the abdomen. Not only does a CT scan allow your doctor to identify a small bowel obstruction or perforation, but the resulting images can also help identify complications that have occurred as a result, like abscesses. This information can help in the development of a treatment plan that will work for you.
In some cases, a partial small bowel obstruction may resolve itself with more conservative options like bowel rest, or giving your digestive system a chance to rest by only drinking certain liquids and not eating. However, complete obstructions and perforations typically require surgical intervention to prevent severe complications. If surgery is required, Dr. Martin will talk to you about the best course of action for your individual case.
If left untreated, these conditions can be very dangerous and even life-threatening. A small bowel obstruction can cause the intestine to become twisted or blocked, preventing blood from flowing to the area. Ultimately, this can lead to the blocked section of the intestine dying and causing severe sepsis.
A perforation requires immediate medical attention because it can lead to infection and leakage of intestinal contents. This can cause complications like sepsis, organ failure, and shock if not treated quickly. Fortunately, with prompt and quality care, these complications can be avoided.
Dr. Deborah Martin has been practicing as a general surgeon in the Atlanta area for over 30 years; in fact, she was one of the first female surgeons in the city! She specializes in all aspects of general surgery, including small bowel obstruction and perforation treatment. Schedule your appointment online today to get started. We look forward to helping you get back on your feet with quality and compassionate care!