Complications can occur following gastrointestinal or any type of surgical procedure. Complications are best avoided through strategic planning and safe surgical technique performed by the surgeon. Gastrointestinal surgeries include anastomoses, gastric surgery, placement of gastrostomy tubes, biliary tract surgery, abdominal laparoscopic surgery, stomas, colonoscopy and rectal surgery.
Intestinal Obstruction
Patients who have undergone gastrointestinal surgery may develop an intestinal obstruction as a result of surgery. An intestinal obstruction is a partial or complete blockage of the bowel that results in the failure of the intestinal contents, such as food and stool, to pass through. Intestinal adhesions, which are bands of fibrous tissue in the abdominal cavity that often form after having abdominal surgery, can be the cause of a mechanical obstruction causing a blockage.
Intra-abdominal Abscess
An intra-abdominal abscess is a pocket of infected fluid inside the abdominal cavity. It can be caused as a result of gastrointestinal surgery including a ruptured appendix, ruptured intestinal diverticulum, inflammatory bowel disease, a parasitic infection in the intestines or other condition that may have infected the abdominal cavity.
Acute Pancreatitis
Acute pancreatitis can be caused by abdominal trauma and infection, which can occur following gastrointestinal surgery. Acute pancreatitis begins with gradual or sudden pain in the upper abdomen and can also include a swollen and tender abdomen, nausea, vomiting, fever or a rapid pulse.
Cholecystitis
Cholecystitis is when the gallbladder is inflamed. The buildup of bile can cause the inflammation. It can occur as a result of gastrointestinal surgery. Cholecystitis can be caused by an injury to the gallbladder that can happen as a result of trauma to the abdomen or as a result of abdominal or gastrointestinal surgery.
Gastrointestinal Fistula
A gastrointestinal fistula is an abnormal opening that allows stomach intestinal contents to leak and most often occur following surgery. A gastrointestinal fistula can occur as a result of a gastrointestinal obstruction or as a result of puncture wounds to the abdomen.
Tetanus
Tetanus is an illness caused by tetanus bacteria, which can enter the body through a deep cut, such as with abdominal incisions that occur with gastrointestinal surgery. Tetanus infection causes painful tightening of the muscles, typically all over the body.
