Small Bowel Obstruction Due to Food Bolus Impaction in a Post Gastrojejunostomy Patient: A Case Report

Abstract

Small bowel obstruction (SBO) is a common surgical emergency that can result from various causes, including adhesions, hernias, tumors, and foreign bodies. SBO caused by food bolus impaction is a rare but important clinical condition, particularly in patients with a history of gastrointestinal surgery. This case report presents a 56-year-old male with a history of gastrojejunostomy and bypass surgery in 2010, performed for benign duodenal stenosis, who presented with a small bowel obstruction due to food bolus impaction. The patient complained of a two-day history of constipation, colicky abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and reduced urine output. Despite initial conservative management for suspected adhesive intestinal obstruction, exploratory laparotomy revealed food bolus impaction without adhesions. Bowel decompression and food bolus removal were performed, and the patient recovered uneventfully. This case report highlights the challenges in managing SBO due to food bolus impaction in a patient with prior gastrointestinal surgery and discusses the importance of long-term dietary adjustments in preventing recurrence.