Persistent Gastrointestinal Symptoms After Bowel Resection Due to Trauma

Case Overview

This case study focuses on a young adult who was involved in a motor vehicle accident (MVA) in October. The individual suffered significant injuries including a lacerated spleen and perforated bowel. This led to an emergency bowel resection surgery performed two days post-accident.

The recovery period extended over one and a half years, marked by persistent gastrointestinal symptoms such as reflux, abdominal pain, constipation, and discomfort during meals. An expert gastroenterologist was sought to review medical records, conduct an independent medical examination (IME), and provide professional insights into the patient's current condition and future treatment needs.

Questions to the Gastroenterology expert and their responses

How frequently do you evaluate and manage patients experiencing persistent gastrointestinal symptoms after a bowel resection due to perforation?

As the division chief of pediatric gastroenterology, hepatology, and nutrition at a prominent children's hospital in Ohio, I regularly encounter patients across all age groups dealing with GI symptoms following bowel resection. My career spans over 20 years in clinical care, education of medical trainees, and medical research.

What are the key criteria that should guide the determination of future care for patients with persistent gastrointestinal symptoms after a bowel resection?

The critical factors that should inform the planning of future care for patients with ongoing gastrointestinal symptoms post-bowel resection include the extent and region of bowel resected; along with the types of symptoms they are experiencing such as dysmotility, chronic pain, or malabsorption.

Have you reviewed cases similar to this one involving persistent GI symptoms following bowel resection? If so, could you briefly describe your experience?

Throughout my extensive career in gastroenterology, I have reviewed numerous cases involving patients with persistent GI symptoms following bowel resection. Each case presents unique challenges and requires a tailored approach to manage effectively.

About the expert

This expert is a seasoned professional in pediatric gastroenterology with over two decades of experience. They hold board certification in pediatric gastroenterology and are affiliated with several esteemed medical associations. Currently, they serve as a professor of pediatrics, the director of a pediatric gastroenterology fellowship program at a top-tier medical school, and hold multiple leadership roles at an affiliated children's hospital, including chief of pediatric gastroenterology and co-director of the pediatric aerodigestive clinic. Their extensive academic contributions include numerous peer-reviewed journal articles and book chapters.