From the Guidelines
An enterotomy is a surgical incision into the intestine, often performed for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes, such as removing obstructions or repairing damage, and requires meticulous closure to prevent complications like peritonitis. Enterotomy is a procedure that involves making a controlled incision into the intestinal wall to access the inside of the intestinal lumen. This can be done for various reasons, including removing foreign bodies, obtaining tissue samples, or creating access for other surgical interventions 1. The decision to perform an enterotomy depends on several factors, including the size, location, and etiology of the intestinal injury, as well as the patient's general status and the presence of comorbidities 1.
Key Considerations
- The procedure must be performed with careful consideration of the patient's overall health and the potential risks and benefits of the intervention 1.
- Meticulous closure of the intestinal incision is crucial to prevent leakage of intestinal contents and potential complications like peritonitis 1.
- Enterotomies can be performed as part of open abdominal surgery or laparoscopic procedures, and the choice of approach depends on the specific clinical scenario and the surgeon's expertise 1.
Potential Complications
- Peritonitis, a serious infection of the abdominal cavity, is a potential complication of enterotomy if the intestinal incision is not properly closed 1.
- Other potential complications include abscess formation, bowel obstruction, and adhesions 1.
Recovery
- Recovery from an enterotomy depends on the underlying condition and the patient's overall health, with most patients requiring several days of hospitalization for monitoring and supportive care while intestinal function returns to normal 1.
From the Research
Definition of Enterotomy
- Enterotomy is a surgical incision into the intestine, which can be performed to retrieve a foreign body, repair a damaged intestine, or relieve an obstruction 2, 3.
- It is a procedure that carries potential risks, such as damage to blood vessels and ureters, and may lead to complications like enterocutaneous fistula or abdominal compartment syndrome 4, 5.
Indications for Enterotomy
- Enterotomy may be necessary in cases of small bowel obstruction, where a foreign body or other obstruction is causing a blockage in the intestine 2, 3.
- It may also be performed during elective hernia repair, although this can increase the risk of complications like unplanned bowel resection or enterotomy 5.
- In some cases, enterotomy may be used to diagnose or treat conditions like intestinal ischemia or necrosis 6.
Risks and Complications of Enterotomy
- Enterotomy can lead to complications like infection, abscess, or fistula formation, particularly if the intestine is damaged or if there is a history of prior abdominal surgery 4, 5.
- The risk of complications is higher in patients with prior mesh repair or those who have undergone multiple abdominal surgeries 5.
- Enterotomy can also lead to increased operative time, length of stay, and postoperative complications, including reoperation and readmission 5.