Small intestine, Mesentery, Peritoneum Surgeries

Small Intestine Surgeries

The small intestine is a long tube, ranging from 20 to 25 feet (6 to 8 meters) in length, with an average of 22 feet. It extends from the stomach to the large intestine, divided into three portions – duodenum, jejunum, and ileum. Enclosed in a peritoneal cavity, the small intestine moves constantly to push food toward the large intestine, absorbing nutrients through its vast, specialized lining.

It receives its blood supply through vessels traversing its root or mesentery. Diseases affecting the small intestine range from simple infections to complex conditions like inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease) or cancer.

Common Causes of Intestinal Obstructions:

• Infection – Tuberculosis or other bacterial infections
• Inflammation – Crohn's disease
• Stricture – Narrowing of the intestinal tube
• Adhesions – Intestines sticking to each other or the abdominal wall
• Hernias – Intestine protruding through a hole in the abdominal musculature
• Tumours – Cancerous or non-cancerous (large polyps)
• Miscellaneous – Intussusception, volvulus

Vascular malformations, which cause bleeding and blood in stools, are also common. Conditions leading to ischemia or gangrene from disrupted blood supply are frequently encountered. Perforations due to analgesic abuse, peptic ulcers, Typhoid infections, and trauma are other frequent issues.

Tumours can arise in the small intestine's root or mesentery and are often non-cancerous or lymph node enlargements.

Symptoms:

• Abdominal colic or pain, distension, nausea, bile or blood vomiting
• Fever, constipation, inability to pass gas, blood in stools, loss of weight and appetite

Diagnosis:

• Routine blood investigations, CRP, ESR
• Stool routine with occult blood, Fecal calprotectin
• X-ray abdomen and pelvis, Ultrasound, CT, MR Enterography, Enteroscopy

Treatment:

Treatment can be either conservative or surgical, with procedures performed laparoscopically or through open surgery.