title: Perforation of the small intestine in early postlaparotomy course.
abstract: In three patients with signs of abdominal catastrophe four to five days after abdominal surgery, a repeat laparotomy disclosed perforation of the small intestine. Causes of small-bowel perforation are discussed and possible mechanisms are proposed for the three presented cases--iatrogenic perforation, compression injury, deep sutures and thermal injury.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007416:Intestinal Perforation / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D007421:Intestine, Small / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications