Recurrent Nausea in Surgery — 72yo Man | General Surgery | SMLE Q#18166
SMLE Question #18166
Surgery
General Surgery
Objective: OBJ-POSTOP-ILEUS-INIT
Last updated: February 2026
A 72-year-old man is on postoperative day 4 after an open laparotomy for bowel resection. He has progressive abdominal distension with recurrent nausea and vomiting and has not passed flatus or stool since surgery. Examination shows a tympanitic, mildly tender abdomen with diffusely absent bowel sounds; the incision is clean and dry. What is the most appropriate initial management?
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