Open AccessAcute abdomen in mentally retarded patients: role of aerophagia. Report of nine cases
Author(s) -
van der Kolk Marion B. M.,
Bender Mart H. M.,
Goris R. Jan A.
Publication year - 1999
Publication title -
european journal of surgery
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1741-9271
pISSN - 1102-4151
DOI - 10.1080/110241599750006802
Subject(s) - medicine , laparotomy , surgery , ileus , abdomen , acute abdomen , percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy , mentally retarded , abdominal distension , psychology , developmental psychology , finance , peg ratio , economics
Between 1993 and 1996 nine mentally retarded patients presented because of an acute abdomen. All had the habit of aerophagia, diagnosed previously by a general practitioner. Massive distension of the bowel led to ileus, volvulus, and necrosis. After placement of a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy catheter or performing a gastrostomy during laparotomy with the intention to use as a desufflator, no recurrence of the signs and symptoms of an acute abdomen were observed.