Lisa Marie Presley, the only daughter of the legendary singer Elvis Presley, died on January 12, 2023, at the age of 54. Her death shocked and saddened her fans and family, who struggled to understand what had happened to the talented musician and songwriter. The cause of her death was revealed by the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner in July, after a thorough investigation and autopsy. According to the report, Lisa Marie died of natural causes, as a result of a small bowel obstruction that was caused by scar tissue from a previous weight-loss surgery. In this article, we will explain what a small bowel obstruction is, how it can be caused by weight-loss surgery, and what are the signs and symptoms of this potentially fatal condition.
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What is a small bowel obstruction?
A small bowel obstruction (SBO) is a blockage in the small intestine, which is the part of the digestive system that connects the stomach and the large intestine. The small intestine is responsible for absorbing nutrients and water from the food we eat. When the small intestine is blocked, the food and fluids cannot pass through, and they start to accumulate in the bowel. This can cause swelling, pain, nausea, vomiting, dehydration, and electrolyte imbalance. If the blockage is not relieved, the pressure can damage the bowel tissue, causing it to die or perforate. This can lead to infection, sepsis, shock, and death.
How can weight-loss surgery cause a small bowel obstruction?
Weight-loss surgery, also known as bariatric surgery, is a procedure that aims to reduce the size of the stomach or the absorption of calories in the intestine, to help people lose weight. There are different types of weight-loss surgery, such as gastric bypass, gastric sleeve, gastric band, and duodenal switch. These surgeries can have various benefits, such as improving diabetes, blood pressure, cholesterol, and quality of life. However, they also have some risks and complications, such as bleeding, infection, leakage, ulcers, hernias, malnutrition, and gallstones.
One of the possible complications of weight-loss surgery is the formation of adhesions, which are bands of scar tissue that can stick together different parts of the abdomen, such as the bowel, the stomach, the liver, and the pelvic organs. Adhesions can develop after any abdominal surgery, as a natural response of the body to heal the wounds. However, some people are more prone to develop adhesions than others, and some surgeries are more likely to cause adhesions than others. According to the medical examiner’s report, Lisa Marie had undergone a weight-loss surgery several years ago, and this had caused adhesions in her small intestine. These adhesions had blocked her bowel, leading to the fatal obstruction.
What are the signs and symptoms of a small bowel obstruction?
A small bowel obstruction can cause various signs and symptoms, depending on the severity and duration of the blockage. Some of the common signs and symptoms are:
- Abdominal pain, which can be crampy, sharp, or dull, and can vary in intensity and location
- Abdominal distension, which is the swelling of the abdomen due to the accumulation of gas and fluids in the bowel
- Nausea and vomiting, which can be frequent and severe, and can contain bile or fecal matter
- Constipation or diarrhea, which can be alternating or absent, depending on the level of the obstruction
- Loss of appetite and weight loss, which can be due to the reduced intake and absorption of food and fluids
- Dehydration and electrolyte imbalance, which can be caused by the loss of fluids and minerals through vomiting and diarrhea
- Fever and chills, which can indicate an infection or inflammation of the bowel
- Rapid heart rate and low blood pressure, which can be signs of shock or sepsis
A small bowel obstruction is a medical emergency that requires immediate attention and treatment. If left untreated, it can cause serious complications, such as bowel necrosis, perforation, peritonitis, sepsis, shock, and death. The treatment of a small bowel obstruction depends on the cause, the location, and the severity of the blockage. Some of the possible treatments are:
- Fluid and electrolyte replacement, which can be given intravenously to correct the dehydration and imbalance
- Nasogastric tube, which is a tube that is inserted through the nose and into the stomach, to decompress the bowel and remove the gas and fluids
- Medications, such as antibiotics, painkillers, antiemetics, and antispasmodics, to treat the infection, pain, nausea, and spasms
- Surgery, which is the definitive treatment for a small bowel obstruction, and involves removing the blockage and repairing the bowel. Surgery can be done laparoscopically or open, depending on the situation and the surgeon’s preference.
How to prevent a small bowel obstruction?
A small bowel obstruction can be prevented by avoiding or reducing the risk factors that can cause it. Some of the preventive measures are:
- Eating a healthy and balanced diet, which can provide adequate fiber, fluids, vitamins, and minerals, and prevent constipation and malnutrition
- Exercising regularly, which can improve the blood circulation, the bowel motility, and the immune system, and prevent obesity and diabetes
- Quitting smoking, which can reduce the inflammation, the infection, and the adhesion formation in the abdomen
- Following the doctor’s instructions, which can include taking the prescribed medications, supplements, and vitamins, and attending the regular follow-ups and tests, especially after a weight-loss surgery
- Seeking medical help, which can be done promptly if any signs or symptoms of a small bowel obstruction are experienced, such as abdominal pain, vomiting, or fever
Conclusion
Lisa Marie Presley was a talented and beloved singer and songwriter, who died of natural causes, as a result of a small bowel obstruction that was caused by scar tissue from a previous weight-loss surgery. A small bowel obstruction is a serious and potentially fatal condition that can be caused by various factors, such as adhesions, hernias, or cancer. A small bowel obstruction can cause various signs and symptoms, such as abdominal pain, vomiting, and dehydration, and can require immediate treatment, such as surgery. A small bowel obstruction can be prevented by following a healthy lifestyle, a proper diet, and a regular medical care. Lisa Marie Presley’s death is a tragic reminder of the importance of being aware of the risks and complications of weight-loss surgery, and of seeking medical help if any signs or symptoms of a small bowel obstruction are experienced.
