Lisa Marie Presley, the only daughter of the late Elvis Presley and Priscilla Presley, passed away on January 12, 2023, at the age of 54. She was found in cardiac arrest at her home in Calabasas, California, and was pronounced dead at the hospital. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office has recently revealed the cause of her death: a bowel obstruction caused by scar tissue from a prior weight-loss surgery.
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What is a Bowel Obstruction?
A bowel obstruction is a blockage in the small intestine that prevents the passage of food, fluids, and gas. It can cause severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, bloating, constipation, or diarrhea. If left untreated, it can lead to serious complications such as bowel perforation, infection, sepsis, or death.
There are many possible causes of a bowel obstruction, such as hernias, tumors, inflammation, foreign objects, or adhesions. Adhesions are bands of scar tissue that form after surgeries, infections, or injuries. They can stick to the bowel and other organs, creating kinks or twists that obstruct the normal flow of the intestine.
How Did Lisa Marie Presley’s Weight-Loss Surgery Contribute to Her Bowel Obstruction?
According to the autopsy report, Lisa Marie Presley had undergone bariatric surgery, also known as weight-loss surgery, several years ago. This is a type of surgery that reduces the size of the stomach or bypasses part of the small intestine to limit the amount of food and calories that can be absorbed. It is usually performed on people who have obesity and related health problems, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart disease.
However, bariatric surgery also has some risks and side effects, such as bleeding, infection, leakage, ulcers, malnutrition, or gallstones. One of the long-term complications of bariatric surgery is the development of adhesions, which can occur in up to 93% of patients. These adhesions can cause bowel obstruction, which can occur in up to 4.5% of patients2.
The autopsy report stated that Lisa Marie Presley’s bowel obstruction was caused by adhesions that developed after her bariatric surgery. The report also noted that she had therapeutic levels of oxycodone, quetapine metabolite, and buprenorphine in her blood, but they were not contributory to her death. The report ruled her death as natural and said that the cardiac arrest was a result of the bowel obstruction.
How Can Bowel Obstruction Be Prevented and Treated?
Bowel obstruction is a medical emergency that requires prompt diagnosis and treatment. The symptoms of bowel obstruction can vary depending on the location and severity of the blockage, but they usually include abdominal pain, cramping, distension, vomiting, or inability to pass gas or stool. If you experience any of these symptoms, you should seek medical attention immediately.
The treatment of bowel obstruction depends on the cause and the extent of the obstruction. Some cases can be treated with conservative measures, such as fluids, antibiotics, or nasogastric tube decompression. However, some cases may require surgery to remove the blockage and repair the bowel. Surgery can also cause more adhesions, creating a vicious cycle of recurrent bowel obstruction.
Therefore, prevention is the best strategy to avoid bowel obstruction. Some of the preventive measures include:
Eating a balanced diet that is rich in fiber and fluids to prevent constipation and promote bowel movement.
Avoiding foods that can cause gas, bloating, or indigestion, such as beans, cabbage, broccoli, dairy products, or carbonated drinks.
Taking medications as prescribed and following the instructions of your doctor and pharmacist. Some medications can affect the motility of the intestine and increase the risk of bowel obstruction, such as opioids, anticholinergics, or antidepressants.
Following the post-operative care and guidelines after any abdominal surgery, especially bariatric surgery. This may include eating small and frequent meals, chewing food well, taking vitamin and mineral supplements, and avoiding smoking, alcohol, or NSAIDs.
Seeking regular follow-up and monitoring by your doctor after bariatric surgery to check for any complications or nutritional deficiencies.
Reporting any signs or symptoms of bowel obstruction to your doctor as soon as possible.
Conclusion
Lisa Marie Presley’s cause of death was a tragic outcome of a complication from her weight-loss surgery. Bowel obstruction is a serious condition that can be fatal if not treated promptly. However, it can also be prevented by following a healthy lifestyle and seeking medical attention when needed. Lisa Marie Presley’s death is a reminder of the importance of being aware of the risks and benefits of any surgery and taking care of your health and well-being.
