Lisa Marie Presley, the only daughter of the late Elvis Presley and Priscilla Presley, died on January 12, 2023, at the age of 54. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s office has revealed that her death was caused by a bowel obstruction, a rare but serious complication of a weight-loss surgery she had undergone several years ago. In this article, we will explore what a bowel obstruction is, how it can be caused by weight-loss surgery, and what are the signs and symptoms of this condition.
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What is a bowel obstruction?
A bowel obstruction is a blockage in the small intestine or the large intestine (colon) that prevents the normal passage of food and waste. It can be caused by various factors, such as tumors, hernias, inflammation, infection, or scar tissue. A bowel obstruction can lead to serious complications, such as tissue death, perforation, infection, or sepsis. If not treated promptly, a bowel obstruction can be fatal.
How can weight-loss surgery cause a bowel obstruction?
Weight-loss surgery, also known as bariatric surgery, is a procedure that alters the digestive system to help people lose weight. There are different types of weight-loss surgery, such as gastric bypass, gastric sleeve, or gastric banding. These surgeries can reduce the size of the stomach or bypass part of the small intestine to limit the amount of food and calories that can be absorbed.
However, weight-loss surgery can also have some long-term risks and complications. One of them is the formation of adhesions, which are bands of scar tissue that can stick together different parts of the abdomen. Adhesions can develop after any abdominal surgery, but they are more common after weight-loss surgery because of the extensive manipulation of the intestines. Adhesions can cause the intestines to twist or kink, creating a partial or complete blockage.
According to CNN, Lisa Marie Presley’s autopsy report stated that her bowel obstruction was caused by adhesions that developed after bariatric surgery years ago. The report also noted that this is a known long-term complication of this type of surgery.
What are the signs and symptoms of a bowel obstruction?
A bowel obstruction can cause various signs and symptoms, depending on the location and severity of the blockage. Some of the common ones are:
- Abdominal pain or cramps
- Nausea or vomiting
- Bloating or distension
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Loss of appetite or weight loss
- Fever or dehydration
A bowel obstruction can also cause a cardiac arrest, which is when the heart stops beating effectively. This can happen if the blockage causes a severe infection or inflammation that affects the blood pressure or the heart function. A cardiac arrest can lead to death within minutes if not treated immediately.
According to BBC News, Lisa Marie Presley was complaining of abdominal pain on the morning of her death. She was rushed to a hospital in California, where she was pronounced dead after suffering a cardiac arrest.
How is a bowel obstruction diagnosed and treated?
A bowel obstruction can be diagnosed by a physical examination and various tests, such as blood tests, urine tests, X-rays, ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI. The treatment depends on the cause and severity of the blockage. Some of the possible treatments are:
- Medications: These can include painkillers, antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs, or laxatives to relieve the symptoms and treat any infection or inflammation.
- Fluids and nutrition: These can be given through an intravenous (IV) line or a nasogastric (NG) tube to prevent dehydration and malnutrition.
- Surgery: This may be needed to remove the blockage or repair any damage to the intestines. Surgery may also involve removing part of the intestine if it is dead or perforated.
The prognosis of a bowel obstruction depends on several factors, such as the underlying cause, the duration and extent of the blockage, the presence of complications, and the overall health of the patient. A bowel obstruction can be cured if treated early and appropriately. However, it can also have serious consequences if left untreated or if complications arise.
Conclusion
Lisa Marie Presley’s cause of death was a bowel obstruction caused by adhesions from a previous weight-loss surgery. This is a rare but possible complication that can occur years after bariatric surgery. A bowel obstruction is a serious condition that requires prompt diagnosis and treatment to prevent life-threatening complications. Anyone who has had weight-loss surgery should be aware of the signs and symptoms of a bowel obstruction and seek medical attention if they experience them.
