Exxcellence pearls: small bowel injury

Question 0

Describe the orientation of suture placement recommended to minimize narrowing the small bowel lumen during repair.

Answer 0

Suture lines should be perpendicular to the long axis of the bowel.

Question 1

During repair of small bowel injury what can be used to prevent gas and small bowel fluid from leaking through the injury site?

Answer 1

Non-traumatic bowel clamps

Question 3

Describe suture used for small bowel repair.

Answer 3

Same as large bowel repair. Watertight running 3-0 delayed absorbable suture on mucosa. Then interrupted 3-0 permanent suture to invert the first layer.