Multiple Small Intestine Perforations after Organophosphorous Poisoning: A Case Report

Abstract

Organophosphate poisoning has significant gastrointestinal manifestations including vomiting, diarrhea, cramps and increased salivation. We report an uncommon gastrointestinal complication of multiple small intestinal perforations following organophosphorus poisoning. A 28-year old male presented after ingesting dichlorvos mixed with alcohol. Following the initial cholinergic symptoms, the patient developed severe shock with fever, attributed to aspiration pneumonia. Despite appropriate antibiotics, shock was persistent. Over the next 24-hours, he developed abdominal distension, loose stools and high nasogastric aspirates. Computed tomography showed pneumoperitonium. Exploratory laparotomy revealed six perforations in the jejunum and ileum. The involved portion of the bowel was resected and re-anastomosed, following which only 80-cm of small bowel was left. Postoperatively, shock resolved over 72-hours. However, over the next few days, patient developed features of anastomotic leak. Since only a small portion of the small bowel was preserved, a conservative approach was adopted. He deteriorated further and finally succumbed to the illness.

Keywords

• dichlorvos
• gastrointestinal
• organophosphate
• perforation