Gelfoam Induced Adhesive Intestinal Obstruction

Postoperative adhesive intestinal obstruction is a known entity, but the use of gelfoam for control of intraoperative bleeding being responsible for the same is extremely rare. Only a few cases have been reported in literature. We present a case of postoperative adhesive intestinal obstruction due to gelfoam used intraoperatively for hemostasis during hysterectomy, which necessitated exploratory laparotomy. A brief case report along with discussion and review of literature is presented herewith.