Acute Physical Therapy Management of a Patient with a Large Bowel Obstruction: A Case Report
Document Type
Poster
Start Date
28-4-2026 12:00 PM
End Date
28-4-2026 2:00 PM
Description
Introduction: Large bowel obstruction is a critical condition associated with high morbidity and functional decline. Despite the known benefits of early mobilization following abdominal surgery, literature detailing physical therapy management in cases of large bowel obstruction remains limited. Purpose: This case report highlights the role of physical therapy in acute care recovery for a patient following an exploratory laparotomy as her initial treatment for large bowel obstruction. Methods: The patient was a 53-year-old African American female who presented with a three-week history of abdominal pain, constipation, and nausea. She was diagnosed with large bowel obstruction and underwent exploratory laparotomy with subsequent complications prolon ging hospitalization. Initial physical therapy focused on bed mobility and progressive mobilization while managing her pain and fatigue. The patient received seventeen physical therapy sessions during her stay at the hospital. At evaluation, the patient r equired maximum assistance of two for bed mobility. Results: Over six weeks, she progressed to ambulating 38 feet with a rolling walker and minimum assistance. Despite barriers including multiple comorbidities and postoperative complications, the patie nt demonstrated significant functional improvement through early mobilization with physical therapy. Discussion: This case underscores the essential role of physical therapy in post-abdominal surgery recovery, particularly in complex large bowel obstr uction cases. This case supports supervised early mobilization in improving outcomes, even in medically complex patients, to improve functional outcomes.
Recommended Citation
Ogra, Madi, "Acute Physical Therapy Management of a Patient with a Large Bowel Obstruction: A Case Report" (2026). School of Allied Health Professions Research Day. 30.
https://digitalscholar.lsuhsc.edu/ahrd/2026/posters/30
Acute Physical Therapy Management of a Patient with a Large Bowel Obstruction: A Case Report
Introduction: Large bowel obstruction is a critical condition associated with high morbidity and functional decline. Despite the known benefits of early mobilization following abdominal surgery, literature detailing physical therapy management in cases of large bowel obstruction remains limited. Purpose: This case report highlights the role of physical therapy in acute care recovery for a patient following an exploratory laparotomy as her initial treatment for large bowel obstruction. Methods: The patient was a 53-year-old African American female who presented with a three-week history of abdominal pain, constipation, and nausea. She was diagnosed with large bowel obstruction and underwent exploratory laparotomy with subsequent complications prolon ging hospitalization. Initial physical therapy focused on bed mobility and progressive mobilization while managing her pain and fatigue. The patient received seventeen physical therapy sessions during her stay at the hospital. At evaluation, the patient r equired maximum assistance of two for bed mobility. Results: Over six weeks, she progressed to ambulating 38 feet with a rolling walker and minimum assistance. Despite barriers including multiple comorbidities and postoperative complications, the patie nt demonstrated significant functional improvement through early mobilization with physical therapy. Discussion: This case underscores the essential role of physical therapy in post-abdominal surgery recovery, particularly in complex large bowel obstr uction cases. This case supports supervised early mobilization in improving outcomes, even in medically complex patients, to improve functional outcomes.