Lisa Marie Presley, the only daughter of the late Elvis Presley and Priscilla Presley, died on January 12, 2023, at the age of 54. She was rushed to a hospital in California after suffering a cardiac arrest at her home in Calabasas. The cause of her death was later revealed to be a bowel obstruction, a rare but serious complication of a weight-loss surgery she had undergone years ago.
What is a bowel obstruction and how does it happen?
A bowel obstruction is a blockage in the small intestine that prevents food and fluids from passing through. It can cause severe pain, nausea, vomiting, bloating, constipation or diarrhea. If left untreated, it can lead to infection, tissue death or perforation of the bowel, which can be life-threatening.
There are many possible causes of a bowel obstruction, such as hernias, tumors, inflammation, foreign objects or scar tissue. Scar tissue, also known as adhesions, can form after surgeries or injuries to the abdomen. Adhesions can stick together parts of the intestine that normally move freely, creating a narrow passage or a complete obstruction.
According to the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s report¹, Lisa Marie Presley’s bowel obstruction was caused by adhesions that developed after bariatric surgery, a type of weight-loss surgery that reduces the size of the stomach or bypasses part of the small intestine. This is a known long-term complication of this type of surgery¹.
How common and dangerous is this complication?
Bowel obstruction is a rare but serious complication of bariatric surgery. According to a study published in the journal Surgery for Obesity and Related Diseases², the incidence of bowel obstruction after bariatric surgery ranges from 0.5% to 4.1%, depending on the type of procedure and the follow-up period. The risk is higher for procedures that involve intestinal bypass, such as Roux-en-Y gastric bypass or biliopancreatic diversion.
Bowel obstruction can occur at any time after bariatric surgery, but most cases happen within the first year. The symptoms can vary from mild to severe and may mimic other conditions, such as gastritis, ulcer or gallstones. Therefore, it is important for patients who have had bariatric surgery to seek medical attention if they experience persistent or worsening abdominal pain, vomiting or changes in bowel habits.
The treatment for bowel obstruction depends on the severity and location of the blockage. In some cases, conservative measures such as fluids, antibiotics and nasogastric tube decompression may be enough to resolve the obstruction. In other cases, surgery may be required to remove the adhesions or resect the affected part of the intestine.
The mortality rate for bowel obstruction after bariatric surgery is estimated to be around 0.5%, according to the same study². However, this rate may vary depending on the patient’s age, comorbidities and timing of diagnosis and treatment. Delayed diagnosis and treatment can increase the risk of complications such as sepsis, peritonitis or multiorgan failure.
What are the signs and symptoms of cardiac arrest caused by bowel obstruction?
Cardiac arrest is a sudden loss of heart function that stops blood flow to vital organs. It can be caused by many factors, such as heart disease, arrhythmia, trauma or drug overdose. In rare cases, it can also be caused by bowel obstruction.
According to Dr. Folasade P. May³, an associate professor of medicine at UCLA and director of the Melvin and Bren Simon Gastroenterology Quality Improvement Program³, Lisa Marie Presley likely developed cardiac arrest because she had a severe complication from her bowel obstruction.
She explained that when the bowel is obstructed, it can swell up and compress other organs in the abdomen, such as the liver or spleen. This can cause bleeding or rupture of these organs, leading to shock and low blood pressure. Low blood pressure can then affect the heart’s ability to pump blood effectively, resulting in cardiac arrest.
Dr. May also said that some medications found in Presley’s blood may have contributed to her condition by slowing down her intestinal motility and making it more likely for her bowel to get obstructed by adhesions³. These medications include oxycodone (a painkiller), quetiapine (an antipsychotic) and buprenorphine (a painkiller and opioid addiction treatment). However, these medications were not considered as direct causes of death by the medical examiner¹.
The signs and symptoms of cardiac arrest caused by bowel obstruction may include:
– Severe abdominal pain
– Vomiting
– Bloating
– Loss of consciousness
– No pulse
– No breathing
If someone shows these signs, call 911 immediately and start CPR if trained. Cardiac arrest is a medical emergency that requires prompt treatment to restore blood flow and prevent brain damage or death.
How to prevent bowel obstruction after bariatric surgery?
Bowel obstruction after bariatric surgery can be prevented by following some tips, such as:
– Eating a balanced and healthy diet that is rich in fiber and fluids
– Avoiding foods that are hard to digest, such as nuts, seeds, popcorn or corn
– Chewing food well and eating slowly
– Taking medications as prescribed and avoiding over-the-counter drugs that may affect the intestine, such as NSAIDs or opioids
– Following up regularly with the bariatric surgeon and reporting any symptoms or concerns
– Seeking medical attention promptly if experiencing signs of bowel obstruction
Bowel obstruction after bariatric surgery is a rare but serious complication that can be fatal if not treated in time. Lisa Marie Presley’s death is a tragic reminder of the risks and challenges of this type of surgery. However, with proper care and monitoring, most patients who undergo bariatric surgery can achieve long-term weight loss and improve their health and quality of life.
