Small Bowel Blockage Possibly Caused by Tirzepatide in a Patient Without Prior Surgery

Tirzepatide dose escalation may precipitate functional small bowel obstruction that mimics mechanical obstruction.

• Functional small bowel obstruction can occur even in patients who have not undergone surgery.
• Careful review of medications is important to identify potential causes of obstruction.
• Objective tools like the water-soluble contrast challenge may assist in safe non-operative management.
• Avoiding unnecessary surgical interventions is a potential benefit of proper assessment.

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