Mary Parkman: Ascaris bowel obstruction and surgical deworming
Mary presents with severe abdominal pain and apparent bowel obstruction before worms appear in vomit and the NG tube.
In Plain English
Mary's presentation looks like bowel obstruction until worms appear, changing the diagnosis to intestinal roundworm.
What Happened in the Episode
April sees a worm in Mary's vomit at the same time another worm comes through the NG tube.
Clinical Concept
Ascaris lumbricoides causing obstruction-like symptoms.
What ER Teams Would Evaluate
A real team would assess obstruction severity, hydration, imaging, stool or worm identification, exposure history, need for NG decompression, surgery, and antiparasitic medication.
Treatment and Management Overview
Episode-supported management includes NG tube and surgical deworming.
What TV Gets Right
The episode gives concrete obstruction signs and a visible diagnostic clue.
What TV Compresses
The episode does not document stool testing, eosinophils, antiparasitic medication, exposure counseling, or recurrence prevention.
Sources and Further Reading
- iDRief catalog page
- Grey's Anatomy Universe Wiki - Don't Stop Me Now
- Don't Stop Me Now transcript
- Grey's Anatomy Universe Wiki - Don't Stop Me NowEPISODE
Supports: Supports Mary's severe abdominal pain, distension, vomiting, barium swallow, worms, NG tube, surgery, and stability.
- Don't Stop Me Now transcriptEPISODE
Supports: Supports scene context for Mary's diagnosis and surgery.
- CDC - About AscariasisTIER 1
Supports: Supports general ascariasis context.
- MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia - Intestinal ObstructionTIER 1
Supports: Supports general bowel obstruction context.
- iDRief catalog pageEPISODE
Supports: Supports episode-level evidence for this curated case.