The management of adhesive small bowel obstruction - an update.

Author(s): Hill AG

Affiliation(s): Department of Surgery, University of Auckland, Middlemore Hospital, PO Box 93311 Otahuhu, Auckland, New Zealand. ahill@middlemore.co.nz

Publication date & source: 2008-02, Int J Surg., 6(1):77-80. Epub 2006 Oct 16.

Publication type:

Adhesive small bowel obstruction is a common cause for admission to general surgical wards in developed countries. Recent advances in diagnosis and management include the use of water soluble contrast agents in the treatment and triage of patients to an operative or conservative course, the use of CT scanning in diagnosis, the use of laparoscopy in treatment and antiadhesion techniques to prevent recurrence.