Small bowel obstruction

Small bowel obstruction (SBO) is a medical emergency that requires early diagnosis and potential surgical intervention.

It typically presents with the combined symptoms of abdominal pain, bloating, vomiting, and failure to pass flatus or stool per rectum. Peritonitis is generally present if the obstruction has progressed to ischemia/gangrene and/or perforation.

Diagnosis is generally based upon clinical and imaging features. A computed tomography (CT) scan of the abdomen is usually the initial imaging modality.

Treatment involves a combination of nasogastric decompression and intravenous fluids. Surgery may be required, so the diagnosis requires urgent surgical assessment.

Patients who are treated in a timely manner have a very good prognosis. If untreated, it can progress to intestinal necrosis, perforation, sepsis, and multi-organ failure.

Small bowel obstruction (SBO) is a mechanical disruption in the patency of the gastrointestinal tract, resulting in a combination of emesis (that may be bilious), absolute constipation, and abdominal pain.