Small bowel obstruction (SBO) remains a major surgical condition, and its management consumes a significant portion of our health care efforts. Adhesions are the most common cause of SBO in developed societies. Most small bowel obstructions can be managed with nonoperative means such as bowel rest and intravenous hydration. Operative treatment is indicated to relieve obstructions that fail to resolve with conservative measures, and involves lysis of adhesions or resections. New methods to prevent obstruction are under development.
Small bowel obstruction - adhesions - lysis of adhesions
