Adhesive Small Bowel Adhesions Obstruction: Evolutions in Diagnosis, Management and Prevention

Overview

Journal World J Gastrointest Surg

Publisher Baishideng Publishing Group

Specialty Gastroenterology

Date 2016 Mar 30

PMID 27022449

Citations 28

Authors

Fausto Catena

Salomone Di Saverio

Federico Coccolini

Luca Ansaloni

Belinda De Simone

Massimo Sartelli

Harry van Goor

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Intra-abdominal adhesions following abdominal surgery represent a major unsolved problem. They are the first cause of small bowel obstruction. Diagnosis is based on clinical evaluation, water-soluble contrast follow-through and computed tomography scan. For patients presenting no signs of strangulation, peritonitis or severe intestinal impairment there is good evidence to support non-operative management. Open surgery is the preferred method for the surgical treatment of adhesive small bowel obstruction, in case of suspected strangulation or after failed conservative management, but laparoscopy is gaining widespread acceptance especially in selected group of patients. "Good" surgical technique and anti-adhesive barriers are the main current concepts of adhesion prevention. We discuss current knowledge in modern diagnosis and evolving strategies for management and prevention that are leading to stratified care for patients.

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