Colorectal Emergencies: Review and Controversies in the Management of Large Bowel Obstruction

• Published in: Journal of gastrointestinal surgery Vol. 17; no. 11; pp. 2007 - 2012
• Main Authors: Yeo, Heather L., Lee, Sang W.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Boston Springer US 01-11-2013; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Abdomen; Colonic Diseases - diagnosis; Colonic Diseases - etiology; Colonic Diseases - surgery; Colonic Neoplasms - complications; Colorectal cancer; Etiology; Evidence-Based Current Surgical Practice; Gastroenterology; Humans; Intestinal obstruction; Intestinal Obstruction - diagnosis; Intestinal Obstruction - etiology; Intestinal Obstruction - surgery; Intestinal Volvulus - complications; Ischemia; Laparotomy; Medical imaging; Medicine; Medicine & Public Health; Palliative Care; Pathology; Patients; Peritonitis; Stents; Surgery; Tumors; New York; United States > US; Large bowel obstruction; Colonic obstruction; Obstructing colon cancer
• ISSN: 1091-255X; 1873-4626
• DOI: 10.1007/s11605-013-2343-x

Introduction
Traditionally, large bowel obstruction (LBO) has been managed as an operative emergency. Its causes and treatments are an important part of general surgical and colon and rectal surgery practices.
Discussion
While management has traditionally been emergent laparotomy with resection or removal of underlying pathology, newer methodologies and treatments over the last decade have required treating physicians to consider a number of other options, including nonoperative options such as stenting, when treating these patients.
Conclusion
Given these changes, treating a patient with LBO requires a thoughtful assessment and comprehensive understanding of underlying pathology, assessment of the patient's comorbidities and up-to-date knowledge of modern options for treatment.