Adhesive Small Bowel Obstruction (ASBO): Role of CT Scan in Guiding Choice and Timing for Treatment Options

Abstract

Bowel obstruction also called “ileus” (of Greek origin meaning to tighten or twist) is defined as the arrest or the prevention of progression of intestinal contents in both the small and large intestines. Mechanical bowel obstruction comprises about 15% of all emergency admissions for abdominal pain. The most important risk factor for ASBO is the type of surgery and extent of peritoneal damage. Open surgery and major abdominal surgery entailing extensive dissections have a higher risk for ASBO. The lower incidence of adhesions expected after laparoscopic surgery likely translates into long-term benefits in terms of reduced ASBO. Abdominal adhesions, which can begin forming within a few hours after an operation, represent the most common cause of intestinal obstruction being responsible for 70–80% of small bowel obstruction (SBO) and typically occur in patients with a history of abdominal surgery or inflammatory bowel disease.