Small Bowel Obstruction Patients Research Articles

Don't Let the Sun Rise on Small Bowel Obstruction Without Surgical Consultation-Redefining Nonoperative Management Pathways.

Introduction: Small bowel obstruction (SBO) is a common cause of hospital admission leading to resource utilization. The majority of these patients require non-operative management (NOM) which can lead to increased length of stay (LOS), readmissions, resource utilization, and throughput delays. Early surgical consultation (SC) for SBO may improve efficiency and outcomes. Methods: We implemented an institution-wide intervention (INT) to encourage early SC (<1day of diagnosis) for SBO patients in July 2022. A retrospective analysis was performed on all patients with SBO requiring NOM from January 2021 to June 2023, categorized into pre- and post-INT groups. The primary outcome was the number of SC's and secondary outcomes were early SC (<1day of diagnosis), utilization of SBFT, LOS, 30-day readmission, and costs of admission. Results: A total of 670 patients were included, 438 in the pre-INT and 232 in the post-INT group. Overall, SBFT utilization was significantly higher in cases with SC (17.2% vs 41.4%, P < .001). Post-INT patients were more likely to receive SC (94.0% vs 83.3%, P < .001) and increased SBFT utilization (47.0% vs 33.6%, P = .001). Additionally, early SC improved significantly in the post-INT group (74.3% vs 65.7%, P = .03). There was no difference in LOS between groups (4.0 vs 3.8 days, P = .48). There was a trend toward decreased readmission rates in the INT group at 30days (7.3% vs 11.0%, P = .13) and reduced direct costs in the INT group (US$/admission = 8467 vs 8708, P = .1). Conclusion: Hospital-wide interventions to increase early surgical involvement proved effective by improving early SC, increased SBFT utilization, and showed a trend towards decreased readmission rates and direct costs.

Assessing risk of recurrent small bowel obstruction after non-operative management in patients with history of intra-abdominal surgery: a population-based comprehensive analysis in Taiwan.

Despite a significant 30% ten-year readmission rate for SBO patients, investigations into recurrent risk factors after non-operative management are scarce. The study aims to generate a risk factor scoring system, the 'Small Bowel Obstruction Recurrence Score' (SBORS), predicting 6-month recurrence of small bowel obstruction (SBO) after successful non-surgical management in patients who have history of intra-abdominal surgery. We analyzed data from patients aged ≥ 18 with a history of intra-abdominal surgery and diagnosed with SBO (ICD-9 code: 560, 568) and were successful treated non-surgically between 2004 and 2008. Participants were divided into model-derivation (80%) and validation (20%) group. We analyzed 23,901 patients and developed the SBORS based on factors including the length of hospital stay > 4 days, previous operations > once, hemiplegia, extra-abdominal and intra-abdominal malignancy, esophagogastric surgery and intestino-colonic surgery. Scores > 2 indicated higher rates and risks of recurrence within 6 months (12.96% vs. 7.27%, OR 1.898, p < 0.001 in model-derivation group, 12.60% vs. 7.05%, OR 1.901, p < 0.001 in validation group) with a significantly increased risk of mortality and operative events for recurrent episodes. The SBORS model demonstrated good calibration and acceptable discrimination, with an area under curve values of 0.607 and 0.599 for the score generation and validation group, respectively. We established the effective 'SBORS' to predict 6-month SBO recurrence risk in patients who have history of intra-abdominal surgery and have been successfully managed non-surgically for the initial obstruction event. Those with scores > 2 face higher recurrence rates and operative risks after successful non-surgical management.

Characterization of Early Small Bowel Obstructions Following Elective Bariatric Surgery.

Small bowel obstruction (SBO) after bariatric surgery is an uncommon but important complication. We sought to characterize bariatric surgery patients who developed SBO, to compare 30-day complications, and to determine the influence of patient and procedure factors on the development of SBO. All data was extracted from the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP) database using the 2020 operative year. Multivariable logistic regression modelling was used to determine the influence of patient and operative factors on the development of SBO. Of a total of 142 111 patients, 408 (0.3%) were identified as having developed an SBO. SBO patients were older (45.7 ± 11.5 vs. 43.5 ± 11.9years; p = 0.0002), of reduced BMI (43.6 ± 6.8 vs. 45.1 ± 7.7; p = 0.0001), and more likely to be of female sex (92.2% vs. 81.1%; p < 0.0001). At 30days post-operation, serious complications were increased in SBO patients. Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) was the largest independent predicator of the development of SBO (OR 11.91; 95% CI 8.92-15.90; p < 0.0001). With regard to patient factors, COPD (OR 2.60; 95% CI 1.54-4.38; p < 0.0001) and prior DVT (OR 2.37; 95% CI 1.49-3.77; p < 0.0001) were found to be independently predictive of the development of SBO. Additionally having a lower BMI and being of female sex were found to be independently predictive. SBO occurred in approximately 0.3% of MBSAQIP cases. SBO is associated with serious outcome measures and patients of female sex and reduced index BMI, and those undergoing RYGB may be at an increased risk.

Adhesion Band Small Bowel Obstruction in Virgin Abdomen: A Case Report

Small bowel obstruction (SBO) is a common surgical emergency, accounting for almost 50% of all emergency laparotomies with significant in-hospital morbidity. History of previous intra-abdominal surgery is very common in SBO patients, which can include up to 80% of these patients. However, there are cases of SBO with no prior abdominal surgery caused by omental bands, which are very rare and have a high probability of misdiagnosis, referred to as a virgin abdomen. In this article, a rare case of adhesion band small bowel obstruction in a virgin abdomen is presented. Although the factors related to SBO in a virgin abdomen and its underlying causes are not yet fully understood. In this case, the most possible explanation is considering the patient’s age and congenital condition because of the absence of previous abdominal surgeries or inflammation history.

Survey of Diagnostic and Management Practices in Small Bowel Obstruction: Individual and Generational Variation Despite Practice Guidelines.

Background: Small bowel obstruction (SBO) is a common disorder managed by surgeons. Despite extensive publications and management guidelines, there is no universally accepted approach to its diagnosis and management. We conducted a survey of acute care surgeons to elucidate their SBO practice patterns.Methods: A self-report survey of SBO diagnosis and management practices was designed and distributed by email to AAST surgeons who cared for adult SBO patients. Responses were analyzed with descriptive statistics and Chi-square test of independence at α = .05.Results: There were 201 useable surveys: 53% ≥ 50years, 77% male, 77% at level I trauma centers. Only 35.8% reported formal hospital SBO management guidelines. Computed tomography (CT) scan was the only diagnostic exam listed as "essential" by the majority of respondents (82.6%). Following NG decompression, 153 (76.1%) would "always/frequently" administer a water-soluble contrast challenge (GC). There were notable age differences in approach. Compared to those ≥50years, younger surgeons were less likely to deem plain abdominal films as "essential" (16.0% vs 40.2%; P < .01) but more likely to require CT scan (88.3% vs 77.6%; P = .045) for diagnosis and to "always/frequently" administer GC (84.0% vs 69.2%; P < .01). Younger surgeons used laparoscopy "frequently" more often than older surgeons (34.0% vs 21.5%, P = .05).Discussion: There is significant variation in diagnosis and management of SBO among respondents in this convenience sample, despite existing PMGs. Novel age differences in responses were observed, which prompts further evaluation. Additional research is needed to determine whether variation in practice patterns is widespread and affects outcomes.

REVIEW OF MANAGEMENT OF SMALL BOWEL OBSTRUCTION

A major surgical emergency that is frequently found in the emergency unit is small bowel obstruction (SBO). The management of small bowel obstruction in adults was examined using systematic keyword searches in the Pubmed, Cochrane, and Google Scholar databases. The timely use of CT scans can have an impact on clinical outcomes in the management of SBO. Treatment for small bowel obstruction includes both surgical and non-surgical methods. SBO management is evolving along with the development of evidence-based guidelines and SBO management continues to change. Review will help Surgeons in treating SBO patients.

Survey of Diagnostic and Management Practices in Small Bowel Obstruction: Individual and Generational Variation Despite Practice Guidelines

Introduction: Small bowel obstruction (SBO) is among the most common disorders managed by acute care surgeons. Despite extensive publications and an Eastern Association for the Surgery of Trauma (EAST) practice management guideline (PMG), there is no universally accepted approach to the diagnosis and management of SBO. We conducted a survey of trauma surgeons to elucidate their current SBO practice patterns. Methods: A self-report survey of SBO diagnosis and management practices in adults was designed and distributed by email to American Association for the Surgery of Trauma member surgeons who directly cared for SBO patients. Responses were analyzed with descriptive statistics and Chi-Square test of independence at α=.05. Results: There were 201 useable surveys: 53% ≥50 years, 77% male, 77% at Level I trauma centers. Formal hospital SBO management guidelines were reported by only 35.8%. CT scan was the only diagnostic exam listed as “essential” by most respondents (82.6%). After NG decompression, 153 (80.1%) would always/frequently administer gastrografin challenge (GC). There were notable age differences in approach. Surgeons 30-49 years were less likely to deem plain abdominal films as ‘essential’ (16.0% vs 40.2%; p < .001), but more likely to require CT scan (88.3% vs 77.6%; p = .045) for diagnosis, and to always/frequently administer GC (84.0% vs 69.2%; p < .01) compared with those ≥50 years. Conclusion: Among respondents in this convenience sample, there is significant variation in the diagnosis and management of SBO despite a specific EAST PMG. Novel age differences in responses were observed and prompt further evaluation. Additional research is needed to determine whether variation in practice patterns is widespread and affects patient outcomes.

Who would avoid severe adverse events from nasointestinal tube in small bowel obstruction? A matched case–control study

BackgroundNasointestinal tubes (NITs) have been increasingly used in patients with small bowel obstruction (SBO); However, severe adverse events (SAEs) of NITs might threaten the lives of patients. The indications of NITs need to be identified. This study was designed to explore the indications for the insertion of NITs in patients with SBO and to suggest the optimal strategies for individuals based on the outcomes of SAEs.MethodsAfter propensity score matching, 68 pairs were included (Success group and failure group). The occurrence of SAEs and the clinical parameters were compared between the SAE group and the non-SAE group. Independent risk factors were evaluated among the subgroups. A novel scoring system was established to detect the subgroups that would benefit from NITs insertion.ResultsSuccessful implementation of NITs could avoid hypochloremia (p = 0.010), SAEs (p = 0.001), pneumonia (p = 0.006). SAEs occurred in 13 of 136 (9.6%) patients who accepted NITs insertion treatment. Risk factors for SAEs included tumors (p = 0.002), reduced BMI (p = 0.048), reduced hemoglobin (p = 0.001), abnormal activated partial thromboplastin time (p = 0.015) and elevated white blood cells (p = 0.002). A novel risk scoring system consists of hemoglobin before NITs insertion (95% CI 0.685, 0.893) and bowel obstruction symptoms relieved after NITs insertion (95% CI 0.575, 0.900) had the highest area under curve for predicting the occurrence of SAEs. We divided the risk score system into 3 grades, with the increasing grades, the rates of SAEs surged from 1.3% (1/74) to (6/11) 54.5%.ConclusionNITs successfully insertion could avoid SAEs occurrence in SBO conservative treatment. SBO patients without anemia and could be relieved after NITs insertion could be the potential benefit group for this therapy.

Evaluation of ischemia and necrosis in adhesive small bowel obstruction based on CT signs: Subjective visual evaluation and objective measurement

PurposeTo investigate the diagnostic performance of CT signs for detecting bowel ischemia and necrosis in adhesive small bowel obstruction(SBO) with subjective and objective methods. Materials and Methods113 adhesive SBO patients were enrolled and divided into ischemic group (49 cases in necrotic group and 35 cases in reversible ischemic group) and non-ischemic group (29 cases) according to the operation results. Subjective visual assessment of CT signs associated with ischemia and necrosis was performed by two radiologists independently. Elevated unenhanced attenuation and enhancement value of involved bowel wall were objectively measured and compared by single factor analysis of variance. Cut-off value and diagnostic performance were evaluated by receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC). ResultsClosed-loop mechanism, reduced bowel wall enhancement, and mesenteric edema were associated with bowel ischemia, with sensitivity of 81.0%, 65.5%, 75.0%, and specificity of 86.2%, 96.6%, 89.7%, respectively. Increased unenhanced bowel wall attenuation was a specific sign for necrosis with 100.0% specificity and 51.0% sensitivity. The sensitivity and specificity for ischemia were 86.0% and 91.9% with cut-off enhancement value lower than 33.5 HU. The sensitivity and specificity for necrosis were 58.2% and 100.0% with cut-off elevated unenhanced attenuation higher than 16.5 HU, 86.7% and 83.3% with cut-off enhancement value lower than 21.5 HU. ConclusionReduced bowel wall enhancement and increased unenhanced bowel wall attenuation were good indicators of bowel ischemia and necrosis. The objective measurement of elevated unenhanced attenuation and enhancement value can predict bowel ischemia and necrosis more accurately.

Admitting Service and Outcome for Small Bowel Obstruction.

Small bowel obstruction (SBO) is a common admission diagnosis. Prior research has shown improved length of stay and time to operation for SBO patients on surgical services (SS) compared to medical services (MS). This study evaluates the impact of admitting service on readmission and mortality. A 12-year retrospective cohort study of patients ≥18 years old, admitted with SBO to either a MS or SS within one health care system was performed. Clinicodemographic characteristics and admission details were extracted and reviewed. Statistical analyses performed included the Student's t-test, chi-square, and multivariable regression. The study included 7921 patients, of which 3862 (48.8%) were admitted to a SS. No significant clinicodemographic differences existed between the groups except SS patients were more likely to have cancer (23.3% vs 15.2%, P < .0001) and to be within a 30-day post-operative period (9.4% vs 1.8%, P < .0001). On multivariable analysis, admission to a SS was associated with a decreased admission mortality (OR .70), 30-day mortality (OR .42), and 180-day mortality (OR .42). 30-day readmissions (OR .54) and 180-day readmission (OR .43) were also significantly decreased for SS patients. In patients requiring a procedure during admission, there was significantly decreased admission mortality (OR .684), 30-day mortality (OR .470), 180-day mortality (OR .431), 30-day readmission (OR .63), and 180-day readmission (OR .50). In patients with SBO, admission to a SS confers decreased odds of readmission and mortality compared to MS. Future studies are needed to understand the management decisions potentially underlying these differences. These findings may help better define admission pathways and improve outcomes.

Use of the Water-Soluble Contrast Medium Gastrografin in Treatment of Adhesive Small Bowel Obstruction in Patients with and Without Chronic Radiation Enteropathy: A Single-Center Retrospective Study.

BackgroundThis retrospective cohort study from a single center aimed to compare patient outcomes following the use of the water-soluble contrast medium Gastrografin in the treatment of adhesive small bowel obstruction (ASBO) in patients with and without a history of chronic radiation enteropathy (CRE).Material/MethodsFifty-nine patients with CRE-induced small bowel obstruction (SBO) and 53 patients with ASBO at Jinling Hospital between April 2014 and February 2018 were enrolled. The patients were given 100 ml Gastrografin through a naso-jejunal tube, and erect abdominal X-rays were taken. Risk factors were found to be correlated with successful non-operative management (SNM) through statistical analyses.ResultsThe success rate of conservative treatment was higher in the Gastrografin group than in the control group (P<0.05). The Gastrografin challenge test is predictive of need for surgery in CRE-induced SBO and ASBO (AUC=0.860 and 0.749, respectively). The predictors associated with SNM in the CRE-induced SBO group were the total dose of radiotherapy, the Gastrografin challenge test, and previous operations for SBO. In the ASBO group, the predictors were the Gastrografin challenge test and previous operations for SBO. The operation rate of SBO patients with Gastrografin treatment was significantly lower than that in the control group (P<0.05).ConclusionsThe findings from this study showed that the use of Gastrografin effectively resolved ASBO in patients with and without a history of CRE, but a long-term requirement for surgery could not be avoided. The Gastrografin challenge may be a useful test to predict surgical outcomes.

Comparing outcomes of nonoperative treatment for adhesive small bowel obstruction with and without antibiotics

IntroductionSome clinicians administer antibiotics in adhesive SBO treatment to prevent bacterial translocation without evidence confirming reduced sepsis and mortality. We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of preventive antibiotic administration in nonoperative treatment of adhesive small bowel obstruction (SBO) in a retrospective study. MethodsUsing a Japanese national inpatient database, we identified 114,786 eligible patients with adhesive SBO and divided patients into a group who did not receive intravenous antibiotics in the initial 2 consecutive days after admission (control group, n = 71,666) and a group who received intravenous antibiotics ≥2 days after admission (antibiotic group, n = 43,120). To compare the in-hospital mortality, occurrence of sepsis, septic shock, Clostridioides difficile colitis, length of stay, and total costs between the two groups, we performed instrumental variable analyses to adjust for measured and unmeasured confounding factors. ResultsOverall, in-hospital mortality was 2.2%, and the occurrence of sepsis was 0.8%. In the instrumental variable analyses, no significant differences were found for in-hospital mortality, occurrence of sepsis, septic shock, Clostridioides difficile colitis, or total hospitalization costs. The antibiotic group showed a longer length of stay than the control group (coefficient, 1.9 days; 95% confidence interval, 0.6–3.2). ConclusionsIn this large nationwide cohort of patients with adhesive SBO, we found no benefit regarding preventive antibiotic administration in nonoperative treatment; however, antibiotic administration was associated with a longer hospital stay. These results did not support routine administration of antibiotics at admission to prevent bacterial translocation.

Computed Tomography Findings Predicting the Need for Surgery in Cases of Small Bowel Obstruction: Emphasis on Duodenal Distension.

The aim of the study is to retrospectively evaluate the utility of computed tomography (CT) findings, especially newly defined duodenal distension, for predicting the need to operate on small bowel obstruction (SBO) cases. During a 51-month period, 228 patients (100 women and 128 men; mean age, 55 years) were included in this study, among 438 patients who were hospitalized with a prediagnosis of SBO. The final study population was then divided into 2 groups: a surgery group (n = 76) and a conservative group (n = 152). The CT findings of the SBO patients whose treatment decisions and outcomes were unknown were examined by 2 gastrointestinal radiologists with consensus. Statistical analyses were conducted using univariate and binary logistic regression analyses. According to the univariate analysis, the degree of obstruction (P = 0.001), small bowel diameter (P = 0.014), and presence of mesenteric fluid (P < 0.001), intraperitoneal free fluid (P = 0.04), intra-abdominal free gas (P < 0.001), and duodenal distension (P < 0.001) showed statistically significant differences between the surgery and conservative groups. However, there were no statistically significant group differences regarding the presence of a transition point, small bowel feces or mesenteric congestion. According to the binary logistic regression analysis, the degree of obstruction (P = 0.012), presence of mesenteric fluid (P = 0.008), intra-abdominal free gas (P = 0.019), and duodenal distension (P < 0.001) were significant predictors of the need for surgery in SBO cases. Duodenal distension as a CT finding predicted the need for surgery in SBO cases.

The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio has feasible predictive value for hospital mortality in patients with small bowel obstruction in the emergency department.

The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is an effective predictor of mortality in patients with various conditions. To the best of our knowledge, there have been no previous studies on the NLR as a prognostic marker for small bowel obstruction (SBO), especially on admission to the emergency department (ED). From January 2009 to December 2018, 653 patients diagnosed with SBO in the ED were included. Clinical and laboratory results, including the NLR, were evaluated as variables. The NLR was calculated as follows: NLR=absolute neutrophil count/absolute lymphocyte count. To evaluate SBO prognosis, data on hospital mortality and intensive care unit (ICU) admission were obtained. Multivariate logistic regression analysis and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis were performed. Among the 653 patients, 16 (2.4%) died and 35 (5.3%) were admitted to the ICU during hospitalization. Multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated the NLR as an independent factor for predicting death (odds ratio, 1.3; p=0.017]); however, there was no statistical significance for ICU admission (p=0.94). The NLR showed good predictive performance for in-hospital mortality (area under the ROC curve, 0.768 [95% confidence interval, 0.620-0.861]; cut-off value, 10.6; p=0.018). The NLR was positively associated with poor SBO prognosis. An elevated NLR was an independent predictive factor for in-hospital mortality in SBO patients. Emergency physicians should consider the NLR for SBO prognosis, and timely, aggressive, and prompt treatment is required, especially in patients with an NLR >10.6.

Outcomes of a low-osmolar water-soluble contrast pathway in small bowel obstruction.

Adhesive small-bowel obstruction (SBO) is a common surgical condition accounting for a significant proportion of acute surgical admissions and surgeries. The implementation of a high-osmolar water-soluble contrast challenge has repeatedly been shown to reduce hospital length of stay and possibly the need for surgery in SBO patients. The effect of low-osmolar water-soluble contrast challenge however, is unclear. The aim of this study is to evaluate the outcomes of an SBO pathway including a low-osmolar water-soluble contrast challenge. A prospective cohort of patients admitted for SBO were placed on an evidence-based SBO pathway including low-osmolar water-soluble contrast between January 2017 and October 2018 and were compared with a historical cohort of patients prior to the implementation of the pathway from September 2013 through December 2014. The primary outcome was length of stay less than 4 days with a secondary outcome of failure of nonoperative management. There were 140 patients enrolled in the SBO pathway during the study period and 101 historic controls. The SBO pathway was independently associated with a length of stay less than 4 days (odds ratio, 1.76; 95% confidence interval, 1.03-3.00). Median length of stay for patients that were successfully managed nonoperatively was lower in the SBO pathway cohort compared with controls (3 days vs. 4 days, p = 0.04). Rates of readmission, surgery, and bowel resection were not significantly different between the two cohorts. Implementation of an SBO pathway using a low-osmolarity contrast is associated with decreased hospital length of stay. Rates of readmission, surgery, and need for bowel resection for those undergoing surgery were unchanged. An SBO pathway utilizing low-osmolarity water-soluble contrast is safe and effective in reducing length of stay in the nonoperative management of adhesive small-bowel obstructions. Therapeutic study, level IV.

Small bowel volvulus post gastric bypass

Small Bowel Volvulus (SBV) is an uncommon cause of Small Bowel Obstruction (SBO), which can be difficult to diagnose. However, it is very important to recognise and intervene in a timely manner due to the high risk of bowel ischemia. Unfortunately, SBV does not always have clinical features that differentiate it from other causes of mechanical obstruction. The most reliable investigation appears to be Computed Topography (CT) scan with around 50% of patients displaying the classic ‘whirl’ sign on CT. However, many remain undifferentiated SBO patients. Any of these patients who have any clinical or radiological suspicion of bowel ischemia, should be considered for surgery, as delays in diagnosis of bowel ischemia are associated with an increased risk of morbidity and mortality. In this case reported, author detailed a 55year female who presented with SBV had a CT scan which showed the classic ‘whirl’ sign and thus had timely surgical intervention and an uncomplicated recovery. Her history was significant for a subtotal colectomy, and a Rouxeny gastric bypass. This case highlights the importance of early recognition of SBV and also carries a reminder to consider rare causes of abdominal pain in patients who have had previous bariatric surgery. They have altered anatomy and thus are at increased risk of internal hernia and volvulus including SBV.

The influence of sociodemographic factors on operative decision-making in small bowel obstruction

BackgroundCurrent guidelines for small bowel obstruction (SBO) recommend a limited trial of nonoperative management of no more than 3-5 d. For patients requiring surgery, it is uncertain if sociodemographic factors are associated with disparities in the duration of the trial of nonoperative therapy. MethodsThe Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project National Inpatient Sample from 2012 to 2014 was queried for discharges with a primary diagnosis of SBO. Primary outcomes of interest were the effects of sociodemographic factors, including race, insurance status, and income on the rate of receiving any operative management for SBO, and subsequently, among patients managed surgically, the risk of operative delay, defined as operative management ≥ 5 d after admission. We did this by using logistic hierarchical generalized linear models, accounting for hospital clustering and adjusted for sex, age, comorbidity, and hospital factors. ResultsOf the 589,850 admissions for SBO between 2012 and 2014, 22.0% underwent operations. Overall, 26.2% were non-White, including 12.2% Black and 8.6% Hispanic patients, and the majority (56.0%) had Medicare insurance coverage. Income quartiles were evenly distributed across the overall study population. In adjusted logistic regression, operative delay was associated with increased odds of in-hospital mortality (odds ratio 1.30 95% confidence interval [1.10, 1.54]). Adjusted for patient and hospital factors, Black patients were significantly more likely to receive operations for SBO, whereas Medicaid and Medicare patients were significantly less likely. However, Black, Medicaid, and Medicare patients who were managed operatively were significantly more likely to have an operative delay of 5 or more d. There was no significant association between income and operative management in adjusted regression models. ConclusionsSignificant disparities in the operative management were based on race and insurance status. Further research is warranted to understand the causes of, and solutions to, these sociodemographic disparities in care.

Diagnostic performance of multi-slice CT angiography combined with enterography for small bowel obstruction and intestinal ischaemia.

This study was performed to evaluate the diagnostic performance of multi-slice CT angiography combined with enterography in determining the cause and location of obstruction as well as intestinal ischaemia in patients with small bowel obstruction (SBO). This study retrospectively summarized the image data of 57 SBO patients who received both multi-slice CT angiography and enterography examination between December 2012 and May 2013. The CT diagnoses of SBO and intestinal ischaemia were correlated with the findings at surgery or digital subtraction angiography, which were set as standard references. Multi-slice CT angiography and enterography indicated that the cause of SBO in three patients was misjudged, suggesting a diagnostic accuracy of 94.7%. In one patient the level of obstruction was incorrect, demonstrating a diagnostic accuracy of 98.2%. Based on the results of the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, the diagnostic criterion for ischaemic SBO was at least two of the four CT signs (circumferential bowel wall thickening, reduced enhancement of the intestinal wall, mesenteric oedema and mesenteric vascular engorgement). The criterion yielded a sensitivity of 94.4%, a specificity of 92.3%, a positive predicted value of 85.0% and a negative predicted value of 97.3%, and the area under curve (AUC) was 0.92 (95% CI, 0.85-0.99). Multi-slice CT angiography and enterography have high diagnostic value in identifying the cause and site of SBO. In addition, the suggested diagnostic criterion using CT signs is helpful for diagnosing intestinal ischaemia in SBO patients.

Small bowel obstruction in the virgin abdomen: time to challenge surgical dogma with evidence.

Although adhesions account for more than 70% of small bowel obstruction (SBO), they are thought to be less likely aetiologies in patients without previous abdominal surgery. Expedient surgery has historically been advocated as prudent management in these patients. Emerging evidence appears to challenge such a dogmatic approach. A retrospective analysis was performed in all SBO patients with a virgin abdomen admitted between January 2012 and August 2014. Patients with obstruction secondary to abdominal wall hernias were excluded. Patient demographics, clinical presentation, management strategy and pathology involved were reviewed. A total of 72 patients were included in the study. The majority of patients were males (66.7%), with a median age of 58 years (range: 23-101). Abdominal pain (97%) and vomiting (86%) were the most common presentations while abdominal distention (60%) and constipation (25%) were reported less frequently. Adhesions accounted for the underlying cause in 44 (62%) patients. Other aetiologies included gallstone ileus (n = 5), phytobezoar (n = 5), intussusception (n = 4), internal herniation (n = 4), newly diagnosed small bowel tumour (n = 3), mesenteric volvulus (n = 3), stricture (n = 3) and Meckel's diverticulum (n = 1). Twenty-nine (40%) patients were successfully managed conservatively while the remaining 43 (60%) underwent surgery. The intraoperative findings were in concordance with the preoperative computed tomography scan in 76% of cases. Adhesions remain prevalent despite the absence of previous abdominal surgery. Non-operative management is feasible for SBO in a virgin abdomen. Computed tomography scan can be a useful adjunct in discerning patients who may be treated non-operatively by elucidating the underlying cause of obstruction.

Prediction of Small Bowel Obstruction Caused by Bezoars Using Risk Factor Categories on Multidetector Computed Tomographic Findings.

Objectives. The aim of this study was to detect factors associated with small bowel obstruction (SBO) caused by bezoars on multidetector computed tomographic findings. Methods. We retrospectively reviewed 61 patients who had bezoars in the small bowels on MDCT. The patients were divided into SBO patients group and non-SBO patients group. The mean values of the diameter, volume, and CT attenuation as well as location and characteristics of the bezoars were compared between the two groups. Multivariate analysis was performed to determine factors associated with SBO. Results. There were 32 patients (52.5%) in the SBO group and 29 patients (47.5%) in the non-SBO group. The bezoars in the SBO group had greater values of each mean diameter and mean volume than those in the non-SBO group (3.2 ± 0.5 cm versus 1.6 ± 0.7 cm, P < 0.0001, 14.9 ± 6.4 cm3 versus 2.5 ± 2.7 cm3, P < 0.0001, resp.) and had a lower CT attenuation than the non-SBO group (55.5 ± 23.4 versus 173.0 ± 68.0, P < 0.0001). The SBO group had higher prevalence of phytobezoar appearance (75.0% versus 10.3%, P < 0.0001). Major diameters of bezoar and phytobezoar were significant independent risk factors associated with SBO (odds ratio = 36.09, 8.26, resp., and P = 0.0004, 0.044, resp.). Conclusions. Major diameter of bezoar or phytobezoar is a potential risk factor associated with SBO.