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Kim J, Lee Y, Yoon JH, Lee HJ, Lim YJ, Yi J, Jung WB. Non-strangulated adhesive small bowel obstruction: CT findings predicting outcome of conservative treatment. Eur Radiol 2020; 31:1597-1607. [PMID: 33128599 DOI: 10.1007/s00330-020-07406-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2020] [Revised: 09/24/2020] [Accepted: 10/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To clarify CT findings that predict outcome of conservative treatment in patients with non-strangulated adhesive small bowel obstruction (SBO). METHODS Unenhanced and contrast-enhanced abdominopelvic CT studies in 189 patients with adhesive SBO who had initial conservative treatment were reviewed. The CT findings included transition zone, beak signs, maximum bowel diameter, bowel diameter ratio, decreased bowel wall enhancement, increased unenhanced bowel wall attenuation, anterior parietal adhesion, bowel wall thickening, closed-loop obstruction, small bowel feces sign, whirl sign, mesenteric haziness, mesenteric, peritoneal fluid, and submucosal edema. These findings were statistically compared according to the success or failure of treatment. RESULTS Conservative treatment succeeded in 144 patients (76.2%) and failed in 45 patients (23.8%). At multivariate analysis, the lack of small bowel feces sign, focal, diffuse mesenteric haziness, and moderate amount of mesenteric fluid were independent findings predicting failure of conservative treatment, with odds ratios of 5.23, 5.5, 13.55, and 4.89, respectively. The presence of all significant findings showed a high specificity of 97.2% with positive likelihood ratio of 8.8. If CT scans showed none of the three significant findings, the negative predictive value was 97.6% and negative likelihood ratio was 0.08. CONCLUSIONS The lack of small bowel feces sign, focal, diffuse mesenteric haziness, and moderate amount of mesenteric fluid are independent CT findings predicting the failure of conservative treatment in patients with non-strangulated adhesive SBO. The combination of all CT findings suggests the need for surgery; absence of two or all CT findings should suggest an attempt for conservative treatment. KEY POINTS • To minimize delayed operation, it is important to identify non-strangulated adhesive small bowel obstruction patients in whom initial conservative treatment is likely to fail. • The lack of small bowel feces sign, the presence of mesenteric haziness, and a moderate amount of mesenteric fluid are independent factors predicting the failure of conservative treatment in patients with non-strangulated adhesive small bowel obstruction. • The combination of all three CT findings suggests the need for surgery; absence of two or all three CT findings should suggest an attempt for conservative treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jieun Kim
- Department of Radiology, Haeundae Paik Hospital, Inje University College of Medicine, Haeundae-ro 875, Haeundae-gu, Busan, 48108, South Korea.,Department of Radiology, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Yedaun Lee
- Department of Radiology, Haeundae Paik Hospital, Inje University College of Medicine, Haeundae-ro 875, Haeundae-gu, Busan, 48108, South Korea.
| | - Jung-Hee Yoon
- Department of Radiology, Haeundae Paik Hospital, Inje University College of Medicine, Haeundae-ro 875, Haeundae-gu, Busan, 48108, South Korea
| | - Ho-Joon Lee
- Department of Radiology, Haeundae Paik Hospital, Inje University College of Medicine, Haeundae-ro 875, Haeundae-gu, Busan, 48108, South Korea
| | - Yun-Jung Lim
- Department of Radiology, Haeundae Paik Hospital, Inje University College of Medicine, Haeundae-ro 875, Haeundae-gu, Busan, 48108, South Korea
| | - Jisook Yi
- Department of Radiology, Haeundae Paik Hospital, Inje University College of Medicine, Haeundae-ro 875, Haeundae-gu, Busan, 48108, South Korea
| | - Won Beom Jung
- Department of Surgery, Haeundae Paik Hospital, Inje University College of Medicine, Busan, South Korea
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Vassiliu P, Ntella V, Theodoroleas G, Mantanis Z, Pentara I, Papoutsi E, Mastoraki A, Arkadopoulos N. Successful management of adhesion related small bowel ischemia without intestinal resection: A case report and review of literature. World J Gastrointest Pathophysiol 2019; 10:29-35. [PMID: 31559107 PMCID: PMC6751506 DOI: 10.4291/wjgp.v10.i2.29] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2019] [Revised: 08/16/2019] [Accepted: 08/21/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intraabdominal adhesions develop spontaneously or after an inflammatory process or surgical procedure in the abdomen. They are the most common cause of small bowel obstruction (SBO). SBO occasionally leads to intestinal ischemia (InIs) which can be a life-threatening condition that requires management as soon as possible. We herein report a case of SBO with InIs presented in our institution and treated without intestinal resection.
CASE SUMMARY A 34-year-old man presented at the emergency department after a 12-h-onset diffuse abdominal pain, bloating and nausea. He had a history of traumatic right hepatectomy 11 years ago as well as adhesiolysis and resection of a long part of small bowel 2 years ago. An abdominal computed tomography (CT) showed dilated loops that led to the diagnosis of SBO. Due to deteriorating lactic acidosis, the patient was operated. Torsion of the small bowel around an adhesion led to 2.30 m of ischemic ileum. After the application of N/S 40 °C for 20 min, the intestine showed signs of improvement and it was decided to avoid resection and instead temporary close the abdomen with vacuum-pack technique. At the second-look laparotomy 48 h later, the intestine appeared normal. The patient was discharged on the 8th post-op day in excellent condition.
CONCLUSION In case of SBO caused by adhesions, extreme caution is needed if InIs is present, as the clinical signs are mild and you should rely for diagnosis in CT findings and lactate levels. Conservative surgical approach could reverse the effects of InIs, if performed quickly, so that intestinal resection is avoided and should be used even when minimum signs of viability are present.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pantelis Vassiliu
- 4th Department of Surgery, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Attikon University Hospital, Athens 12462, Greece
| | - Vasiliki Ntella
- 4th Department of Surgery, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Attikon University Hospital, Athens 12462, Greece
| | - George Theodoroleas
- 4th Department of Surgery, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Attikon University Hospital, Athens 12462, Greece
| | - Zisis Mantanis
- 4th Department of Surgery, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Attikon University Hospital, Athens 12462, Greece
| | - Ioanna Pentara
- 4th Department of Surgery, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Attikon University Hospital, Athens 12462, Greece
| | - Eleni Papoutsi
- 4th Department of Surgery, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Attikon University Hospital, Athens 12462, Greece
| | - Aikaterini Mastoraki
- 4th Department of Surgery, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Attikon University Hospital, Athens 12462, Greece
| | - Nikolaos Arkadopoulos
- 4th Department of Surgery, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Attikon University Hospital, Athens 12462, Greece
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Thornblade LW, Verdial FC, Bartek MA, Flum DR, Davidson GH. The Safety of Expectant Management for Adhesive Small Bowel Obstruction: A Systematic Review. J Gastrointest Surg 2019; 23:846-859. [PMID: 30788717 PMCID: PMC6988581 DOI: 10.1007/s11605-018-4017-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2018] [Accepted: 10/18/2018] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Surgical training has long been to "never let the sun set on a bowel obstruction" without an operation to rule out and/or treat compromised bowel. However, advances in diagnostics have called into question the appropriate timing of non-emergent operations and expectant management is increasingly used. We performed a systematic review to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of expectant management for adhesive small bowel obstruction (aSBO) compared to early, non-emergent operation. MATERIALS & METHODS We queried PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases for studies (1990-present) comparing early, non-emergent operations and expectant management for aSBO (PROSPERO #CRD42017057676). RESULTS Of 4873 studies, 29 cohort studies were included for full-text review. Four studies directly compared early surgery with expectant management, but none excluded patients who underwent emergent operations from those having early non-emergent surgery, precluding a direct comparison of the two treatment types of interest. When aggregated, the rate of bowel resection was 29% in patients undergoing early operation vs. 10% in those undergoing expectant management. The rate of successful, non-operative management in the expectant group was 58%. There was a 1.3-day difference in LOS favoring expectant management (LOS 9.7 vs. 8.4 days), and the rate of death was 2% in both groups. CONCLUSION Despite the shift towards expectant management of aSBO, no published studies have yet compared early, non-emergent operation and expectant management. A major limitation in evaluating the outcomes of these approaches using existing studies is confounding by indication related to including patients with emergent indications for surgery on admission in the early operative group. A future study, randomizing patients to early non-emergent surgery or expectant management, should inform the comparative safety and value of these approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas W Thornblade
- Surgical Outcomes Research Center, Department of Surgery, University of Washington, 1107 NE 45th Street, Suite 502, Seattle, WA, 98105, USA
| | - Francys C Verdial
- Surgical Outcomes Research Center, Department of Surgery, University of Washington, 1107 NE 45th Street, Suite 502, Seattle, WA, 98105, USA
| | - Matthew A Bartek
- Surgical Outcomes Research Center, Department of Surgery, University of Washington, 1107 NE 45th Street, Suite 502, Seattle, WA, 98105, USA.
| | - David R Flum
- Surgical Outcomes Research Center, Department of Surgery, University of Washington, 1107 NE 45th Street, Suite 502, Seattle, WA, 98105, USA
| | - Giana H Davidson
- Surgical Outcomes Research Center, Department of Surgery, University of Washington, 1107 NE 45th Street, Suite 502, Seattle, WA, 98105, USA
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Thornblade LW, Truitt AR, Davidson GH, Flum DR, Lavallee DC. Surgeon attitudes and practice patterns in managing small bowel obstruction: a qualitative analysis. J Surg Res 2017; 219:347-353. [PMID: 29078904 DOI: 10.1016/j.jss.2017.06.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2017] [Revised: 06/02/2017] [Accepted: 06/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Historical training instructs surgeons to, "never let the sun set on a small bowel obstruction (SBO)" due to concern for bowel ischemia. However, the routine use of computed tomography scans for ruling out ischemia provides the opportunity for trial of nonoperative management, allowing time for resolution of adhesive SBO. In light of advances in practice, little is known about how surgeons manage these patients, in particular, whether there is consistency in the stated duration for safe nonoperative management. METHODS Using a case vignette (a patient with computed tomography scan diagnosed complete SBO without bowel ischemia), we interviewed a purposive sample of general surgeons practicing in Washington State to understand stated approaches to clinical management. Interview questions addressed typical practice, preferred timing of surgery, and approach. We conducted a content analysis to understand current practice and attitudes. RESULTS We interviewed 15 surgeons practicing across Washington State. Surgical practice patterns for patients with SBO varied widely. The period of time that surgeons were willing to manage patients nonoperatively ranged from 1-7 d. Interviews revealed insight into surgical decision-making, the importance of patient preferences, variation in practice, and evidence gaps. All surgeons acknowledged a lack of evidence to support appropriate management of patients with SBO. CONCLUSIONS Interviews with practicing surgeons highlight a changing paradigm away from routine early surgery for patients with adhesive SBO. However, there is lack of consensus in the appropriate duration of nonoperative management and practices vary considerably. These revealed attitudes inform the feasibility and design of future randomized studies of patients with adhesive SBO.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas W Thornblade
- Department of Surgery, Surgical Outcomes Research Center, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington.
| | - Anjali R Truitt
- Department of Surgery, Surgical Outcomes Research Center, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Giana H Davidson
- Department of Surgery, Surgical Outcomes Research Center, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - David R Flum
- Department of Surgery, Surgical Outcomes Research Center, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Danielle C Lavallee
- Department of Surgery, Surgical Outcomes Research Center, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
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Hajibandeh S, Hajibandeh S, Panda N, Khan RMA, Bandyopadhyay SK, Dalmia S, Malik S, Huq Z, Mansour M. Operative versus non-operative management of adhesive small bowel obstruction: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Int J Surg 2017; 45:58-66. [PMID: 28728984 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijsu.2017.07.073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2017] [Revised: 07/08/2017] [Accepted: 07/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To investigate outcomes of operative and non-operative management of adhesive small bowel obstruction (SBO). METHODS We performed a systematic review in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement standards. We conducted a search of electronic information sources to identify all randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies investigating outcomes of operative versus non-operative management of patients with adhesive SBO. We used the Cochrane risk of bias tool and the Newcastle-Ottawa scale to assess the risk of bias of RCTs and observational studies, respectively. Fixed-effect or random-effects models were applied to calculate pooled outcome data. RESULTS We found one RCT, two prospective and three retrospective observational studies, enrolling a total of 876 patients. The analyses showed that operative management of adhesive SBO was associated with a lower risk of future recurrence [odds ratio (OR) 0.54, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.38-0.76, P = 0.0005] but a higher risk of mortality [risk difference (RD) 0.03, 95% CI 0.01-0.06, P = 0.01] and complications (OR 5.39, 95% CI 2.97-9.78, P < 0.00001). There was no difference in need for surgical re-intervention rate (OR 0.72, 95% CI 0.35-1.47, P = 0.36) and length of stay [mean difference (MD) 5.07, 95% CI -2.36-12.49, P = 1.0] between operative and non-operative managements. The baseline suspicion of strangulation was a major confounding factor. When the baseline suspicion of strangulation was higher in the operative group, the risk of mortality (RD 0.04, 95% CI 0.02-0.07, P = 0.0006) and complications (OR 8.14, 95% CI 4.16-15.94, P = 0.00001) were higher in the operative group but the risk of recurrence was lower (OR 0.62, 95% CI 0.43-0.90, P = 0.01). When the baseline suspicion of strangulation was low in both groups, there was no difference in any of the outcomes except recurrence (OR 0.09, 95% CI 0.02-0.37, P = 0.0009) which was lower in the operative group. CONCLUSIONS The difference in baseline suspicion of strangulation between operative and non-operative groups is a major confounding factor in current literature. The benefit of surgical treatment should be balanced with the risks associated with surgery, patient's co-morbidities, and presence or absence of strangulation. Based on the best available evidence it could be argued that surgical intervention could be preserved for cases with high suspicion or evidence of bowel strangulation. The controversy still remains for optimum length of conservative management and timing of surgery (early or late) for cases with low baseline suspicion of strangulation. Randomised controlled trials are required to compare outcomes of early operation (<24 h) versus late operation (>24 h) and early operation versus conservative management in patients with low suspicion of strangulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shahab Hajibandeh
- Department of General Surgery, North Manchester General Hospital, Manchester, UK.
| | - Shahin Hajibandeh
- Department of General Surgery, North Manchester General Hospital, Manchester, UK
| | - Nilanjan Panda
- Department of General Surgery, North Manchester General Hospital, Manchester, UK
| | | | | | - Sanjay Dalmia
- Department of General Surgery, North Manchester General Hospital, Manchester, UK
| | - Sohail Malik
- Department of General Surgery, North Manchester General Hospital, Manchester, UK
| | - Zahirul Huq
- Department of General Surgery, North Manchester General Hospital, Manchester, UK
| | - Moustafa Mansour
- Department of General Surgery, North Manchester General Hospital, Manchester, UK
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Nagarwala J, Dev S, Markin A. The Vomiting Patient: Small Bowel Obstruction, Cyclic Vomiting, and Gastroparesis. Emerg Med Clin North Am 2016; 34:271-91. [PMID: 27133244 DOI: 10.1016/j.emc.2015.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Vomiting and abdominal pain are common in patients in the emergency department. This article focuses on small bowel obstruction (SBO), cyclic vomiting, and gastroparesis. Through early diagnosis and appropriate management, the morbidity and mortality associated with SBOs can be significantly reduced. Management of SBOs involves correction of physiologic and electrolyte disturbances, bowel rest and removing the source of the obstruction. Treatment of acute cyclic vomiting is primarily directed at symptom control, volume and electrolyte repletion, and appropriate specialist follow-up. The mainstay of therapy for gastroparesis is metoclopramide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jumana Nagarwala
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Henry Ford Hospital, 2799 West Grand Boulevard, CFP-258, Detroit, MI 48202, USA; Department of Emergency Medicine, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA.
| | - Sharmistha Dev
- Departments of Emergency Medicine and Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Abraham Markin
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Henry Ford Hospital, 2799 West Grand Boulevard, CFP-258, Detroit, MI 48202, USA; Department of Internal Medicine, Henry Ford Hospital, 2799 West Grand Boulevard, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
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Hucl T. Acute GI obstruction. Best Pract Res Clin Gastroenterol 2013; 27:691-707. [PMID: 24160928 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpg.2013.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2013] [Revised: 09/02/2013] [Accepted: 09/05/2013] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Acute gastrointestinal obstruction occurs when the normal flow of intestinal contents is interrupted. The blockage can occur at any level throughout the gastrointestinal tract. The clinical symptoms depend on the level and extent of obstruction. Various benign and malignant processes can produce acute gastrointestinal obstruction, which often represents a medical emergency because of the potential for bowel ischemia leading to perforation and peritonitis. Early recognition and appropriate treatment are thus essential. The typical clinical symptoms associated with obstruction include nausea, vomiting, dysphagia, abdominal pain and failure to pass bowel movements. Abdominal distention, tympany due to an air-filled stomach and high-pitched bowel sounds suggest the diagnosis. The diagnostic process involves imaging including radiography, ultrasonography, contrast fluoroscopy and computer tomography in less certain cases. In patients with uncomplicated obstruction, management is conservative, including fluid resuscitation, electrolyte replacement, intestinal decompression and bowel rest. In many cases, endoscopy may aid in both the diagnostic process and in therapy. Endoscopy can be used for bowel decompression, dilation of strictures or placement of self-expandable metal stents to restore the luminal flow either as a final treatment or to allow for a delay until elective surgical therapy. When gastrointestinal obstruction results in ischemia, perforation or peritonitis, emergency surgery is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomas Hucl
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Videnska 9, 140 21 Prague 4, Czech Republic.
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Taylor MR, Lalani N. Adult small bowel obstruction. Acad Emerg Med 2013; 20:528-44. [PMID: 23758299 DOI: 10.1111/acem.12150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2012] [Revised: 10/28/2012] [Accepted: 01/28/2013] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Small bowel obstruction (SBO) is a clinical condition that is often initially diagnosed and managed in the emergency department (ED). The high rates of potential complications that are associated with an SBO make it essential for the emergency physician (EP) to make a timely and accurate diagnosis. OBJECTIVES The primary objective was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of the history, physical examination, and imaging modalities associated with the diagnosis of SBO. The secondary objectives were to identify the prevalence of SBO in prospective ED-based studies of adult abdominal pain and to apply Pauker and Kassirer's threshold approach to clinical decision-making to the diagnosis and management of SBO. METHODS MEDLINE, EMBASE, major emergency medicine (EM) textbooks, and the bibliographies of selected articles were scanned for studies that assessed one or more components of the history, physical examination, or diagnostic imaging modalities used for the diagnosis of SBO. The selected articles underwent a quality assessment by two of the authors using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies 2 (QUADAS-2) tool. Data used to compile sensitivities and specificities were obtained from these studies and a meta-analysis was performed on those that examined the same historical component, physical examination technique, or diagnostic test. Separate information on the prevalence and management of SBO was used in conjunction with the meta-analysis findings of computed tomography (CT) to determine the test and treatment threshold. RESULTS The prevalence of SBO in the ED was determined to be approximately 2% of all patients who present with abdominal pain. Having a previous history of abdominal surgery, constipation, abnormal bowel sounds, and/or abdominal distention on examination were the best history and physical examination predictors of SBO. X-ray was determined to be the least useful imaging modality for the diagnosis of SBO, with a pooled positive likelihood ratio (+LR) of 1.64 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.07 to 2.52). On the other hand, CT and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were both quite accurate in diagnosing SBO with +LRs of 3.6 (5- to 10-mm slices, 95% CI = 2.3 to 5.4) and 6.77 (95% CI = 2.13 to 21.55), respectively. Although limited to only a select number of studies, the use of ultrasound (US) was determined to be superior to all other imaging modalities, with a +LR of 14.1 (95% CI = 3.57 to 55.66) and a negative likelihood ratio (-LR) of 0.13 (95% CI = 0.08 to 0.20) for formal scans and a +LR of 9.55 (95% CI = 2.16 to 42.21) and a -LR of 0.04 (95% CI = 0.01 to 0.13) for beside scans. Using the CT results of the meta-analysis for the 5- to 10-mm slice subgroup as well as information on intravenous (IV) contrast reactions and nasogastric (NG) intubation management, the pretest probability threshold for further testing was determined to be 1.5%, and the pretest probability threshold for beginning treatment was determined to be 20.7%. CONCLUSIONS The potentially useful aspects of the history and physical examination were limited to a history of abdominal surgery, constipation, and the clinical examination findings of abnormal bowel sounds and abdominal distention. CT, MRI, and US are all adequate imaging modalities to make the diagnosis of SBO. Bedside US, which can be performed by EPs, had very good diagnostic accuracy and has the potential to play a larger role in the ED diagnosis of SBO. More ED-focused research into this area will be necessary to bring about this change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark R. Taylor
- Department of Emergency Medicine; University of Saskatchewan; Saskatoon; SK; Canada
| | - Nadim Lalani
- Department of Emergency Medicine; University of Saskatchewan; Saskatoon; SK; Canada
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Hashimoto D, Hirota M, Matsukawa T, Yagi Y, Baba H. Clinical features of strangulated small bowel obstruction. Surg Today 2012; 42:1061-5. [PMID: 22661266 DOI: 10.1007/s00595-012-0207-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2011] [Accepted: 08/19/2011] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The causes of strangulated small bowel obstruction (SSBO) include a fibrous cord, torsion, and internal hernia. We conducted this study to define the clinical features of SSBO. METHODS We reviewed the clinical course and preoperative data of 74 patients treated for SSBO in Kumamoto Regional Medical Center between January 2004 and September 2010. RESULTS Twenty-one patients had no history of laparotomy. Computed tomography (CT) showed high positivity (86.3 %) of closed loops in the involved intestine. Postoperative complications developed in 23 patients, representing a morbidity rate of 31.1 %. Forty-four patients underwent resection of non-viable small intestine (non-viable group), and 30 did not require resection of the intestine (viable group). There were four hospital deaths in the non-viable group. The overall mortality rate and the mortality rate in the non-viable group were 5.4 and 9.1 %, respectively. CONCLUSION These findings indicate that SSBO can occur without a history of laparotomy, CT is useful in its diagnosis, and its associated morbidity and mortality are high.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daisuke Hashimoto
- Department of Surgery, Kumamoto Regional Medical Center, 5-16-10 Honjo, Kumamoto, 860-0811, Japan
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Nauta RJ. Advanced abdominal imaging is not required to exclude strangulation if complete small bowel obstructions undergo prompt laparotomy. J Am Coll Surg 2005; 200:904-11. [PMID: 15922204 DOI: 10.1016/j.jamcollsurg.2004.12.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2004] [Accepted: 12/15/2004] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND When small bowel obstruction is demonstrated clinically or radiographically to be complete, operation is advocated because of the demonstrated association of strangulation obstruction with complete obstruction and the difficulty of diagnosing strangulation obstruction. Short observation periods, fluoroscopic procedures, and cross-sectional imaging are used in treatment of partial obstruction by those who believe that observation is futile or dangerous. This approach holds that few patients resolve after a day or two of observation; if this premise were true, protracted observation should see few patients resolve and some require resection for necrotic bowel after failed observation. Observer bias and the spectrum of nonnecrotic ischemia makes end-point analysis after laparotomy difficult to interpret; few criteria or incentives exist for a surgeon to speculate that a patient brought to surgery might have recovered without it. STUDY DESIGN I reviewed the clinical courses of 413 obstructed patients seen over 13 years. RESULTS Seventy-two patients underwent immediate treatment for complete obstruction, 294 resolved without operation, and 47 patients required operation after a period of observation ranging from 3 to 15 days. All observed patients were followed using clinical examination, leukocyte count, and plain film radiography only. No bowel resections were required in patients who were observed. CONCLUSIONS Research opportunities exist for use of alternatives to plain film imaging in treatment of partial small bowel obstruction, but this series does not support the premise that there is a risk for bowel ischemia or bowel resection by observing patients with partial small bowel obstruction or by following them with plain films alone. Indeed, such a strategy resulted in resolution in 294 of 341 patients so treated, with readmission and reoperation rates comparable with those reported in series in which earlier operation was undertaken.
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Affiliation(s)
- Russell J Nauta
- Department of Surgery, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
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