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Clin Colon Rectal Surg 2021; 34(04): 233-241
DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1729927
Review Article

Large Bowel Obstruction

Wali R. Johnson
1   Department of Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
,
Alexander T. Hawkins
2   Department of Surgery, Section of Colon & Rectal Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
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Abstract

Nearly one-quarter of bowel obstructions occur in the large bowel. As with all bowel obstructions, large bowel obstructions have three defining characteristics: partial or complete, intrinsic or extrinsic, benign or malignant. The work-up for a large bowel obstruction should focus on the etiology of the obstruction as well as severity. Management strategy is contingent on the previous characteristics and can include endoscopy, diversion, or resection. This chapter will discuss common and rare etiologies of large bowel obstructions as well as management strategies for clinical guidance.

Keywords

large bowel obstruction - adhesion - hernia - endometriosis - retroperitoneal fibrosis - stricture


Publication History

Article published online:
20 July 2021

© 2021. Thieme. All rights reserved.

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