Abstract
Large bowel obstruction is a serious and potentially life-threatening surgical emergency
which is associated with high morbidity and mortality rate. The most common etiology
is colorectal cancer which accounts for over 60% of all large bowel obstructions.
Proper assessment, thoughtful decision-making and prompt treatment is necessary to
decrease the high morbidity and mortality which is associated with this entity. Knowledge
of the key elements regarding the presentation of a patient with a large bowel obstruction
will help the surgeon in formulating an appropriate treatment plan for the patient.
Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the various treatment options available
is necessary when caring for these patients. This chapter will review the presentation
of patients with malignant large bowel obstruction, discuss the various diagnostic
modalities available, as well as discuss treatment options and the various clinical
scenarios in which they are most appropriately utilized.
Keywords
malignant bowel obstruction - colon cancer - palliative treatment - anastomosis
