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Management

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The management of mechanical bowel obstruction involves:

  • decompression via nasogatric/long tube: - as part of intial resuscitation - treatment for partial obstruction which may resolve or allow time to prepare bowel for elective surgery

  • volume and electrolyte replacement: - the longer the period of obstruction, the more fluid replacement is required to avoid intraoperative hypotension and its sequelae - MI, CVA, renal failure

  • surgery for the following indications: - complete small bowel obstruction - there is no reliable way of clinically differentiating a simple from a strangulating complete small bowel obstruction. Hence, early operation is indicated to avoid bowel resection. - closed loop - complete colonic obstruction with competent ileocaecal valve and progressively dilating caecum.

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The content herein is provided for informational purposes and does not replace the need to apply professional clinical judgement when diagnosing or treating any medical condition. A licensed medical practitioner should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions.

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