Investigations
Tests indicated for small bowel obstruction include:
- blood urea and electrolytes
- white cell count
- radiology:
- supine: obstructive picture of dilated small bowel
- sitting: multiple air/fluid levels in obstruction
- to distguish the site:
- obstructed jejenum shows transverse markings running right across the bowel
- in the ileum the markings are absent
- in large bowel obstruction, the haustral markings do not go right across the bowel
Generally, barium meal and enema are contraindicated.
Reference
- Jackson P, Vigiola Cruz M. Intestinal obstruction: evaluation and management. Am Fam Physician. 2018 Sep 15;98(6):362-7.
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