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

1. Jackson P, Vigiola Cruz M. Intestinal obstruction: evaluation and management. Am Fam Physician. 2018 Sep 15;98(6):362-7.