Abstract
Introduction: Intestinal obstruction is one of the most common surgical emergencies. Up to date, intestinal obstruction remains a global surgical problem and only a few problems in surgical physiology have earned greater attention than those associated with intestinal obstruction (IO)/Bowel obstruction (BO) with various management option continued to be debated with more focus on how to avoid bowel strangulation and its detection as early as possible. Intestinal obstruction occurs due to an interruption in the forward flow of intestinal contents and can occur at any point along the length of the gastrointestinal tract. The symptoms vary based on the level of obstruction, so as the management. Most common causes are intra-abdominal adhesion, malignancy or intestinal herniation. Management becomes even more challenging with advanced age; hence decision making is an essential part of management. The aim of work: The review aimed to study various factors affecting the type of management-conservative or operative, different surgical procedures and outcome about etiological factors of patients of intestinal obstruction.
Methodology: We conducted this review using a comprehensive search of MEDLINE, PubMed, and EMBASE, January 1985, through February 2017. The following search terms were used: intestinal obstruction, small intestinal obstruction, large intestinal obstruction, diagnosis of obstruction, management of obstruction
Conclusion: It is observed that early diagnosis, sufficient preoperative hydration, prompt investigation, early detection, and operative intervention can improve the survival of a patient with intestinal obstruction. With the improvement in preoperative preparation and more skillful anesthetic management, the mortality rate decreases in intestinal obstruction.