Small Bowel Obstruction

Question 1

Radiological Evidence

Answer 1

Dilatation of small bowel by >3cm considered abnormal

The longer the segment of dilated bowel the more likely a genuine obstruction is present.

Question 2

Small bowel obstruction on x-ray

Answer 2

Centrally located multiple dilated loops of gas filled bowel.
Valvulae connivantes are visible confirming it’s the small bowel
(large bowel - with haustra separations are generally only part ways across the colon)

Question 3

Most common causes

Answer 3

adhesions secondary to intra-abdominal surgery, hernia, Crohn’s disease, tumours