title: Intestinal obstruction. Its serious nature and numerous pitfalls.
abstract: Clinical findings and radiographic studies are the most valuable tools in differential diagnosis of intestinal obstruction. Treatment depends on the type of obstruction. Functional ileus does not require surgery, but mechanical obstruction usually does. Ischemic obstruction demands urgent surgery to prevent or remove gangrene. Even when intestinal obstruction seems to be nonmechanical and uncomplicated, repeated follow-up observation is necessary. Functional ileus may transform to mechanical obstruction.
authors.affiliation: Boston University School of Medicine, Massachusetts.
authors.forename: J J
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Byrne
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D007415:Intestinal Obstruction / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D007420:Intestine, Large / Q000098:blood supply; D007421:Intestine, Small / Q000098:blood supply; D007511:Ischemia / Q000150:complications; D011379:Prognosis