The utility of computed tomography in acute small bowel obstruction.
Small bowel obstruction is a significant cause of acute surgical admissions. Surgeons are tending to favour an initial trial of conservative management. Due to the unreliability of clinical signs to predict accurately those patients requiring early intervention there is an increasing tendency to utilize imaging investigations, particularly computed tomography (CT), to help define the severity, cause and complications of acute small bowel obstruction. The aim of this pictorial review is to demonstrate the contribution CT can make to the management of these patients. Burkill, G. J. C., Bell, J. R. G. & Healy, J. C. (2001). Clinical Radiology56, 350-359.
Burkill
G J
GJ
Department of Radiology, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, 369 Fulham Road, London SW10 9NH, U.K. guyburkill@hotmail.com
Bell
J R
JR
Healy
J C
JC
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007415:Intestinal Obstruction / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000209:etiology; D007421:Intestine, Small / Q000098:blood supply / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D007511:Ischemia / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods