title: Laparoscopic adhesiolysis for small bowel obstruction.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Historically, laparotomy and open adhesiolysis have been the treatment for patients requiring surgery for small bowel obstruction. Laparoscopic adhesiolysis has not gained wide acceptance. The indications and outcomes of laparoscopic adhesiolysis for small bowel obstruction are not well established. The purpose of this paper is to review the literature on laparoscopic adhesiolysis for small bowel obstruction and to discuss patient selection, surgical technique, and outcomes.
  
  
  METHODS
  Medline search from 1980 to 2002.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Laparoscopic adhesiolysis has been shown to be safe and feasible in experienced hands. For selected patients, laparoscopic adhesiolysis offers the advantages of decreased length of stay, faster return to full activity, and decreased morbidity. Patient selection and surgical judgment appear to be the most important factors for a successful outcome.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, 201 E. Huron St., Galter 10-105, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.
authors.forename: Alexander
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Nagle
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ujiki
authors.forename: Woody
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Denham
authors.forename: Kenric
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Murayama
mesh_terms: D000465:Algorithms; D006801:Humans; D007410:Intestinal Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery*; D007415:Intestinal Obstruction / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D007421:Intestine, Small; D007432:Intraoperative Period; D010535:Laparoscopy; D000267:Tissue Adhesions / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery; D016896:Treatment Outcome