Laparoscopic management of acute small bowel obstruction - Experience from a Saudi teaching hospital

Background: The use of laparoscopy has expanded to include the management of acute abdomen. This study describes the author's experience with laparoscopic management of acute small bowel obstruction. Methods: From February 1994 through March 1998, 19 patients underwent laparoscopic intervention for acute small bowel obstruction. Their clinical data were analyzed to evaluate the outcome. Results: A total of 19 patients underwent 20 exploratory laparoscopies. The cause of obstruction was diagnosed correctly in 17 of the patients (90%). Fifteen patients (79%) had adhesions, nine of which were postoperative. Of the 19 patients, 13 (68%) had successful laparoscopic treatment. Laparotomy was required in six patients (32%) for various lesions including ileocecal tuberculosis. The average time for laparoscopy was 58 min. The mean postoperative hospital stay was 5 days. There was no morbidity or mortality in this series, Conclusions: Laparoscopy is a feasible and safe alternative to laparotomy for most patients with acute small bowel obstruction.