Facing the unexpected: unusual causes of mechanical small bowel obstruction in adults

Mechanical small bowel obstruction in adults is a common emergency condition that typically requires hospitalisation and usually acute surgical intervention. The majority of the cases are due to adhesive obstruction or common abdominal wall hernias or relevant related past history. However, the surgeons might face unexpected challenges in this concept due to rare causes of this condition. This paper explores in depth the challenges encountered by the emergency general surgeons in the concept of management of rare causes of mechanical small bowel obstruction in adults through a systematic review and critical analysis of the available evidence, and summarises the essential intra-operative steps that are needed to be taken accordingly. In conclusion, the emergency surgeons should be familiar with the uncommon/rare causes of mechanical small bowel obstruction in adults to avoid serious complications. Successful outcomes are based on the combination of high index of clinical suspicion, familiarity with the standard anatomy and its variations, the use of the appropriate radiological investigations and surgical intervention in a timely manner.