Bowel Obstructions

Michael Benjamin Hopkins MD, FACS, FASCRS

Bowel obstruction is a frequent consult in the colorectal surgical practice. Either presenting as a call from the Emergency Department or a scheduled visit in the clinic, obstructed patients require a carefully thought-out plan. A thorough knowledge of how to treat the patient with an obstruction is critical. This issue of Clinics in Colorectal Surgery is centered around diagnosing and managing obstructions caused by various etiologies.

While seemingly a simple concept, bowel obstructions can be nuanced, and management strategies vary. Our goal is to deliver the reader with the most current evidence and guide the colorectal surgeon in translating this into care for their patients. These reviews begin with imaging modalities for evaluating an obstruction. We then progress to the various causes and management of small and large bowel obstructions. Finally, we include a section on endoscopic management of large bowel obstructions and appropriate patient selection.

I am grateful to Dr. Steele and Dr. Beck for allowing me to be a guest editor to this issue. It was a pleasure to work with my colleagues in bringing these articles to you. I owe them a debt of gratitude for working during this unprecedented pandemic to continue their clinical practices, promote self-care, and still find time to write these articles. It is a testament to their dedication to education that you have this journal in your hands!

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Artikel online veröffentlicht:
20. Juli 2021