Small bowel obstruction (SBO) can be classified based on its extent and potential complications.
Gas or Fluid
Grade of Obstruction
none beyond site of obstruction
complete (high grade)
some beyond the obstruction
incomplete (partial, low grade)
Strangulated obstruction is associated with impaired blood flow, with the risk of ischemic enteritis.
Closed-loop obstruction occurs when a segment of bowel is obstructed at 2 points, with accumulation of fluid and gas in the delimited segment. This may be complicated by volvulus.
Indications for surgery:
(1) complete obstruction
(2) failure to respond to nasogastric tube decompression
