Non-Emergent Early Surgical Management for Adhesive Small Bowel Obstruction

Abstract

<b><i>Background:</i></b> Adhesive small bowel obstruction (ASBO) is one of the leading reasons for emergency surgical admissions. Current guidelines recommend the conservative approach, unless operative intervention is indicated. <b><i>Case:</i></b> Here, we present a case of a young male who underwent early laparoscopic adhesiolysis for ASBO. <b><i>Discussion:</i></b> Nonoperative management resolves majority of ASBO cases but has high recurrence. Early surgical management (ESM) has been shown to reduce recurrence rate and long-term health consequences. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> ESM can be considered for recurrent ASBO in younger patients with fewer comorbidities.