Suspected Small Bowel Obstruction

Symptom

suspected small bowel obstruction

Considerations

• abdominal xray should be performed as it can find free air, SBO or foreign body. It should not delay definitive CT or MRI though. Small bowel series usually not first line as study may take hours and CT cannot usually be performed for hours to days later
• CT is mainstay. Oral contrast not usually used as poorly tolerated by patient, wastes time, does not add dx value and can even complicate situation. MR ok. CT enteroclysis for chronic or recurring symtoms. US not very useful.

Recommended tests

• CT abdomen and pelvis with IV contrast
• CT abdomen and pelvis without IV or oral contrast
• MRI abdomen with gadolinium
• abdominal xray series
• CT enteroclysis

For other considerations, call or text the radiologist.