Is treatment of postoperative SBO different from treatment of SBO remote from surgery?
- Yes. Generally, one waits out an early postoperative obstruction for an indefinite period, as long as there is no evidence of strangulation or impending perforation.
- Approximately 80% resolve without surgery .
- Nasogastric suction is the mainstay of treatment for postoperative SBO, whereas “the sun never sets” on a suspected mechanical SBO remote from surgery; one generally operates as soon as the diagnosis of complete obstruction is made.
