Acute Colonic Obstruction

There are many causes of colonic obstruction ranging from anatomic to physiologic etiologies (Table 28.1). The type of obstructions also differ depend on region. In the United States, the most common cause of adult colonic obstruction is colorectal cancer, whereas in Russia and Africa, colonic volvulus is much more common. Clinical presentation, diagnosis, and management differ depending on the etiology; however, the initial assessment of the patient is similar regardless.