Role of Computed Tomography in Intestinal Obstruction

Intestinal obstructions constitute a significant proportion of all emergency department admissions for abdominal pain and may lead to significant mortality and morbidity rates when left untreated. Small and large bowel obstructions may possess different etiologies and different clinical manifestations; yet, computed tomography (CT) is the imaging method of choice for both. Images need to be meticulously interpreted; in that, CT findings may be critical in deciding about a surgical intervention. CT examinations should be conducted using an intravenous contrast material, and axial images and reformatted sagittal and coronal plane images should be evaluated simultaneously. Presence of the obstruction, location of the transition point, etiology, and possible secondary complications should be looked for.