Small bowel obstruction - Laparoscopic approach

Background: This is a retrospective review of our experience using a laparo scopic approach in the treatment of acute and chronic small bowel obstructi on (SBO). Materials and methods: Of 136 patients hospitalized in our institutions for acute (94 cases: 69.1%) and chronic (42 cases: 30.8%) SBO, from January 19 94 to March 1998, 63 (46.3%) were approached laparoscopically, The etiology was accurately diagnosed in 58 cases (92%), and it was possible to treat i t laparoscopically in 82.5% (52 of 63 cases). In the remaining 11 cases (17 .4%), a formal laparotomy was needed for bowel resection, due to an ischemi c small bowel or for malignant disease. Results: Overall, 82.5% of our cases were successfully treated laparoscopic ally, Conclusions: We conclude that, in experienced hands, laparoscopy is an exce llent diagnostic and, in the majority of cases, a therapeutic surgical appr oach in selected patients with acute or chronic SBO.