Predictive value of signs and symptoms for small bowel obstruction in patients with prior surgery. Issue 9 (6th January 2011)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Jang, Timothy B; Schindler, Danielle; Kaji, Amy H
• Is Part Of: Emergency medicine journal. Volume 29:Issue 9(2012)
• Page Start: 769
• Page End: 770
• Publication Date: 2011-01-06
• Subjects: Abdomen-non trauma -- cardiac care -- diagnosis -- clinical assessment; Emergency medicine -- Periodicals; 616.02505
• DOI: 10.1136/emj.2010.100594
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1472-0205

Abstract

Abstract : Background: The aim of this study was to determine the predictive value of various signs and symptoms for small bowel obstruction (SBO) in patients with prior abdominal surgery. Methods: This was a secondary analysis of a previously reported prospective study of ultrasonography for SBO. Patients with prior abdominal surgery were identified and presenting signs and symptoms were compared to the CT diagnosis of SBO. Results: No signs or symptoms were predictive of SBO. Conclusion: No constellation of signs and symptoms can be used to reliably exclude a SBO in patients with prior abdominal surgery.