Pathophysiology
Clinical meaning
Bowel obstruction requires the clinician to differentiate mechanical from functional causes, identify the level and completeness of obstruction, and determine operative vs. non-operative management. In mechanical SBO, adhesive obstruction (60%) can often be managed conservatively with NG decompression and volume resuscitation, while strangulated, closed-loop, or complete obstructions require emergent surgery. In LBO, malignancy must be excluded. Functional ileus is managed by treating the underlying cause (electrolyte correction, medication adjustment, sepsis control). The clinician must interpret imaging, order appropriate labs, prescribe fluid and electrolyte replacement, and determine surgical consultation timing.