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Updated: Nov 19, 2025

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Published on: March 24, 2023
Bowel obstruction in advanced cancer.
José António Ferraz Gonçalves1, Magda Faria1, Vânia Araújo1
1Palliative Care Service, Instituto Português de Oncologia, R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, Porto, Portugal.
Bowel obstruction in cancer patients often leads to short survival, but some patients live longer. Palliative care referral rates were low, highlighting a need for improved supportive care in oncology.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Gastroenterology
- Palliative Care
Background:
- Bowel obstruction is a common complication in cancer patients.
- It significantly impacts quality of life and prognosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the treatment and outcomes of cancer patients with bowel obstruction.
- To identify prognostic factors for survival.
- To evaluate the rate of palliative care referral.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 75 cancer patients diagnosed with bowel obstruction over six months.
- Analysis of treatment modalities, including conservative management, surgery, and stent placement.
- Statistical analysis to identify factors associated with mortality and survival.
Main Results:
- Most obstructions (91%) were resolved. Three-year survival was 20%.
- Significant prognostic factors for 3-year survival included hemoglobin levels >10.7 g/dL and absence of ascites.
- Only 49% of patients were referred to palliative care.
Conclusions:
- Cancer-related bowel obstruction can have variable survival outcomes.
- Prognostic factors like hemoglobin and ascites influence long-term survival.
- There is a significant gap in palliative care referrals for these patients.
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