Unresectable Mesenteric Mass Causing Small Bowel Obstruction

Small bowel obstruction (SBO) has a variety of etiologies, including but not limited to adhesions, malignancy, hernia, and inflammatory bowel diseases. Treatment for SBO may be nonoperative or operative, depending on the underlying condition and clinical symptoms. Clinical judgment and radiological findings cooperate in formulating an appropriate assessment and treatment plan. Mass effect due to malignancy is an indication for surgical intervention, as tumor resection is a mainstay of treatment. However, patient safety and chances of vascular compromise must be considered when determining if the tumor is resectable. Reported is a case of a 65-year-old female with severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and obstipation due to a malignant neuroendocrine tumor within the mesentery adjacent to the aortic bifurcation. Management included surgical intervention to alleviate bowel obstruction and biopsy of the tumor.