Surgical decisions in the laparoscopic management of small bowel obstruction: report on two cases

Laparoscopic management of bowel obstruction secondary to adhesions presents a difficult challenge for the general surgeon. The surgical management of two such cases is reported here: one patient with recurrent abdominal pain secondary to partial bowel obstruction, the other with acute small bowel obstruction. Surgical decision-making and technical aspects of the procedures are described. With careful patient selection and meticulous technique laparoscopic resolution of bowel obstruction may be feasible and should be attempted.