Laparoscopic management of adhesive small bowel obstruction.

The objective of this review is to present a current opinion on the management of small-bowel obstruction. The topic is limited to small-bowel obstruction secondary to postoperative adhesions. Other causes of small-bowel obstruction are not addressed. We attempt to give readers a concise insight into the evidence available in the English language literature. This paper does not offer a comprehensive review of the topic; rather it highlights some relevant issues and then outlines what role, if any, laparoscopic surgery should play in the management of adhesive small-bowel obstruction.