Uncomplicated Adhesive Small Bowel Obstruction

The experience of performing an exploratory laparotomy for acute small bowel obstruction, and finding and snipping a single adhesive band, has caused some surgeons to wonder if laparoscopy would be a better way to explore and treat these patients. This chapter explores laparoscopy versus laparotomy for acute, uncomplicated, small bowel obstruction that is assumed to be due to adhesions.