Acute large bowel obstruction

Key points Large bowel obstruction is common life-threatening condition Prompt assessment and management are critical for successful treatment, particularly in the presence of closed loop obstruction CT with intravenous contrast is the investigation of choice Surgery is the mainstay of treatment, but selected patients with large bowel obstruction of malignant origin may be suitable for colonic stenting as a bridge to surgery in those with potentially curative disease, and definitive treatment in those or are unfit or who have incurable disease