Laparoscopic Management of Acute Small Bowel Obstruction: A Retrospective Study at a Tertiary Center in the United Kingdom

Objectives To present a single-center experience of laparoscopic management of acute small bowel obstruction (ASBO) based on seven years of data and demonstrate its suitability for the United Kingdom (UK). Methods A retrospective review of case notes to evaluate postoperative outcomes was conducted. All emergency small bowel obstructions treated laparoscopically were included. The cases that were converted to a laparotomy were excluded. Demographics (age, sex), American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) grade, indication for surgery, duration of stay, complications, requirement of stoma, requirement of intensive treatment unit/high dependency unit (ITU/HDU), reoperation/readmissions, and 30-day mortality were noted. The results were tabulated and analyzed accordingly. Results There were 119 patients studied, with a median age of 66 (range: 17-97). The sex ratio was 62 females to 57 males. Primary etiologies of adhesion bands (49.5%, 59) and hernia (31.9%, 38) were the most common. Minor and major complications were 15 (12.6%) and 37 (31%), respectively. Three (2.5%) patients passed away within 30 days of surgery. The median length of stay (LOS) was eight days. The median LOS subgroup analysis showed nine days for adhesiolysis and six days for hernias. Discussion This study shows that there is significant heterogeneity in outcomes regarding small bowel obstruction around the world. We have demonstrated similar to better results in our center relative to other prominent centers in the UK. This can be attributed to the patient cohort, presentation, and physiological status on admission, delay to surgery, and associated co-morbidities to name a few. Conclusion This study indicates that laparoscopic surgery is a safe approach to treating ASBO, provided adequate expertise and infrastructure are available.