Homocysteine(HCY), a novel biomarker for predicting irreversible transmural intestinal necrosis in patients with adhesive small bowel obstruction: results from a prospective observational study

This study provides compelling evidence that homocysteine (HCY) levels can be a useful predictor of irreversible transmural intestinal necrosis that necessitates surgical resection in the setting of adhesive small bowel obstruction. Close monitoring of the HCY serum level could help avoid unnecessary laparotomy and resection, as well as complications due to unnnecessary surgery, and potentially decrease overall mortality rates.