Large Bowel Obstruction

A crucial review of Large Bowel Obstruction (LBO), emphasizing the foundational physiology of the closed-loop obstruction caused by a competent ileocecal valve, leading to imminent perforation risk dictated by the Law of Laplace (highest risk at the cecum). CT is the definitive modality for locating the transition point. Management of malignant LBO is highly sensitive; emergency right colectomy is associated with 10% mortality and 14% leak rate. While Subtotal Colectomy (STC) avoids a high-risk anastomosis, it carries a high functional cost (41% of patients report high bowel frequency). For Sigmoid Volvulus, initial endoscopic detorsion must be followed by mandatory elective resection due to high recurrence risk (45-70%). Acute Colonic Pseudo-Obstruction (ACPO) is managed with Neostigmine, a highly effective agent that requires continuous cardiac monitoring due to the risk of severe bradycardia.