Introduction: Traditionally, large bowel obstruction (LBO) has been managed as an operative emergency. Its causes and treatments are an important part of general surgical and colon and rectal surgery practices.
Discussion: While management has traditionally been emergent laparotomy with resection or removal of underlying pathology, newer methodologies and treatments over the last decade have required treating physicians to consider a number of other options, including nonoperative options such as stenting, when treating these patients.
Conclusion: Given these changes, treating a patient with LBO requires a thoughtful assessment and comprehensive understanding of underlying pathology, assessment of the patient's comorbidities and up-to-date knowledge of modern options for treatment.