Can small bowel obstruction during pregnancy be treated with conservative management? A review

Abstract

Background: Small bowel obstruction can occur during pregnancy, which, if missed, can lead to dire consequences for both the mother and foetus. Management of this condition usually requires surgical intervention. However, only a small number of patients are treated conservatively.

Objective: The objective was to review the literature to determine the feasibility of conservative management for small bowel obstruction.

Methods: A systematic search of the PubMed and Embase databases was performed using the keywords [small bowel obstruction AND pregnancy]. All original articles were then reviewed and included in this review if deemed suitable.

Conclusion: Conservative management of small bowel obstruction in pregnant women is feasible if the patient is clinically stable and after ruling out bowel ischaemia and closed-loop obstruction.

Keywords: Pregnancy; Small bowel obstruction; Total parenteral nutrition.