Gangrenous Bowel; Current Therapeutic Concepts

Abstract

A reveiw of current concepts in the management of gangrenous bowel is presented, along with some illustrative cases. The following axioms are suggested: Rule out intestinal obstruction in any patient having abdominal pain. Maintain a high index of suspicion for strangulation when obstruction is considered. Treat shock and correct fluid and electrolyte imbalance. Employ intubation judiciously. Remove gangrenous bowel as early as possible and restore intestinal continuity, eliminating the cause of obstruction, if possible. Utilize ancillary agents to maximum effectiveness but avoid excessive dependence upon them.