Abstract
When a patient has large-bowel obstruction, he probably is elderly and has noted gradual obstipation and abdominal distention. A sigmoid carcinoma, volvulus or diverticulitis has obstructed the lumen. The first step is to replace fluids, give prophylactic antibiotics, and deflate the bowel with a tube. Then the usual procedure is to decompress the bowel surgically and excise the primary lesion later.