ABSTRACT
Postoperative intestinal obstruction,also known as postoperative small bowel obstruction(PSBO),is the most common acute abdomen after abdominal operations. The key to the treatment is accurate determination of therapeutic strategy.While avoiding unnecessary operation,delayed operation will cause intestinal obstruction and endanger the patients. PSBO diagnosis was improved owing to the progress of imaging techniques. Contrast enhanced CT can reach 90% in the diagnostic accuracy of intestinal strangulation,necessity of emergency operation and elucidation of etiology. Intestinal decompression via small intestinal decompression tube and subsequent gastrografin challenge can promote resolution of PSBO,increase the success rate of nonoperative management,avoid operation delay,and shorten the length of hospital stay.Operation is indicated for repeated episode of PSBO to eliminating the cause and avoiding recurrence. Elective operation is preferred over emergency. Laparoscopic operation is indicated for simple adhesions,but laparotomy is indicated for complex one. Meticulous operation,either laparoscopic or laparotomic,intestinal protection and eliminating foreign material and tissue debris are the keys to the prophylaxis of PSBO.